Life In 19x19

The standard definition of the endgame in go is that the life-and-death status of all groups is settled and the players are just fighting over points. If the game is particularly peaceful this can happen relatively early!

dfan wrote:The standard definition of the endgame in go is that the life-and-death status of all groups is settled and the players are just fighting over points.

I wouldn't call that standard. I would call that vulgar. The endgame is not just about points. As Takagawa said, the endgame is about fighting strength.

ephriam22 wrote:I don't have a clear understanding of what distinguishes "midgame" from "endgame" and would appreciate guidance. Fred

In the endgame the go board breaks up into independent, or nearly independent, regions of play.

Bill Spight wrote:

dfan wrote:The standard definition of the endgame in go is that the life-and-death status of all groups is settled and the players are just fighting over points.

I wouldn't call that standard. I would call that vulgar. The endgame is not just about points. As Takagawa said, the endgame is about fighting strength.

I stand corrected!

I just checked https://senseis.xmp.net/?Endgame and I think my definition is basically a paraphrase of the first sentence there, so either I missed a subtlety or that definition could use an editing pass as well.

I don't have a clear understanding of what distinguishes "midgame" from "endgame" and would appreciate guidance.

Hi Fred,

Nice definitions aside, your 'real' understanding ( in this case, at least ) will come from direct, personal experience and eureka moments --
it'll come from within. Enjoy.

dfan wrote:

Bill Spight wrote:

dfan wrote:The standard definition of the endgame in go is that the life-and-death status of all groups is settled and the players are just fighting over points.

I wouldn't call that standard. I would call that vulgar. The endgame is not just about points. As Takagawa said, the endgame is about fighting strength.

I stand corrected!

I just checked https://senseis.xmp.net/?Endgame and I think my definition is basically a paraphrase of the first sentence there, so either I missed a subtlety or that definition could use an editing pass as well.

That SL page says that the status of large groups has been settled. It is not unusual for smaller groups to be unsettled, and fairly substantial endgame kos over life and death are not uncommon.

Ogawa's characterization of the endgame, quoted in the third paragraph on that page, is accurate.

Ogawa Tomoko wrote:The opening and middle game are much like a single large battle between two armies; the endgame is like a number of smaller battles going on in different places simultaneously.

Edit: Also, as dame get filled groups can become unsettled. Furthermore, plays inside the opponent's "territory" are important possibilities in the endgame.