How to play Go
Go has few rules and endless ideas. Here’s how to start without getting lost.
Don’t worry, I’ll show you everything step by step!
1. The rules in five minutes
You place stones on the intersections, stones without liberties get captured, and at the end the territory you surrounded counts. That’s all you need to begin.
2. Your first game on 9×9
The small board is ideal: games are short and every move visibly matters. Play Kiri first, the easiest bot. Losing is part of it, and afterwards you can see what happened.
3. Three tips for beginners
Don’t just play next to your opponent’s stones, think about your own territory. Connect your stones before you attack. And let lost stones go instead of rescuing them again and again.
4. Practise life and death
A group lives with two eyes. Spotting that pattern is the fastest way to improve. That’s what tsumego are for: small puzzles, and even one a day makes a difference.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account?
No. You can start playing right away. An account is optional and useful if you want to play on several devices or have a rating.
Does Hoshi cost anything?
No. There are no ads and no tracking.
Which board size should I start with?
Start with 9×9. A game there often takes just a few minutes, and you quickly see what your moves do.
Will I play against real people?
That’s up to you. Finding an opponent matches you with people when someone is looking for a game. Bots are always labelled as bots.