第8课：胜负 | Lesson 8: How to Win

How Do You Win in Go?

After learning the previous rules, you must be wondering: how exactly do you win in Go? Unlike chess or checkers, Go has no concept of "checkmate." The winner in Go is determined by scoring -- at the end of the game, the player with more points wins.

The goal of Go is to control as much territory as possible. The empty points enclosed by your stones (called "territory") and the stones you have on the board both count toward your score. It may sound complex, but it is actually very simple, especially in Cute Go.

When Does a Game End?

Go ends differently from most board games:

• Both players pass consecutively: When you feel there are no more beneficial moves to play, you can choose to "pass." When both players pass in a row, the game ends.
• One player resigns: If you feel you have no chance of winning, you can resign.

As a beginner, if you are unsure whether to pass, just keep playing. The AI in Cute Go will pass at appropriate times, and you can learn by following its example.

Cute Go's Scoring Method: Stone Counting

Cute Go uses stone counting (a simplified version of area scoring), which is the most intuitive scoring method:

This rule is extremely simple and intuitive. Let us look at a concrete example:

End-of-Game Scoring Example

The diagram below shows a completed 5x5 game:

Let us count:

• Black: 14 stones
• White: 10 stones + 1 empty point = 11

In stone counting, the number of stones on the board directly determines the winner. Black has 14 stones which is more than White's 10, so Black wins! (The attribution of empty points depends on the specific scoring rule details.)

Komi (Compensation Points)

Because Black plays first, Black naturally has an advantage (first-move advantage). To make the game fair, Go introduces "komi": White receives extra compensation points during final scoring.

On Cute Go's 5x5 board, the specific komi value is adjusted for the board size. This means that even if White has slightly fewer stones, White may still win after komi is added.

Two Main Scoring Methods

While Cute Go uses stone counting, understanding Go's two main scoring methods will deepen your understanding of the game:

Area Scoring (Chinese Rules)

• Count the number of your stones on the board
• Add the number of empty points you have enclosed
• The total is your score

Area scoring is intuitive and simple -- the number of intersections you control (including your stones and enclosed empty points) equals your score.

Territory Scoring (Japanese/Korean Rules)

• Count only the empty points you have enclosed (not your stones)
• Add the number of opponent stones you have captured
• The total is your score

Territory scoring emphasizes the concept of "enclosing territory" and is the standard scoring method in Japan and Korea.

Winning Strategy Tips for Beginners

Now that you understand scoring, here are some practical tips to help you win:

1. Occupy key positions: The center and corners of the board are important strategic positions. On the small 5x5 board, every move matters.
2. Stay connected: Keep your stones linked together to form strong groups. Scattered stones are easy to capture.
3. Do not be greedy: Do not try to surround the entire board. Play steadily and make sure your territory is secure.
4. Learn to sacrifice: Sometimes giving up a few stones for a greater advantage is wise. Do not lose more trying to save one or two stones.
5. Watch for weaknesses: If your opponent's stones have few liberties, consider whether you can capture them.

Common Beginner Misconceptions

• "Go is all about capturing stones" -- Wrong! The goal of Go is to control territory. Capturing is just a means. You can win without capturing a single stone.
• "Every move should be right next to my opponent" -- Wrong! Sometimes playing elsewhere on the board is far more valuable.
• "I do not know when the game should end" -- That is okay! After a few games, you will develop a feel for it. When there are no good moves left, it is time to pass.
• "Losing is discouraging" -- Go is a game that requires extensive practice. Losing is the best way to learn! Every game makes you stronger.

Congratulations on Completing the Go Tutorial!

You have now learned all the fundamental rules of Go:

1. The board and intersections
2. Taking turns placing stones
3. Liberties -- the lifeline of stones
4. Capture -- blocking all liberties
5. Connection -- linked stones are stronger
6. Suicide rule -- no self-capture
7. Ko rule -- no immediate recapture
8. Winning -- the player with more points wins

You now have all the knowledge you need to play Go. The best way to learn is to start playing! Practice against the AI in Cute Go, and your skills will steadily improve.