Go, also known as Igo or Baduk, is a two-player abstract strategy board game of complete information. It is believed to have originated in China more than 2,500 years ago.
Key Characteristics / Core Concepts
- Played on a grid of 19×19 lines (though smaller boards exist for beginners).
- Players take turns placing stones (black and white) on the intersections of the grid.
- The objective is to control more territory than your opponent.
- Stones are captured by surrounding them with the opponent’s stones.
- The game involves strategic planning and tactical execution.
How It Works / Its Function
Players aim to surround empty spaces on the board to claim territory. Stones are placed strategically, blocking the opponent’s advances and securing areas. Captured stones are removed from the board.
The game ends when both players pass consecutively, indicating no further moves. Territory is then counted to determine the winner. In professional games, a complex scoring system might be used.
Examples
- Surrounding a cluster of the opponent’s stones to capture them.
- Building a wall to prevent opponent’s expansion.
- Creating a large enclosed area of empty space to control territory.
Why is it Important? / Significance
Go is renowned for its depth and complexity, offering countless strategic possibilities. Its popularity extends across the globe, with professional players and tournaments.
Beyond the game itself, Go has also influenced areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) research with challenging algorithms required to master the game.
Related Concepts
- Strategy Games
- Board Games
- Abstract Games