Official regulations

Official Regulations: Latin American Go Congress 2026

I. Philosophy and spirit of the game

The Latin American Go Congress is first and foremost about shared learning, technical development, and strengthening community ties. All participants are expected to show respect, integrity, and alignment with the values of Go.

II. General competition rules

1. Technical rules

Rules of play: Standard Japanese rules apply.
Komi: 6.5 points for the player with the white stones.
Board: 19×19 (unless a special event states otherwise).
Nigiri: The pairing system will assign colors automatically. In special events, nigiri will be played at the start of each game to decide colors.

2. Time management and punctuality

Clock start: Clocks will start on time at the scheduled hour. The player with White may choose which side of the board the clock is placed on.

Tolerance and lateness:

5 minutes: Maximum waiting time. If the opponent has not arrived, the present player starts the absent player’s clock.
15 minutes: If the absent player has not arrived 15 minutes after their clock was started, they lose the game by forfeit (walkover).
Double absence: If after 5 minutes neither player is present, the referee starts the clock. The first to arrive takes the color assigned by the pairing system and continues with the running time. If 5 minutes pass and no one arrives, both lose the game.

3. Procedures during the game

Interference: Talking or making noise or distractions is prohibited.
Placing stones: Once a stone touches the board, the move must be minimal to adjust it to the intersection and it must be released immediately.
Errors and clock: Once the game has started, only the referee may correct trivial time errors or clock failures. If a color error is noticed before the third move, the game is restarted; otherwise play continues.
No result: In case of infinite repetition (triple ko, eternal life), the game is replayed with the remaining time on the clocks.

III. Prohibitions and ethics (anti-cheating)

The following are strictly prohibited, with immediate expulsion as a penalty:

External help: Consulting books, texts, or receiving advice from third parties (players or observers).
Technology and AI: Mobile phones, tablets, or any analysis software (KataGo, Leela Zero, etc.) are prohibited in the playing area.
Exception: Digital game record (kifu) via authorized apps (Pandanet, OGS, FujiGoban Free, etc.) with prior approval from the referee.
Analysis: Second boards (physical or digital) may not be used to analyze variations during the game.

IV. Code of conduct and dress

Behavior: Respect toward referees and opponents is required. Repeated lateness or offensive behavior will be sanctioned.
Silence after the game: After the game, analysis should be done quietly or in designated review areas so as not to disturb active boards.
Dress: Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Please avoid overly casual clothing in main rounds.
Food: Eating at the playing tables is prohibited. Discreet hydration is allowed.

V. Competitive framework (tournaments)

Tournament	System	Main time	Additional time (byo-yomi)
Ibero-American	McMahon / accelerated Swiss	45 min	5 periods of 30 sec
Under-18	Swiss	20 min	5 periods of 30 sec
Pair Go	Swiss	20 min	5 periods of 30 sec

Tie-breaks: 1. SOS (sum of opponents’ scores), 2. SOSOS (sum of opponents’ SOS).

VI. Sanctions

Warning: For minor infractions (noise, distractions, slight lateness). Two warnings equal one reprimand.
Reprimand: For serious infractions or repeat offenses. May include loss of the current game.
Expulsion: For cheating (AI), impersonation, aggression, or grave ethical misconduct. Final decision of the chief referee, not subject to appeal.