> You don't need to count - you can just play to take as many points as you can.
You don't have to take my word for it, since I never got past beginner level, but I know there is a consensus among the experts on this matter:
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> Also, do players actively count territories of their and their opponents territories during the game (does this differ in a 9x9 vs 19x19 game)?
Yes, skilled players actively count territories frequently as they play. This includes making estimates for areas that aren't completely settled yet. In a serious game with enough time, skilled players will usually re-count the board every dozen or so moves. This is useful because it informs you whether you need to play risky and invade or reduce, or whether a peaceful, straightforward development strategy is enough.
This doesn't differ too much depending on the board size, but on smaller board sizes there is a lot less to count, obviously. :)
I know from direct personal experience that you can have fun games, and even be reasonably competitive at the university-club-level, without ever explicitly counting points in your head.
You don't have to take my word for it, since I never got past beginner level, but I know there is a consensus among the experts on this matter:
"""
> Also, do players actively count territories of their and their opponents territories during the game (does this differ in a 9x9 vs 19x19 game)?
Yes, skilled players actively count territories frequently as they play. This includes making estimates for areas that aren't completely settled yet. In a serious game with enough time, skilled players will usually re-count the board every dozen or so moves. This is useful because it informs you whether you need to play risky and invade or reduce, or whether a peaceful, straightforward development strategy is enough. This doesn't differ too much depending on the board size, but on smaller board sizes there is a lot less to count, obviously. :)
"""