False Eye in Go — Why a Kakeme Isn't a Real Eye | PlayGo.gg

A point that looks like an eye but isn't. The diagonal stones around it can be captured, so the eye collapses under pressure.

What is a false eye?

An eye in Go is an empty point fully enclosed by one group's stones. To count toward life, the surrounding stones must actually be connected — and that's where false eyes break down. A false eye (kakeme) is an empty point that looks enclosed, but the stones around it are actually in atari and can be captured!

When to look for a false eye?

Apply this rule whenever you're checking whether a group is alive:

- Center of the board: the eye is real if the group controls at least three of the four diagonals. One enemy diagonal is fine. - Edge of the board: there are only two diagonals. Both must be friendly. One enemy stone on a diagonal makes the eye false.

This is why the same shape can be a real eye in the center and a false eye on the second line. Remember to ask yourself, can my opponent capture me if they fill all the outside liberties? If so, then that space you appear to control is not an eye.

Example of a false eye in a game

Can black create a false eye?

Beginners can often misjudge if an eye is real or false. Be sure to count the liberties to figure it out!