Learn to Play Go

New to Go? You can learn to play right here. Go is a simple game to pick up: you take turns placing stones to control more of the board, and the basics take just a few minutes to learn. The best way to start is to play. Try the free interactive lessons built by our teachers and running right on this page, no sign-up needed.

Kids Go Server features animated lessons that are suitable as classroom instructional videos, and for adults as well. Once you have learned the basics, try playing one of the bots on the server.

Play online now!

You can play against bots or other kids in a totally safe online environment designed for young learners. Our site is completely free and requires no login. We don't allow free chat, meaning a secure playing experience even for young children. First Capture, a simplified version, is available for very young learners, as well as standard Go on both 9x9 and 13x13 boards. More experienced players can learn strategy in the Lessons section, and solve Go puzzles as well. To play with others online, visit our partners KGS and OGS.

A Simple Game?

Go is the essence of simplicity. The rules and object of Go can be stated in nine words: "Take turns placing stones; control more of the board." That's it! But without further understanding of the meaning and implication of those words, new players often find the game a little confusing.

Go is also the essence of complexity. A player can place a stone on any of the 361 intersections of the board. As a result, the number of possible board positions, 10170, far exceeds the number of subatomic particles in the known universe, a mere 1080! If you seek quick mastery, look elsewhere. But for those who are looking for a game with fathomless depths of understanding, worthy of time spent, you have come to the right place.

Build experience What to do once you know the rules and want to play more. Books and resources for further study. Check out our AGF Library for a deep dive on the history and culture of Go

Play Online: Go Servers

Thousands of people from all over the world are playing online right now. In fact, whether you're a skilled player or a total beginner, someone is waiting to play you! Visit our Go Servers Page to get started.

The Ultimate Encounter: Face to Face

Even avid online players would agree, there's something special about facing an opponent in person. You can teach your friends, and we hope you will! You will also want to have contact with the larger world of American Go. Which is small but growing. Maybe you can even help with that. Here are three easy ways to find other players:

Chapters and Clubs The AGA maintains a list of chapters and clubs. Chances are there is a club or chapter within driving distance. Call first; some info is out of date.

Tournaments Check the AGA Tournament Calendar to learn about events near you, where you can meet other players from your area.

Advertise Place a classified ad in The American Go E-Journal, which is read by more than 13,000 players all over the world. The EJ also has a tournament calendar.

Finally, here's a way that's not so easy, but rewarding: start your own club! We have helped hundreds of people like you to start programs in school, after-school programs, libraries and community centers all over the US. Visit our Start a Club page to learn how we can help you get the ball rolling.

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