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GO Rules
GO Rules
The following is the 1988 version of the official rules of the Chinese Weiqi Association. The English translation
published in 1989 by Shu Rong Chess & Bridge Press (9 Qinglong-Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China) has been edited
here for clarity. The term `liberty' is used instead of the Chinese `breath' and the term `ko' is used instead of the Chinese
terms `jie' and `tiger's mouth.' Chapters 4 and 5 and an appendix, which deals with the organization of tournaments are
omitted.
James Davies
Rules of Weiqi
Chapter 1
General Rules
Section 1. Weiqi Equipment
1. The board
The board is marked with 19 parallel vertical lines and 19 parallel horizontal lines, mking 361
intersections (referred to below as `points'). Nine points on the board are dotted and called `star
points'. The point in the center is also known as the `central star'. See Diagram 1.
Diagram 1.
2. The stones
Lens-shaped black and white stones are used. The number of stones is preferrably 180 of each color.
Section 3. Liberties
A stone on the board has two to four vertically and horizontally adjacent intersections. Those which
are unoccupied are called liberties.
When a stone is placed vertically or horizontally adjacent to another stone of the same color, the
stones are connected and form a single unit, and their liberties are counted together.
When a stone is placed vertically or horizontally adjacent to another stone of the opposite color, it
takes a liberty away from the other stone. When all the liberties of a stone or group of stones have
been taken by the opposite side and no liberties are left, the stone(s) cannot remain on the board.
3. In rare situations such as triple ko, quadruple ko, eternal life, and round-robin ko, if neither side
will yield, the referee may declare a draw or a replay. See Diagrams 4 to 7. {This is a clear conflict
with Section 6, forbidding the reappearance of the same board position. --wjh}
Diagram 4. Triple ko