Shiro

In Go, the term shiro refers to the white stones, which are traditionally played second in a game.

While black usually begins with a slight territorial advantage due to the first-move initiative, white is compensated by the rule of komi — additional points awarded to white at the end of the game.

White’s role on the board is not merely reactive. Skilled white play demands subtle balance — responding effectively to black’s development while patiently building a framework or waiting for tactical opportunities. A white player must navigate the game with flexibility, adapting strategies in response to the shifting board dynamics.