Go Stones

Masters Games recommends avoiding plastic stones, if possible. You can play the game with them but you'll miss the experience!

All Go stones on this page, unless otherwise stated, are the standard size for Japanese equipment - around 21.5 - 22mm diameter and convex on both sides. There should be approximately 180 stones of each colour in each set. All decent sets have slightly bigger black stones than white.

 

Glass Go Stones

For basic sets, glass stones provide an adequate feel and 'click' nicely when being played onto the board.

The disadvantage is that they may have the odd imperfection, the thickness varies slightly and they are more easily chipped than clamshell and slate stones.

None-the-less, they represent excellent value for money and will suit most people just fine.

This product contains small parts that represent a choking hazard for small children. Not suitable for children under 5 years old. Black stones are 21.5mm, white are 22mm with a +/- 0.5mm tolerance. However, please note that the 7mm stones are smaller than standard diameter at ~20mm.

N.B. Thicker stones are generally accepted as better quality and more satisfying to play with but this is entirely cosmetic - stone thickness has no bearing on game-play.

Click on the picture to enlarge.

Mineral Go Stones

Yunzi stones are made from stone (!). They are the normal bi-convex shape, approximately 9mm thick and 21.5mm diameter."

Our Yunzi Go stones are supplied in sets of 180 black and 180 white in cardboard boxes.

Clamshell and Slate Go Stones

For people wishing to play with the genuine article and succumb to the full Go experience, only clamshell and slate stones will do. Their weight, colour, the pleasant feel and the grain of the shell are all highly aesthetically pleasing.

The black stones sold by us are made from Nachiguro slate minded in Wakayama prefecture. The white stones are made from the shells of Clams harvested near Lower California, Mexico. The thickness and grain pattern of the clamshell determines the price of the set but these aspects are purely subjective and a matter of personal preference.

All these stones come wrapped in neat Japanese 'de luxe' cardboard boxes.

Pictured are Jitsuyo stones. This product contains small parts that represent a choking hazard for small children. Not suitable for children under 5 years old.

Click on the picture to enlarge.

Jitsuyo stones are made from clamshell with an irregular grain which has a slightly more 'natural' look and which is not as clear as the Yuki variety. They are generally preferred by Europeans.

Yuki stones are made from what the Japanese consider to be the highest quality clamshell. The grain is clearer and more regular than the Jitsuyo stones.