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An internet Go server is a server that allow players of the game of Go to play against other players online. The two fundamental types of Go server are real-time servers and turn-based servers.

[edit] History

The first Go server that started operating is the Internet Go Server (IGS), which began service in 1992^[1] and is still active today. Several other servers, all with the same basic server-client architecture, followed^[2].

[edit] Real-time servers

Real-time Go servers allow players to play against other in real time when both are online at the same time. Generally, this involves a setup where both players use a client program to connect to the server, which then relays the moves from player to player. The server also keeps track of time controls, calculates the score and, if applicable, calculates ratings for the players based on their results. Such servers require players to download a client program, and many such programs have been developed for a wide range of platforms^[2]. Around 2000, Kiseido publishing started the Kiseido Go Server (KGS), which allowed players to play without downloading a client by utilizing a Java applet in the web browser. This server quickly became popular and still is today. IGS and KGS are currently (2007) the most popular servers for the English speaking audience^[3]

[edit] Turn based servers

Turn-based servers do not require that players be online at the same time. Instead, a player records a move with the server, and the server will present this move to the opponent the next time he connects to the server. This way, players need never be online simultaneously and can still play against each other. Turn-based servers also keep track of time controls, but these are generally measured in days instead of minutes, as is customary on real-time servers.

[edit] References

1. ^ Jim Z. Yu A Brief History of IGS, the Early Years - 1992 & 1993 Retrieved on 2007-12-11
2. ^ ^{a b} British Go Association. "Go Servers - A Short History". http://www.britgo.org/history/servers.html. Retrieved 2007-12-11. 
3. ^ British Go Association. "Internet Go". http://www.britgo.org/gopcres/play.html. Retrieved 2007-12-11. 

[edit] External links

• List of internet Go servers on Sensei's Library.
• List of internet Go servers on the AGA website.
• List of internet Go servers on the FICGS website.
• List of teaching services on the BGA website.

Please help improve this article by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (January 2008)