Tips classicgo - Revision history

Sammy McSam: Reinstated GameHelpClassicGo link

2022-06-28T20:30:17Z

Reinstated GameHelpClassicGo link

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:30, 28 June 2022
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			For the rules of go, see <b>[[Gamehelpclassicgo\|GameHelpClassicGo]]</b>

	== Fundamentals of Go ==		== Fundamentals of Go ==

BoatsandJoes: Formatting did not show up properly on the main page.

2022-06-26T18:21:59Z

Formatting did not show up properly on the main page.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:21, 26 June 2022
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	== Connected stones ==		== Connected stones ==

	* A stone is '''''connected''''' to another stone if they are on directly adjacent grid intersections,		* A stone is '''''connected''''' to another stone if they are on directly adjacent grid intersections, or if they are close together and the opponent cannot prevent them from becoming connected.
	** or if they are close together and the opponent cannot prevent them from becoming connected.
	* Playing moves in between opponent's stones to prevent them from connecting is called '''''cutting'''''.		* Playing moves in between opponent's stones to prevent them from connecting is called '''''cutting'''''.
	* Evaluating whether stones are connected or can be cut is a skill that is difficult at first, but becomes easier as you play more games.		* Evaluating whether stones are connected or can be cut is a skill that is difficult at first, but becomes easier as you play more games.

BoatsandJoes: Minor page flow edits

2022-06-26T15:08:19Z

Minor page flow edits

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:08, 26 June 2022
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	~~For the rules of go, see <b>[[Gamehelpclassicgo\|GameHelpClassicGo]]</b>~~

	~~Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics.~~
	~~You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].~~

	== Fundamentals of Go ==		== Fundamentals of Go ==

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	== Connected stones ==		== Connected stones ==

	* A stone is '''''connected''''' to another stone if they are on directly adjacent grid intersections.		* A stone is '''''connected''''' to another stone if they are on directly adjacent grid intersections,
	** Or if they are close together and the opponent cannot prevent them from becoming connected.		** or if they are close together and the opponent cannot prevent them from becoming connected.
	* Playing moves in between opponent's stones to prevent them from connecting is called '''''cutting'''''.		* Playing moves in between opponent's stones to prevent them from connecting is called '''''cutting'''''.
	* Evaluating whether stones are connected or can be cut is a skill that is difficult at first, but becomes easier as you play more games.		* Evaluating whether stones are connected or can be cut is a skill that is difficult at first, but becomes easier as you play more games.
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	== Basic strategy ==		== Basic strategy ==

	* If you see a group of yours or your opponent's in immediate danger, move to defend or attack it. This is called an ''urgent move''. You will miss urgent moves as a beginner, but you will get better at seeing them as you play more. Look for stones that can be cut off from their friends, especially if they don't have space to make eyes.		* If you see a group of yours or your opponent's in immediate danger, move to defend or attack it. This is called an ''urgent move''. You will miss urgent moves as a beginner, but you will get better at seeing them as you play more. Look for stones of either color that can be cut off from their friends, especially if they don't have space to make eyes.
	* If there are no ''urgent moves'', play a ''big move'' that stakes out a large territory, or reduces an opponent's large territory.		* If there are no ''urgent moves'', play a ''big move'' that stakes out a large territory, or reduces an opponent's large territory.
	* On the 19×19 and 13×13 boards, it is efficient to play near each of the corners first, then each of the sides, then the middle. It takes more moves in the center or the sides to surround the same amount of territory (and eyespace) in the corner. On the 9×9 board, however, starting near the middle is a good option, since the middle is close to multiple sides and corners.		* On the 19×19 and 13×13 boards, it is efficient to play near each of the corners first, then each of the sides, then the middle. It takes more moves in the center or the sides to surround the same amount of territory (and eyespace) in the corner. On the 9×9 board, however, starting near the middle is a good option, since the middle is close to multiple sides and corners.
	* The line on the edge of the board is called "the first line". The line one intersection away from the edge is called "the second line". Most stones at the beginning of the game should be played on the third or fourth lines: the second line surrounds too little territory, and the fifth line is "too high" to help much on the side or corner. For reference, the circular "star points" are on the fourth line.		* The line on the edge of the board is called "the first line". The line one intersection away from the edge is called "the second line". Most stones at the beginning of the game should be played on the third or fourth lines: the second line surrounds too little territory, and the fifth line is "too high" to help much on the side or corner. For reference, the circular "star points" are on the third line on the 9x9 board, fourth line on the others.
	* If you see that a group of stones is unconditionally dead or unconditionally alive, don't waste moves trying to capture or save it: play somewhere else. Life/death evaluation takes practice; you can search online for ''beginner life and death problems'' to practice this if you want some fun puzzles!		* If you see that a group of stones is unconditionally dead or unconditionally alive, don't waste moves trying to capture or save it: play somewhere else. Life/death evaluation takes practice; you can search online for ''beginner life and death problems go'' to practice this if you want some fun puzzles!
	* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn. The most important individual stones are "cutting stones" that are preventing two weak groups from connecting.		* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn. The most important individual stones are "cutting stones" that are preventing two weak groups from connecting.
	* You don't necessarily have to respond locally to your opponent's move. Often it isn't a threat, or there's something more important elsewhere.		* You don't necessarily have to respond locally to your opponent's move. Often it isn't a threat, or there's something more important elsewhere.
	* Before playing a move in complicated situations, consider a move that your opponent might play in response, and maybe the move that you will play after. This skill is called ''reading'', and it is useful in many board games! Reading helps you to find the best move in complicated situations. You can practice reading in games, especially 9×9, or with life and death problems. Reading will become easier for you as you practice it, and as you become more familiar with the game of Go.		* Before playing a move in complicated situations, consider a move that your opponent might play in response, and maybe the move that you will play after. This skill is called ''reading'', and it is useful in many board games! Reading helps you to find the best move in complicated situations. You can practice reading in games, especially 9×9, or with life and death problems. Reading will become easier for you as you practice it, and as you become more familiar with the game of Go.
	* If you're not sure what move to make, it's best to just play ~~some~~ move, go back after the game, and figure out a better move for next time. You will learn a lot faster, especially if you are playing on 9×9. Many experienced players are happy to discuss games with newer players when the game is over.		* If you're not sure what move to make, it's best to just play any move, go back after the game, and figure out a better move for next time. You will learn a lot faster, especially if you are playing on 9×9. Many experienced players are happy to discuss games with newer players when the game is over.
			* More specific tactical and strategic tips are available at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library]. When searching for Go resources online (since "go" is a common English word), you can either add "game" to your search keywords, or use the game's Korean/Chinese name: Baduk/Weiqi.

Sammy McSam: formatting

2022-02-06T11:27:37Z

formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:27, 6 February 2022
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	For the rules of go, see <b>[[Gamehelpclassicgo\|GameHelpClassicGo]]</b>		For the rules of go, see <b>[[Gamehelpclassicgo\|GameHelpClassicGo]]</b>

	Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].		Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics.
			You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].

	~~In his book Lessons in the~~ Fundamentals of Go, Toshiro Kageyama says "After you have learned the rules, your first step should be to just play for a while (...) a number of games, say fifty or a hundred. During this period, if you see an enemy stone, try to capture it, try to cut it off. If you see a friendly stone, try to save it from capture, try to connect it. Concentrate on this alone as you build up some practical experience. (...) You cannot expect to do all your studying and gain all your knowledge from books." Playing on the 9x9 board is a great way to finish games and learn lessons more quickly.		== Fundamentals of Go ==

	A stone is ''connected'' to another stone if they are on directly adjacent grid intersections~~, or~~ if they are close together and the opponent cannot prevent them from becoming connected. Playing moves in between opponent's stones to prevent them from connecting is called ''cutting''. Evaluating whether stones are connected or can be cut is a skill that is difficult at first, but becomes easier as you play more games. Stones that are connected form a ''group''. Groups take many more moves to capture than isolated stones; this is why learning to connect your groups and disconnect your opponents' is so helpful.		In his book Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go, Toshiro Kageyama says:

			''"After you have learned the rules, your first step should be to just play for a while (...) a number of games, say fifty or a hundred. During this period, if you see an enemy stone, try to capture it, try to cut it off. If you see a friendly stone, try to save it from capture, try to connect it. Concentrate on this alone as you build up some practical experience. (...) You cannot expect to do all your studying and gain all your knowledge from books."''

			Playing on the 9×9 board is a great way to finish games and learn lessons more quickly.

			== Connected stones ==

			* A stone is '''''connected''''' to another stone if they are on directly adjacent grid intersections.
			** Or if they are close together and the opponent cannot prevent them from becoming connected.
			* Playing moves in between opponent's stones to prevent them from connecting is called '''''cutting'''''.
			* Evaluating whether stones are connected or can be cut is a skill that is difficult at first, but becomes easier as you play more games.
			* Stones that are connected form a '''''group'''''.
			* Groups take many more moves to capture than isolated stones; this is why learning to connect your groups and disconnect your opponents' is so helpful.

			== Life & Death ==

	''Life and death'' is an important concept:		''Life and death'' is an important concept:
Line 14:		Line 30:
	* A group that is neither alive nor dead is ''unsettled''.		* A group that is neither alive nor dead is ''unsettled''.

	Basic strategy:		== Basic strategy ==

	* If you see a group of yours or your opponent's in immediate danger, move to defend or attack it. This is called an ''urgent move''. You will miss urgent moves as a beginner, but you will get better at seeing them as you play more. Look for stones that can be cut off from their friends, especially if they don't have space to make eyes.		* If you see a group of yours or your opponent's in immediate danger, move to defend or attack it. This is called an ''urgent move''. You will miss urgent moves as a beginner, but you will get better at seeing them as you play more. Look for stones that can be cut off from their friends, especially if they don't have space to make eyes.
	* If there are no ''urgent moves'', play a ''big move'' that stakes out a large territory, or reduces an opponent's large territory.		* If there are no ''urgent moves'', play a ''big move'' that stakes out a large territory, or reduces an opponent's large territory.
	* On the ~~19x19~~ and ~~13x13~~ boards, it is efficient to play near each of the corners first, then each of the sides, then the middle. It takes more moves in the center or the sides to surround the same amount of territory (and eyespace) in the corner. On the ~~9x9~~ board, however, starting near the middle is a good option, since the middle is close to multiple sides and corners.		* On the 19×19 and 13×13 boards, it is efficient to play near each of the corners first, then each of the sides, then the middle. It takes more moves in the center or the sides to surround the same amount of territory (and eyespace) in the corner. On the 9×9 board, however, starting near the middle is a good option, since the middle is close to multiple sides and corners.
	* The line on the edge of the board is called "the first line". The line one intersection away from the edge is called "the second line". Most stones at the beginning of the game should be played on the third or fourth lines: the second line surrounds too little territory, and the fifth line is "too high" to help much on the side or corner. For reference, the circular "star points" are on the fourth line.		* The line on the edge of the board is called "the first line". The line one intersection away from the edge is called "the second line". Most stones at the beginning of the game should be played on the third or fourth lines: the second line surrounds too little territory, and the fifth line is "too high" to help much on the side or corner. For reference, the circular "star points" are on the fourth line.
	* If you see that a group of stones is unconditionally dead or unconditionally alive, don't waste moves trying to capture or save it: play somewhere else. Life/death evaluation takes practice; you can search online for ''beginner life and death problems'' to practice this if you want some fun puzzles!		* If you see that a group of stones is unconditionally dead or unconditionally alive, don't waste moves trying to capture or save it: play somewhere else. Life/death evaluation takes practice; you can search online for ''beginner life and death problems'' to practice this if you want some fun puzzles!
	* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn. The most important individual stones are "cutting stones" that are preventing two weak groups from connecting.		* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn. The most important individual stones are "cutting stones" that are preventing two weak groups from connecting.
	* You don't necessarily have to respond locally to your opponent's move. Often it isn't a threat, or there's something more important elsewhere.		* You don't necessarily have to respond locally to your opponent's move. Often it isn't a threat, or there's something more important elsewhere.
	* Before playing a move in complicated situations, consider a move that your opponent might play in response, and maybe the move that you will play after. This skill is called ''reading'', and it is useful in many board games! Reading helps you to find the best move in complicated situations. You can practice reading in games, especially ~~9x9~~, or with life and death problems. Reading will become easier for you as you practice it, and as you become more familiar with the game of Go.		* Before playing a move in complicated situations, consider a move that your opponent might play in response, and maybe the move that you will play after. This skill is called ''reading'', and it is useful in many board games! Reading helps you to find the best move in complicated situations. You can practice reading in games, especially 9×9, or with life and death problems. Reading will become easier for you as you practice it, and as you become more familiar with the game of Go.
	* If you're not sure what move to make, it's best to just play some move, go back after the game, and figure out a better move for next time. You will learn a lot faster, especially if you are playing on ~~9x9~~. Many experienced players are happy to discuss games with newer players when the game is over.		* If you're not sure what move to make, it's best to just play some move, go back after the game, and figure out a better move for next time. You will learn a lot faster, especially if you are playing on 9×9. Many experienced players are happy to discuss games with newer players when the game is over.

Sammy McSam: Gamehelpclassicgo link more prominent

2021-12-23T20:52:37Z

Gamehelpclassicgo link more prominent

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:52, 23 December 2021
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	For the rules of go, see [[Gamehelpclassicgo]]		For the rules of go, see <b>[[Gamehelpclassicgo\|GameHelpClassicGo]]</b>

	Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].		Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].

Sammy McSam: added Gamehelpclassicgo link

2021-12-17T22:02:42Z

added Gamehelpclassicgo link

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:02, 17 December 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
			For the rules of go, see [[Gamehelpclassicgo]]

	Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].		Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].

BoatsandJoes: Additional strategy advice for beginners.

2021-09-14T19:47:33Z

Additional strategy advice for beginners.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 14 September 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].		Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].

			In his book Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go, Toshiro Kageyama says "After you have learned the rules, your first step should be to just play for a while (...) a number of games, say fifty or a hundred. During this period, if you see an enemy stone, try to capture it, try to cut it off. If you see a friendly stone, try to save it from capture, try to connect it. Concentrate on this alone as you build up some practical experience. (...) You cannot expect to do all your studying and gain all your knowledge from books." Playing on the 9x9 board is a great way to finish games and learn lessons more quickly.

			A stone is ''connected'' to another stone if they are on directly adjacent grid intersections, or if they are close together and the opponent cannot prevent them from becoming connected. Playing moves in between opponent's stones to prevent them from connecting is called ''cutting''. Evaluating whether stones are connected or can be cut is a skill that is difficult at first, but becomes easier as you play more games. Stones that are connected form a ''group''. Groups take many more moves to capture than isolated stones; this is why learning to connect your groups and disconnect your opponents' is so helpful.

	''Life and death'' is an important concept:		''Life and death'' is an important concept:
	* A group is ''dead'' if the opponent can eventually capture it, and ''alive'' if they can't.		* A group with ''two eyes'' (two or more small territories) is ''alive'', because the opponent can't fill up both eyes at the same time, and therefore the group cannot be captured.
	* A group with ''two eyes'' (two small territories) is alive, because the opponent can't fill up both eyes at the same time.		* Most groups with one big territory/"a lot of eyespace" are alive: if the opponent tries to play inside, the group can inevitably form two eyes and capture the invading stones.
	* ~~A group~~ with one big territory ~~is generally~~ alive, ~~because~~ the ~~opponent~~ can~~'t stop it from making~~ eyes.		* A group that can inevitably connect to another alive group is alive.
	* A group that can connect to another ~~live~~ group is alive.		* A group is ''dead'' if the opponent can inevitably capture it. Dead groups are cut off from all friendly groups, cannot capture the cutting stones, and do not have enough space to form two eyes.
			* A group that is neither alive nor dead is ''unsettled''.

	Basic strategy:		Basic strategy:
	* ~~Go is~~ a ~~race~~ to ~~surround territory~~ as ~~fast~~ as ~~possible~~, ~~so play the biggest moves first~~. ~~Generally these~~ are ~~those~~ that ~~decide the life or death of big groups~~, or ~~that stake out~~ large ~~territories~~.		* If you see a group of yours or your opponent's in immediate danger, move to defend or attack it. This is called an ''urgent move''. You will miss urgent moves as a beginner, but you will get better at seeing them as you play more. Look for stones that can be cut off from their friends, especially if they don't have space to make eyes.
	* ~~Starting in~~ the corners is more ~~economical than starting~~ in the ~~middle~~ or on the sides. ~~For illustration~~, ~~think~~ of ~~how much area can~~ be ~~surrounded by 4 stones in~~ the ~~corner (4 points) compared~~ to the side (2 points~~) and~~ the ~~middle (1 point)~~.		* If there are no ''urgent moves'', play a ''big move'' that stakes out a large territory, or reduces an opponent's large territory.
	* ~~Don~~'t waste moves trying to capture or save ~~stones that are already dead~~.		* On the 19x19 and 13x13 boards, it is efficient to play near each of the corners first, then each of the sides, then the middle. It takes more moves in the center or the sides to surround the same amount of territory (and eyespace) in the corner. On the 9x9 board, however, starting near the middle is a good option, since the middle is close to multiple sides and corners.
	* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn.		* The line on the edge of the board is called "the first line". The line one intersection away from the edge is called "the second line". Most stones at the beginning of the game should be played on the third or fourth lines: the second line surrounds too little territory, and the fifth line is "too high" to help much on the side or corner. For reference, the circular "star points" are on the fourth line.
	* You don't necessarily have to respond to your opponent's move. Often it isn't a threat, or there's something more important elsewhere.		* If you see that a group of stones is unconditionally dead or unconditionally alive, don't waste moves trying to capture or save it: play somewhere else. Life/death evaluation takes practice; you can search online for ''beginner life and death problems'' to practice this if you want some fun puzzles!
			* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn. The most important individual stones are "cutting stones" that are preventing two weak groups from connecting.
			* You don't necessarily have to respond locally to your opponent's move. Often it isn't a threat, or there's something more important elsewhere.
			* Before playing a move in complicated situations, consider a move that your opponent might play in response, and maybe the move that you will play after. This skill is called ''reading'', and it is useful in many board games! Reading helps you to find the best move in complicated situations. You can practice reading in games, especially 9x9, or with life and death problems. Reading will become easier for you as you practice it, and as you become more familiar with the game of Go.
			* If you're not sure what move to make, it's best to just play some move, go back after the game, and figure out a better move for next time. You will learn a lot faster, especially if you are playing on 9x9. Many experienced players are happy to discuss games with newer players when the game is over.

Amomum: fix a garbled sentence, and add more.

2020-12-25T03:27:22Z

fix a garbled sentence, and add more.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 25 December 2020
Line 4:		Line 4:
	* A group is ''dead'' if the opponent can eventually capture it, and ''alive'' if they can't.		* A group is ''dead'' if the opponent can eventually capture it, and ''alive'' if they can't.
	* A group with ''two eyes'' (two small territories) is alive, because the opponent can't fill up both eyes at the same time.		* A group with ''two eyes'' (two small territories) is alive, because the opponent can't fill up both eyes at the same time.
			* A group with one big territory is generally alive, because the opponent can't stop it from making eyes.
			* A group that can connect to another live group is alive.

	Basic strategy:		Basic strategy:
	* Go is a race to surround territory as fast as possible, so play the biggest moves first. Generally these are those that decide the life or death of big groups, or that stake out large territories.		* Go is a race to surround territory as fast as possible, so play the biggest moves first. Generally these are those that decide the life or death of big groups, or that stake out large territories.
	* Starting in the corners is more economical than starting in the middle or on the sides. For illustration, think of how much area can be surrounded by 4 stones in the corner (4 points) compared to the side (2 points) and the middle (1 point).		* Starting in the corners is more economical than starting in the middle or on the sides. For illustration, think of how much area can be surrounded by 4 stones in the corner (4 points) compared to the side (2 points) and the middle (1 point).
	* Don't waste moves trying to capture stones that ~~save a group that can't be saved~~.		* Don't waste moves trying to capture or save stones that are already dead.
	* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn.		* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn.
			* You don't necessarily have to respond to your opponent's move. Often it isn't a threat, or there's something more important elsewhere.

Amomum: more basics

2020-12-25T03:23:57Z

more basics

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:23, 25 December 2020
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].		Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].

	~~Starting in~~ the ~~corners~~ is ~~more economical than starting in~~ the ~~middle or on~~ the ~~sides~~.		''Life and death'' is an important concept:
			* A group is ''dead'' if the opponent can eventually capture it, and ''alive'' if they can't.
			* A group with ''two eyes'' (two small territories) is alive, because the opponent can't fill up both eyes at the same time.

	For illustration, think of how much area can be surrounded by 4 stones in the corner (4 points) compared to the side (2 points) and the middle (1 point).		Basic strategy:
			* Go is a race to surround territory as fast as possible, so play the biggest moves first. Generally these are those that decide the life or death of big groups, or that stake out large territories.
			* Starting in the corners is more economical than starting in the middle or on the sides. For illustration, think of how much area can be surrounded by 4 stones in the corner (4 points) compared to the side (2 points) and the middle (1 point).
			* Don't waste moves trying to capture stones that save a group that can't be saved.
			* Don't worry about losing individual stones. You get another one every turn.

Amomum: Link to Sensei's Library

2020-12-25T03:01:45Z

Link to Sensei's Library

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:01, 25 December 2020
Line 1:		Line 1:
			Go strategy is extremely complex and well-studied, so we won't try to cover more than the basics. You can find more at external sites like [https://senseis.xmp.net/ Sensei's Library].

	Starting in the corners is more economical than starting in the middle or on the sides.		Starting in the corners is more economical than starting in the middle or on the sides.

	For illustration, think of how much area can be surrounded by 4 stones in the corner (4 points) compared to the side (2 points) and the middle (1 point).		For illustration, think of how much area can be surrounded by 4 stones in the corner (4 points) compared to the side (2 points) and the middle (1 point).