GoQuest

The matchmaking and the games seem quite fun. It’s nice to hop into a really quick 9x9 match. I really REALLY want to be able to pay to get rid of the intrusive ads in this app, as it would make it much more enjoyable. This matches on this app are very short, and you can decide you want to play and be matched up and finished in 5 minutes or less. That’s really great! What’s not great is the automatic scoring that happens which isn’t super transparent. I think it’s Chinese rules with a Komi of 7? I’d really like to see how the computer counted things (e.g., with white or black squares overlayed on areas that were considered points for each player). The instructions for the app recommend leaving no stones in your territory, which might help with the automatic scoring. I was upset about the scoring at first, but it seems like it might be okay if you keep that in mind, despite it not being very transparent. Overall it’s a bit of a frustrating mixed bag! On the one hand the app is pretty ugly and riddled with ads that I find obtrusive, but I would also be lying if I didn't say it was the most fun I have had on 9x9 games (especially after disabling matching with bots). It’s just so quick to get into a game and as a result I’m playing a lot more.

I don’t believe the scoring at the end is always correct, which is frustrating. I believe there should be a transparent explanation of the score after a game, and an option to select dead stones with your opponent once both players pass: features that currently don’t exist. I wish there were also options to change the time controls and Komi instead of having only 1 preset option per board size. I enjoy the snappy sound effects of the stones when they are placed, and the app is simple to use (although made for an older iOS). There are a few styles of stones/boards to choose from which is nice.

Funny...I read some reviews and I wonder if they’re playing the same app. I’m a beginner and I’ve played maybe 60? games on this program AND unlike many of the other sites mentioned this app is so EASY and fun to use. I’m at 12Kyu and I’ve had my head handed to me by much better players (that’s how you learn) and I appreciate the dumb bots...a little positive reinforcement isn’t that bad...that’s what GoQuest has that the others don’t. I have em all and as a beginner I keep coming back to GoQuest because it’s so easy to use and I get plenty of games. Addicted to the quick 13X13 games!