Learn Go from zero, by playing
Go AI has a free beginner course for people who have never played Go, also known as baduk and weiqi. You learn the rules by placing stones, then move naturally into a complete game.
How the course works
- Placing stones, liberties and captures.
- Capture-1, capture-3 and capture-5 challenges.
- A guided introduction to territory on a 9×9 board.
- A complete game.
The rules of Go in brief
Two players take turns placing black and white stones on the points of a grid. A stone or connected group with no empty neighbouring point, called a liberty, is captured. At the end, the player who controls more of the board wins.
Practice after the course
Go AI includes 420 explained beginner rule exercises across ten units, and a larger collection of problems sorted by theme. Layered hints help you understand why a move works.
Which board to play on
Use 9×9 to learn captures and territory or to finish a shorter game, 13×13 for fighting and middlegame practice, and 19×19 for the full game. Undo and move hints are always within reach.
What is free
The beginner course is free. You can also try AI games, training and hints for free. A one-time purchase unlocks unlimited use, with no subscription.