Name: BadukPop Go
Rating: 4.80341 (3108 reviews)

User Reviews for BadukPop Go

4.8 out of 5

3.1K Ratings

2 years ago, conradremington

Great Go App to play friends

This is a great app to play friends in go. There is a 24 time limit to respond to your opponent’s move (it can also be shorter but the 24 hour time is nice to keep play moving while also giving plenty of time). I use a different app for puzzles because this one doesn’t let you review puzzles without paying, but you can review games which is nice. You can play on different board sizes and with handicaps, plus it scores the game at the end.

4 years ago, Ebayernerada

Good app, but confusing lessons/puzzles

I’ve learned go from absolute beginner using this app to some extent, but I’m continually frustrated by the lack of explanation or follow-through in the lessons and puzzles. The explanations given don’t really explain why “the group is saved!” or “Oops, the group is dead.” If they would only show what actually happens if the puzzle were played through to its conclusion (capturing stones, etc.) or what makes a group dead, then I think I would get a lot more out of the lessons and puzzles. I’ve honestly gotten more out of just playing 9x9 online using this app, and have been able to occasionally even win against much more highly rated players. I still often struggle to recognize when I should stop trying to capture a group or even resign and am sometimes surprised that I scored so low (or high, as the case may rarely be). I just feel a lot of the time like I’m missing something and have to look things up on websites like Sensei’s Library, where if the app could just explain puzzle reasoning better I may not have to.

8 months ago, mimimamomo

not a good way to learn

It’s cool that the lessons exist, but often the AI seems to play by different rules than what the lessons say is possible (I can almost never capture my AI opponents stones in false eyes or edge ko’s well after the ko move, but AI captures mine in the same scenarios). The practice lessons don’t explain the reasoning behind them that would explain these discrepancies despite trying to explain the basic patterns, so I usually end up way more confused than I end up playing with friends who know how the game works. Also the practice lessons include scenarios that would be so unlikely to happen they are borderline illegal. I had to look this up online, but apparently the korean system treats and counts Seki capture very differently in the scoring than Japanese Go does. Even knowing that, and having learned how to count scoring, I still can’t figure out where they are getting the crazy high score numbers the AI usually gets. Its like they’re combining capture points with territory points. I’m still learning Go, so I appreciate any chance to look at the pieces at all since I don’t have a physical board at home. The app is convenient. I’m just a little worried it’s messing with my comprehension of the game as I try to get a better handle on complex endgame scoring, ko, seki, and false eye scenarios.

1 year ago, James L B

BadukPop - Good for Some Things

I have found BadukPop very useful for beginners, as they can play many games against the weaker computer opponents and solve the easier problems. As an AGA 1 kyu, the harder problems and opponents still provide one convenient practice for me each day. But the problems are a bit limited, often centering on a shortage of liberties, so this should probably only be one source for your (and my) tsume-go, tesuji, and yose practice. I also find the online play too frustrating so I have stopped using it. The rankings or ratings too often seem disconnected from the players strength, and I find myself playing even games against much weaker opponents, which isn’t useful for either of us. I also dislike the one-day-a-move time controls for slow games, as I cannot always get back to a long game each day.

4 years ago, BigBlocka

I like it but it needs an update

I like watching Asian dramas and this game is a constant feature in both historical and present-day dramas. So I decided to research how it’s played. The tutorials are helpful, and I appreciate the ability to collect puzzles that I got wrong. I wish it would explain why a move is wrong because I don’t always understand the correct answer. But it is still very good considering it’s free. I’m only on level 1 and I lose 90% of the time. However, the last few times that I won against AI Bobby in points, the app said I lost to him on time. What’s up with that? Am I missing some timer rule or is AI Bobby a sore loser? I do like the app, but I hope the developers can fix this issue so I’m not losing my game play tickets unnecessarily.

2 months ago, Phill E. Cheese

Great but Major Issue

This is probably the best app to play Go on. I have 1 main issue. To play agains the AIs you have to spend tickets that regen after a certain amount of time, this is fine. The issue I have is that if you are playing well against the AI, the AI will resign and not let you finish your match. This is very unsatisfying and it feels like you get punished for playing well since you don’t get to play for as long. It doesn’t feel like I get my ticket’s worth. This is especially frustrating since you don’t get to see how many points you were winning by and you don’t get to practice late stage games since they all end early.

9 months ago, Ohio445

Okay but….

As a newbie there really needs to be a way to rewind in the match to see exactly what happened (or have some type of explanation instead of left feeling blindly robbed of pieces). I think this would help out a lot in terms of learning. Otherwise I’m just getting more frustrated by feeling more punished than actually learning anything as there’s no explanation as to why I’m doing the wrong thing/not able to put a piece in a spot while the computer can. There’s not much learning at all. Puzzles, as in chess, are useless because they rely on on “once in a lifetime” situation. I really wish Go had as much as support as chess so there would be more attention on teaching new people.

2 years ago, Yummy Online

Needs Better Explanation

It’s a fun game to see different plays and understand some maneuvers. My problem is that I have no idea how to arrive at a certain play that i’ve practiced from the beginning of the game. There’s a review on here whose sentiments I share from 2y ago. I still don’t think the explanations have improved much from that 2y ago, bc I have no idea how to build an eye, or why a certain group is dead with false eyes, I just know it’s the right answer. Once i play games I have no idea how to recognize these things because I’ve only played them in controlled levels, not when a board is spread with pieces.

3 years ago, kim_jong_the_illest_

Amazing app

No ads!! No constant pressure to get a paid subscription!! I wish every gaming app were like this. I am using it to learn how to play. There are lessons, puzzles, online play, play v AI. The game play is excellent. The app is easy to navigate. I learned to basic rules of the game from the lessons. You don’t see an ad between plays…you never seen an ad. It’s an actual enjoyable experience. Whoa, how refreshing, honestly. Thank you Badukpop: you have restored my faith in humanity.

3 years ago, Anonymouse1234gtrfhdg

High Quality

The production value on this app is really good. I love the gamification of the user ratings with specific goals to achieve to rank up. The graphics are fun and the interface is nice. I don’t know how many people are playing online (which can be a big factor in longevity) but I definitely think the style of this app helps making learn go more interactive and fun. Keep it up please don’t let the app stagnate and die off!

6 months ago, ShoobyTaylor

No, no, no

Is it supposed to be fun for me to have to wait 50 minutes to play again every time I lose? In what way is that supposed to make me want to keep this game on my phone? How in the world is that supposed to complicate anything except make me not like this app. There’s literally nothing fun, enjoyable, or beneficial in any way about me having to wait an hour to play another game. I can’t imagine why a developer would think that a user would ever like that. I guess the developer forgot that apps are supposed to be for what the user wants, not what the developer wants, because we are the ones who choose whether or not to have an app on our phone. App deleted.

2 years ago, maigab21

Great Game

I recently watched a show and the characters were playing go and it looked fun so I wanted to play. The intro lessons are great! I love that the app explains answers after you play. The app if VERY well thought out! Very helpful! I’m glad I found this app and am able to learn the game and understand how to play and hopefully soon play very well! Y’all did a great job!

2 years ago, ladywildmoonchild

I’m a beginner

I get the basic rules of go and I’m really enjoying the game! This is a fun and quick way to start learning for sure. There are tutorials and some puzzles to solve. My one qualm is that I wish the AI for the beginner was a little easier. I’ve won a couple of games, and I’ve kept at it and get better daily, but for some it might be a little discouraging especially when first learning. Otherwise I love it! I encourage you to give it a go!

7 months ago, imsoooodamnconfused

Fun.

It’s fun. The lessons are great and to the point if you tinker with the interface. Like in puzzles you’ll be able to check results and see how you got it wrong and how the next moves would be. It helps you improve. It’s a game I want to be able to play with my siblings so far it’s super fun learning and improve upon my mistakes

2 years ago, randomnamegenerated

Beginner friendly

I’m an inexperienced player, and I have been enjoying learning the game with friends in person. This app has been helpful to me with lessons that started out very basic and slowly work their way up in complexity. Making our weekly in person games more interesting along the way.

10 months ago, MalteMas

Lost first Account

Upgraded to IPhone 15 and couldn’t remember old account info, so starting over but it’s a solid platform for Go, not overly money hungry and does great at giving you a steady drip of daily go puzzles to sharpen you skills and make u more competitive in online matches.

2 years ago, TheInventor64

AI is frustrating but great game

A great app overall however the AI is very frustrating. Whenever you start to get an advantage the AI resigns usually before the game is even halfway over. This is incredibly frustrating when you can only play the AI once every 3hours on the big boards. Aside from that issue however everything else works great.

3 months ago, soulyogurt

Clever intro game program

A quick and casual intro to the basic rules of go, slides right into some very basic problems, then starts on some smaller board ai games… with some hints (but just where to play, not why, still have to puzzle out some stuff on your own)

1 year ago, Tdesaul

Worth the slow learning curve

It’s a bit frustrating at first. You lose and lose. But eventually you start to see what the lessons are teaching. It might be faster with the paid version but time is your friend with this tool.

9 months ago, jhaerlyn

Good tutor!

I’ve tried learning Go before, but this app has a good step by step process that not only teaches how to play, but the basic strategies with shapes and defending your set up. I’ve really enjoyed it and finally give the beginner computer a run for its money!

1 year ago, Anew. Listener

Lousy for learning

I've seen Go played a few times and was curious to learn so I downloaded a couple of apps. This one has a tutorial which was helpful but when I made a play it was wrong. I tried again. Still wrong. Apparently you get a couple of chances to find the one correct move on the board, but no feedback as you go about what you could/should have done instead. Very discouraging - I played a few times and then gave up on frustration.

4 years ago, willjum8

Good Baduk App

The UI is a little 3D/cartoony for my taste, but that’s a minor gripe and the app provides everything I could want—puzzles, playing against computer, and even online play. Even better, the team continues to improve the app! Definitely the best Go app on the App Store

6 months ago, LivioIII

An excellent primer for the aspiring new player

Have long been intrigued by the game of Go but a bit intimidated by the apparent simplicity yet mysterious play rules governing capture. This app gets right to the point of clarifying capture and defense. Now I can enjoy the game even if first as a newby.

1 year ago, 19ahehdgsis

Favorite Go App I’ve found

I downloaded a few Go apps to start learning the game and this one was the most straightforward. A lot of learning tools are locked behind a premium paywall, but it’s good for learning the basics and playing games online.

4 years ago, Ubergeek321

Really well done app!

With the kids at home during coronavirus we’ve taken to much more time on board games and decided to give Go a try. This app helped me come up to speed and level up skills pretty quickly so I could take my kids on!

3 years ago, Choiboi04

More explanation please :(

The game it self is really good, helps out beginners like me a lot. One problem is that when I’m playing against AI, they just randomly resign and I have no idea why that happens. I was playing against bobby and he resigned in 15 moves, and I want to know why he resigned so I know what i did well. Otherwise, great app

6 months ago, Ta0star213

Great tsumego app

I had written a review long ago about how expensive this app was. I’m glad that they offer now a pro subscription. It has become my main source of tsumego and with the study option now you can play different variations if you don’t understand a problem.

2 years ago, bensai8

Paid $50, still have to wait for ‘tickets’ to play, no support

Yeah I like it, but I paid to use it and can’t use it. I have to wait for ‘tickets’ to play the AI. When I tap on ‘get unlimited play’, Apple of course tells me that I’m already subscribed. But alas, the app won’t let me use my subscription. The ‘restore purchase’ function doesn’t do anything either, and there is no contact info. Totally lame.

4 months ago, 185629;$;)-@?,’ma

Lessons don't teach

Confusing as the top review states. When you place a wrong stone it basically says "wrong" then immediately removes the board from the screen, preventing you from analyzing. It also doesn't show the future moves proving that it is a lost cause. Useful if you're already proficient at Go but not if you're new.

3 years ago, zrbllv

No monthly subscription

Decent app, has good puzzles. I want to keep using it and I would even pay for it, if only the app was giving me an option to do so. The App store clearly states that there is a monthly subscription available, but somehow the app is only showing me a $50/year subscription. I can’t just throw $50 on a Go app when there are very decent web apps for FREE. I can see myself paying a monthly fee to see if I like it or not though. I really want to rate the app 5 stars, but I can’t bring myself to do so even the subscription model is broken and I’m limited to 3 “tickets”. Go is not candy crush.

11 months ago, prod.uzoma

Best GO game in the AppStore

This game feels very rare and niche since there is not a lot of them on the AppStore, most of the go games on the AppStore are trash and do not provide much in teaching you the game, this is the only one I have seen so far with a really good design, ui and really puts effort into teaching you how to play

2 years ago, b135825

Great app but no notification settings?

No option that I see in the settings to turn off all the garbage notifications. Want to be notified when someone moves in a correspondence game? Enjoy also another piece of software yelling “look at me!!!!” every day.

11 months ago, SunBum2017

So far nice!

I started to watch an anime about go and wanted to follow along and learn. This app explains the game well and you can get real time practice. So far not sure if it will be blocked by any in app purchases but I haven’t reached that point yet.

12 months ago, Bdlmsplaygrnd

Great Way To Learn

I have struggled to play this game for a while now and this is the best software I’ve found that teaches a newbie how to play this game. Thanks to all who made this app. You have made me love the game and want to learn how to play it with others.

3 years ago, positionkiller

Best newbie app to play Go

I just started and find the game to be confusing despite the simplicity of it. I really don’t know why or how I’m surrounded and lose points but this app, with its cute animation, makes it much easier to understand.

2 years ago, Chief Abyss

Great for learning!

I’ve played other Go apps that were fine for playing, but I’ve never had one actually teach me in such a thorough and hands on manner! It’s great! It’s like learning from an actual instructor!

2 years ago, pohc

LOVE THIS GAME

So fun and great for learners. Love the ability to watch people play live. I wish we could comment on the games and cheer on players, maybe even if the players don’t see it, just the audience, like polling who thinks is going to win for fun. Gem of an app

3 years ago, metronan

Review

This app is much stronger than another Go App I have used. I have just one complaint— the music! It’s quite awful and distracting. There is no reason for it. I could see how to disable it.

2 years ago, Zuggy555

Can’t get help for subscription issue!

I like the app, but after paying $50 for unlimited play, it is still requiring me to have tickets. The app appears to have no way to contact support for a solution. Based on reviews, looks like others have experienced the same issue. Can we get a developer response with help and/or support contact info?

2 years ago, kikib007

For Beginners

Though you can play games only so many times a day. (3 every hour and 30 min.) I Really like this app for the lessons, so I can learn how to play. But if you want to play more you can download another app that is more playing the game based.

4 years ago, ScoutCharlie

Best App for Go beginners

This is the only app that can teach you to play Go from the very beginning. The lessons explain every step and the puzzles test your knowledge. I am looking forward to playing more Go with BadukPop!

4 years ago, NeZioT

Lack of language

I lime the app (even i dont like that is expensive). But my main problem is the language. I speak english, its fine for me, but my friends (we are from latin american) speak spanish and you dont have spanish support. They dont want to use the app because they dont speak english.

1 year ago, ShaZan1011

Excellent way to discover and get good at go!

I’ve tried a lot of apps for go and this is by far the best. Play real games with real people, practice games with computer, 9x9, 13x13, 19x19, puzzles, tutorials and more. Def the best go app out there!

2 years ago, goplayerhopingfortimetravel

Alas that I did not discover this in my early years

All of my existing problems would be completely different but equally terrible problems

2 years ago, Nouba-Di

Very clear explanations for beginners

I used to play very often in Korea and the US. My wife recently became interested in the same so I though an app like this could help her. It’s one of the better learning and playing apps I’ve found!

1 year ago, Land’o’Corn

Quality app

Provides multi language support and has tons of lessons and puzzles. Great with friends and easy to share. Only down side is the cost is Yearly rather than 1 time purchase of at the least monthly.

5 years ago, Combs05

Fantastic Game!

I’m really loving the puzzle solving aspect of the game, and the fact that Global Leaderboards track your performance against other players serves as a good driver for me to get better. Please consider adding some tutorial levels for newbies like me! :)

2 years ago, Hdjdkwndjcbwkdhc!,!,!,mdlw,xjd

Microtransaction purgatory

Absolutely filled with micro transactions every step of the way. You don't even get to learn the correct answer to the puzzles unless you pay $50 for their premium subscription service. If you get a puzzle wrong then you just never see it again. The OGS web browser page is a way better service, please use that instead.

2 years ago, Bubba jt 12345678

A good app for beginners

The introduction and puzzles are a good way to learn the game, and the AI is scalable so there’s a challenge for any level. If I could offer a suggestion: AI should not resign a game, particularly at the novice levels. The player is sometimes left wondering “how is this a won position?” if AI abruptly resigns.

2 years ago, Joe Langeway

Right now it’s broken

I love this app. But as of some minutes ago it does nothing but tell me I have a network error and am not connected and then refresh to say the same thing. I turned my phone off and on. I killed and restarted the app many times. I updated it. Nothing makes it work right now.

Description

This app is for Go players of any level, from beginner to professional. Learn how to play the ancient board game Go - also known as Igo (囲碁), Baduk (바둑), or Weiqi (圍棋) - with a fun, interactive tutorial. Sharpen your Go skills with daily random Go problems (Tsumego) at your choice of difficulty. Play Go against a variety of AI opponents, each with its own unique playing style and strength. Enjoy correspondence games with your friends, and challenge other players around the world! • Includes over 4,000 Go problems (Tsumego) curated by pro Go players • Play with quirky AI opponents ranging in strength from 20 Kyu (beginner) to 7+ Dan (professional) • Compete with players around the world on the online Go leaderboard • Improve your Go and Tsumego knowledge with interactive Go lessons • Track your progress with a customized leaderboard for you and your friends LESSONS • Includes a range of fully interactive lessons from beginner to advanced level • Learn the basic rules of Go in just a few minutes • Get familiar with Go problems with step-by-step beginner lessons • Dig deeper into Go tactics like eye shapes, Ko, and shortage of liberties • Master advanced techniques for Tsumego problems like under-the-stones Tesuji and multi-step Ko GO PROBLEMS (Tsumego) • Play Life and Death, Tesuji, or Endgame problems • Rated mode tracks your skill level automatically • When you answer correctly, your rating rises and you face more difficult problems • If you make mistakes, your rating falls and you'll get easier problems • Use Practice mode to try Tsumego problems at your own choice of difficulty • Global leaderboard shows top players by Tsumego rating and problem practice points AI PLAY • Play Go on boards up to 19x19 with a variety of AI opponents • Includes weaker opponents for new Go players to practice with • Also includes a full-power neural-network AI that plays at human professional level ONLINE PLAY • Use "Automatch" to instantly play against a Go opponent near your own skill level • Play correspondence games with your friends on any board size: 9x9, 13x13, or 19x19! • Scoring is fully automatic, using advanced Go AI. There is no need to mark stones manually. HEAR FROM REAL STUDENTS: "I always wanted to learn to play Go and never found a time for it. Then after watching the documentary AlphaGo, I went searching and found this great app. The lessons and puzzles were exactly what I was hoping to find. This app has turned out to be exactly what I needed to help start my journey in Go. Thank you." "Fun app, and excellent for learning this fascinating game. Thanks developers." "It's the best app for Go that I've seen so far." Terms of Service: https://badukpop.com/terms Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected]. Happy Go practice!