Instructions Go

Objective of the Game

The objective of Go is to control more territory on the board than your opponent by strategically placing your stones.

Game Materials

• Board: A square board with 19x19 lines is standard, but smaller sizes (13x13, 9x9) can be used for shorter games.
• Stones: There are black and white stones.

Setting Up the Game

1. Determine the players with one playing as Black and the other as White. Black traditionally goes first as White has the privilege to counteract by the last move of a game section.
2. Decide on the board size.

Basic Rules

1. Alternate Turns: Black starts the game, and players take turns placing one stone of their color on any vacant point on the board.
2. Liberties: Each stone has a number of "liberties" – adjacent empty points. A chain of stones becomes "captured" and is removed from the board if all liberties are filled with opposing stones.
3. Territories: Players aim to control territory by surrounding areas of the board with their stones.
4. Ko Rule: Repetitive positions are not allowed. A player cannot make a move that returns the board to the previous turn's position.
5. Passing: A player may pass their turn, choosing not to place a stone. The game ends when both players pass consecutively.

Scoring

1. Counting Territories: At the end of the game, players count the number of vacant points surrounded by their stones plus any captured enemy stones.
2. Komi: White usually receives a small score bonus (typically 6.5 or 7.5 points) to offset the advantage of Black going first.

Strategic Considerations

• The aim is not only to capture small groups of stones but also to control larger strategic territories.
• Fights for local dominance are often a means to an end and should be viewed with the overall victory in mind.
• Long-Term Planning: Try to foresee how certain move options will affect board control many steps ahead.

Conclusion

Go is a fascinating game that combines simple rules with infinite strategic depth. It requires patience and understanding to keep the big picture in mind, not just short-term gains.