Editing Go (game) (section)

=== Playing technique and etiquette ===
[[File:Playing weiqi in Shanghai.jpg|thumb|Go players demonstrating the traditional technique of holding a stone]]

The traditional way to place a Go stone is to first take one from the bowl, gripping it between the index and middle fingers, with the middle finger on top, and then placing it directly on the desired intersection.<ref name="style">{{Citation|publisher=[[Nihon Ki-in]] |url=http://www.nihonkiin.or.jp/lesson/knowledge-e/uchikata-e.htm |title=A stylish way to play your stones |access-date=2007-02-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513214109/http://www.nihonkiin.or.jp/lesson/knowledge-e/uchikata-e.htm |archive-date=2007-05-13}}</ref> One can also place a stone on the board and then slide it into position under appropriate circumstances (where it does not move any other stones). It is considered respectful towards White for Black to place the first stone of the game in the upper right-hand corner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://senseis.xmp.net/?PlayingTheFirstMoveInTheUpperRightCorner |title=Sensei's Library: Playing the first move in the upper right corner |publisher=Senseis.xmp.net |date=2011-09-19 |access-date=2014-03-25}}</ref> (Because of symmetry, this has no effect on the game's outcome.)

It is considered poor manners to run one's fingers through one's bowl of unplayed stones, as the sound, however soothing to the player doing this, can be disturbing to one's opponent. Similarly, clacking a stone against another stone, the board, or the table or floor is also discouraged. However, it is permissible to emphasize select moves by striking the board more firmly than normal, thus producing a sharp clack. Additionally, hovering one's arm over the board (usually when deciding where to play) is also considered rude as it obstructs the opponent's view of the board.

Manners and etiquette are extensively discussed in 'The Classic of WeiQi in Thirteen Chapters', a [[Song dynasty]] manual to the game. Apart from the points above it also points to the need to remain calm and honorable, in maintaining posture, and knowing the key specialised terms, such as titles of common formations. Generally speaking, much attention is paid to the etiquette of playing, as much as to winning or actual game technique.