Do Go players give handicaps in tournaments and matches?

Question

I understand the concept of giving stone handicaps during Go games, to equalize between players of different strengths and allow for an interesting even match.

Is this done in tournaments and matches though? I would assume it was only done in exhibition matches or training sessions, as if it were done in tournaments and matches, wouldn't this remove any point of being strong at the game (for the purposes of winning tournaments and amtches) if you were always going to get an even match?

Answer 1

I don't play Go, but I do play Shogi and Shogi uses a similar concept of handicaps.

Handicaps can be given in unofficial games or exhibitions, but they are used in tournaments as well. It all depends on the type of tournament and the club where such games are played.

For example, at some Shogi clubs in Japan. Handicaps are given for all "official" ("rated") games (tournament or not) played at the club. Some clubs follow standard handicaps and some make up their own, but in order to make the games more competitive between players of different strength handicaps are given.

If the tournament is an open tournament and not a class tournament, especially a tournament mixing "dan" and "kyuu" players then handicaps are often used.

Most of the time these tournments are just local club tournaments so everything is left up to the clubs.

National tournaments or regional qualifying tournaments for these national tournaments don't use handicaps very much at all. Everyone starts out the same regardless of playing strength.

I used to think that "handicaps" were a joke simply because I was thinking like a chess player, but after playing a few handicap games, I did a complete 180. Sure the player giving the handicap might seem to be at disadvantage, but winning games against a person giving handicaps is much more harder than it seems (unless you are much stronger than the handicap you've been given.).

I've played a few Shogi professionals in exhibition games involving handicaps and have both won and lost. Every game was close and could have gone either way, but without getting the handicap I would've been killed. I've also been lots of lower ranked players after giving them handicaps (sometimes quite large).

Handicap games require a deeper understanding of certain positions and concepts so they are excellent ways to increase your playing strength. Usually, more subtle techniques are required and simply trying to beat your opponent to death with extra material just doesn't work.

If a person is really strong in "Go" then they are going to be strong regardless of whether they give a handicap or not. In fact, I would say a person who regularly plays handicap games (win or lose; tournament or not) is probably on average stronger than one who doesn't. During handicap games, you really get the opportunity to work on your "tesuji" and the chance to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your moves than you would from standard games.

Answer 2

Yes and No.

It depends on the tournament.. and the style of scoring used in the tournament. Generally.. in a single elimination tournament.. there is no modifier applied to the game.. aside from the standard Komi value for White.