Is Go free to play here?

Yes. You play and learn without an account or download right in your browser, and there is nothing to buy.

Can I learn Go here from scratch?

Yes. The lessons start at zero: placing stones, liberties, capturing. Then problems and the computer at level 1 help you put it into practice.

What is the difference between Go, Weiqi and Baduk?

It is the same game: Go is the Japanese name, Weiqi the Chinese one and Baduk the Korean one. Here the game is counted by the Chinese area rules.

Why is there no 19×19 board?

On a phone the points of a 19×19 board would be too small to tap reliably. 9×9 and 13×13 are ideal for learning; the same rules apply on every board.

Is my progress saved?

Yes. Your current game, lessons, problem stars and results stay in this browser; with a PanicLines account they are kept in your account and available on every device.

Play and Learn Go Online – Weiqi, Baduk

Play and learn Go online for free

Go is more than 2500 years old and one of the deepest board games in the world; in China it is called Weiqi, in Korea Baduk. Black and White take turns placing stones on the crossings of the board, surround territory and capture opposing stones. Whoever has more area at the end wins.

On PanicLines you learn Go step by step: short lessons with exercises, problems at four levels and games against a computer that grows with you. All free in your browser on phone, tablet and computer, with no download and no sign-up.

The rules in short

The board has 9×9 or 13×13 lines. Black starts, then you take turns placing a stone on a free crossing. Stones never move.
The free points next to a chain are its liberties. A move that takes a chain's last liberty captures it; it is taken off the board.
Suicide is not allowed, and in a ko a single stone may not be captured back at once; no whole-board position may repeat.
When both pass in a row the game is counted: stones plus surrounded empty points (Chinese area scoring). White gets 7.5 points of komi for not moving first.

Learning: lessons, problems, review

15 lessons lead from liberties and captures through ko, ladders, nets and snapbacks to life and death, counting, the opening and the endgame – each with exercises and instant feedback.
Over 120 problems at four levels (starter to strong): capture, escape, connect, cut, live and kill, seki too. Every problem is checked by a solver; the computer answers with the best defence.
After a game the review shows the moves where your winning chance dropped most, each with a better move.
A kyu estimate from games and problems shows your progress, and the start screen suggests your next step.

Game modes and computer levels

Against the computer at five levels: level 1 makes obvious mistakes and is ideal for your first games, level 5 is a serious opponent. With 2 to 9 handicap stones you can hold your own against stronger levels.
Two players, one device: take turns tapping on the same phone or tablet.
Helps for beginners: a hint button, an atari warning, a last-move marker and a territory display – switched on from the start at levels 1 and 2.

Tips for beginners

Corners first: in a corner a few stones surround the most territory, then come the sides, the centre last.
Two eyes: a group with two separate eyes can never be captured. Give weak groups room for eyes early.
Take atari seriously: when a chain is in atari, save it or give it up on purpose – but never by accident.
Big moves first: in the endgame play the moves worth most first, especially those your opponent has to answer.

Frequently asked questions

Is Go free to play here?: Yes. You play and learn without an account or download right in your browser, and there is nothing to buy.
Can I learn Go here from scratch?: Yes. The lessons start at zero: placing stones, liberties, capturing. Then problems and the computer at level 1 help you put it into practice.
What is the difference between Go, Weiqi and Baduk?: It is the same game: Go is the Japanese name, Weiqi the Chinese one and Baduk the Korean one. Here the game is counted by the Chinese area rules.
Why is there no 19×19 board?: On a phone the points of a 19×19 board would be too small to tap reliably. 9×9 and 13×13 are ideal for learning; the same rules apply on every board.
Is my progress saved?: Yes. Your current game, lessons, problem stars and results stay in this browser; with a PanicLines account they are kept in your account and available on every device.