kgs

KGS, short for Kiseido Go Server, is an online platform for playing and studying the board game Go (also known as Weiqi or Baduk). It is one of the long-standing Go servers and is used by players around the world to play real-time games, review moves, and participate in teaching and discussion activities. The name reflects its historical connection to the Kiseido Go Club and Kiseido Publishing Company.

The service originated in the early era of internet Go communities and has been maintained by volunteers associated with the Go community and related organizations. Over time it faced competition from other servers but has retained a dedicated user base due to its stable client, comprehensive study tools, and straightforward user experience.

Key features include a dedicated cross-platform client for Windows, macOS, and Linux, support for various time controls and byo-yomi, and the ability to save games in SGF format for later review. The platform offers ranking systems with kyu and dan levels, user profiles, private messaging, and public chat rooms. In-game review tools allow players to annotate moves, and there are study rooms, commentaries on professional games, and other resources to aid learning and improvement.

KGS serves a broad community that includes beginners, club players, and some more experienced players who use the server for practice, analysis, and social interaction. It functions as a venue for online play, education, and connection within the global Go world, alongside other servers and community resources. See also: Online Go servers and related Go community platforms.