Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Learn the fuseki
Step 2:
Learn to make groups
Step 3:
Learn to capture
Step 4:
Avoiding the ladder
Step 5:
Avoiding suicide
Step 6:
Using eyes
Step 7:
The ko rule
Step 8:
Ending and scoring the game

2torial #0589:
Learn2 Play Go

Between a stone and a hard place

Does the thought of outwitting an opponent through intricate sets of strategems sound like fun? Well, go may be the game for you. We'll teach you the fundamentals of this ancient game of wits (and you'll spend the rest of your life mastering the subtleties).

Developed in China between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago, go competes with backgammon for the right to be called the oldest game still played in its original form. The basic goal is simple: surround as much "territory," or board space, as you can with your "stones," all the while protecting yourself from your opponent's plans for domination.

Although much better known in Asia, the game is developing a devoted following in the West, with thousands of go addicts competing in amateur and professional tournaments, in go clubs, and on line. They're waiting for you, so start toning those tactical muscles and get ready for battle.

You'll need a go board and stones, which you can buy or make yourself, and you'll need another player. Go boards vary in size, but it's the board's design that's important. The design is a little like a checker board, except it's not "checked" but simply has horizontal and vertical lines about one inch (2.5 cm) apart. The size depends on the number of lines: either 9 lines by 9 lines, 13 by 13, or 19 by 19.

Bear in mind some adamant go players refuse to play on anything but a 19 by 19 board. But considering how much easier it is to play on a smaller board (fewer squares equal less time needed to play through a game), you'll probably want to start with the 9-line version.

Traditional go stones are smooth discs (a little like flying saucers), but you can make stones from anything. Cut out circles from black and white paper, use plain and yogurt covered raisins--whatever works.

Note: This 2torial is based on a Japanese version of the game, with the Japanese system of scoring. This is the most common form of the game in the West. (There are dozens of versions of go.)

Step 1