Go is one of the oldest board games in the world, originating in China over 4,000 years ago. Despite having very few rules, it produces extraordinary strategic depth. Here's everything you need to start playing in Goban3D.
The Basics
Go is played on a grid board. Goban3D supports 9×9, 13×13, and 19×19 boards. Two players take turns — in an even game, Black always plays first. On each turn you place a single stone on an empty intersection (where the lines cross). Once placed, stones do not move.
If there is a difference in skill between players, a handicap can be set (from 0 to 9, depending on board size). When a handicap is used, Black places that many stones on the board before play begins, and White plays first. This gives the weaker player a head start and makes for a more balanced game.
If you cannot or do not wish to play, you may pass your turn instead.
Capturing Stones
Every stone on the board has liberties — the empty intersections directly adjacent to it (up, down, left, right; not diagonal). A group of connected same-colour stones shares its liberties.
When you fill the last liberty of an opponent's stone or group, those stones are captured and removed from the board. Captured stones count against their owner during scoring.
You may not place a stone where it would have zero liberties — unless doing so captures opponent stones first, which then frees up liberties for your stone.
Ending the Game
The game ends when both players pass consecutively. Players typically pass when they agree there are no more useful moves to make. In Goban3D, passing twice in a row takes you into scoring mode.
Scoring — Japanese Rules
Goban3D uses Japanese scoring (territory scoring). Under these rules:
- Territory — empty intersections completely surrounded by your stones count as your territory. Each empty point is worth one point.
- Prisoners — each stone you captured during the game is subtracted from your opponent's territory.
- Stones on the board are not counted — unlike Chinese scoring, your living stones do not add to your score. Only empty territory matters.
- Komi — White receives compensation points (komi) to offset Black's advantage of playing first. The default komi in Goban3D is 6.5 points.
During scoring mode, tap dead stones to mark them as captured. Once both players confirm the result, the final score is calculated.
The Ko Rule
Sometimes a single-stone capture creates a position where the opponent could immediately recapture, leading to an endless cycle. The ko rule prevents this: after a stone is captured in a ko, the opponent may not immediately recapture on the very next move. They must play elsewhere first.
Goban3D enforces basic ko (also called simple ko). More complex repetition rules such as positional superko or situational superko are not currently supported. Basic ko is sufficient for the vast majority of games.
Tips for Beginners
- Start on a 9×9 board — games are shorter and easier to understand.
- Focus on keeping your stones connected and giving them plenty of liberties.
- Try to surround territory rather than chasing individual captures.
- Don't be afraid to pass — knowing when to stop is part of the game.