[Stones and Stories] Is Counting Rare in Professional Go?

Counting After the Game Rare in Professional Go
Linked to Pros’ Attitude Toward Accepting Defeat
Choosing Honor Over Hoping for a Miracle

What is the typical difference in territory that determines the outcome in professional Go? In amateur Go, a difference of several tens of points is common, and sometimes the gap exceeds 100 points. In Go, a victory by a margin of 91 points or more is called Manbang (萬放).

Is it possible to see Manbang in the world of professional Go? Theoretically, if a professional player captures a large group of the opponent’s stones through sharp attacking skills, such a scenario could occur. In fact, it is not uncommon for large groups to be captured in professional matches. However, when the game ends and counting (gye-ga) is done, cases where Manbang actually materializes are extremely rare.

Not only Manbang, but even a difference of more than 10 points deciding the winner is uncommon. What is more interesting is that in professional Go, situations where the game ends and counting is performed are themselves rare.

On May 28, 2019, elderly people are playing Baduk at Jongmyo Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Asia Economy archive photo]

Analyzing the records from the Korea Baduk Association shows that from April 1 to 15, there were 328 matches played. The number of times the winner was determined through counting after the game ended was only 15.4% (57 matches). This means that out of ten games, eight were decided without counting, often by resignation or other means.

Is the situation different in major international tournaments where large prize money is at stake? Looking at the ‘2023 Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance World Baduk Masters’ tournament, which ended last November, the question is answered. From the round of 16 to the finals (best of three), there were 17 matches in total. Only one match was decided by counting. 94.1% of the games ended without counting.

The reason counting is rare in professional Go is related to the attitude of accepting defeat. When it becomes clear that overturning the result is impossible, it is common to resign. Occasionally, players continue the game after the outcome is decided, but this can appear desperate as they wait for the opponent’s mistake to delay defeat.

Most professional players choose to preserve their dignity rather than hope for a miracle in losing situations. Immediate defeat is bitter, but it does not disappear by avoidance. The attitude of accepting defeat reflects a life philosophy. The life lesson that those who know when to bow their heads ultimately gain the opportunity to rise again. Is this limited only to the world of Go?