Why is Go played on 19x19, 13x13, and 9x9 boards? And what determines the "handicap" points?

Question

Because I, inexperienced that I am, think those sizes (and points sometimes) seem fairly random.

Raven: You missed the point. I know why there are different sized boards and what the handicaps are for, I just don't understand why the sizes are 19x19, etc., instead of, say, 25x25, a much nicer set of dimensions. Or even the rounder 20x20.

Answer 1

It depends.

Experienced players sometimes use smaller size boards in order to play a faster game.

Some teachers recommend learning on a 9x9 board, because they think that studying right off the bat on a full size 19x19 board my be too daunting for beginners.

It seems that 9x9 might be just the right size so as to be big enough to make the game interesting, but not so big that it would take too long for beginners to play a game. It's probably also true that 9x9 is big enough to teach the majority of beginning concepts.

Having an odd number of "points" along each row and column allows the board to be symmetrical around the center point...this would not be possible with "even numbered" boards... the symmetry plays into certain strategies and tactics.

Answer 2

The smaller boards are used by the beginners because it's easier to learn the game. If one of the players is stronger than the other one then the game will be played with handicap points. The number of handicaps depends on the difference in strength.

Answer 3

I think the handicap points are all on the fourth line so that white has a chance. The fourth line is a too high for territory, so it gives white a chance to build his moyos and make territory.