Alternating play

In the game of Go, players alternate turns. A turn can be a move or a pass. When analysing a global board position or a local group status we assume players alternate moves.

On the other hand in considering play on a sub-board we can and should try to understand the effect of tenuki plays, which break up the alternating pattern. When play isn't alternating in a local situation, the balance of plays there can become one-sided (as measured by the local tally). This often happens, for example in ko fights: the ko rule prevents alternating play, and follow-ups after the ko is dissolved are common.

The same effect can be achieved on a full board by using the rules for environmental go.

See also

• Alternating play in life and death