Go Game

Go Game: Classic Strategy, Modern Interface & Powerful AI

Dive into the timeless depth of Go (also known as Baduk or Weiqi), one of the world's oldest and most profound strategy board games, right in your web browser! This implementation offers a clean, responsive interface with a robust set of features designed for both newcomers and seasoned strategists, with a special focus on providing a customizable and challenging AI experience for power users.

What is Go?

Go is a game of territory and capture. Two players, Black and White, take turns placing stones on the vacant intersections of a grid. The goal is to surround more empty territory than your opponent by the end of the game. Stones can be captured by completely surrounding them. While the rules are simple, the strategic possibilities are virtually endless!
(For a full rules explanation, please use the in-game "Help" button.)

Key Features:

• Play Instantly: No downloads required! Play directly in your web browser on desktop or mobile.
• Multiple Board Sizes: Choose from 9x9 (for quick games), 13x13 (intermediate), or the traditional 19x19 board.
• Flexible Game Modes:
  • Player vs. Player (PvP): Challenge a friend on the same device.
  • Player vs. AI (PvA): Test your skills against our configurable computer opponent. Choose to play as Black or White.
  • AI vs. AI (AvA): Watch two AI players battle it out using your specified thinking parameters. Great for learning or observing strategies. (Note: AvA mode is for observation and will revert to PvP on page reload.)
• Configurable Expert AI (Monte Carlo Tree Search with RAVE):
  • The AI utilizes an advanced Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) algorithm enhanced with Rapid Action Value Estimation (RAVE) for strong, tactical play.
  • Power User Configuration (Settings):
    • MCTS Iterations: Directly control the number of simulations the AI runs per move. Higher values mean stronger play but longer thinking times.
    • MCTS Time Limit (ms): Set a maximum thinking duration for the AI per move.
  • AI Resignation: The AI will realistically resign if it determines its position is consistently hopeless, preventing drawn-out games.
• SGF (Smart Game Format) Support:
  • Export SGF: Save your game records to analyze later or share with others.
  • Import SGF: Load existing SGF files to review famous games or your own past matches.
• Comprehensive Game Review Mode:
  • Step through imported or completed games move by move.
  • Navigate with "First," "Previous," "Next," and "Last" move buttons.
  • Clear display of the current move number and player.
  • Play From Position: Continue a game from any point in the review.
• Essential In-Game Tools:
  • Pass Turn: Skip your move if you see no advantageous plays.
  • Undo Move: Take back your last action (not available in AvA or review mode).
  • Hint System: Get a move suggestion from the AI using its current configuration settings. (Not available in AvA, AI's turn in PvA, or review mode).
• Clear Information Display:
  • Current player turn with stone indicator.
  • Number of captured stones for both players.
  • Game mode clearly displayed.
  • AI Evaluation Score: See the AI's confidence (win probability) for the current player when it thinks or provides a hint.
  • Visual indicator when the AI is thinking.
• Scoring: Uses Chinese rules (stones + territory). Komi (7.5 points for White by default, configurable) is applied.
• Customizable Experience:
  • Light & Dark Themes: Choose your preferred visual style.
  • Sound Effects & Music: Toggle stone placement, capture sounds, and background music.
  • Visual Aids: Options to highlight critical groups (Atari) and display an influence map.
• Responsive Design: The game board and interface adapt to different screen sizes.
• Persistent Settings: Your preferred board size, theme, AI configuration, and sound options are saved locally.

How to Play:

1. Choose your settings: Use the "Settings" button to select board size, game mode, AI thinking parameters (Iterations, Time Limit), and other preferences.
2. Place stones: Click (or tap) on an empty intersection to place your stone.
3. Objective: Surround territory and capture opponent stones.
4. End of game: The game ends when both players pass consecutively, or if an AI player resigns. Scores are then calculated.

Whether you're looking to learn Go, practice your tactics, deeply configure an AI opponent, analyze games, or just enjoy a challenging strategic duel, this web-based Go game has something for everyone, especially those who appreciate fine-grained control.

Enjoy the game!