If you've never played Weiqi before, the board can look intimidating.
A standard board has hundreds of intersections, and the black and white stones seem to be placed in patterns that are difficult to understand.
The good news is that the board is much simpler than it first appears.
In this lesson, you'll learn how the board is laid out, where stones are placed, the different board sizes, and a few important features every beginner should know.
By the end, you'll feel comfortable looking at a Weiqi board and following along with future lessons.
The Weiqi Board
Unlike a chessboard, where pieces are placed inside squares, Weiqi is played on the intersections of the lines.
A standard Weiqi board has 19 horizontal lines and 19 vertical lines, creating 361 intersections where stones can be placed.
This is one of the first things beginners need to remember.
Stones are placed on the intersections—not inside the squares.
That simple difference gives Weiqi its unique look and allows stones to connect in four directions.
Future Diagram
A 19×19 board with one intersection highlighted.
Caption: "Stones are placed on the intersections."
Different Board Sizes
Although professional games are almost always played on the standard 19×19 board, beginners usually start with a smaller board.
There are three common sizes.
For a deeper comparison, read the guide to 9x9, 13x13, and 19x19 Weiqi boards.
9×9 Board
The best choice for complete beginners.
Games are fast, captures happen more often, and you'll quickly learn the basic rules.
A typical game lasts around 15 to 30 minutes.
13×13 Board
A bridge between beginner and full-sized games.
It introduces more strategy while remaining manageable.
Many intermediate players enjoy this size for casual games.
19×19 Board
The full-size board used in tournaments and professional play.
It offers the greatest strategic depth and allows for a wide variety of opening ideas and long-term plans.
Don't worry if it looks overwhelming at first. Every experienced player once felt exactly the same.
The Stones
Weiqi uses two sets of stones.
One player uses black stones.
The other uses white stones.
Black always plays first, giving it a slight advantage. To keep games fair, modern rules use a compensation system called komi, which awards White a small number of points before the game begins.
As a beginner, you don't need to worry about the exact value of komi yet. Simply remember that Black moves first and players take turns placing one stone at a time.
Future Diagram
One black stone and one white stone.
Caption: "Black plays first."
Once a Stone Is Played, It Stays
One of the biggest differences between Weiqi and games like chess is that stones do not move.
After placing a stone on an intersection, it remains there for the rest of the game unless it is captured.
This makes every move an investment.
Each stone contributes to building territory, connecting groups, or influencing nearby areas of the board.
Because stones cannot be moved, thinking before you play becomes an important habit.
What Are Star Points?
If you look closely at most Weiqi boards, you'll notice several small dots.
These are called star points.
They are simply visual reference points that help players judge positions and communicate moves more easily.
On a standard 19×19 board, there are nine star points.
One of them sits in the exact center of the board.
The others are positioned symmetrically near the corners and sides.
Beginners sometimes think stones must be placed on these points.
They don't.
Star points are guides, not special spaces.
Many opening moves happen near them because they provide a good balance between influence and territory, but you may place a stone on any intersection.
Future Diagram
19×19 board with all nine star points highlighted.
Caption: "Star points are reference markers, not required starting positions."
Corners, Sides, and the Center
As you continue learning Weiqi, you'll often hear players talk about corners, sides, and the center.
These areas have different strategic value.
The corners are usually the easiest places to build territory because they already have two board edges helping you.
The sides require a little more work.
The center is the most open area and usually takes the longest to secure.
This is why many games begin with moves near the corners before expanding outward.
You can explore this idea in more detail in the guide to where to play your first move in Weiqi.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Playing inside the squares
Always place stones on the intersections.
This is the most common mistake people make during their first game.
Starting on the 19×19 board too early
The full-sized board is exciting, but a 9×9 board helps you learn much faster.
Most teachers recommend beginning small before moving up.
Thinking star points are required
Star points are only visual guides.
You are free to play on any intersection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Black always play first?
Because Black moves first, White receives komi, a small point compensation that balances the game.
Can stones be moved after they are placed?
No.
A stone stays where it is unless it is captured.
Which board size should I learn on?
For most beginners, a 9×9 board is the best place to start. It teaches the fundamentals without becoming overwhelming.
Are expensive boards or stones necessary?
Not at all.
Many beginners learn using online boards or simple plastic sets. The quality of your practice matters far more than the equipment you use.
Continue Learning
Now that you understand the board and the stones, it's time to learn the most important concept in Weiqi:
Without liberties, stones cannot survive.
In the next lesson, you'll learn what liberties are, why they matter, and how they lead to capturing stones.