Play 9×9 Go Online
The 9×9 board is where most people should start. A full game takes only a few minutes, captures happen often, and you still meet every important idea in Go — just on a smaller, friendlier stage.
Play a 9×9 game
No account required — start in seconds.
Why 9×9 is perfect for learning
On a small board the whole game is in front of you. You can see your groups, your opponent's groups, and the empty space you are both fighting over. Mistakes are cheaper and lessons arrive faster.
Because games are short, you can play several in the time a single 19×19 game would take — and repetition is how Go skills stick.
What you will practice
- Capturing stones and keeping your own groups alive.
- Making two eyes so a group cannot be captured.
- Trading territory in the corners and sides.
Frequently asked questions
- Is 9×9 Go good for beginners?
- Yes — it is the recommended starting point. Short games and frequent fighting teach the fundamentals quickly without the complexity of a full board.
- What komi is used on 9×9?
- GoingBoard uses 7.5 komi by default. Komi is a points bonus for white to offset black's advantage of moving first.
- How long does a 9×9 game take?
- Usually just a few minutes, which makes it easy to play several games in a sitting.
Ready to play?
Open the board and start a free game now.