Opening analysis by kyu/dan rank

Internet Go OGS
1

Hi - I’ve analyzed opening patterns using 2025 games. The attached image shows the most popular positions at move 4 across different kyu/dan. Each row represents a specific rank, with the most frequently played position at the left.

I’ve highlighted the nirensei vs. nirensei opening. Interestingly, while it’s popular across all ranks, its popularity dips from 2k to 3d before becoming the top choice again from 4d onward.

move-4-nirensei.small
move-4-nirensei.small2645×4046 97.1 KB

The full image:

move-4-nirensei
move-4-nirensei3796×9590 302 KB

The data was downloaded from za3k.com/ogs and filtered for:

  • Date: 2025 (January–July only, based on available data)
  • Board size: 19×19
  • Game type: Non-handicap
  • Players: Human only (though some bot games may be included, as I don’t have a complete bot name list)
  • Minimum moves: 10+
  • Rank matching: Both players at the same rank

I hope you find the analysis interesting! Thanks to za3k and the OGS team for maintaining open data and a great platform :slight_smile:

7 Likes
2

number of games:

690×500 3.36 KB

6 Likes
Suggestion for activity
Suggestion for activity
3

does that mean that corner square opening is the best move to start with— or just the most used what are the results of wins for those games using those methods of openings ?

4

Nobody talked about square opening yet.

1 Like
5

gonna have to reach 5 or 6 dan and then spam square opening games to take over the 2026 data

I find it hard to believe only 143 games were played at 5 dan in all of 2025 though. Is that only 5 dan vs. 5 dan?

1 Like
6

It’s only half year.

So not so surprised (5d vs 5d is quite rare on OGS)

1 Like
7

too hard then, i’m only reaching 4 dan max in the first half of the year

1 Like