This situation is called a ko, and a special rule prevents the game from going on endlessly. The rule is this: if Black captures as in Diagram 1, White may not recapture immediately but must wait at least one move to recapture. This can lead to tactical fights at other places on the board.
What is a ko threat in go?
A ko-threat is an important move you play that threatens something elsewhere that you hope your opponent needs to respond. A ko-threat is a move that threatens something somewhere else that you play with the intention of making your opponent unable to fix the ko, so you can have the turn again and win the ko.
How do I make a ko threat?
If black saves the stones at 3, then white can now take back the ko at 4 as one turn has passed since black 1 takes the ko. Definitely, if black 3 connects the ko at 4, then white will play at 3 to capture two black stones as compensation for losing the ko. Hence, white 2 in Diagram 5-2 is also known as a ko threat.
How many points does White get in go?
At the end of the game you score one point for each point of territory you have, and one point for each stone you have captured. You may also count by taking stones you have captured away from your opponent’s territory. White gets an extra 7 points to make up for going second.
When to consider a ko A ko threat?
After your opponent has taken a ko, any move that threaten s a large follow-up may be considered a ko threat. Usually, the value of the follow-up will be large enough (compared to the value of resolving the ko) to induce your opponent to answer the threat.
What happens if one player wins a ko fight?
That player will be forced to make a play that his opponent does not have to respond to immediately, and his opponent wins the ko immediately. One player will decide that playing elsewhere on the board is more important than continuing the ko. The opponent can either win the ko, or play elsewhere on the board.
Is the immediate recapture allowed in ko fight?
The rule states that the immediate recapture is forbidden, for one turn only. This gives rise to the following procedure: the ‘banned’ player makes a play, which may have no particular good qualities, but which demands an instant reply. Then the ban has come to its end, and recapture is possible.
What does white do when he recaptures the KO?
If recapturing the ko is important, White will look to make a threatening move that must be answered, so he can come back and recapture the ko. Diagram 2: White may not immediately recapture.
