Dead Stones in Go Explained

Dead stones are stones that cannot survive — they cannot make two eyes. At the end of the game they are treated as captured for scoring even if they still sit on the board.

Getting dead stones right is essential before you use the Go score calculator.

Living vs dead

If you are unsure, read basic life concepts in Go Rules for Beginners or play out the sequence.

When are dead stones removed?

Depends on tradition:

• Japanese / many clubs: Remove dead stones before counting territory
• Chinese: Often count with understanding dead groups add to opponent’s area
• AGA: Negotiate, then follow AGA counting procedure

The calculator needs final numbers — territory inside your walls and prisoners (Japanese/AGA) or living stones (Chinese).

How dead stones affect scoring

Japanese and AGA

• Dead opponent stones are removed — the empty points become your territory
• Removed stones also count as prisoners (+1 point each) if they were captured during play or taken off at the end

Chinese (area)

• Dead stones are not on the board in the final count — they do not count toward opponent’s living stones
• Territory under dead groups goes to the player who surrounds them

See Japanese vs Chinese Scoring.

Seki is not dead

In seki, groups are alive but share liberties. Neither side owns the shared empty points. Do not treat seki stones as dead.

Disputes at the end

If players disagree:

1. Play it out on the board (under time or mutual agreement), or
2. Ask a referee or stronger player

Do not open the calculator until both sides agree which groups are dead.

Workflow

1. End the game — How to End a Go Game
2. Agree dead stones and remove them
3. Count territory
4. Enter totals on the Go score calculator

Related guides

• How to Score Go
• How to Count Territory