Go Servers

    Keywords: Online Go

There are many places on the Internet where one can play go. On real-time go servers both players play at the same time just like on a real goban while Play by Email and turn-based go servers allow to play asynchronously (usually at a far slower pace). For most real-time go servers a go client is necessary. Sometimes, connecting through firewalls might be of some use.

It appears that favourites are KGS, IGS, and DGS; however, all of the following servers have different features to recommend them. Pick your favourite!

The descriptions of the go servers are intentionally kept short; please discuss at /Discussion.

Go servers use most - but not all - rules of go. The rule sets used by servers are not identical with "official" rules.

Some servers also host or run tournaments - see Go Server Tournaments.

Table of contents


Real-Time Go Servers

[ext] Aurora
aurora.go.art.pl, port 9696
BadukWorld
[ext] BKGo
A system that consists of:
  • A server program which moderates the game and connects players together;
  • A client program which allows a player to connect to a server.
[ext] CTN
Windows-only proprietary client.
[ext] CUGS
go-edu.net , port 9696 , no English interface?
[ext] CWS
cws.weiqi.net , port 9696
Cyberoro
english.cyberoro.com, Korean Go Server with English interface.
Dashn
www.dashn.com, a Korean Go Server with English interface.
[ext] HelloBaduk.com
Korean site with a foreigner registration section, but no English section.
IGS
Internet Go Server , igs.joyjoy.net , port 6969 or port 7777
KGS
Kiseido Go Server : reputedly more friendly than most, but has a custom Java (and mobile-phone) client.
[ext] Kurnik
Kurnik : A nice board and user-friendly interface with a plethora of features. No client required. 9 x 9 and 13 x 13 games quite popular here.
[ext] LGS
The Legend Go Server, lgs.taiwango.net, port 9696 - compatible with most IGS clients.
[ext] Lianzhong
Chinese Windows-only go server with no English interface.
[ext] MSN's Gaming Zone
Go games at MSN Gaming Zone.
[ext] My Baduk
A.k.a. "Koryo Baduk" ran by DPRK (North Korea) Lotto Venture. Used by the Koryo Baduk (Go) Association (A go association in North Korea). Has an English, Chinese, and Japanese section.
Neostone
Korean server. They currently have a section for Chinese-speaking players.
NNGS
No Name Go Server - nngs.cosmic.org, port 9696 - compatible with most IGS clients.
[ext] Qingfeng
Huge Chinese internet go server, no English interface.
Playray
English Java-based WWW-server, just launched
Tygem
[ext] http://www.tygem.com/, Korean Go Server with no English interface.
Tom
Big chinese go server with many strong players. Chinese language only.
Traditional Baduk Association
This is an English-language Baduk site which requires registration and allows one to play for free. It has a voice function, lectures, lessons, and much more.
[ext] Wing
wing.gr.jp , port 1515 (Japan)
[ext] WWGo
Japanese Go Server. Westerners should get the Associate membership.
Yahoo
Generally accepted to not be a good place to play. It's shoe-horned into their own chess-style rating system and is built like all their other games offerings, without any go-specific features.

Turn-Based Go Servers

see Turn-Based Go Servers


Play by email (PBEM) Go Servers

[ext] Richard's PBeM Server
Quite good PBeM server, pretty easy to use. Supports different board sizes and 3- and 4-player games, but you have to count your score yourself. Hosts many other interesting games, too. Don't know about the level of play, however.

This is a copy of the living page "Go Servers" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2005 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
[Welcome to Sensei's Library!]
StartingPoints
ReferenceSection
About