From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Go?

BGA Tournament rules of play · 31 March 2009 (English)

In an even game, Black moves first from an empty board. In a handicap game, White moves first after all handicap stones have been placed.

Rule details

Colors must already have been assigned; the cited setup and play sections do not select who receives Black or White.

Section 4 places handicap stones on the star points in the traditional Japanese pattern unless otherwise stated. Handicap placement is completed before White's first turn.

Source & edition

British Go Association Tournament rules of play, 31/03/2009British Go Association · Cover date; Audience and Purpose; Sections 1 (The Board, Stones, and Game Start), 2 (Play), 3 (Komi) and 4 (Handicap) · Checked 2026-09-26Printed page references: 2, 1
PDF page 2 PDF page 1

Image: Yinan Chen / Wikimedia Commons (public domain; resized) · Wikimedia Commons · Public-domain dedication

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/go-bga-tournament-rules-2009-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Go?</strong> In an even game, Black moves first from an empty board. In a handicap game, White moves first after all handicap stones have been placed.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/go-bga-tournament-rules-2009-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (BGA Tournament rules of play · 31 March 2009 (English))</p>
</blockquote>

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