Agreeing on a handicap before a game of go, also known as baduk, is awkward every single time. This calculator takes both players rated in either kyu or dan, merges the two ladders onto one scale to measure the gap, and shows the game form, the number of handicap stones and the komi to use. The ladders join so that 1 dan sits immediately above 1 kyu, which makes 5 kyu to 1 dan a gap of five ranks.
The rule follows American Go Association (AGA) handicap practice: one stone per rank of difference. Players of the same rank play an even game, choose colors by nigiri and use the komi you enter (7.5 under AGA rules). A one-rank gap is played with no handicap stones: the weaker player takes black and White gets just 0.5 komi to prevent ties. A gap of 2 to 9 ranks gives the weaker player that many stones, again with 0.5 komi. A one-stone game is the same as taking black, so it is never shown.
Nine stones, one on each star point, is the standard maximum. If the gap is larger than 9 ranks the page caps the handicap at 9 and suggests adding reverse komi or pairing with a closer-ranked opponent. Clubs and tournaments can set their own komi and details, so follow your ruleset where it differs. The page does not predict results or rate anyone, and stone placement and clock settings are outside its scope. Current as of October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 dan is placed immediately above 1 kyu. That makes 5 kyu to 1 dan a gap of five ranks, and 1 kyu to 3 dan a gap of three ranks.
Under AGA practice a one-rank gap is played with the weaker player taking black and no stones. Moving first makes up the difference, so White receives only 0.5 komi to break ties.
Nine stones is the standard maximum, so the page caps the handicap at 9. For larger gaps, add reverse komi to the 9 stones or pair with a closer-ranked opponent.