GOE rules are based on the Ing 1991 rules. The IGS rules are designed to provide players from the whole world with a simple set resembling Japanese rules. Special rulings are omitted in favour of void games. The rules use basic ko , forbidden suicide , byoyomi , and Japanese handicap. Confirmation of life and death at the game end is left to the players' agreement.
Territory is monochrome surrounded empty board points plus removed opponent's stones.
Special features are added. The two players of a go game play black respectively white stones on a grid board. Before the start of a game the players agree on accepting this rules, the match command, the colour choice, the size of the board, and the time handling. Before the start of a game the players should agree on the rating status, the handicap, the komi, handling of exceptional cases, and additional features. Black makes either the first move or sets the handicap on an empty board.