A 19x19 goban has nine hoshi (星) or star points:
small dots on nine intersections.
On them handicap stones are traditionally placed.
Hoshi have no effect during game, they only guide the eye.
A 13x13 board has only five hoshi.
A 9x9 board also has only five hoshi. However, some leave out that in the center, some those in the corners.
See also