Kyu

Kyu in Go is a ranking system that signifies the skill level of amateur players, serving as a stepping stone to the advanced Dan ranks. The kyu system begins at higher numbers for beginners and progresses toward 1-kyu.

Structure of the Kyu System

Beginners typically start around 30-kyu, with larger numbers indicating less experience. As players improve, they move closer and closer toward 1-kyu, the threshold before entering the Dan ranks.

Similar to the colored belt system in martial arts, kyu rankings provide a clear progression path for learning and improvement, making it easy for players to measure their growth. 

Significance of Kyu Rankings

• Skill Assessment: Kyu rankings help players find appropriate opponents and track personal progress.
• Handicap Adjustment: In handicap games, the difference in kyu levels determines the number of stones one player may give or receive to balance the match.

Transition to Dan Levels

After reaching 1-kyu, players who continue to refine their skills may advance to 1-dan, entering the realm of more advanced and professional-level play.

If you want to know more about dan and kyu levels, take a look at this lesson from our Go Rules course.