BQM 549

moved from Alternating Play

axd: I'm not sure if there is a page that describes the procedure to follow when a group's status is contested? once the game is finished. As far as I know, in such a case, players resume the game and play alternatingly around the contested group; passing is not allowed then, as it would influence the end score. Can anyone confirm this?

Bill: This situation is handled differently by different rules. Among current official rules, AGA Rules and Ing rules have clear procedures for continuing play in such cases.

axd (13k): reading the Ing rules draws my attention to the word disputed?, see also

Question About Japanese Scoring

has lengthy discussions about what to do - I (reluctantly) decide from there that the obligation to play an equal number of moves (i.e. not passing) is not essential. But I also understand that this is a dark area of the rules. A bit disappointing for someone who thought Go was simple :-)

Japanese Counting

some procedure exists...

Japanese Rules/Discussion

use a separate board to decide on the status of a contested group

Scoring/Discussion

Bill suggests playing out, including pass stones

Territory and Area Scoring

There are territory rules that allow disputes to be settled by play, such as the Lasker-Maas rules and Spight rules.

Quite disappointing (yes, welcome to the game, I know :) ... Not quite certain, but I believe I lost a potential (and most probably brilliant) Go player because he might have had problems with such issues.

Bill: You should have played him using area scoring, such as AGA rules. Even if you are used to territory scoring, the transition should be easy for you.