Game Playing Etiquette

Background for this page is found on the Playing Games page.

Greet your opponent. For example, say, "Hi."
- But, please do not be offended if your opponent does not greet you.
  - People from all over the world play on KGS, and many of them are intimidated by the language barrier. Some do not know English. In addition, there are physically challenged users who might not be able to use a keyboard.
Make your first move in the upper right corner when you are black.
In fact, make your first move in the lower right half of the upper right corner¹.
- Savvy KGS players always make their first move in this area.
- The on-line joseki dictionaries ask you to chose the first move in this area.

Encourage your opponent during the game.
- For example, if your opponent has made a particularly good move, you might say, "nice."
If it is clear that your chances of winning are remote, resign. That way neither your opponent nor you waste energy on an uninteresting game.
If your opponent continues to play a game that is hopelessly lost, please be patient.
During the yose², do not play stones in your opponents territory in the hope that they will make a careless mistake.
- An experienced go player regards such moves as meaningless.
- They are not against the rules, and they are not "unfair," but, they violate the culture of the game.
Do not escape from a game. Escaping from a game is viewed as a particularly obnoxious behavior on KGS.

If you issue an undo request that is not responded to, issue it again. Your opponent might not see your initial request.
Only your opponent has the right to decide whether or not they should grant you an undo, even if your move is a misclick.
Always use respectful language when talking to your opponent, even if they deny your second undo request.
- Do not say, "you are not an honorable person."
- Do not say, "you do not play fair."
If you feel that you have been treated unfairly and you need to talk to somebody about it, use PM to talk to an administrator.

If you leave the game for a short period of time, let your opponent know.
- For example, say, "brb." (be right back)
Let your opponent know when you return. For example, say, "hi."
If your opponent returns after an extended absence, consider adding time to their clock.
If you must leave the game and you do not know when you will be back, let your opponent know.
- For example, say, "I have to leave, may we resume later?"
- At least say, "gotta go." Exit the game or resign (But DO NOT resign when you are not sure that you lost), and then exit from KGS. You will not get an escaper mark for that game if you resign or if the game is resumed later.
- Do not leave your opponent waiting for you to make a move while your clock runs out. This is not fair. It is inconsiderate and it is rude.
- For further discussion, please see the Adjourning/Resuming a Game section of the Playing Games page.

Your game is "suspended" if you or your opponent exit the game.
- If you lose your connection, you have exited the game, and the game is suspended.
If you issue an invitation to resume a suspended game³, don't expect your opponent to respond if they are playing another game. Just make your move (if it is your turn) and close the game.
If you receive an invitation to resume a suspended game while you are playing another game, just click on "No".
- When you finish your current game, you can reissue the invitation to resume the game. If you can't resume the game right now, send them a message suggesting a time to resume the game later.
If your opponent does not respond when you issue an invitation to resume a suspended game, consider sending a message asking them if they would like to finish the game.
For further discussion, please see the Adjourning/Resuming a Game section of the Playing Games page.

Do not make meaningless moves that prolong a game that is really over.
If your opponent wants to fill in all the dame at the end of a game, be patient.
- Perhaps he is practicing for the next AGA⁵ tournament.
- If you want to be really nice, help them fill in the dame.
- Filling in the dame is the most practical way to ensure that the game is really over anyway.
Do not let your clock run out instead of resigning.
- This is very rude.
Thank your opponent.
After winning a game against a weaker opponent, three or more stones weaker, an offer to review the game is appreciated.
Do not use disrespectful language when talking to your opponent, not even if you are upset because you lost the game.
After you opponent has pushed their "done" button, it is polite to push your "done" button rather that resign.

² Moves during the yose are worth a small number of points, but they are still worth something. The end of game begins when the yose is over.

³ An invitation to resume a suspended game is issued when you click on the "Resume" button and select the desired game.

⁴ See the "Ending The Game" section of Playing Games.

⁵ With AGA rules, if a player does not fill in all the dame that they can before they pass, they lose points, unless the other player also passes.

The use of abbreviations is not viewed as impolite on KGS. It is just a matter of style. A few common ones are included in this glossary.