Seki
/ˈsɛk.i/noun
In the board game Go, a position of mutual life in which neither player can capture without putting their own stones in danger.
Did you know?The English Go term comes from Japanese, where seki is associated with the idea of a barrier or strategic impasse rather than victory through direct conquest.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
關
“A barrier, fortified pass, or strategic checkpoint”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
kwæ̈n
“A pass, barrier, or gate”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
関 (seki)
“A barrier, checkpoint, or mountain pass”
20th Century
Japanese
セキ (seki)
“In Go, a position of mutual life or unresolved capture”
Modern English
English
seki
“A Go position in which neither side can capture safely”