Playing Online
Playing Go online is a fine substitute for over-the-board play. Here are some of the servers out there that you can play on.
Online Go Link
A Browser-based server. Highly recommended because it requires no setup and is naturally cross-compatible amongst computers, phones and tablets.
Supported Rulesets:
Typical Play Style: Western/European (Heavy focus on direction-of-play, joseki and theories. Little fighting.)
- AGA
- Chinese
- Ing SST
- Japanese
- Korean
- New Zealand
- Absolute
- Byo-Yomi
- Canadian
- Fischer
- Simple
- 9x9
- 13x13
- 19x19
- Custom sizes
- All internet-capable devices (e.g. Computer, Phone, Tablet)
Typical Play Style: Western/European (Heavy focus on direction-of-play, joseki and theories. Little fighting.)
- Can play against AI
- Requires no setup
- Supports correspondence games
- Hosts regular tournaments
- Hosts puzzles
- Cannot play teaching games
- Score estimator is terrible
- Waiting times can sometimes be long
Foxxy Link
A Go program based in China. Can be quick to get into games and placing the stones feels satisfying.
Supported Rulesets:
Typical Play Style: Chinese/Korean (Little knowledge of Joseki, Opening, Direction-of-Play. Heavy focus and great skill in fighting.)
- Japanese
- Byo-Yomi
- 9x9
- 13x13
- 19x19
- Windows
Typical Play Style: Chinese/Korean (Little knowledge of Joseki, Opening, Direction-of-Play. Heavy focus and great skill in fighting.)
- Great score estimator
- Supports Betting
- Supports Drawing
- Many professionals play here
- Low wait times
- Cannot play teaching games
- Cannot play against AI
- Matchmaking is awkward
KGS Link
A well-aged program popular among western countries.
Supported Rulesets:
Typical Play Style: Western/European (Heavy focus on direction-of-play, joseki and theories. Little fighting.)
- AGA
- Chinese
- Japanese
- New Zealand
- Absolute
- Byo-Yomi
- Canadian
- 9x9
- 13x13
- 19x19
- Windows, Mac, Linux(?)
Typical Play Style: Western/European (Heavy focus on direction-of-play, joseki and theories. Little fighting.)
- Can edit SGFs
- Supports teaching games
- Supports simuls
- Supports demonstrations
- Don't need to register
- Longer waiting times
Pandanet 2 (IGS) Link
A more modern, Japanese Go program with a nice GUI.
Supported Rulesets:
Typical Play Style: Japanese (Well-rounded play. Heavy focus on attacking for profit.)
- Japanese
- Canadian
- 19x19
- Windows, Mac, Linux
Typical Play Style: Japanese (Well-rounded play. Heavy focus on attacking for profit.)
- Low waiting times
- Beautiful GUI, board & stones
- Limited game customization
- Cannot play teaching games
