Comparison

The World Go vs Black & White Go

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

The World Go

Engage in the ancient strategy game of Go with players worldwide. Practice against AI, watch master games, and connect with friends. Features unique board themes and a robust ranking system.

Highlights
  • Online multiplayer matches
  • AI practice modes
  • Watch master games
  • Friend match system
  • Customizable board themes
  • Automated scoring
  • User ranking system
Features
Read full description

This game is a Go game that can be played by online. This app has been in service since January 2015. More than 10,000 players use this app every day. 1. Play online with players around the world 2. Watching Go Masters' Play 3. Play directly with your friends as a friend add function 4. Watch the your record and send to friends it. 5. Free artificial intelligence to play from level 10 to level 1 6. A set of unique board themes provided in addition to the default board. 7. Title and title match system for high level users 8. Automated House counting System 9. Ban on bad users with manner index system Just enter your old nickname and password at welcome popup. It supports the practice with a low level GO AI for beginners. If you want to learn Go, here you can play with a lot of different levels of strong players.

About

Black & White Go

This premium board game offers an offline Go experience powered by a local AI engine. Analyze games, review moves, and play against AI or friends. It's suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to masters.

Highlights
  • Offline AI engine (KataGo)
  • Player vs AI mode
  • Player vs Player mode
  • AI vs AI mode
  • Position analysis
  • Replay mode
Features
Read full description

Black & White Go — the strongest Go AI in your pocket. Powered by KataGo, the world's strongest open-source Go engine, built right into the app. Play and review games anytime, anywhere — fully offline. STRICTLY FAIR GAMES • 15 difficulty levels — from beginner to strong amateur • 9×9, 13×13 and 19×19 boards • Even games, nigiri, 2–9 stone handicap, free handicap placement • Pass, undo and resign supported • Games are saved automatically — resume anytime PLAY YOUR WAY • Play Black or White against the AI • Play face-to-face with a friend • Watch AI vs AI games and learn AI REVIEW — IMPROVE EVERY GAME • Full-game win-rate graph at a glance • Automatic mistake marking: blunder / mistake / inaccuracy • At every marked move, see the AI's recommended play on the board • Choose analysis depth (Fast / Standard / Thorough) — remembered for next time • Tap the graph to jump to any move, or step 10 moves at a time POSITION ANALYSIS • Estimate territory and influence while you play Available in Korean and English.

Screenshots

The World Go4 screens
Black & White Go4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The World Go at 52% against Black & White Go's 0%. Black & White Go's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. The World Go sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Black & White Go asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
The World Go versus Black & White Go: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe World GoBlack & White Go
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews51.5% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMasterGamesTB SOFT(SK)

Customer experience

The World Go

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews33 reviews
Positive51.5%
Neutral6.1%
Negative42.4%

Black & White Go

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

The World Go

One-time4
  • GO Gold 10$2.99
  • GO Gold 20$6.99
  • GO Gold 70$19.99
Show 1 more
  • GO Gold 120$34.99
None

Black & White Go

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is The World Go free?
The World Go is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Black & White Go free?
Black & White Go is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do The World Go or Black & White Go have ads?
Neither The World Go nor Black & White Go shows ads.
Which is updated more often, The World Go or Black & White Go?
The World Go ships an update every 2 months, and Black & White Go every 2 months. Most recently, The World Go was updated on September 26, 2026 and Black & White Go on September 21, 2026.

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