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About the Opening
PageType: Path
Keywords: Opening
The opening phase (fuseki) in a game of Go is where both players make their initial claims to the territory on the board. Typically, an opening can last 30-60 moves, after which the board has been divided into several zones where each player hopes to make territory. A player who has played a better opening than the opponent (has outlined more influence or territory) can be comfortable in the knowledge that the opponent must take risks, through attacking, invading and reducing, in order to catch up and win the game. Conversely, if you find yourself behind after the opening, you must play more aggressively to have a chance to still win. As a result of the opening, the aim is not to find yourself with a large territory, but rather with a good basis (influence) from which you can develop your territory. One of the main objectives of the opening is to make use of your stones effectively and efficiently. (See also Shape)
As you can see from the diagram, the two stones in the middle really claim no territory. The two stones on the lower side claim some, but the most is claimed by the two stones in the lower right corner.
Therefore, plays during the opening are normally played in this order:
There are also some General opening principles. The ideas presented here are not complete, nor are they advanced. However, we hope that they will be able to guide you. There is no doubt that the opening in Go is the most difficult part of the game, so if all things are not clear to you, do not despair.
Another good way to learn about the opening is to watch professionals play - although the joseki they use can be very complex, the underlying principles are the same. For further study there are numerous books out there: check out
A very good online guide to many opening concepts can be found on the This is a copy of the living page "About the Opening" at Sensei's Library. ![]() |