Go Board Sizes Guide: How to Choose Between 19×19, 13×13 & 9×9

You're interested in learning Go, but you're not sure what it is — welcome to one of the oldest and most intriguing strategy games in the world. But before you start laying your first stone, you will find yourself getting the most basic of questions – what size board should you begin with?

The Go board is different from the chess board in that there are three standard sizes: 9×9, 13×13 and 19×19. There are different purposes for each and choosing the right one can either be an enjoyable or frustrating learning experience. Whether you're buying for the kids or for yourself or someone else, this guide will reveal all the information you need to know to make the best decision.

Understanding Go Board Sizes: Basic Specifications

Before we get into recommendations, let's first define the sizes of the Go boards. The grid size (in “grid size” or lines) is different from the actual size of the board.

What Is the Standard Size of a Go Board?

A standard Go board features a 19×19 grid with 361 intersections where players place their stones.

However, "standard" does not equate to "one size fits all". Board size comes in all shapes and sizes. The lengths of traditional Japanese Go boards (goban) are around 454.5 mm and the widths are around 424.2 mm, which is approximately 17.9 inches by 16.7 inches. But there are a variety of different commercially marketed boards, ranging from compact 13" boards to standard 15" sets to larger 17" boards to expensive 19" or larger wooden boards. The important thing to know is that the size of the grid (19×19) and the size of the board itself are not related; a 19×19 grid can be on a small travel board, or on a large floor-standing board.

What is a “Line” in Go?

In Go, a “line” refers to the horizontal or vertical lines drawn on the board. The size of a Go board is usually described by the number of lines in each direction, which determines the total number of intersections where stones can be placed.

For example:

• 9×9 Go board = 9 lines × 9 lines = 81 intersections
• 13×13 Go board = 13 lines × 13 lines = 169 intersections
• 19×19 Go board = 19 lines × 19 lines = 361 intersections

The larger the board, the more possible moves and strategic complexity it offers.

The number of intersections will dictate complexity and extent of the game. If you have a 9x9 board as opposed to a 19x19 board, and there's less than a quarter of the points (81 vs. 361), you're going to change the way you play the game.

Grid Size vs. Physical Board Size: What‘s the Difference?

This is where many of the newbies go wrong. The size of the game (line count) determines the scale of play, both in terms of the number of stones that can be placed, and the complexity of a strategy that can be developed. The size of your board will influence the way you play the game – how much space you require for the board, how comfortable the stones are in your hands and whether the board is suitable for your surroundings.

A printed 19×19 board can be used in a variety of sizes for travel, from 11″ up to 24”, and can be made into a luxurious tabletop experience. On the other hand, a 9×9 square layout can be seen in many things from a small magnetic board to a full-sized wooden board; the small one is situated in the back.

Which Go Board Size Should Beginners Choose?

The short answer? Begin with small steps, build up gradually. Let's get more specific on what to play and who plays it.

Should the novice learner choose to play on a 19×19 board?Should the beginner play on a 19x19 board?

When you are first starting out it can be easy to just dive into the real board, the one that's used for tournaments and by professionals. But there‘s a good reason most teachers recommend against it.

A 19×19 board is vast. The beginners can feel overwhelmed and lost, as there are 361 intersection points. With all the potential moves there is a difficulty in realising what could happen if you place a stone in a certain position. It is often difficult for new players to understand the “big picture” and they keep placing stones without a clear strategy for them.

Many Go teachers recommend starting with a 9×9 board because games are shorter and easier for beginners to understand.Smaller boards are more suited to the beginner who wants to concentrate on the basics: capturing, connecting and surrounding without getting lost in the world.

Who is it for a 9×9 Go Board?

The 9x9 board is the best learning tool around. It‘s ideal for:

• Young children starting their Go journey.
• Complete beginners with no previous experience.
• Anyone wishing to learn simple capturing methods, connecting and surrounding tactics.

Feedback is rapid, with the 9×9 board. Games are usually 10-15 minutes in duration and can be played more than once in a session, learning from each game. This fast prototyping is incredibly useful to develop board intuition. 

It is important to note that 9×9 Go is not just a “smaller version” of 19×19, however. The game is more aggressive and tactical — there‘s virtually no opening phase, and fighting starts immediately. This is difficult for some players because they can lose the game right away for a mistake made, and mistakes are met with rapid punishment. However, if its just a matter of learning the basics then nothing can beat it.

Who is a 13×13 Go Board for?

Many adult beginner players prefer to play on the 13×13 board. It offers:

• More tactical depth than 9x9, some tactical openings and more plan looking.
• Not as daunting as 19×19, and only 169 intersections to ponder.
• A true Go experience — begin to notice shapes and patterns that do not occur on 9×9.

After a few games on 9×9, most experienced teachers would recommend the 13×13 board. The 13×13 board lets you enjoy the freedom of playing wherever you want on a larger board; your opponent won't have to take the same chances as they would on a 9×9, and you can have time to devise strategies.

In many 19×19 boards, there is a 13×13 board printed on the back, so switching sizes can be easily done with ease as you progress. This two-sided board design shoot comes into play in easy-to-use sets.

When is it time for a 19×19 Board?

When you are ready for the whole 19×19 board, you need to have:

• You have learned the basic rules and are able to comfortably play a whole game.
• You are interested in opening theory (fuseki) and global strategy.
• You are ready to play with the club or in a tournament.
• You just want the “true” Go experience of all serious learning materials.

Go really comes into its own on the 19×19 board. The interplay between the third line and the fourth line brings the sheer delightful complexity that has captivated the players for more than 3000 years. On 19×19 the game is about an hour, which allows you to consider your moves thoroughly.

Most books, online courses, and professional game records assume that you are playing 19×19. In one click you will be able to enjoy the full power of Go strategy.

Go Board Size Comparison: Quick Reference

Board Type	Intersection Points	Best For	Learning Stage
9×9 Board	81	Children, absolute beginners	Beginner stage — learning rules and basic tactics
13×13 Board	169	Adult beginners, intermediate learners	Intermediate — developing strategy and global awareness
19×19 Board	361	Serious players, club members, competitors	Official play — full Go experience

What to Consider When Buying a Go Board

Your Space Matters.

Do measure your table before purchasing. This will require about 17 to 19 inches of width and a similar depth on a standard size 19×19 board, with additional space for stone bowls along the sides.

• Folding boards or small sets are good for small spaces.
• Full size wooden boards can be played on a dedicated game table.
• Remember that the board is not the only thing you need room for—the space for two players' bowls and for a comfortable arm swing.

Travel and portable options.

If you're going to be playing on the move, then you might want to take into account:

• Magnetic travel sets that have folding boards (usually approximately 11-15" folded).
• Roll up vinyl board for storage in tube.
• Fit all your room number 9x9 in a small bag.

Frequently, portable sets have magnetic stones that are not removed while the set is in use, which is great for traveling in the car, a coffee shop or park.

The Relationship Between Board and Stone Size

This is one feature that most novices tend to ignore, but it has an impact on the gameplay. Grid size will dictate stone size that fits comfortably.

The spacing of the grid on standard Japanese boards is 23.7 mm long by 22 mm wide, a little bit rectangular in order to look square to the player's eye. Normal stones are approximately 22mm in diameter. The stones are about 2 cm in size for Korean and Japanese stones, and 2.2-2.3 cm for Chinese stones.

The basic rule is that Go stones should fit comfortably on the board intersections, leaving enough space between adjacent stones to allow clear placement and smooth gameplay. Stones that are too big for the grid will overlap the grid in an awkward way. They will feel empty and not satisfying if they are too small.

Stone Size	Recommended Use
Small stones	9×9 and 13×13 boards, travel sets
Standard stones (22 mm)	19×19 boards — the most common choice
Large stones	Premium wooden boards, traditional Chinese-style sets

Thickness of the stones also comes in various forms. Typical stones range from 7.0 mm (size 25) to 10.4 mm (size 37). In most cases, size 32 (8.8 mm) is used or size 33 (9.2 mm) and some professionals use a thicker size 36 (10.1 mm) stone. Stones that are thicker will feel heavier and more rewarding to place but pricey as well.

Why Premium Boards Are Larger

Traditional wooden Go boards are a lot thicker and bigger than table boards, particularly the Japanese floor board (ashituki goban) which is traditionally Japanese-style with legs. The thickness of a traditional board can be 15 cm (approx. 6 inches).

It's not a show thing. The thickness:

• Improves the acoustics — the well-known kik sound when a stone is placed.
• Brings visual presence — the board will be the focus.
• Carries larger, heavier stones — “Top quality stones require top quality surface”.

The thickest the boards can be, the more distinguished they are and many serious players will vouch that a good wooden board is a lifetime investment.

Go Board Size FAQ: Everything Beginners Need to Know

Are the 19×19 boards available to a beginner?

Yes, but to practice with smaller boards. Many novices purchase a 19×19 board that comes with a 13×13 board on the back of it, so that they get the double benefit of both boards. Start on 9×9 or 13×13, then graduate to 19×19 when you‘re ready.

What size board do children use?

For young children (ages 5-8) begin at 9×9. The smaller grid isn't as daunting and the games are short and sweet, as is a kid's attention span. As they progress, move to 13×13, then 19×19.

Does it always make sense to go with a larger board?

No. The bigger the board the more complicated, not better. Select in accordance with your ability, space and use. A 9×9 board that is played every day is worth more than a 19×19 board that is only played once a year because it is very overwhelming to play.

What if I'm learning online, do I need to have a physical board?

Playing Go online can be done without a doubt, but there are advantages to a real board. Board feel and spatial awareness will be developed through the touch and feel generated when stones are placed. Physical boards are also great to play with as a family and with your child. A lot of players discover that they learn quicker when they switch between online and offline gameplay.

Summary: Your Go Board Size Decision Guide.

Here‘s the bottom line for different users:

Your Situation	Recommended Board
Child starting Go	9×9 Go board
Adult with zero experience	13×13 Go board (or 9×9 for the very first games)
Adult who wants to learn properly	13×13 board, then upgrade to 19×19
Long-term player	19×19 standard board
Collector or gift-giver	Large solid wood 19×19 board with premium stones

The last buying principles.

Firstly, let's take note of the stage of learning. Do you have a child that you are teaching? Are you an adult trying Go for the first time? Do you have a sense of duty to study earnestly? Answer in a truthful manner and the size of the board is revealed.

Second, check out the dimensions of your area. But a beautiful 19” board isn't worth anything if it will not fit on your table! Be sure to allow for space for stone bowls.

Thirdly, match the stones on your board. The stones must fit the grid and these must be good stones for a high quality board. When purchasing a set, check to make sure that each stone is the correct size for the board's grid size.

Last but not least: the best playing board is the one that you are going to play on! Playing a $20 travel board every day is more worthwhile than never playing a $200 wooden board. Do what you can, from where you are, and have fun. Go is a game of life – there is no time to get to the “big board”.