---
title: "9×9 Go"
slug: "9x9"
board: "9×9"
players: "2"
parent: go
order: 3
win: Most territory at game end
special: Quick games (15 min). 81 intersections. Komi 5.5. Purely tactical.
engine:
  topology:
    type: grid
    rows: 9
    cols: 9
    layout: intersections
  players: [black, white]
  setup: ""
  handicaps:
    range: [2, 3, 4, 5]
    positions:
      - "6,2"
      - "2,6"
      - "6,6"
      - "2,2"
      - "4,4"
---

## 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.

{{svg:9x9-board.svg "Go — 9×9 board"}}

### 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.