Your first move in Weiqi can feel surprisingly difficult.
The board is empty.
There are no pieces to attack.
There are no obvious threats.
Every intersection looks possible.
So where should you play first?
The simple beginner answer is:
Start near a corner.
That does not mean every first move must be in a corner.
But for beginners, corner moves are usually the easiest way to begin building useful territory.
Why the First Move Matters
The first move matters because it begins the shape of the whole game.
In Weiqi, stones do not move after they are placed.
That means your first stone becomes part of your long-term plan.
It may help you build territory.
It may influence the center.
It may support future stones nearby.
Still, beginners should not be afraid of the first move.
One move will not decide the entire game.
The goal is not to find a perfect opening.
The goal is to make a reasonable start.
If you are completely new, read What Is Weiqi? before worrying about openings.
Do Not Memorize Openings Yet
Many beginners think they need to memorize opening patterns before playing.
You do not.
Professional openings can become very detailed, but memorizing them too early often creates confusion.
If you copy moves without understanding them, you may not know what to do next.
Instead, focus on simple principles:
- Corners are efficient.
- Sides are useful after corners.
- The center is powerful but harder to secure.
- Stones should work together.
- Territory matters more than looking clever.
Understanding these ideas will help you much more than memorizing a long sequence.
Later, you can also learn how sente and gote affect who gets to choose the next important move.
Corners, Sides, and Center
To choose a good first move, it helps to understand the three main areas of the board:
- Corners
- Sides
- Center
These areas are not equal.
The corners are usually easiest to control.
The sides are next.
The center is the hardest area to surround.
This is because the edge of the board acts like a natural wall.
In a corner, two edges are already helping you.
On the side, one edge helps you.
In the center, no edge helps you.
That is why many games begin near the corners.
For a deeper explanation, read why Weiqi players start in the corners.
If you want a fuller explanation of the board itself, read Weiqi Board and Stones.
Why Corners Are Valuable Early
Weiqi is about surrounding territory.
Territory is empty space that only one player can safely control.
Because corners already have two board edges, you need fewer stones to make a secure area there.
That makes corner moves efficient.
Efficiency means getting good value from each stone.
For example, building a small territory in the corner often takes fewer moves than building the same amount of territory in the center.
This does not mean the center is useless.
The center can become very important later.
But at the beginning of the game, beginners usually learn more by starting near the corners.
To understand why territory matters so much, read What Is Territory in Weiqi?.
A Simple Coordinate Illustration
On a 19x19 board, players often describe points by how far they are from the edges.
For example:
Corner area:
4-4 point = 4 lines from one edge and 4 lines from the other edge
3-4 point = 3 lines from one edge and 4 lines from the other edge
3-3 point = 3 lines from one edge and 3 lines from the other edge
You do not need to memorize coordinates yet.
The important idea is that these points are near the corner, not in the exact corner.
Playing directly on the edge or in the very corner is usually too low for a first move.
Playing near the corner gives your stone room to grow.
What Are the Four 4-4 Points?
On a standard 19x19 board, there are four famous points called the 4-4 points.
Each one is near a corner.
They are also star points on many boards.
A 4-4 point is four lines from one edge and four lines from the other edge.
Beginners often see players start there because the 4-4 point is flexible.
It does not immediately claim the corner completely.
Instead, it gives influence toward the side and center while still caring about the corner.
That makes it a popular opening point.
But remember:
You do not have to play 4-4.
It is simply one good example of a reasonable first move.
Should You Always Play in the Corner First?
No.
Professionals play many different openings.
Some openings begin at 4-4.
Some begin at 3-4.
Some use 3-3.
Some players choose unusual moves for strategic reasons.
Weiqi has room for creativity.
But professional choices are based on experience, reading, style, and whole-board thinking.
Beginners do not need to copy all of that yet.
Start with simple principles.
Then explore more as you improve.
What About 9x9 Games?
On a 9x9 board, the first move works a little differently.
The board is smaller, so every stone affects the whole board more quickly.
Corners are still important, but contact and fighting happen sooner.
For your first few 9x9 games, choose a simple move near a corner or near the center area.
Do not worry about whether it is perfect.
Focus on seeing how liberties, captures, and territory develop.
If you are preparing for your first game, read How to Play Your First Game of Weiqi.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Playing too close to the edge
The edge is useful, but playing directly on the edge too early can make your stone small and limited.
Playing only in the center
The center looks exciting, but it is harder to turn into secure territory.
Memorizing without understanding
Copying opening moves can help later, but beginners should first understand why corners, sides, and center matter.
For more beginner habits to avoid, read 10 Common Beginner Weiqi Mistakes.
Beginner Recommendation
If you are playing on a 19x19 board, start near a corner.
A 4-4 point is a simple and reasonable choice.
A 3-4 point is also common.
Do not worry too much about the exact coordinate.
Choose a move near the corner, then focus on playing moves that work together.
Your first move should help you begin the game calmly, not make you feel trapped by opening theory.
Three Simple Beginner Tips
Before moving on, remember these three tips:
- Start near a corner.
- Think about building useful territory.
- Learn principles before memorizing openings.
That is enough for your first games.
The rest will come with practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I play first in Weiqi?
Most beginners should play near a corner, often around a 4-4 or 3-4 point on a 19x19 board.
Is the 4-4 point good for beginners?
Yes.
The 4-4 point is flexible and easy to understand as a reasonable first move.
Should I memorize openings?
Not at first.
Beginners should learn opening principles before memorizing patterns.
Do professionals always play in the corner first?
No.
Professionals use many different openings, but corner openings are very common because corners are efficient.
Does the first move decide the game?
No.
The first move matters, but the game is decided by many moves working together.
Continue Learning
Now that you know where to begin, keep learning the board and basic goals of the game.
Start with Weiqi Board and Stones, then review territory and try to play your first game.