Go

Introduction to Go

Go ("weiqi" in Chinese, "baduk" in Korean), is an ancient board game for two players that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. The game is noted for being rich in strategy despite its relatively simple rules (see Rules of Go).

The game is played by two players who alternately place black and white stones on the vacant intersections (called "points") of a grid of 19×19 lines (beginners often play on smaller 9x9 and 13x13 boards). Stones act as markers, representing one's occupation of a particular point. The object of the game is to use one's stones to surround a larger portion of the board than the opponent. Once placed on the board, stones cannot be moved, except in the case that they are captured.

When a game concludes, the controlled points (territory) are counted along with captured stones to determine who has more points. Games may also be won by resignation – one may resign if one has fallen too far behind in total points.

Go at the SportAccord World Mind Games 2011

The Go events at the SportAccord World Mind Games 2011 are held under the auspices of the International Go Federation (IGF). 30 athletes, 24 men and six women, will participate.

The competition format will comprise a team event and mixed doubles. For all matches, the China Weiqi Competition Rules are used.

The team event will feature a round robin with five rounds in total. The time limit for each side is 2 hours, with five 1 minute byo-yomi periods.

Six pairs will compete in the mixed doubles event. It will be a single elimination with two rounds each day and three rounds in total. The team champion and runner-up will draw byes in the first round. The time limit is 1 hour each side, with three 30 second byo-yomi periods.

Visit the official website of the International Go Federation (IGF):  http://intergofed.org/index.htm