A handicap game gives the weaker player (usually White) a head start by placing extra Black stones on the board before play begins. This makes games between players of different strength fair and fun.
Handicap stones are part of Black’s position when you count the finished game — enter the final territory and prisoners on our Go score calculator like any other game.
Why use handicap?
- Beginners can play stronger friends without a huge disadvantage
- Club play stays competitive across ranks
- Teaching games focus on fighting rather than an empty-board opening
Where handicap stones go
On a 19×19 board, handicap stones are placed on the star points (hoshi), not on the edges. Standard patterns exist for 2 through 9 stones.
Common placements:
- 2 stones: opposite corners on the 4-4 points
- 3 stones: two corners + one side star point
- 4 stones: all four 4-4 corners
- 5–9 stones: additional star points following established patterns
On smaller boards, use the equivalent star points for that size.
How many handicap stones?
A rough club guideline (strength gap → stones on 19×19):
| Rank difference | Handicap |
|---|---|
| 1 rank / ~1 stone | Even game with komi |
| 2–3 ranks weaker | 2–3 stones |
| 4–6 ranks weaker | 4–6 stones |
| Much weaker beginner | 7–9 stones |
These are guidelines — adjust so both players enjoy the game.
Handicap and komi
In handicap games, komi is often zero or reduced, because the extra Black stones already compensate for moving second. Some events use 0.5 or 0.5–3.5 komi with handicap — agree before you play.
See What is Komi? for how komi works in even games.
Scoring a handicap game
The calculator has no separate “handicap” field. After the game:
- Count territory and prisoners (Japanese/AGA) or territory and living stones (Chinese)
- Handicap stones count as Black’s living stones and influence Black’s territory
- Enter totals on the Go score calculator with the agreed komi
Beginner recommendations
- Start on 9×9 or 13×13 with 2–4 stones before large handicaps on 19×19 — see Go Board Sizes
- Learn basic rules before large handicaps
- Play even games once you can finish without huge territory losses
Related guides
Track your Go (Baduk) Score Calculator scores online
Use our free digital scorecard to add players, calculate totals automatically, and share results from any device.
Shop Go products
Affiliate links • As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.