Play Go Online Free with Friends

How to play Go

1. Black and White take turns placing a stone on an empty intersection of the 9×9 board. Black plays first. Stones do not move once placed.
2. Stones of one colour that touch along the lines form a group. A group's empty neighbouring points are its LIBERTIES. Take away a group's last liberty and it is captured — removed from the board.
3. You may not play a stone that would have no liberties (suicide) unless it captures. You may not immediately retake a single stone in a way that repeats the position (KO) — play elsewhere first.
4. Pass when you have nothing useful to play. Two passes in a row end the game.
5. Scoring is by AREA: each side counts its stones plus the empty points only its stones surround. White adds 7.5 (komi) for moving second. Dead stones are NOT removed at the end — capture them before you pass.
6. Filling your own eyes loses the group that needs them. The house bot knows this; make sure you do.

Go FAQ

Why 9×9?

It is the board Go is taught on: the same rules as 19×19, a game in a quarter of the time, and it fits a phone screen at a size you can tap.

How is the game scored?

By area: your stones plus the empty points only you surround, with 7.5 komi to White. Two passes end the game and it is counted as it stands — dead stones you did not capture count as alive, so capture them first.

Is there a bot?

Yes — it captures, escapes atari, avoids filling its own eyes, and passes when it should. A fair opponent for a beginner.

Do I need an account?

No. Type a name and play — no signup, no download, nothing to install. Making an account is optional and only exists to keep your stats, nickname and preferences across devices.

Is it really free?

Yes, all of it. Every game on Board Game Universe is free to play, with no premium tier holding anything back.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. It runs in a mobile browser on phones and tablets as well as on a desktop — there is no app to download.

How do I play with my friends?

Start a table and send your friends the link. They open it, type a name, and sit down. Moves and table chat happen in real time.

Can I play against the computer?

Yes. Add a bot to any table and it plays a proper game — useful for filling a seat while you wait for a fourth.