Uncovering the Best OGS Alternatives for Go Enthusiasts
OGS, or Online Go Server, is a popular platform for Go players to learn, train, play, and engage in the Go community. It offers features like puzzle solving, joseki learning, and the ability to join groups and tournaments. However, users often seek alternatives for various reasons, including specific platform needs, desire for offline play, or interest in different AI opponents. This article explores the top OGS alternatives available to enhance your Go experience.
Top OGS Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a dedicated Go client, a powerful AI opponent, or a comprehensive game analysis tool, there's an OGS alternative out there for you. We've compiled a list of excellent options that cater to different preferences and playing styles.
JagoClient
JagoClient is a versatile Go client and SGF (Smart Go Format) and XML Go game viewer, making it an excellent OGS alternative for those who need robust game management. It also functions as an IGS client, allowing you to play on any IGS compatible Go server. JagoClient is available for Free on Mac, Windows, and Linux, offering broad platform compatibility.
Crazy Stone 2013
Crazy Stone 2013 is a highly competitive Go software, currently ranked at 6 dan, making it a fantastic OGS alternative for players seeking a strong AI opponent. This commercial software for Windows focuses heavily on board game and gaming features, providing a challenging and engaging experience for improving your Go skills.
SmartGo
SmartGo for Windows is a comprehensive tool for Go players, offering a database of over 45,000 professional games, which makes it a powerful OGS alternative for learning and analysis. This commercial software is available on Windows and iPhone, providing extensive gaming features and making it more powerful for game study compared to many other Go programs.
The Many Faces of Go
"The Many Faces of Go" is a highly decorated Go AI, having been the 2008 World computer go 19x19 and 9x9 champion, among other titles. As a commercial OGS alternative, it excels in providing a challenging AI opponent on Windows and iPhone, with strong board game features for serious players.
qGo
qGo is a free and open-source Go client and a full-featured SGF editor, making it an excellent OGS alternative for those who prefer community-driven software and robust editing capabilities. It's available for Linux, Windows, and MacOS X, offering broad accessibility for Go players across different operating systems.
ccGo
ccGo is a free and open-source program that allows you to play Go with gnugo on your computer or with other players on the IGS (Internet Go Server), serving as a viable OGS alternative for offline and online play. It is specifically available for Linux users, offering a focused platform for Go enthusiasts.
KaTrain
KaTrain is a free and open-source OGS alternative focused on improving your Go game through AI feedback. It allows you to review games to identify costly moves, play against AI with immediate feedback on mistakes, and even retry moves. Available on Windows and Linux, KaTrain offers robust board game features for serious study and improvement.
GNU Go
GNU Go is a free and open-source program dedicated to playing the game of Go. It has a long history of playing on servers like NNGS and Legend Go Server, making it a reliable OGS alternative for those who prefer a strong, established AI. GNU Go is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, offering wide accessibility for gaming.
The world of Go software is vast and varied, offering numerous alternatives to OGS that cater to different needs, from advanced AI training to comprehensive game analysis and diverse playing platforms. We encourage you to explore these options to find the perfect fit that elevates your Go journey and helps you achieve your playing goals.