Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about Punigo's browser version.
Is it free?
Yes. The browser version is free and needs no sign-up. To cover running costs, ads may appear on the pages.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. It works in the browser on phones, tablets and computers. The first game against the AI may take a while to start because the AI data has to download once. If you are worried about data usage, connect to Wi-Fi first.
Is there an app?
We are preparing a smartphone app. Once it is released, you will be able to download it from the home page.
How strong is the AI?
You can choose from 43 levels, from 40 kyu up to 3 dan. 40 kyu is the gentlest setting, meant for people who have only just learned the rules. The AI learned from games played by people, and at each level it plays moves a person of that strength might play. For the “Next game” that suggests a slightly stronger opponent after each win, see “Starting a game”.
Can I undo a move?
No, the browser version has no undo.
Can a game be a draw?
With a whole-number komi such as 0, 1 or 2, the game is a draw when Black's stones equal White's stones plus komi. With a komi ending in .5, such as 6.5, there are no draws.
It says I can't play there
There are two possible reasons. Either your stone would have no liberties the moment you place it (unless the move captures), or the move would bring back a recent position. Both are explained with diagrams in “The four rules in detail”. Tapping a point that already has a stone simply does nothing.
I passed, but the AI keeps playing and the game won't end
If the AI thinks part of the board is still undecided, it will play instead of passing. Capture any opponent stones left inside your territory, fill the points you can inside it and the empty points along the border, then pass again. Remember to keep two separate eyes (see “Living and dead stones”). If you want to stop, you can always end the game with “Resign”.
Can I save my games?
Yes. On the result screen, copy the link to the game or its SGF record. Opening the link replays the game from the start (the record lives in the link itself, not on a server).
I closed the page in the middle of a game
If you reload the page in the same tab, you can continue where you left off. If you close the tab, that game is over.
Is there a 19×19 board?
Games are played on boards from 5×5 to 9×9. For 19×19, you can use the “Demo board”, where you can place stones freely to study and explain games. Open it from the link at the very bottom of the home page.
Can I stream or post videos of my games?
Yes. You are free to stream and post videos, including monetized ones. See the streaming guidelines for the details.
How do I contact you?
Please use our contact form. Information about who runs Punigo is on the “About & contact” page.