You must install Java before starting the KGS installation. Just click the "Get it Now" button. If you are not able to install Java because you lack admin privledges (often the case on a work computer), you can install this older version on Windows.

The first task in playing on the KGS go server is to head to The KGS Download Page. The easiest way is to use "Java Web Start." If you needed to install the older version of Java, you must use the "Windows" installer... I'm not sure which installer should be used for Mac/*nix... it may be easier to use their specific installers.

If you are using webstart, this (or similar) spash screen is likely to appear:

After loading is complete (webstart downloads the program every time it changes online, so this can take a while the first time or after a software update) you should see this menu:

"Play on KGS" is probably most interesting for you right now... editing and creating SGF (Game Record Files) is not hard, but we want to play Go now! Configuration isn't necessary, but I would recommend making sure it matches the following:

The most important part of the config above is "Mouse anti-slip system?" - this makes a misclick (clicking the wrong move) much less likely! "Save client password" is entirely up to you!

Once you've configured CGoban 2, press OK and then choose "Play on KGS." The login screen will appear:

Our task here is to choose a "Name:" - just like most login names, this must be Unique. Since this is your first time, press the "Guest" button. If this message appears:

you must choose a different name and try again. When you're successful, the main "Rooms" window will come up, and the following message will appear:

Initially you will have 3 Tabs open in the "Rooms" window. A Room is a Tab that you can play games in as well as chat... We'll go over joining new rooms later. The other two tabs are: "Open Games" and "Active Games." "Open Games" shows all games that have one player requesting another... "Active Games" shows all games that are being played by two players. You should also be in the "English Game Room." This is a common room for playing games (the most games are usually found in this room). It's also the most common chat area (in English, that is). The first thing you ought to do, if you want to keep the name you just created, is to Select "User-->Register" from the menu as shown:

Another window will come up as shown below. The name you selected for this Guest session is shown in the "Name" box. You need to fill out a valid e-mail address and your "real name." You can be annonymous if you like... just enter something into the field and press OK.

You'll know you're successful when you see...

Now you need to check your e-mail! You'll get something like what is shown below:

Once you've received this, you can log out of KGS by going to the "File --> Logout" menu option (shown below).

Now you login with the Password given in your e-mail... Instead of pressing the Guest button, press "ok"

And finally, the first thing you should do is CHANGE your PASSWORD!! You can also add information about yourself, change your e-mail address, and change your name. To access this, go to the "User --> Edit Personal Information" menu option. A screen like the one below comes up. To change your password just enter it twice in the "Password" and "Re-enter" fields. The "Notes" field can hold any information you want others to see.

Everything is done now, and you're ready to start playing! Perhaps you've played before, or maybe you're a complete beginner? If you are a complete beginner, I would suggest heading to the "Beginner's Room," otherwise the "English Game Room" and some of the other clubs might be good for you!

But how do you open new rooms? It's not hard, though finding the one you want can sometimes be a problem! From the main "Rooms" screen, choose the menu option "Rooms --> Room List." The following window will be shown:

This is now as simple as opening a list (just a single click does it) and finding a good room... (Make the window bigger to make it easier). Good rooms for beginners are:

• "Lessons-->Beginner's Room"
• "Lessons-->studygroup30k-20k" (there's a free lesson here Fridays 8pm GMT)
• "Clubs-->Wings Go Club"
• "Social-->The Goban"

The only thing left for you now is to play a game! This is fairly easy, especially if you already know the basics. In the room you want, you can either press the "New Game" button, or select one of the bold games in the list (or any game in the "Open Games" room). In any case, a window like the one below will come up:

Here's a rundown on what each field means!

• Notes: This line will be shown when your game is listed.
• Game Type:
  • Demonstration: You will be the only player in this game. People can come watch what you do.
  • Teaching: You will be the teacher in a game... this lets you have full control over the board, but still play a game.
  • Simul: Not for the beginner! This means many people can play you at the same time (on different boards)
  • Free: This is a normal game, but will not count toward your rank.
  • Ranked: This is a normal game. Winning or losing the game will affect your rank.
• Private?: This allows you to make the game "by access only" (you right click a player's name to give them access). This is not available for all game types.
• Open List?: This puts the game in the "Open Games" room. This is best left checked unless you're waiting for a specific player in a specific room.
• Rule Set: There are different rules to this game... they're all VERY similar, but have some slight differences. It's best to play Japanese unless you're familiar with a different set.
• Time System:
  • None: This game will last forever as long as both players are online and the game isn't finished! This is often good for teaching type games.
  • Absolute: Each player gets the time shown (min:sec). If anyone runs out, the game ends.
  • Byo-Yomi: If your Main Time runs out, you get "Byo-Yomi Time" per move, and "Byo-Yomi Time" can run out a maximum of "Byo-Yomi Periods." So if the B-Y Time is set for 1:00, and there are 5 periods, you could play one move thinking for 5 minutes, but each move after that must be within 1 minute.
  • Canadian: If your Main Time runs out, you get "Byo-Yomi Time" to play "Stones Per Byo-Yomi." This means you might have 5 minutes to play 25 moves... if you play all 25 you get another 5 minutes for another 25 moves.