Tournament Rules
- AGA rules will be in effect for most tournaments. Exceptions are noted in the tournament descriptions.
- AGA Concise Rules of Go.
- AGA Complete Rules of Go.
- Tournament Directors (TD’s) have the final say over any disputes.
- For major tournaments, if your opponent hasn’t shown up after 10 minutes, you may start their clocks. If they still haven’t shown up after an additional 20 minutes (30 minutes total), they will forfeit their game. Please see the TD for further actions.
Note that White must make the last move in a game; if necessary, by an additional pass, with a stone
passed to the opponent as usual. The total number of stones played or passed by the
two players during the entire game must be equal.
At the end of the game, all neutral points (dame) should be filled. If you pass instead of filling a dame point, you give your opponent a “pass stone” worth one point.
Proper Conduct and Etiquette
- Tournaments should be enjoyable for all.
- Please always show respect for your opponent and other players.
- Games should be won by superior talent and technique.
- Refrain from distracting behavior and noisemaking near tournament play.
- Please analyze games away from tournament play.
- Please show courtesy by arriving promptly for all events.
- Report all results immediately after the conclusion of your games.
- Be courteous in defeat and generous in victory.
- Remember that you will have ample opportunity to experience both during the week.
- Resign when you have clearly lost.
Please make every effort to aid those who are not native English speakers and who may have trouble understanding the Congress regulations and schedule.