Everyone makes mistakes when learning Weiqi.
In fact, mistakes are an essential part of improving.
Even professional players regularly review their games to discover what they could have done better.
The good news is that many beginner mistakes are surprisingly common. Once you recognize them, you'll begin avoiding them naturally.
In this guide, we'll look at ten mistakes almost every new player makes and, more importantly, how to fix them.
1. Chasing Every Capture
Capturing stones is exciting.
Many beginners spend the entire game trying to surround every opponent's stone they see.
The problem is that Weiqi is not a game about collecting captures.
It is a game about controlling territory.
Sometimes ignoring a possible capture and expanding elsewhere is the stronger move.
How to improve
Before attacking, ask yourself:
"Will this move help me control more territory?"
If the answer is no, there may be a better move.
Related lesson: Capturing Stones • Territory
2. Forgetting to Count Liberties
One of the fastest ways to lose stones is simply forgetting to count liberties.
Beginners often assume a group is safe without checking.
Strong players count liberties almost automatically.
It becomes a habit.
How to improve
Before every move, quickly ask:
- How many liberties does my group have?
- How many liberties does my opponent's group have?
Those two questions prevent many unnecessary mistakes.
Related lesson: Liberties
3. Fighting Every Battle
Not every fight is worth winning.
Sometimes giving up a small group allows you to secure a much larger area elsewhere.
Many beginners believe every stone must be saved.
Experienced players know that some sacrifices create stronger positions.
How to improve
Instead of asking:
"Can I save these stones?"
Ask:
"Should I save these stones?"
Those are very different questions.
4. Looking Only at One Corner
One of the most common beginner habits is becoming completely absorbed in one local fight.
Meanwhile, opportunities appear elsewhere on the board.
Experienced players frequently pause and scan the entire board before making a move.
How to improve
Before placing a stone, spend two or three seconds looking at every area of the board.
Often the biggest move isn't where you're currently looking.
5. Playing Too Close Together
Beginners often place stones directly beside their existing stones because it feels safe.
While connection is important, playing too close together wastes valuable space.
Efficient stone placement allows you to build larger frameworks while remaining flexible.
As you improve, understanding sente and gote can also help you judge whether a move keeps useful initiative or simply spends a move locally.
How to improve
Ask yourself:
"Can these stones work together without standing right next to each other?"
6. Ignoring Atari
Many beginners accidentally leave their own groups in atari.
Others give atari without thinking about what happens next.
Atari is a warning, not automatically the best move.
Recognizing it is important.
Understanding it is even more important.
How to improve
Before every move, check whether either player is already in atari.
This habit quickly becomes second nature.
Related lesson: Atari
7. Making One Huge Group
Connecting everything together may feel safe.
However, an enormous group often becomes inefficient and slow.
Strong players usually build several healthy groups that support one another rather than one giant chain across the board.
How to improve
Don't connect stones automatically.
Connect only when it genuinely strengthens your position.
8. Forgetting About Eyes
Many beginners focus entirely on attacking while forgetting whether their own groups can actually survive.
Without eyes, even a large group may eventually be captured.
How to improve
Regularly ask yourself:
"Can this group eventually make two eyes?"
If the answer is unclear, it may need attention.
Related lesson: Eyes
9. Trying to Play Perfectly
Many new players spend several minutes searching for the "best" move.
The truth is that there usually isn't a single perfect answer.
Weiqi is a game of judgment, not perfection.
Every move teaches you something.
How to improve
Choose a reasonable move, play confidently, and learn from the result.
Improvement comes from experience.
10. Being Afraid to Lose
This may be the biggest mistake of all.
Some beginners avoid playing because they don't want to lose.
The fastest way to improve is simple:
Play.
Every game reveals new ideas.
Every mistake becomes a lesson.
Every loss builds experience.
The only players who never improve are those who stop playing.
What Strong Players Do Differently
As you improve, you'll notice that stronger players share several habits.
They:
- Count liberties naturally.
- Look at the whole board.
- Build territory patiently.
- Accept sacrifices when necessary.
- Stay calm under pressure.
- Learn from every game.
These aren't talents.
They're habits that anyone can develop.
Quick Recap
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Chasing every capture.
- Forgetting liberties.
- Fighting every battle.
- Looking at only one area.
- Playing too close together.
- Ignoring atari.
- Connecting everything.
- Forgetting eyes.
- Searching for perfect moves.
- Being afraid to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mistake is the most common?
For most beginners, it's chasing captures instead of focusing on territory.
Should I memorize these mistakes?
No.
Instead, try recognizing one or two during each game.
Over time, they'll become natural habits.
How long does it take to stop making beginner mistakes?
Everyone continues making mistakes.
The difference is that stronger players recognize them more quickly and recover from them more effectively.
Continue Learning
Now that you know what to avoid, it's time to focus on improving your overall game.
Next, read:
How to Improve at Weiqi: 10 Practical Tips for Beginners