A Beginner's Guide to Buying Your First Go Set
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Looking to make your first move into the world of Go? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In our endless quest to find the best Go sets for beginners, we’ve reviewed countless boards and stones to identify the top options across all styles and budgets.
We’ve played and tested sets ranging from portable roll-up vinyl to luxurious kaya wood boards. We've handled glass, plastic, and slate stones of all shapes and sizes. Our Go experts have then curated from those sets a select list of the very best to recommend right now for any newcomer to the game.
Whether you prefer classic styles or modern materials, we’ve got you covered. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry – we’ve picked the best entry-level and affordable sets too.
We also recognize it’s a great time to capture deals on new Go supplies. Be sure to check out our roundup of current sales and discounts to save on your first quality set.
With the reviews ahead, you can strategize with confidence and choose a starter set that perfectly suits your needs and style as a beginner player. Let’s start with the basics!
the magnetic go set - The Most Affordable set
The ColorGo magnetic Go set offers an affordable and portable physical Go board. The 19x19 playing field is made of durable HIPS plastic with a fine texture that provides a smooth feel during play. The individual magnetic stones lightly adhere to the board, remaining stable but still easy to move even in windy conditions. This allows for play at home or on the go.
When folded, the set measures just 11.3" x 5.65" x 1.24”, making it highly portable for travel or picnic play. While not as luxurious as wood or slate and shell stones, the ColorGo magnetic set provides a budget-friendly introduction to enjoying Go games in-person at under $20. For new players looking for an accessible starter set, it can be a great first step into over-the-board Go.
The price is usually around $17 on Amazon.
Pros:
Affordable price under $20
Portable and lightweight
Durable HIPS plastic material
Cons:
Not as high quality as wood or slate/shell sets
Stones don't make a satisfying "click" sound
Single-convex Stones
The Bamboo Go Set - The Most Affordable Full-size set
For those seeking a classic Go set, this bamboo board and bakelite stone set offers elegance and quality. The 47 x 44 cm board is made from natural bamboo with a dark stain and engraved lines.
It features a regulation 19 x 19 playing field on one side and a 13 x 13 beginner's board on the reverse. The set includes two matching bamboo bowls and 361 single-convex bakelite stones with a pleasing heft.
Bakelite stones provide durability and a satisfying click when played. This traditional set combines natural materials and dedication to Go's heritage. While pricier than basic plastic sets, the premium bamboo and bakelite offer a refined playing experience and long-lasting value. For Go purists, it can make a cherished addition to one's collection.
It usually goes for around $90, but the price occasionally drops to under $70.
Pros:
Classic, elegant style
Reversible 19x19 and 13x13 boards
Cons:
More expensive than basic plastic sets
Single-convex stones
Heavy and less portable
May crack if too dry or with humidity/temperature changes, but will still be usable
Shin Kaya Go Board w/ Double-Convex Yunzi Stones - The Premium Go Set
For Go enthusiasts seeking a premium set, this Shin Kaya board and Yunzi stone set delivers elegance and performance. Featuring a 2-inch thick reversible board with 19x19 and 13x13 playing surfaces, it combines versatility with beautiful spruce wood crafted from Tibet. The Shin Kaya wood offers pleasing acoustic properties and an elegant grain.
Included are solid double convex Yunzi stones with deep color and a satisfying "snap" when played. Their 9.2 x 21 mm size provides ideal heft. The set also includes two wild jujube wood bowls with an organic grain pattern.
With attention to aesthetic and functional details, this traditional set allows for all levels of play while bringing the richness of Go heritage to every game. It's a fine choice for serious players invested in their equipment.
The price is usually around $230 on Amazon.
Pros:
Reversible 19x19 and 13x13 board
Beautiful Shin Kaya(spruce wood) with great acoustics
Sourced from Tibet for quality
Yunzi stones provide a satisfying “click” sound
Double convex stones
Elegant wild jujube wood bowls
Premium materials and craftsmanship
Built to last many years
Cons:
More expensive than basic sets
Heavy and less portable
Spruce wood requires a little bit of maintenance
Go Equipments FAQ
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There are 9x9, 13x13, and 19x19 grid boards.
9x9 boards are usually used to introduce Go to beginners, and 13x13 boards are usually played by people who don’t have enough time to play 19x19 games.
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Magnetic boards offer the most affordable way to start playing Go. Their portability and easy storage come at the cost of less satisfying tactile feedback. But they provide a practical option if price matters most.
For a full-sized board at a moderate price, bamboo is a nice middle ground. Well-crafted bamboo combines natural beauty with durability for an enjoyable playing experience. This can be a good choice if you want quality without splurging.
Shin Kaya wood boards are the premium option for enthusiasts wanting an exceptional playing encounter. Their resonant sound, smooth surface, and timeless beauty create a luxurious playing experience that will last decades.
Beyond these common materials, glass, slate, vinyl, and exotic woods provide unique benefits. Evaluate which qualities align with your priorities before deciding. An informed choice that fits your goals and budget will enhance the playing experience.
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Glass, plastic, slate, clamshell, precious gemstones, and melamine are common materials.
Plastic and melamine stones offer affordability but lack heft and luxury.
Slate and shell stones provide timeless elegance but at a premium price.
Yunzi stones strike a balance - pleasing weight and resonating "snap" at a moderate cost. But the traditional Yongzi version is quite expensive.
Beyond these, creative options exist like ground stone and crystal.
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The term "Shin Kaya" literally translates to "New Kaya" in Japanese. However, in Go board terms, Shin Kaya refers specifically to boards made from spruce wood. Spruce boards are often marketed as "Shin Kaya" to draw an association with the coveted Kaya tree wood prized for making luxury Go boards.
While not actually derived from the Kaya tree, spruce Shin Kaya boards offer a more affordable alternative to premium Hon Kaya boards made from aged Kaya tree lumber.
Authentic Hon Kaya boards can cost thousands of dollars due to the rarity and expense of antique Kaya wood. In contrast, spruce Shin Kaya boards provide a similar blonde coloring and fine grain at a fraction of the price.
If you would like to individually purchase high-quality Go equipment, then please check out Go Equipments at Simple Baduk
