9×9 Go

9×9 Go

Standard Go rules on a 9×9 grid. The smallest standard board, ideal for beginners learning fundamentals and for quick tactical games between experienced players. Official tournament category in many federations. Games typically last 10–20 minutes.

Setup

Same as standard Go. Board starts empty. Black plays first. Komi: 5.5 points for White.

Rules

All standard Go rules apply without modification.

Differences from 19×19

• Only 81 intersections. Every stone immediately affects the whole board.
• No room for large-scale frameworks or moyo. Influence is purely local.
• Life-and-death reading is paramount. Groups live or die in direct combat.
• First-move advantage is smaller (hence lower komi).
• Games are often decided by a single fight. One mistake is usually fatal.

Attribution

Standard board size recognised by all major Go federations. Public domain.