A Go game ends when both players pass in succession and agree there are no meaningful moves left. Only then do you count territory and open the Go score calculator.
When should you pass?
Pass when:
- You do not want to play another stone
- Further moves would not gain territory or profit
- You are satisfied with the border between your groups
Passing is a move. You may still lose points if you pass too early and leave fixable weaknesses — but most games end with mutual passes.
The two-pass rule
- Black passes (or White, depending who is to play)
- The other player may still play if they see a move
- When both pass one after another, the game stops
Some rulesets require saying “pass” clearly or handing a stone to a prisoner bowl — follow local custom.
What happens next?
1. Agree dead stones
Players identify groups that cannot live. Remove dead stones from the board or leave them and count them as captured — follow your venue’s habit.
Disagreement? Play on to prove life or death, or ask a stronger player. See Dead Stones Explained.
2. Count the position
- Japanese / AGA: territory + prisoners — How to Count Territory
- Chinese: territory + living stones — Japanese vs Chinese Scoring
3. Enter scores on the calculator
Open the Go score calculator, choose Japanese, Chinese, or AGA, enter each side’s numbers and komi, and read the winner.
Who removes dead stones?
| Tradition | Typical practice |
|---|---|
| Japanese / club play | Remove dead stones before counting territory |
| Chinese | Often count with stones on board; dead groups treated as absent |
| AGA | Return prisoners to board, fill dame, then count territory |
The calculator needs final territory and prisoner (or living stone) counts — however you reached them.
When NOT to score yet
- One player still wants to play
- A ko or seki status is unresolved
- You have not agreed which groups are dead
Related guides
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