One of the easiest ways to play Go right now is over the Internet. There are several free software packages available for playing Go on world-wide Go servers, as well as a few locations you can play Go without installing anything. Depending on which method you choose, games can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few months!

The Internet Go Server (IGS)

The Internet Go Server (IGS) is probably the biggest online community of Go players world-wide. To play on IGS, you will need to register for an account on their server at: http://www.pandanet.co.jp/English/register/index.htm. Once registered, you will need to select a client program that can interface with IGS. Here is a list of the most popular client programs:

Windows
• TanGo
• ViziGo
• gGo
• IGS Panda-Egg

Mac
• Goban
• GoServant
• MacGo

Unix/Linux
• gGo
• RubyGo
• qGo

The No Name Go Server (NNGS)

The No Name Go Server (NNGS). To play on NNGS, you will need to register for an account on their server at: telnet://nngs.cosmic.org:9696. Nearly all the clients listed under the IGS heading will work for the NNGS server.

The Kiseido Go Server (KGS)

The Kiseido Go Server is a server that does not require a client be downloaded to your computer, but you must have the Java Browser Plugin available at: http://www.java.com:80/en/download/manual.jsp.

The Dragon Go Server (DGS)

The Dragon Go Server (DGS) is a turn-based Go server that allows you to play a game of Go over several months one turn at a time. Whenever you log into the website, if you have any games running where it is your move, they will be listed on your status page. This makes it possible to have several games running at once.