Play Igo Online
Igo (囲碁) is the Japanese name for Go. Much of the English vocabulary of the game — terms like atari, joseki, and komi — comes from Japanese, where the game has been refined for over a thousand years.
Play Igo now
No account required — start in seconds.
Where much of Go's language comes from
Japan formalised much of modern Go theory, and many of the words players use worldwide are Japanese. “Atari” means a stone or group is one move from capture. “Komi” is the points bonus given to white for playing second. “Joseki” are established corner sequences, and “tesuji” is a skilful tactical move.
Because this vocabulary travelled with the game, you will meet the same words whether you play in Tokyo, London, or São Paulo — which makes learning Igo a head start on Go everywhere.
Igo in Japan
Go reached Japan well over a thousand years ago and was refined under the patronage of official Go houses during the Edo period, which produced legendary players and much of the game's recorded theory. The Nihon Ki-in, founded in 1924, still organises professional play today.
Japanese Go also shaped how the game is scored in much of the world: territory scoring, where you count surrounded empty points plus prisoners, is often called the Japanese method.
How to play Igo here
There is nothing to install and no account to create. Choose a board size, pick how strong the computer should play, and begin. Start on 9×9 to learn quickly, then grow into 13×13 and the traditional 19×19 board.
As you play, the board highlights legal moves, so the Japanese terms above start to make sense in context — you will see atari happen rather than just read about it.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Igo the same as Go?
- Yes. Igo (囲碁) is the Japanese name for Go. The rules and equipment are identical; “Go” is just the short form English borrowed from Japanese.
- Why are so many Go terms Japanese?
- Japan developed and exported much of modern Go theory, so its vocabulary — atari, komi, joseki, tesuji — became the common language players use internationally.
- What does atari mean?
- Atari describes a stone or group with only one liberty left — one move away from being captured. It is one of the first Japanese terms every player learns.
- Can I play Igo online for free?
- Yes. Choose a board size and play against the computer immediately — free, with no account required.
Ready to play?
Open the board and start a free game now.