Tengen

Tengen is the center point of the board, located at the 10-10 intersection on a standard 19×19 grid. Translated as the “origin of heaven,” it holds symbolic importance and can impact the balance of influence across the board. 

While rarely used in traditional opening strategies, a move at tengen can disrupt conventional patterns or assert control over the center. Starting at tengen often leads to unique and complex positions, steering the game away from standard joseki. Beyond its symbolic value, occupying tengen can provide a strong base for building central influence, which is crucial in games where control of the center becomes a key focus.

While it is rarely the first move on a standard 19×19 board, it plays a much larger role on the smaller 9×9 board, where tengen is considered the best opening move. This is because the central point on a 9×9 board provides immediate access to all areas of the board, offering a balanced and efficient starting position.