Stones

FreeMultiplayer

The ancient game of Go on a quick 9×9 board in 3D, with slate and shell stones on a wooden board. Surround territory, capture stones that run out of liberties, and pass when it's settled. Play a friend, or the computer if nobody joins.

Controls: Tap (or click) a point on the board to place your stone; a faint stone shows where it will go. Press PASS when there's nothing more to gain. Two passes in a row end the game.

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How to play Stones

Stones is the ancient game of Go on a quick 9×9 board: place black and white stones in turn, surround territory, and capture stones that run out of room. The side with more area at the end wins.

Controls: Tap (or click) a point on the board to place your stone; a faint stone shows where it will go. Press PASS when there's nothing more to gain. Two passes in a row end the game.

Tips

  • Start near the middle or on the star points. Corners are easiest to make territory in, then the sides, then the centre.
  • A stone or group with one liberty left is in atari: save it by adding a liberty, or let it go if it's already lost.
  • A group needs two separate eyes to live for ever. Make room for them, and try to stop the other side's groups from getting two.
  • Don't play inside your own territory or fill your own eyes. When there's nothing left to gain, pass.
  • White gets 6.5 points of komi for moving second, so Black has to win by 7.
  • When both players pass, stones that can't live are counted as captured and the board is scored.

Questions

Is Stones free?
Yes. Stones is free to play online, and you can start straight away as a guest without signing up.
Do I need to download Stones?
No. It runs in your web browser, so there is nothing to install.
Can I play Stones on my phone?
Yes. It works in the browser on phones and tablets as well as on computers.
Can I play Stones with friends?
Yes. Choose Play with a friend to get an invite link, then send it to the friend you want to play.

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