Gyaku Komi

Gyaku komi is a non-standard komi arrangement where Black receives points instead of White. This system is used in certain tournament settings and handicap games to adjust for skill imbalances or to experiment with alternative rulesets. 

In standard Go, White typically receives komi (e.g., 6.5 points) to balance the game. With gyaku komi, this is reversed—Black is awarded the komi, putting White at a point disadvantage from the start. This can be expressed as a negative komi value, such as “-6.5 komi,” meaning Black gains 6.5 points.

Though rare in traditional play, gyaku komi is a versatile tool for customizing game balance, making it useful in both competitive and casual settings. It’s a reminder of Go’s flexibility and the many ways the game can be adapted to suit different players and situations.