In the game of Go, a handicap can be given when two players of different strengths play each other to offset the difference and make a close, exciting game more likely. Handicapping is much more common in Go than in other board games, as the system adapts comparatively well to handicaps; perhaps half of all Go games are played with handicaps. Handicaps are given by means of stones and compensation points (komi). A small handicap such as might be given with a difference of one rank is that the weaker player plays as Black and gets the first move, but offers no komi for the advantage. Larger handicaps give free stones placed at the start of the game for the Black player.
Handicap stones
The rank difference within a given amateur ranking system is one guide to how many handicap stones should be given to make the game a more equal contest. As a general rule, each rank represents the value of one stone. For example, a 3 kyu player gives a 7 kyu player four handicap stones to allow for an interesting game with roughly equal challenge for both players. If traditional fixed placement of the handicap stones is used, nine stones is normally the maximum handicap. The fixed locations are at the (4,4) points in the corners, so if Black wishes to gain experience playing (3,4) corner openings, or others such as (3,3), (5,4), (5,3), etc., free placement can allow this.
Small board handicaps
Small Go boards are often used for novice players (double-digit kyu players) just learning to play Go, or for quick games (most commonly 13×13 and 9×9). As the fewer moves made when playing on smaller boards gives White fewer chances to overcome the advantage conferred by the handicap, each free stone is worth more. Accordingly, smaller handicaps are used for the same difference in rank than would be given on a 19x19 board.