Go Variants as Teaching Method

This page lists Go variants you can use as (self-)teaching methods to help you or your student improve in normal Go. Especially all Go variants that are used for beginners are welcome here.

• No Contact Go
• Atari go (the capture game)
  • Atari Go Teaching Method
  • Yasuda method method
• Stone Counting Teaching Method
• Different Sized Boards
  • Large Boards
  • Small board Go
    • 9x9 board
    • 13x13 Board
• Trying to live inside various setups
  • Biggest Corner
  • The Nine Handicap Challenge
  • Kill-all Game
  • Shape Game
  • Shape Game Solid
• Games with more than two players
  • Big Brother Go
  • Zen Go
• Think and write before you play
  • Malkovich game
• Make a wall game

Goal of game is to make a wall that has more territory on your colors side any opponent stones on your side are counted as your points. This could be the first game that is taught. Many basic strategy principles are learned automatically. (Then after mastering this variant move on to make living shape or kill variant)

• Renegotiated Komi Go or Pyjama Go

• Environmental Go

I don't have any experience playing it but it seems like it would help beginners to identify slack moves.

See also

• Teaching Paths

There should be a link for smaller board: 6x6 and 7x7 board Don't know how widespread it is, but it is practiced in Japan as well as in Europe and is very effective with beginners.

bugcat: These articles exist (at least they do by now): 6x6, 7x7, and small board Go.