2002-10-06 last update, 2002-10-03 first day, Robert Jasiek

Simplified Core Rules of Play

+++ page under construction +++


Every actually used Go ruleset is by far too complex in its contents or wording. Thereby practical application is too difficult for players and referees. Contrarily, simple rulesets exist but are not used yet. As a compromise, here simplifications of currently used rulesets are suggested. If every simplification replaced every still used ruleset, then the world of Go would move towards one unified, world-wide ruleset. This would increase popularity of Go, ease beginners' access to Go, and ease practical application of Go rules by all players and referees.

"core rules of play" describe legal strategy during each game and definition of its winner. Everything else is called "tournament rules". In particular, compensation, counting procedures, or time management belong to tournament rules. Here we do not confuse the simplified core rules by already adding any such tournament extensions.

The common simplified rules are used by every simplified ruleset.


Common Simplified Rules

General

Move

Phases - Common Rules

No Recreation


Simplified Ing / New Zealand Rules

Phases

Score

Simplified Chinese Rules

No Suicide

Phases

Score

Simplified Japanese / Korean Rules

No Suicide

Phases

Exceptions

Score

Simplified AGA / French Rules

No Suicide

Phases

Score


Commentary

Simplified Ing / New Zealand Rules

Simplified Chinese Rules

Simplified Japanese / Korean Rules

Simplified AGA / French Rules