Play Weiqi Online
Weiqi (圍棋) is the Chinese name for Go — literally “the surrounding game.” It is the oldest board game still played in its original form, and you can play it here against AI in your browser.
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The game of surrounding territory
The name Weiqi captures the heart of the game: you win by surrounding more of the board than your opponent. Stones are placed to enclose empty territory and to capture by removing an enemy group's last liberty. Nothing moves once placed — the position simply grows, point by point, until both sides agree the borders are settled.
That single idea — surround to live, surround to win — is why a game with only a couple of rules produces endless depth. The same stones that build your wall can become your opponent's prisoners if you let them be surrounded.
The oldest board game still played
Weiqi originated in China more than 2,500 years ago and is the oldest board game still played in its original form. It was counted among the “four arts” a cultivated scholar was expected to master, alongside calligraphy, painting, and music.
From China the game spread across East Asia, becoming Baduk in Korea and Igo in Japan. Today China has a deep professional scene, and players like Ke Jie are among the strongest in the world. Whatever the language, the board and rules are the same.
How to play Weiqi here
Choose a board size, pick how strong you want the computer to play, and start — no account, no download. The 9×9 board is the quickest way to feel how surrounding works; the full 19×19 board is where the strategic game opens up.
If you are new, the board shows you which moves are legal as you hover, so you can learn the flow of Weiqi by simply playing.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Weiqi the same as Go?
- Yes. Weiqi is the Chinese name for Go. The rules, the board, and the stones are identical — only the name differs by language.
- What does Weiqi mean?
- It roughly means “the surrounding board game,” reflecting that the goal is to surround territory and to capture by surrounding enemy stones.
- How old is Weiqi?
- More than 2,500 years. It began in ancient China and is the oldest board game still played today in essentially its original form.
- Can I play Weiqi online for free?
- Yes. Pick a board size and play against the computer right away — free, with no account required.
Ready to play?
Open the board and start a free game now.