Go is the oldest board game that still exists today, and has a unique history. It originated in China, and there are several myths about how it was invented, ranging from different inventors to different time periods. A commonly used myth states that Go was invented in 2000 BC by the emperor Yao to instruct his son. This myth is popular because of its traditional status, but historians say that it is not necessarily true. Go may also be derived from the Chinese arts of divination, with black and white stones representing the yin-yang. This myth also explains why early Go games were played with a black and a white piece on each side in opposite corners, a tradition which was stopped after the game moved to Japan. There is even a myth that it was created as a game of blocking rivers (the lines on the board) with dams (the stones)! There are so many unclear and ancient writings about Go that it is impossible to determine which myth is correct.

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