NOTATION

The start position

The board is split into eight columns and eight rows. We label each column with a letter, from `a' for the left-hand column to `h' for the right-hand column. We number the rows from `1' for the top row to `8' for the bottom. This is the opposite convention to that used in chess. So, as shown above, the top left corner is called `a1', and the bottom right is `h8'. The pieces used in the game are called `discs'.

Some of the squares on the board are especially important. The four corner squares (a1, h1, a8 and h8) are very useful to have, since they can never be taken away from you. As a consequence, it can be dangerous to play to a square next to an empty corner too early in the game (your opponent might be able to use your disc to play a move in the corner). The squares b2, g2, b7 and g7 (one diagonally in from a corner) are known as `X-squares'. The other squares one away from a corner are called `C-squares'. These are shown in the third diagram above.

We sometimes use compass directions when describing regions of the board, so for instance the area of the board near to h1 is called the North-East corner.