Go handicap
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Within most systems and at most levels, handicap is given to offset the strength difference between players of different ranks.
Forms of handicaps
In game of Go, handicap is given by means of stones and compensation points. In contrast to an even game it is white's turn to play the first move (after black handicaps have been placed).Handicap Stone
The difference in ranks is a good guide to how many handicap stones may be given to adjust the game for a more even struggle. As a general rule, each rank represents 1 stone strength, where 1 stone is said to be worth about 10 to 12.5 points. For example, a 3k player would normally give a 7k player 4 handicap stones, in order to have an even game. However it is tradition that handicaps are up to 9 stones only.The above rank relationship reliably applies for single-digit kyu (1-9k) and amateur dan(1-7d). As to double-digit kyu (10-30k), there is no general reference of stone handicap since they are all Go starters. They do not know how to play Go properly at all. There is no stone handicap in this level.
Professional ranks are awarded by professional organizations and though they are less well defined and thus are closer, so it is usually thought the difference is only 3 to 4 stone strengths between 1p and 9p, that is the difference is reduced to 1/3 or 1/4 stone by each rank.
On smaller go boards (most common are 13 x 13 and 9 x 9), the handicap is reduced proportionally according to the number of points on the board. For example, if the difference in rank (handicap) is 8 stones on a 19 x 19 board (361 points), the handicap is reduced to 4 stones on a 13 x 13 board (since the area of the board--169 points--has been approximately halved) and 2 stones on a 9 x 9 board (81 points or approximately one-quarter). Smaller boards are typically used for starters (double-digit players) learning to play Go.
Handicap Placement
Fixed Placement
There are 9 [star points] marked on a 19 x 19 board - in each corner on the (4,4) point, in the middle of each side on the fourth line, (4,10); and the very center of the board, (10,10). Traditionally handicaps are always placed on the [star points]. They have also determined which [star points] each handicap has to be placed (eg the fifth handicap is placed at the center star point in a 5-handicap game)[Placement of the handicap stones] is explained on this [Senseis] webpage.Nevertheless there is one major drawback in this kind of arrangement. Since the stones are always at the same place, it drives Black (the weaker player) to always play the opening strategies regarding star points. A good go player should get familiar with different strategies and tactics.
Free Placement
Recently someone advocates free placement of handicaps. Free placement means one can place handicap anywhere on the board unrestrictedly. Here is the list what countries or servers use free placement of handicaps[Comparison of some Go rules]:| Fixed Placement | Free Placement |
|---|---|
| Japan, Korea, Britain, North American, IGS & PandaNet online server | Chinese, Ing, New Zealand, KGS online server |
Although free placement is less commonly due to historical problems, it offers much more advantages fixed placement is not available. Advantages are:
For weaker players:
- They are forced to choose their opening strategies. For the fixed handicap, they have no choice at all.
- It also forces them to think at the start.
- Due to different stone placement, weaker players can practice a whole range of corner plays and more strategies
- There are extra challenges in these types of games
- Many more variations with fewer repetitions mean the game is more refreshing and interesting to the strong player. They may be more willing to play and teach the weaker player
- There are also more fun in these types of games (you have a chance to see how funny weaker players play the opening)
- Sometimes we can see Black place an experimental but strange opening strategy to start with. It is not only fun to play, but may have another excellent gaming experiences.
Compensation Points
When the difference in ranks is reduced to 1 only, no handicap stone is given. Instead the stronger player will become the white player but without compensation points. The compensation points are called Komi (compensation points) in Japanese. It is a custom that Black plays first; white moves second. Playing first is regarded as a significant advantage in modern Go. This advantage needs to be compensated. It is regarded that playing first is equal to half a move or more ahead throughout the game.
Another common type of compensation used is the reverse compensation points, where the weaker player takes black, and is given both the first move plus it gets compensation points too. This is more advantageous than the above situation.
Compensation points are sometimes preferred to stones because the players would like to play or practice as if it is an even game. They would like to have the feel of an "even game". Now it is White (stronger player) to play well to catch back for the losing points (points gained by playing first + compensation points).
Fixed compensation point (Komi) system
When ranks are equal, Black gets advantages by playing first. The advantage of that first move has to be compensated by compensation points. However there are still no absolute standards on the number of compensation points due to the difficulty of determining a fair value. 6.5 points are used in Japan and Korea. 7.5 points are used in China and America (see AGA rules). 0.5 is used to prevent a draw.Auction compensation point (Komi) system
As no one can be absolutely sure what is the fair number of compensation points. There is another system which is used in some amateur matches and tournaments. There is no fixed compensation points. The decision is left to both players. They arrive at a value through negotiation and bidding. This is called auction compensation point (Komi) system.Notes and References
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