Territory

In Go, territory—also called Ji—is the set of empty board points surrounded and controlled by one player. It is normally counted as that player’s territory at the end of the game and forms the main basis for evaluating the result and determining the winner.

Territory is established by surrounding points and defending the area against invasion. The exact scoring treatment, including whether captured stones are added, varies between rule systems. Territory is secured control; influence or moyo is only potential area that may still be reduced, invaded, or converted into territory. An apparently enclosed area is not necessarily secure if the opponent can invade or reduce it successfully.