Plaintext
Younggil An
Josh Hoak
David Ormerod
Relentless
Lee Sedol vs Gu Li
Go Game Guru
Copyright c 2016 by Go Game Guru
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Published 2016
First edition published 2016
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Relentless was created using LATEX, GPub, CGoban3, GoGoD, Kombilo and Vim.
Younggil:
To my family and my wife Jisun, for their love and support while I was working on Relentless, my
teacher Hur Janghoi 9 dan, without whom I could not have become a professional, and Dae Hahn, for
helping me to move to Australia.
David:
To Jingning and Ella, for filling life with happiness.
Contents
Foreword i
Preface iii
Acknowledgments vii
How to Use This Book ix
Introduction xiii
I The MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango 3
1 January 5
2 February 75
3 March 135
4 April 195
5 May 243
6 July 319
7 August 389
8 September 445
II Lee Sedol vs Gu Li 507
9 2004 Chinese A League: Round Nine 509
10 9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game One 511
5
11 9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game Two 513
12 9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game Three 515
13 4th CSK Cup: Round Three 517
14 2005 Chinese A League: Round Nine 519
15 10th LG Cup: Semifinal 521
16 2005 Chinese A League: Round 20 523
17 5th CSK Cup: Round Three 525
18 2006 Chinese A League: Round Five 527
19 2006 Chinese A League: Round 16 529
20 2007 Chinese A League: Round 13 531
21 21st Fujitsu Cup: Quarter Final 533
22 2008 Chinese A League: Round 11 535
23 10th Nongshim Cup: Game 13 537
24 13th LG Cup: Final, Game One 539
25 13th LG Cup: Final, Game Two 541
26 2009 Chinese A League: Round Eight 543
27 2009 Ancient City of the Phoenix Cup 545
28 23rd Fujitsu Cup: Quarter Final 547
29 15th LG Cup: Round One 549
30 15th Samsung Cup: Quarter Final 551
31 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game One 553
32 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Two 555
33 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Three 557
34 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Four 559
35 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Five 561
36 1st Bosai Cup: Round Two 563
Contents 7
37 2012 Samsung Cup: Group Stage 565
38 2012 Samsung Cup: Group Stage, Rematch 567
39 2nd Bosai Cup: Final 569
40 2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game One 571
41 2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game Two 573
42 2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game Three 575
43 2013 Tianxin Pharmaceuticals Cup 577
44 2013 Chinese A League: Round 17 579
45 4th Zhaoshang Cup: Round Two 581
46 10th Chunlan Cup: Round of 16 583
47 2015 Chinese A League: Round Seven 585
48 2015 Chinese A League: Round 18 587
Notes 589
Glossary 591
Index of Principles 599
Foreword
In ancient times there were four arts which educated people sought to master.
They were: music (the zither), baduk (Go), calligraphy and painting.
Among these four arts, baduk is unique in being the only one that requires a partner. No matter how
skilled a master is, they cannot create a work of art unless they have a worthy adversary.
This gives baduk a special character, because even though the top players throughout history always
competed fiercely to be the best, they also respected one another and often became friends.
Lee Sedol and Gu Li are a perfect example of this phenomenon. Both players are possessed of an
indomitable fighting spirit and a strong desire to climb to the top of the baduk world. Yet, despite the
intense rivalry that takes place over the board, they have become good friends through baduk.
Games between Lee Sedol and Gu Li are always dramatic, unpredictable and full of fireworks, and
they both have many fans. Their 10 game match in 2014 was much anticipated and was exciting to
watch, and the players created a collection of artworks for future generations to enjoy.
The analysis presented in Relentless goes into great detail to explain the strategies and techniques
employed by the players throughout this match, and should be of assistance to ambitious Go players
in the West.
When you study the games in this book, I recommend that you first play through the game record by
yourself and think about the best moves for Black and White using your own mind and ideas. Once
you’ve replayed the game, you can read the analysis in this book and compare the authors’ ideas with
your own.
I hope to see the level of baduk players in the West increase steadily over the coming decades, and
that the baduk world will become more internationally competitive and richer as a result.
—Lee Changho 9 dan, Seoul, October 2015
i
Preface
This book contains analysis of 48 games between two of the top Go players of the early 21st century,
but it is not just another book of game commentaries. It is the story of the rivalry and friendship
between Lee Sedol and Gu Li, their relentless struggle to become the best, and an explication of the
secrets of Go hidden within their games.
There are two parts to Relentless. Part One is the core of the book and examines, in unprecedented
detail, the 10 game match (jubango) played by Lee Sedol and Gu Li throughout 2014. Part Two
reviews every other official game between the two masters (up until the end of 2015), providing the
reader with ample material to review and enjoy, while reflecting on what they learned in Part One.
Rather than just saying what happened, we use the match as the basis for an extensive study of the
fundamental techniques, strategies and principles of Go—all applied within the context of real games,
so that the reader can see how ideas and techniques are employed in practice.
Go is an art form, and like other arts, studying the work of masters contributes greatly to one’s
appreciation, enjoyment and gradual mastery of the craft. When you study a piece of music, the goal
is rarely (if ever) just to be able to play it. Rather, a deep study of a piece is intended to convey a
visceral understanding of the technique and theory embodied within it, in a way that a book about
theory never could.
Relentless strives to offer that same experience to Go players. Over two years, we have distilled our
knowledge and passion for the game into 625 pages of pure Go, until nothing more would fit.
Where other books might gloss over the details, we have sought to expose the wealth of tactical
considerations beneath the surface, so that they may be studied, applied to the reader’s games, and
eventually mastered. We have extracted a practical lesson from every passage of play and boiled it all
down to a series of memorable proverbs (both old and new) for the reader to internalize.
Relentless also draws on the knowledge of great thinkers of the past—such as Sun Zi (Sun Tzu), Lao
Zi, Thucydides, Carl von Clausewitz, and many more—demonstrating how their ideas apply to Go.
Finally, the commentary is honest. In the past, some books portrayed professional Go players like gods
and politely overlooked small mistakes. We make no apologies for doing away with this convention.
This is not intended to be the kind of book you will only read once. The content is dense in parts and
may require reflection. It is our hope that it will serve readers for many years to come, however worse
for wear, as a source of knowledge and inspiration, throughout their journey along the path of Go.
iii
iv Preface
Lee Sedol and Gu Li
It’s no secret that we, the authors, are big fans of both Lee Sedol and Gu Li. Anyone who has
frequented the Go Game Guru website over the last few years would already be well aware of that.
When you review the list of titles that these two have to their names (given in the introduction shortly),
it’s hard to dispute that they’ve been amongst the best players in the world over the last decade. Beyond
that, they’re also two of the most popular players, even outside of their native countries.
Of course, winning tournaments helps one to acquire fans, but it’s not the only factor. We believe that
the attraction of both Lee and Gu’s games lies in their originality, their adventurousness and their
relentless fighting spirits. In an era where most professional Go players are trained in specialized Go
schools from a young age, the level of play is higher than ever, but it comes at the cost of individuality.
The scores of technically masterful, fearsomely strong players whom we see today somehow pale in
comparison to the colorful and wonderfully idiosyncratic personalities of last century. The likes of
Sakata Eio (the razor), Kato Masao (the killer) or Takemiya Masaki and his cosmic style have gradually
faded from the stage. Does the current intense competition even leave room for such characters?
Lee Sedol’s style of play is practical, dynamic, territorial and razor-sharp. Like other top players before
him, he excels in the middle game and is a master of attack and defense, sabaki, and fighting ko. He
can also hold his own against the best in the endgame. Guided by deep and accurate reading, Lee
often makes bold exchanges that lead to him capturing groups or trading on a large scale. This makes
his play both flexible and decisive, and requires great confidence in the accuracy of one’s analysis.
On the other hand, Gu Li’s style is thick and powerful, and (like Lee’s) razor-sharp. His play in the
opening is flexible, creative and inspiring. It can appear slow at times, but he’s rarely behind in the
early stages of the game. His explosive fighting power helps him to convert his thick positions into
profit in the middle game and is very difficult to imitate. One of the great pleasures of reviewing Gu’s
games is seeing him direct this power towards dismantling a moyo, as if it were made of tissue paper.
However, the real magic happens when these two play together. When the finely honed edges of their
steely wills clash across the board, sparks fly in all directions and lead to unexpected and delightfully
novel variations.
Like many Go players, we both have fond memories of most of the games in this book—watching the
games live, or rushing home from work to download the latest game record—and reviewing them with
friends. The cult following of this famous rivalry may seem strange to some readers, but it is best
understood by replaying Lee and Gu’s matches together. The game records speak for themselves.
Why Are We Fighting?
“Go uses the most elemental materials and concepts—line and circle, wood and stone, black and white—
combining them with simple rules to generate subtle strategies and complex tactics that stagger the
imagination.” —Iwamoto Kaoru 9 dan
Fundamentally, a game of Go is just a bunch of pebbles on a piece of wood with a grid; or a collection of
lines and circles on a computer screen. Everything else that happens is a product of your imagination.
People often use the metaphor of warfare to describe Go, and we’ve followed that convention in this
book because it’s already well accepted and relates to the strategic insights of great military thinkers.
However, it’s just one of many possible models. Among other things, a game of Go could be viewed as:
Preface v
a conversation, debate or negotiation, cooking or construction, the living of a single life, the running
of a business or economy, an elaborate dance, or the interaction between primeval physical forces.
You can choose or invent any model which appeals to you, but we sometimes come across very gentle
and kind players who take exception with the notion of ‘fighting’. These people see fighting as negative
and immoral, and may consequently become upset when someone is “too aggressive.”
Of course, they are mostly right in the broader sense. We all benefit from a society that is peaceful and
productive enough for us to enjoy Go and other activities. Most people understand that it’s necessary
to abide by certain ethical and legal frameworks in order to maintain that stability for everyone.
The mistake in worrying about fighting is simply that it over-stretches the model and applies it to
things that are way outside its scope. When people talk about fighting with respect to Go, what they
really mean is something like “a finely balanced series of moves.”
The forces at play on the Go board are elemental in nature and bear more resemblance to the laws of
physics than a human society. There is no such thing as morally right or wrong, good or bad. There
is only possible and impossible.
Therefore, don’t avoid fighting and deprive yourself of knowledge just because of unrelated emotional
connotations. Doing so only stunts your development as a Go player and reduces your enjoyment of
the game. If you are one of these kind and gentle souls, a better response is to completely change your
mental model for Go. For example, when people talk about ‘fighting’, what they’re actually discussing
is a respectful business negotiation or, perhaps, mixing the cake. It’s all up to you.
In this book, we discuss your opponent and yourself, attack and defense, chaos and harmony, war and
peace. We make no moral judgments about moves or states of play, because that’s quite unhelpful.
We’re interested in what works: practical techniques and strategies which you can apply to your games.
“Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.” —Bruce Lee
Creating Relentless
We feel grateful that fate and the Go community have given us the opportunity to write this book.
In terms of how Relentless was created, the majority of the analysis is Younggil’s, with advice and
feedback from members of the Korean professional community, and suggestions from David.
The text in the book was written by David, in close collaboration with Younggil, starting from the
draft commentaries on our website.
Josh helped behind the scenes, by automating parts of the typesetting process, and is listed as an
author in recognition of this contribution.
Cover Art
The Chinese calligraphy on the cover depicts the word hen, which means relentless in Mandarin. As
with the English word ‘relentless’, it can have both positive and negative connotations.
vi Preface
The Copyright Thing
As you may have noticed if you pay attention to copyright notices, we have some slightly unconventional
views about copyright. In short, we like to get paid for our work by people who can afford to do so (so
we can write more books) and don’t like other people selling our work without including us.
That being said, if someone wants to ‘loan’ their digital copy of Relentless to a friend, we don’t think
it’s reasonable to expect them to request a license to do so. People have been loaning books since
before publishers existed, and libraries have long been esteemed institutions in most societies. We
both have an embarrassingly large collection of printed Go books and lend them to friends all the time.
If a teacher somewhere wants to use content from our book to teach their students Go, we’re happy for
them to do so. In fact, we are overjoyed. We do what we do to promote Go, so why would we want to
stop someone from teaching others? All we ask is that you give us credit for our work, so that people
who have the interest and the means can buy our books. That way, we can write more for you.
The thing is, the knowledge in this book doesn’t belong to us anyway. The games are the creations
of the players and almost everything else has been handed down from one generation of Go players to
the next over thousands of years. Our contribution is just presenting the knowledge in a new way.
Furthermore, we are almost at the point where universal access to human knowledge is attainable, for
the first time in history. Of course, certain business models might have to be updated, but from a
broader perspective it’s hard to see this access to knowledge as anything but a good thing.
You can find more information on the details of all this on the copyright page, at the front of this
book. If you’re interested in working on a commercial translation of Relentless, please contact us.
On the Important Matter of Pickle Jars...
When reviewing the games of past masters, we are struck by two things. Firstly, the level of play
even hundreds of years ago was remarkable, especially given that the players didn’t have access to
the resources we take for granted today. Secondly, the pace of improvement in Go theory is startling,
particularly in the opening.
Part Two of this book surveys games between Lee Sedol and Gu Li, spanning a whisker more than a
decade. It is a mere flash of brilliance in the long arc of Go history. Yet, even over this short time, the
rapid evolution of opening theory can clearly be seen if you pay attention from start to finish.
We have tried to capture the essence of cutting edge opening theory and make the thinking of contem-
porary professionals accessible to readers around the world, because we felt that a sizable gap existed
in Western Go literature, in this area. Nevertheless, we expect Go theory to continue to develop day
by day, and that gap will widen once again.
Almost exactly 250 years ago, the Go master Fan Xiping wrote the preface for his book, Peach Blossom
Fountain Go Manual. His sentiments are just as relevant today, so we would like to echo them:
We are products of our time. We play modern Go. As for those who come after us, we cannot know
what they will come up with. Perhaps our work will become like that of those who came before us,
used only to cover pickle jars? We do not doubt it.
—Younggil An 8 dan and David Ormerod, Sydney, December 2015
Acknowledgments
The book you hold in front of you was made possible through the assistance of many kind and generous
people. We will do our best to recognize everyone here, and beg forgiveness for any oversights.
To begin with, we would like to thank Gu Li 9 dan and Lee Sedol 9 dan for their art, which has
enriched our lives over many years and without which Relentless would not have been possible.
Next, we are grateful to Ni Zhanggen, the CEO of MLily, for sponsoring the MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango
and transforming the dream of many Go players into a reality. The Chinese and Korean Go associations
were also heavily involved in organizing the match, and deserve recognition for it.
We were humbled when Lee Changho 9 dan appraised our draft manuscript and agreed to write the
foreword, and we greatly appreciate the time he took out of his busy schedule in order to do so.
The cover art and design is by Jingning Xue, who dusted off her calligraphy brushes for the occasion.
Jingning also helped with translating and interpreting Chinese texts, and proofreading the final draft.
On top of all that, she patiently indulged us alternating between the computer and the Go board, for
days at a time, and working on this book on and off for two years, and reminded us to eat and sleep.
Our tireless editor, Carol Barnard, read Relentless from cover to cover and made many improvements
to the text. This was a Herculean effort, especially given that she only knows the basics of Go.
Lee Hajin 3 dan caught many minor blemishes, as the technical reviewer, and worked diligently to
ensure the accuracy of the commentary. She was also a welcome source of positivity and encouragement.
We received generous feedback and advice from our friends Han Jongjin 9 dan, Kim Jiseok 9 dan, Kim
Juho 9 dan, Lee Jungwoo 9 dan, Mok Jinseok 9 dan, Park Jungsang 9 dan, Song Taegon 9 dan, Park
Seungchul 7 dan, Choi Moonyong 6 dan and Na Hyun 4 dan, all of whom helped with game analysis
and background information.
We were also very fortunate that friends who proofread the draft seemed to believe in what we were
doing, and dedicated much more time than we expected to significantly improving this very long book.
They were: Huw Barnard, David Mitchell, Tony Purcell, Neville Smythe and Gareth White.
Many members of the Go community offered feedback on early draft commentaries and asked helpful
questions, on our website. They also encouraged and prodded us when we seemed to be losing steam.
John Fairbairn and T. Mark Hall created the GoGoD database of professional games, which was
invaluable in ensuring that our comments about opening theory and trends were supported by data.
vii
How to Use This Book
Reviewing high quality games is an important aspect of becoming a better Go player. The question of
just how important it is depends largely on your current level and, to a lesser extent, your interests.
General Suggestions for Kyu Level Players
As we’ve written elsewhere, the most important thing you can do to get better at Go is simply to play
games. After you’ve learned the basics, should spend most of your time playing games. Once you’re
around 15 kyu, books will be helpful if you enjoy reading them, but it depends on your personality.
Try some books about basic haengma, tesuji and the middle game if you feel so inclined.
Once you reach single digit kyu level (9 kyu to 1 kyu), books become increasingly important. You can
still improve by just playing games if you have the opportunity to play regularly with stronger players,
but you may find that you improve more quickly if you can absorb the techniques and principles of
play which have been worked out by Go players over generations. Who wants to reinvent the wheel?
How to Read Relentless
We wrote Relentless with an audience ranging from single digit kyu players to high amateur dan level
players in mind. The book contains many detailed variations, especially in places where the games
become complicated. For some players, the variations might be too intense and tiring to follow at
times, and could detract from the overall story of the games. So, we recommend reading the book
mainly for enjoyment at first, and dipping into the variations when you feel curious about something.
Our intention while writing the book was that players who were reading it primarily for entertainment
could start at the introduction, to get to know the players and the background of the jubango, and
then follow the story from chapter to chapter.
If you choose to read the book in this way, you can skip from section to section (sections start with
headings and centered diagrams) and treat the variations as optional. Following the story with this
approach will help you to stay engaged and you will still learn plenty. You don’t need to have a Go
board in front of you when reading, but it generally helps and can increase your enjoyment of the book.
We spent a great deal of time distilling all the knowledge we could into the commentary and variations
in this book. It is not intended that readers will remember (or even look at) everything on the first
ix
x How to Use This Book
reading and the information is provided, rather, as a resource for enthusiastic players to mine over a
period of years. We hope that you will become stronger and discover new things with each reading.
General Suggestions for Dan Level Players
By the time you reach low kyu or low dan level, you may have already established your own routine
for improving at Go. If that’s the case, keep doing whatever seems to be working for you. We will
provide some suggestions below which you can try if you feel interested, or when you hit a wall.
If you’re trying hard to get better at Go, it’s important to have fun so that you maintain your passion
for the game and motivation to improve. It’s somewhat counter-intuitive, but often the fastest way to
improve at something is to focus on your strengths and areas of interest. Very few people can excel at
all aspects of Go, so you should strive to master the things that come most naturally to you first.
You may improve with this approach for some time, and then plateau. After several months without
improvement, you might consider studying other aspects of the game and patching up weaknesses, but
you don’t have to if you’re already satisfied.
Playing games is still very important, in order to experiment with what you’re learning and consolidate
the knowledge in a practical sense. You don’t need to play too many games at this level. It’s much
more helpful to play fewer games with more time, so that you can concentrate and stretch your abilities
to their limits. Doing so will help you to become stronger. You need time to read carefully and form
a coherent strategy, which applies your current knowledge of the game.
If your goal is to become stronger, don’t play fast games. If you don’t have enough time to think,
you’ll make mistakes, reinforce bad habits through repetition, and condition yourself to think about
the game in superficial ways. It will take more effort to unlearn these bad habits afterwards. Very few
players are able to improve by playing fast games, so you should only play fast games for fun.
It’s true that professionals sometimes play fast games, but they’ve already been through the learning
process described above, and need less time to think because of faster reading and greater experience.
Playing only fast games also makes professionals become weaker.
It’s best to have a good teacher if possible. A teacher—even if only consulted on an irregular basis—can
help you by pointing out mistakes and weaknesses in your game, and correcting any misconceptions you
might have. Some misconceptions can be difficult to discover and address when studying by yourself.
Matters of Life and Death
If you feel that you lack confidence in fighting, or often collapse in the middle game, the fastest way
to improve is to practice solving life and death problems. This will sharpen your reading and improve
your sense of play far beyond life and death situations themselves.
Some players view life and death problems as a chore, but if you persevere for a little while they can
become quite entertaining. Each problem is a self contained puzzle, like a crossword or sudoku, and
solving problems can itself become an enjoyable game.
You will improve more quickly and have more fun with problems that you can solve without too much
effort. If you can’t solve a problem in two minutes, it’s too hard and isn’t helpful right now.
How to Use This Book xi
Learning to Love Fighting
After some time practicing life and death and learning about middle game strategy (there is plenty
about strategy in Relentless), you may feel that your game becomes more aggressive and fighting
oriented. This is generally a good sign. It’s very difficult to become a strong player without first
becoming good at fighting.
Eventually, when you’ve honed your fighting skills and become stronger, you might want to consult a
teacher again. At this stage, a teacher can help you to focus on the more subtle aspects of the game
and help you understand when to fight, and when not to. A teacher can also help you to expand your
perception of the whole board, which is very important for mid to high dan level amateur players. We
have tried to bake as much knowledge about whole board strategy as possible into Relentless.
How to Study Professional Games
With regards to replaying professional games and studying game commentaries, we will outline the
method used by players who are studying to become professionals. You can try this approach if you’re
serious about improving and have plenty of time. It requires some effort, but achieves results.
The first step is to take some time to replay the game record once (or a few times), before looking at
any commentary. Relentless has been designed with this use in mind and game records are provided
at the beginning of every chapter. There is value in physically replaying a game on a board, from a
printed game record. The process is more deliberate and engaging, because you need to think about
where the next move should be in order to find it. The experience can be difficult at first, perhaps
even frustrating, but overcoming that difficulty will make you stronger.
If you find the experience too frustrating, you might want to stop and try the games given in Part Two
of Relentless, because the game records there have been split into three diagrams. If you’re still feeling
frustrated after replaying three to five game records, don’t worry. Most likely it means that you aren’t
ready to use this approach to study games yet. You can try it again when you’ve become a bit stronger.
In the meantime, you can download all the game records at: https://gogameguru.com/relentless/
and replay them as you read through each chapter.
While replaying a game record, you are not a passive observer. With each move, try to understand why
it was played and justify its purpose to yourself. Think about the position as if you were playing, and
try to predict the next move. After doing so, you can check the game record to see if you were right.
As you become stronger, your ability to predict the next move will become more and more accurate,
so you will usually be able to find the next move quickly, even on a crowded page.
Try to feel the flow of play and sense when it comes to a natural pause. At these points, you can expect
play to shift to another part of the board. Take a moment to widen your perspective and survey the
whole board. Who is winning? What are the most important factors in the game and where should
the next move be? Check the game record to see if the players agree with you. If not, why not?
Even if you don’t understand everything that’s going on, replaying games in this way is still worthwhile.
Once you’ve played all the way through the game at least once, replay the game again with the
commentary. Compare your ideas with our commentary and study the variations. You can now try to
understand the meaning of each move more deeply. If some moves still don’t make sense, don’t worry.
You can come back to this game and review it again sometime later.
xii How to Use This Book
Memorizing Professional Games
If you still feel motivated to study a game further, try to memorize it by replaying it several times.
The easiest way to memorize a game is to seek to understand the meaning of each move and empathize
with both players.
You can also try replaying it upside down for an added challenge. You’re now looking at the game
from White’s perspective and you may find that you notice things which you didn’t see earlier. The
human brain is strange in that way.
We hope these suggestions will help you to learn as much as possible from game commentaries.
Some Technical Notes About Printed Game Records
When replaying a game from a printed game record, such as those in Relentless, the moves are numbered
starting with 1 and proceeding in the order that they were played. Often games are broken up into
several diagrams, in which case the stones which were already on the board in the previous diagram
will appear without numbers, and only new moves will be numbered.
It’s common to start counting from 1 again after every hundred moves, such that moves 101, 102 and
103 are simply represented as 1, 2 and 3 (likewise for 201, 202 and 203). This convention makes game
records easier to follow and avoids straining readers’ eyes with small fonts. If you need to know what
the full move number is, you can find more information in the caption for each diagram.
Sometimes stones are played on the same intersection more than once in the space of a single diagram,
such as when there is a ko fight. When this happens, the moves are listed below the diagram in the
form: 7 at 1, 10 at 4 etc. This means that move 7 was played in the same place as 1, and 10 was played
at 4. If you’re ever having trouble finding a move, check below the diagram to see if it’s listed there.
Don’t Forget the Back Matter
If you come across a term or phrase that you haven’t seen before, don’t forget that a detailed glossary
is provided in the back matter.
We have also compiled an ‘Index of Principles’ at the very end of the book, to help with looking things
up and to assist those who learn best by reviewing a summary of key ideas.
Enjoy Yourself !
Finally, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. If something doesn’t work for
you, try something else. Everyone is different and this advice is general by necessity. Have fun!
Introduction
Let’s get to know the players and learn a little about the match which is the centerpiece of this book.
Gu Li
Gu Li was born in Chongqing on February 3, 1983. His family name is Gu and his given name is Li.
Chongqing is a thriving metropolis and commercial hub, situated towards the center of China at the
confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
His father was an amateur Go enthusiast and Gu began to learn the game at the age of 6. Go was
booming in China at the time, because of Nie Weiping 9 dan’s amazing performances in the China
Japan ‘Supermatches’ from 1984–88, and young Gu was swept up in the rising tide.
He showed an early talent for the game, so his parents enrolled him in local Go classes. However, he
succumbed to the lure of the nearby video arcade for a time. Even though Gu didn’t have much money
to feed the arcade games, he enjoyed watching others play and skipped Go class in order to do so.
When his father discovered what Gu had been up to he was enraged, and the experience instilled
enough fear in the young boy that he never missed Go class again.
Gu won the National Youth Championship when he was 11. In the following year, aged 12, he qualified
as a professional and joined the National Youth Team. At this stage, unlike many of his contemporaries,
Gu was still without a formal mentor. It had always been his father’s belief that Gu should only have
one mentor in his career and, therefore, this teacher should be a ‘great master’.
At the time, Nie Weiping was the head coach of the Chinese National Team. Upon receiving a
recommendation from Yu Bin 9 dan, Nie traveled to Chongqing specifically to play several games with
Gu and assess his talent. After doing so, he decided to formally take on Gu as his apprentice.
Besides Go, Gu loves music and sport, particularly soccer. He is the self-proclaimed ‘secret weapon’
of the Chinese Go Association’s soccer team. He was also a torch bearer during the Chongqing leg of
the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay.
Gu has been known to say, “If you only play Go and don’t enjoy life, your Go will suffer for it.”
A list of professional titles won by Gu throughout his career is provided on the following page (inter-
national titles are bolded):
xiii
xiv Introduction
2001 – 8th Xinren Wang, 2nd Liguang Cup
2003 – 17th Tianyuan, 5th Ahan Tongshan Cup, 7th China Korea Tengen
2004 – 18th Tianyuan, 17th Mingren, 9th NEC Cup, 8th China Korea Tengen, 5th Japan China Agon
Cup
2005 – 19th Tianyuan, 18th Mingren, 7th Ahan Tongshan Cup, 9th China Korea Tengen, 12th Xinren
Wang
2006 – 10th LG Cup, 20th Tianyuan, 19th Mingren, 11th NEC Cup, 7th Japan China Agon Cup
2007 – 6th Chunlan Cup, 21st Tianyuan, 20th Mingren, 11th China Korea Tengen
2008 – 21st Fujitsu Cup, 22nd Tianyuan, 21st Mingren, 4th Chang-Ki Cup, 13th NEC Cup, 10th
Ahan Tongshan Cup, 2nd Quzhou-Lanke Cup, 1st Longxing
2009 – 13th LG Cup, 1st BC Card Cup, 4th Toyota-Denso Cup, 22nd Mingren, 14th NEC
Cup, 10th Japan China Agon Cup
2010 – 15th Samsung Cup, 1st China Japan Korea Meijin
2011 – 8th Chang-Ki Cup
2012 – 14th Ahan Tongshan Cup
2013 – 14th Japan China Agon Cup
2014 – 5th Longxing
2015 – 10th Chunlan Cup.
Lee Sedol
Lee was born on Bigeum-do (Bigeum Island) on March 2, 1983—just one month after Gu. Lee is his
family name and Sedol is his given name.
Bigeum is a small island in Shinan County, one of the poorest parts of South Korea. The main
industries in the area are agriculture, salt farming and fishing.
His father was a strong amateur player who ran a small Go class for children in the area. Lee was shy,
so he only watched the other children play at first, but he soon became interested in Go and began to
participate. He quickly surpassed the other students, so his father began to teach him more seriously,
together with his older brother Lee Sanghun (now a professional 9 dan) and sister Lee Sena.
By the time he was 8, Lee had reached the level of amateur 5 dan, and began to participate in children’s
tournaments. That same year, he defeated Han Jongjin (now a professional 9 dan) to win an important
youth tournament. It was sensational at the time because Han was in year 6 at school, while Lee (who
defeated many older children) was only in year 2.
While Lee remained on Bigeum-do, his father was his only teacher. He would set life and death
problems for young Lee to solve while he was working on the farm and would check his answers later
in the day. He wanted Lee to find the correct solutions, even if it took the whole day. Lee’s reading
became quick and precise, partly because of this early training when he was still very young.
At the age of 9, Lee left home to study at Kwon Gapyong 8 dan’s dojo in Seoul. Kwon recognized
Lee’s special talent, so rather than trying to change his unique style, he nurtured it and allowed Lee
Introduction xv
to play as he wished. In 1995, aged 12, Lee became a professional.
Lee is gentle, positive and humorous, but is also independent and incredibly strong-willed. In 2009, at
the height of his career, he took some time off from professional Go to the shock and disappointment
of fans. He returned six months later, seemingly stronger than ever.
Because of his quirky sense of humor and straight-talking attitude, interviews with Lee are very popular,
even amongst people who don’t play Go. He is known for funny quotes which often contain a nugget
of truth, but some members of the older generation don’t appreciate this and are quite critical of Lee.
Since most younger people find him inspirational, he is something of a polarizing character in Korea.
He was once asked how he felt about his many critics, and quipped, “I don’t have enough time to take
care of all my fans, so I don’t even think about my critics.”
The list of Lee’s professional titles can be summarized as follows:
2000 – 5th Chunwon, 8th Baedal Wang
2001 – 1st Osram Cup
2002 – 15th Fujitsu Cup, 7th Korean LG Cup, 1st KTF Cup, 12th BC Card (Korean New Stars),
6th SK Gas Cup
2003 – 7th LG Cup, 16th Fujitsu Cup
2004 – 9th Samsung Cup
2005 – 2nd Toyota-Denso Cup, 18th Fujitsu Cup, 6th Maxim Cup
2006 – 11th GS Caltex Cup, 7th Maxim Cup, 2nd Price Information Cup, 25th KBS Cup
2007 – 3rd Toyota-Denso Cup, 19th Asian TV Cup, 35th Myeongin, 51st Kuksu, 8th Maxim
Cup, 3rd Price Information Cup,
2008 – 12th Samsung Cup, 12th LG Cup, 20th Asian TV Cup, 36th Myeongin
2009 – 13th Samsung Cup, 52nd Kuksu
2010 – 2nd BC Card Cup, 6th Price Information Cup, 1st Olleh KT Cup
2011 – 3rd BC Card Cup, 8th Chunlan Cup, 6th Siptan, 2nd Olleh KT Cup
2012 – 2012 Samsung Cup, 40th Myeongin, 17th GS Caltex Cup, 3rd Olleh KT Cup
2014 – MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango, 26th Asian TV Cup, 15th Maxim Cup, 1st Let’s Run Park Cup,
32nd KBS Cup
2015 – 27th Asian TV Cup.
The MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango
Since at least the 18th century, the question of who is superior between two top players has often been
resolved by playing a 10 game match. The Japanese term for such a match is ‘jubango’, and has been
imported into English by Go players.
Given the innate magic that is apparent on the Go board when observing games between Lee Sedol and
Gu Li, many dreamed of a jubango between the two masters. The Chinese and Korean Go associations
were involved in plans to organize a 10 game match starting from at least 2009, but there was some
xvi Introduction
difficulty involved in finding a sponsor.
At long last, in 2013, Ni Zhanggen offered to sponsor a jubango after hearing about the aborted plan.
Ni is the CEO of MLily, a mattress and bedding company based in China, and is also a serious Go fan.
He believed that history demanded that such a match occur and was in a position to make it happen.
Chinese reporters claimed that Ni was disappointed after seeing Gu lose to Lee in the final of 2012
Samsung Cup. Gu lost two games by half a point in that match, and some observers regarded Lee’s
victory as a matter of luck. Ni is a big fan of Gu Li, and he thought that Gu was the stronger player.
Consequently, he believed that if a longer match were played, Gu would prove to be superior.
The organizers considered venues in Canada, Europe and South America, but they eventually decided
to have nine games in China and one in Korea (for financial and logistical reasons). Some journalists
predicted that such an arrangement would favor Gu, because China is his home country, but Lee has
played regularly in the Chinese A League for many years and doesn’t seem to mind traveling for games.
The official name of the event was MLily Meng Baihe Shiji Zhi Zhan Gu Lee Shifanqi. This translates
literally to MLily Battle of the Century Gu—Lee Jubango, but we at Go Game Guru elected to omit
the battle of the century flourish for brevity, in all of our translations.
MLily tends to use its double barrel English and Chinese names in the titles of events that it sponsors.
Its Chinese name, Meng Baihe, can be translated literally as meng = dream and baihe = lilies. A
looser, but more natural translation would be something like ‘sweet dreams’. The M in MLily stands
for Meng. This explains the somewhat cryptic MLily moniker and its unusual capitalization.
The time limit for each game was 3 hours and 55 minutes per player, with five overtime periods (byo-
yomi) lasting one minute each. It’s traditional to subtract 5 minutes from the 4 hour total to account
for the five overtime periods. Originally, Gu wanted the time limit to be shorter, but Lee insisted that
they needed plenty of thinking time for an important match like this and Gu accommodated him.
The prize money for the winner of the match was 5 million renminbi (about $800,000 US dollars at
the time). The loser would receive a match fee of 200,000 renminbi.
The match was officially launched on November 24, 2013, at the Conrad Hotel in Beijing, China. Liu
Siming, the president of the Chinese Go Association, gave a speech where he said:
“The jubango between Gu Li and Lee Sedol is finally going to start in 2014, and many Go fans have
been looking forward to it. Each of the 10 games will be played in a different city.”
“I think these two players are the best choice for a jubango, and the games will be very exciting. There
hasn’t been a jubango like this in the last 70 years [Translator’s note: Liu was referring to the famous
jubango between Go Seigen and Kitani Minoru], but we’ve pushed ahead to make this one happen.”
“Gu Li and Lee Sedol were both born in 1983, and Lee is just one game ahead in their head to head
record. There are many rising stars today, but Lee and Gu are still the best, since they’ve won 14 and
7 international titles respectively.”
“It’s a very special event with a lot of prize money, and I hope that both players will create great
games, of which they can be proud.”
Relentless
Part I
The MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango
3
Chapter 1
January
January 26, 2014, Beijing, China: Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
<(((;(J(D89(((.((0>
[++/,-.+6+7+312+ZW-
[++¨«:+„50(E! +4LXY
[++*”<+*)GI+ff+´KM]
[+‚+?=˘“FH+˝2$P+++]
[+++«>@BAc+´¨+%&ˆ˜]
[++–„»‚‹˚ˇ+¯»+N’+]
[++C+›˙_$‘˘`–ˆ&˜ffiO]
++¸4+;¸˛P+ˇı—+‰fifl"]
*Q‚[/++,+*+++++*#ffl]
,R˛1“”9:QMO+SU[]a+]
[˙+‹ff8RGL-+WTV\^b
[¯+»–›—Nffi@C2X++˚+fiı
[(+˚«++>=5D01ZY¨”‰
["‰ı+“AE+B›3+T˝ff—
3!fflˆ]¯6?˙*FHV+‹*˜!ffl
[# ^˘˝7fl`„+ˇUJffiI./]
[%$˛’fi)+b_cS+fl\‘K<%
,&))(*¸)´)))))))a).
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-251)
" at ı, # at ˙, ’ at ffi
5
6 January
Beijing
The first game of the MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango kicked off in Beijing, China, in the depth of Winter,
on January 26, 2014.
Beijing is the capital of China and has been for most of the last millennium. Due to its long-standing
role as the seat of government, the city is filled with ancient palaces, temples and sprawling parks.
Today, Beijing is an economic powerhouse, dominated by a large services sector. It is also home to
countless cultural institutions, including the headquarters of the Chinese Go Association, so it was
fitting that the organizers chose to start proceedings there.
From the outset, it was very difficult to predict who would win the Jubango, because the players were
so closely matched. Before this game, the head to head record between Lee Sedol and Gu Li stood at
18–17 in Lee’s favor, after 36 games. One game between the two ended without a result, because of a
rare quadruple ko (see Chapter 37).
For many Go fans, it didn’t matter who would win. It was enough to be able to watch the two masters
play a series of high quality games together.
The was no formal lunch break scheduled for these games, but food was provided and the players were
free to get up and eat whenever they wanted to.
Both players were no doubt keen for an early win, in order to dictate the flow of the match in their
favor. Lee Sedol drew black in the nigiri and the players alternated colors thereafter.
January 7
The Star Point
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++ D ++ A +]
[++*+++++*+++++´ B +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ C +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Move: 1)
The White Rabbit put on his spectacles. “Where shall I begin, please your Majesty?” he asked.
“Begin at the beginning,” the King said gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”
—Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Lee Sedol began the match with ´ on the star point.
The star point is the most common first move for Black in contemporary play, mainly because it offers
Black great flexibility in choosing his next moves after seeing White’s opening strategy.
The star point’s strengths are its flexibility, speed, influence and simplicity. Its main weakness is that
it doesn’t firmly grasp the territory and, consequently, the eyespace in the corner.
If Black wants to control the corner, playing at A or B instead is more effective. After ´, White
can easily invade at A and seize the corner territory for himself. However, because Black will develop
powerful outside influence in the process, correctly timing the invasion at A can be quite difficult.
At this stage in the game, it’s too early for White to invade at A, and the merits of an invasion will
likely remain questionable for some time. Because of this, the weakness at A isn’t as significant as you
might think, especially if Black develops a large framework around ´—obscuring his weakness.
This, combined with the fact that the symmetrical star point stone is unbiased in either direction and
simplifies local tactical considerations for Black, is why the star point is so flexible. After playing ´,
Black’s plan is to develop rapidly, on a large scale, and to adapt to changing circumstances.
Black can later enclose the corner with a move at C or D, but he won’t rush to do so before the ideal
direction of play reveals itself. Enclosing the corner too early reduces Black’s flexibility by slanting the
corner in a particular direction. We’ll discuss the star point enclosure in more detail in Chapter 5.
8 January
The 3-4 Point and the Direction of Play
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨++++++++++++++]
[+ G A +++++*+++++@ C ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ˆ+++++*+++++ B ˜+]
[++++ D ++++++++ E F ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 2-4)
Gu Li played ˆ on the diagonally opposite star point and Black played ˜ on the 3-4 point, facing ˆ.
The star point is also the most common move for White in the opening, but playing in an adjacent
corner (e.g. at A) is more common. Playing in the diagonally opposite corner like this reduces the
number of possible opening formations for both players.
This can be a good way to play when White wants to avoid a diagonal opening (i.e. when Black places
stones at @
C and ˆ, and White plays at A and B). Many players like to play at ˆ because they dislike
diagonal openings as White. However, there’s no reason for White to avoid a diagonal opening and
playing ˆ at A offers other strategic advantages, which we’ll discuss in Chapter 3.
Black generally prefers opening formations consisting of one star point and one 3-4 point corner these
days. In the past, we saw trends towards more territorial or center-oriented styles, but contemporary
Go strikes a finer balance between territory and influence.
When you play on the 3-4 point, the direction of play is more important, because your stone doesn’t
rest on an axis of symmetry. In this game, Black played at ˜ to create good continuations at D or E.
Black ˜ used to be less popular than playing at B or F, because some players thought that approaching
at E next was good for White. However, professional thinking has changed and ˜ establishes what is
now the most common formation in response to ˆ.
White doesn’t usually approach at E because he prefers to take the last open corner with ¨ or A.
In contrast to ˜, playing ¨ at G isn’t a particularly good move, as we’ll see in the following variations.
January 9
<(((((((((((((((((> Approaching @ A with ´ is also possible, but Black
[+++++++++++++++++] will be happy to take the last open corner with ˆ.
[++++++++++++¨++++]
[+ˆ*+++++*+++++@++] White ˜ and ˝ are fine from a tactical perspective,
[+++++++++++++++++] but Black defends naturally with ¨ and ˚. The
[+++++++++++++++˜+] kosumi at ˚ prevents White from enclosing Black,
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] by playing at ˚ himself.
[++++++++++++++ˇ++] Black ˘ makes miai of B and C, and this opening
[++*+++++*+++++*++] feels slightly better for Black. White has spent many
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˝+] moves on the right side, very early on in the game.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ B +++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++˚++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@ A +]
[++++˘+++++ ++´+++]C
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 1 for ¨
<(((((((((((((((((> The situation is different when White plays at ´,
[+++++++++++++++++] because there are no more open corners.
[+++ˆ+++++++++++++]
[+´*+++˜+ B ˚++++@ A ++] Black will approach at ˆ and, if White pincers
[+++++++++++++++++] around ˜, fighting with ¨ to ˚ suits Black.
[+++¨+++++++++++++]
[+˝+++++++++++++++] Black @
A provides support for Black’s pincer at ˚,
[+++++++++++++++++] so White would prefer it if @
A were a White stone.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Instead of ˚, B is also possible. As a rule of thumb,
[+++++++++++++++++] it’s usually more effective to pincer fourth line stones
[+++++++++++++++++] on the fourth line (if you want to attack).
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] A pincer on the third line is easier to ignore or press
[+++++++++++++++++] down, though there are obviously exceptions to such
[++!+++++*+++++*@+] a simple rule.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 2 for ¨
<(((((((((((((((((> When pincering ˆ isn’t effective, the kosumi at ˜
[+++++++++++++++++] is a patient and time honored move.
[+++ˆ+++++++++++++]
[+´*+++++*+++++@++] Even though ˜ looks slow, it’s a strong move which
[++˜++++++++++++++] quietly accumulates power in White’s corner and is
[+++++++++++++++++] still often played today.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] However, in this opening, White’s stones are all on
[+++++++++++++++++] the left side and the exchange of ˆ for ˜ feels some-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] what forced.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 3 for ¨ Even when a move is usually effective, you need to
adapt your strategy to the opening in play.
10 January
Modern Go Is Wide
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@ A ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ C +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@ B +]
[++++˝++++ D E ++ +++]
F
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 4
(Move: 5)
Black’s approach at ˝ aims to create a large framework in combination with @ A and @
B . If White
defends the corner at C, Black intends to set up a wide position with D or E.
‘Wide’ means that you consider and draw as much of the board as possible into play; that you embrace
and explore the countless possibilities in Go, and expand your strategic options. In contrast, enclosing
the corner with ˝ at F would be narrower (and tight) but that doesn’t necessarily make it a bad move.
There are also times when you might want to play narrow moves, to control the options available to
your opponent, but the trend has been for games to become wider as the art of Go evolves.
<(((((((((((((((((> Approaching at ´ is also conceivable. However, in
[+++++++++++++++++] contrast to the earlier variation, White can now pin-
[+ C !¨˚ B ˘++++++++++] cer at ˆ with support from ! A.
[++*˜˝ˇ++*+++++@++]
[+´+++++++++++++++] Even if Black continues with ˜ to ˇ, White still
[+++++++++++++++++] has a comfortable position up to ˘. It’s quite hard
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] for Black to counter-attack severely, because ˆ is a
[+ˆ+++++++++++++++] loose pincer and the bottom left is White’s sphere of
[++*+++++*+++++*++] influence.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White can also play ˚ at B, but then it becomes
[+++++++++++++++++] easier for Black to attach at C.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White doesn’t have to pincer at ˆ immediately.
[++! A +++++*+++++*@+] Playing ˆ at D is another option.
[+++++++++++++ D +++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 4 for ˝
January 11
The High Enclosure Emphasizes Thickness
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ C +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ A ˚++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[++++@ B ++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 5
(Move: 6)
The low enclosure at A is more common than ˚, but Gu Li likes to play the high enclosure at ˚
because his style emphasizes thickness and fighting. White ˚ has a greater effect on @ B than A does,
but at the cost of leaving a weakness at C. Distaste for this weakness is what makes most professionals
prefer the low enclosure instead. The game is harder to manage after ˚, but this doesn’t worry Gu.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White wants to prevent Black’s large framework,
[++*+++++*+++++* B +] he can pincer at ´.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ˆ is a flexible response, which creates good
[+++++++++++++++++] continuations around A and B.
[+˜+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˜ is a firm way to defend the corner without
[++!+++++*+++++*@+] playing too tightly.
[+ A ++@+´++++++ˆ+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 5 for ˚
[+++++++++++++++++] Playing in the bottom right with a move like ´ is
[++*+++++*+++++*++] another possible strategy if White doesn’t want Black
[+++++++++++++++++] to develop a large framework at the bottom.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black has good continuations at A, B and C, and the
[+ A +++++++++++++++] game is still playable for both sides.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+ C ++´*@+]
[++++@++++++ B +++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 6 for ˚
12 January
The Micro-Chinese Opening
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+ F +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+¸+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ E +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+¯++˙*+++++*@ B +]
[+++˘@ A ++ D + C ˇ++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 6
(Moves: 7-11)
Lee chose to play the Micro-Chinese Opening, creating a framework at the bottom with @
A , ˇ and @
B.
The Mini-Chinese Opening (with ˇ at C) is also popular, but ˇ has been gaining popularity in recent
years. For the sake of brevity, we’ll refer to these sorts of positions as Chinese style openings (or
formations) throughout this book.
White kicked @ A with ˘ because he wanted to make Black heavy before attacking. Kicking and
pincering with ˘ and ˙ is typical of Gu Li’s style of play. If ˇ were at C, ˘ could be at D instead.
Black split the left side with ¸, instead of responding directly to ˙. This made miai of E and F.
<(((((((((((((((((> The splitting play at ´ is a common countermeasure
[+++++++++++++++++] against Chinese style openings, and ˆ to ¨ is a
[++!++++++++++++++] natural continuation.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black plays the shoulder hit at ¨ because White’s
[+++++++++++++++ˆ+] two space extension on the right side is already solid.
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[+++++++++++++++ C +] Black’s judgment is that he stands to gain more at
[+++++++++++++++++] the bottom than White does on the right side (if both
[++*+++++*+++++*´+] players’ positions are solidified by a contact fight).
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This strategy is more active than simply defending
[+++++++++++++++˜+] the corner with ¨ at A and, if White does become
[++!+++++++++++¨++]
[+++++++++++++++++] strong on the right side, holding back with ˆ may
[++!+++++*++++ A *@+] prove to be a wise decision.
[++++@+++++@++++++] Instead of ˆ, Black can also consider B or C. The
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). close approach at C puts more pressure on White,
Variation 7 for ˘ but leaves Black at risk of becoming thin later.
January 13
[+++++++++++++++++] The moves up to ¸ illustrate the most common vari-
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] ation after the previous diagram.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ D +++++++++++++¸+] If !A were at B, Black would play ˛ at C instead.
[++++++++++++++˚!+] However, because White played the high enclosure at
[+ B !
A +++++++++++@++]
!A , Black prefers to defend tightly at ˛ in this case.
[++++ C +++++++++˘ˇ˝]
[++!++++˛*+++++*@¯] After reinforcing at ˛, Black can aim to approach
[++++@+++++@++++˙+] at D later.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 8 for ˘
[+++++++++++++++++] Resisting with ˙ shows fighting spirit.
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Gu Li (Black) played like this against Lee Sedol in
[+++++++++++++++˙+] the group stage of the 2012 Samsung Cup. The game
[++++++++++++++˚!+] is analyzed in Chapter 37.
[++!+++++++++++@++]
[++++++++++++++˘ˇ˝] The opening in that game was slightly different, but
[++!+++++*++++˛¸@¯] the variation up to “ is still acceptable for both
[++++@+++++@++“›‚+] players in the present game.
[++++++++++++++‹++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black ‹ is possible (and better than simply playing
Variation 9 for ˘ “), because White’s corner is not yet alive after ‚.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White plays at ¯ (instead of ˙), ˙ is a strong
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] move for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++¯+] White can’t expect a good result after cutting at ¸,
[++++++++++++++˚!”] because ‹ to — are powerful moves. Black @ A helps
[++!+++++++++++@‹›] Black to win the capturing race up to $.
[++++++++++++++˘ˇ˝“
[++!+++++*++++˛¸@˙] There are also other possible moves for Black in
[++++@+++++@ A —»«‚„"! this situation, but this variation shows a rela-
[++++++++++ ffl–+ı‰# tively straightforward way to capture White’s cutting
,))))))))))$ffi)ffflfi.
Variation 10 for ˘ stones.
[+++++++++++++++++] White « doesn’t work either. Black » is a strong
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] counter and is a very useful tesuji.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++¯+] White loses the capturing race once again.
[++++++++++++++˚!”]
[++!+++++++++++@‹›]
[++++++++++++++˘ˇ˝“
[++!+++++*++++˛¸@˙]
[++++@+++++@++»‚„+]
[+++++++++++++‰«—–]
,)))))))))))))fiıff
Variation 11 for ˘
14 January
[+++++++++++++++++] If White simply answers at ˝, Black will be happy
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] to enclose a large territory up to ˙.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White plays at A later, Black will respond at B
[++++++++++++¯ˇ˝!+] and there isn’t enough space for White to live on the
[++!++++++++++˘@˚+] inside.
[+++++++++++˙+++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[++++@+++++@++++ A B ]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 12 for ˘
[+++++++++++++++++] White might think about exchanging ˝ for ˚ before
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] playing at ˇ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This leaves aji in the corner, but the problem is that
[++++++++++++++ˇ!+] it also makes Black’s position stronger. Because of
[++!+++++++++++@++] that, Black will tenuki after ˇ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++ B *@+] If White hadn’t made the exchange in the corner,
[++++@+++++@++ A ˚˝+] he’d be able to continue at A or B next, but because
[+++++++++++++++++] of ˝ and ˚, these moves lack power.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 13 for ˘
[+++++++++++++++++] After !A , instead of ¸ in the game, Black could con-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] sider connecting under with ´, but it’s passive.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White will take sente and, because ´ is very low,
[+++++++++++++++++] White can regard the exchange of !
A for ´ as forcing.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++! A *+++++*@+]
[+++!@+++++@++++++]
[+++++++´+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 14 for ¸
[+++++++++++++++++] Black might move out with ´, but then ˆ will run
[++*+++++*+++++*++] alongside Black and ¨ will take profit naturally on
[++¨++++˝+++++++++] the left side.
[+++++˜+++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can continue by capping with ˝, but it’s hard
[++!++´+ˆ+++++++++] to attack White’s three stones effectively after White
[++++++++++˚++++++]
[++!+@++! A *+++++*@+] makes shape with ˚.
[+++!@+++++@++++++] The shape formed by !
A , ˆ and ˚ is called the
[+++++++++++++++++] horse’s head.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 15 for ¸
January 15
Remember to Close the Door
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++* B ++++*+++++@++]
[+‚+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ C +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+˛+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++! A ++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++‹*@+]
[+++!@+++++@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 7
(Moves: 12-14)
Extending at ˛ was more important for White than enclosing the top left corner at ‚. That’s because
White’s high move at !
A left the door open in the lower left (with respect to territory).
However, ˛ closed the door; meaning it helped to consolidate White’s lower left territory.
White’s kosumi at B would follow a basic joseki (aiming to invade at C next), but that looks slack.
White chose the dynamic and lively approach at ‹ instead!
<(((((((((((((((((> If White encloses the top left corner, at ´ (or A),
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s squared stones will become much weaker af-
[++!++++++++++++++] ter Black extends to ˆ.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+´+++++++++++++++] In addition, White’s potential territory in the lower
[+ A +++++++++++++++] left area will be greatly diminished, because the door
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] is still open down there.
[+@+++++++++++++++] Black ˆ also assists Black’s marked stones indirectly
[++*+++++*+++++*++] and reduces the scale on which White can surround
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ˆ+++++++++++++++] them. This will make it easier for Black to sacrifice
[+++++++++++++++++] the triangled stones later, if necessary.
[++s++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++s+T++!*+++++*@+]
[+++sT+++++@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 16 for ˛
16 January
<(((((((((((((((((> Extending at ´ is also conceivable, but after White
[+++++++++++++++++] checks Black’s group with ˆ, his two stones feel con-
[++!++++++++++++++] stricted and are not completely settled yet.
[+ˆ*+++++*+++++@++]
[+ A +++++++++++++++] Extending one line further (at A) gives Black more
[+´+++++++++++++++] room to breathe in this case. Even though it looks
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] thinner, it’s also more flexible.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
Variation 17 for ‚
<(((((((((((((((((> If White invades at ´ later, Black can play ˆ to ¨
[+++++++++++++++++] and it’s hard for White to move ´ out.
[++!++ B +++++++++++]
[++* A ˜+++*+++++@++] As you can see, Black has latent sente moves against
[+@+ˆ+++++++++++++] White’s corner (such as ˆ or A) which make his
[+++++++++++++++++] three space extension stronger than it might seem.
[+´+++++++++++++++]
[++¨++++++++++++++] It’s better style for Black to hold such moves in
[+@+++++++++++++++] abeyance until they are truly needed, because ex-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] changing ˆ for ˜ gives up territory at the top, and
[+!+++++++++++++++]
Variation 18 for ‹ Black might prefer to pincer around B later instead.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White plays at ˜, Black can enclose White’s cor-
[+++++++++++++++++] ner stone with ¨.
[++!
A +¨++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White’s potential at the top has been erased and re-
[+@+ˆ+++++++++++++] placed with Black’s. What’s more, ! A isn’t alive in
[+++++++++++++++++] the corner yet, so this isn’t a good idea for White.
[+´+++++++++++++++]
[++˜++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
Variation 19 for ‹
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of ˆ in the previous variation, Black can also
[+++++++++++++++++] press with ˆ and ¨.
[++!˜+˝+++++++++++]
[+ˇ*ˆ¨+++*+++++@++] Black can still come back to enclose ´ with ˚, so
[˘@+++++++++++++++] the result is similar.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+´+++++++++++++++] Since trying to save ´ doesn’t lead to a good result,
[++˚++++++++++++++] White will sacrifice by exchanging ˇ for ˘, before
[+@+++++++++++++++] playing elsewhere.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
Variation 20 for ‹
January 17
Get to the Key Points Quickly
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[+++++“++++›++++++]
[++!+T++!A *++++! B *S+]
[+++!T+++++@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 8
(Moves: 15-16)
Black jumped out from the middle with › because it split and weakened both ! A and !B , while also
indirectly helping his marked stones. Pressuring Black’s triangled stones with “, and developing his
pincer stone at !A , was more important than defending !B . Both players seized the key points.
[+@+++++++++++++++] Strengthening Black’s corner with ´ is also possible.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] White might continue with a leaning attack, starting
[+++++++++++++¸+++] at ¨, and both players can fight with ˝ to “.
[+++++++++++“+˝˘++]
[++!++++++ A ++˙¨´¯+] White can aim at moves like A or B next and it’s
[+++++ B ++++›+++˚ˇ+] another game.
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++‹+@+++˛ˆ˜] Instead of ˆ, capping at › is also conceivable.
[++++++++++++++++‚]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 21 for ›
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White plays around ´, Black will move his lower
[++*+++++*+++++*++] left group out with ˆ, while also applying pressure
[+!+++++++++++++++] to !A.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black @B is light and flexible, so Black is able to take
[++!+++++++++++´++] the initiative in the center. This isn’t good for White.
[++++++ˆ+++@++++++]
[++!+@++! A *++++!*@ B +]
[+++!@+++++@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 22 for “
18 January
Size Matters in Go
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!«+++++++++++”+]
[+++++!++++@+ B ++++]
[++!+T++!*++++! A *@+]
[+++!T+++„+@++++ C D ]
[++++++++++++++++ E ]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 9
(Moves: 17-19)
After ”, ! A was still light. There was no way for Black to swallow the whole lower right area (including
!
A ) in a single move. For example, even if Black encloses White with B, White still has some aji in the
corner with C to E. White „ was bold. By threatening to capture the marked stones on the largest
possible scale it induced Black into moving them out with «.
[+@+++++++++++++++] If Black slides underneath at ´, White can play a
[++*+++++*+++++*++] move around ˆ and is able to manage his groups on
[+!+++++++++++++++] both sides.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black shouldn’t just follow White around the board
[++!+++++++++++ˆ++] like this.
[+++++!++++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++++@++++++]
[+++++++´+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 23 for ”
[+@+++++++++++++++] If Black just pushes from behind with ´, the fight
[++*+++++*+++++*++] is very difficult for Black after ˚.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Playing ´ at ˚, as in the actual game, was skillful.
[+++˝¨++++++++++++]
[++!˚˜ˆ+++++++++@+]
[++++´!++++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 24 for «
January 19
Speech Is Silver and Silence Is Golden
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++»++++++++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[+++++!++++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 10
(Move: 20)
Extending calmly to » was the right answer for White.
When you’re attacking, quiet moves like this are often the strongest way of playing, because they don’t
help your opponent to make shape, trade or move out.
It’s one of the paradoxes of Go that contact moves tend to be ineffective when attacking, but good
when defending. This is because they usually force the situation to be resolved quickly, and both
players’ positions become stronger as a result. Most people tend to assume the opposite when they
first start playing.
Black’s group in the lower left is weak and he’d like nothing more than to provoke a complicated
contact fight here. The best response for White is to remain silent and aloof from the bickering.
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White cuts at ´, returning the favor with ˚ is a
[++*+++++*+++++*++] good counter and White has to connect at ˇ.
[+!
A +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black gives up the marked stones, but White’s ter-
[++˘++++++++++++++] ritory in the lower left is greatly reduced and !
A be-
[+˚!@+++++++++++@+] comes weak.
[+˝¨ˆ´!++++@++++++]
[+ˇ!˜T++!*++++!*@+] This result is good for Black.
[+++!T+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 25 for »
20 January
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White saves the cutting stone with ˇ, Black will
[++*+++++*+++++*++] atari at ˘.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] A and B are miai for Black next.
[++ˇ++++++++++++++]
[+˚!@+++++++++++@+]
[ A ˝¨ˆ´!++++@++++++]
[+˘!˜@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++ B +++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 26 for »
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White pushes and cuts from the other side, with
[++*+++++*+++++*++] ´ and ˜, Black will dodge White’s attack up to ˙.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This is a relatively simple continuation and the result
[+++˝˚¯+++++++++++] is reasonable for Black.
[++!@ a ˜¨˙++++++++@+]
[+++´ˆ!˘+++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 27 for »
ˇ at @
a
[+@+++++++++++++++] Saving the cutting stone with ¯ isn’t a good idea.
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Black will sacrifice three stones up to “ and White’s
[+!+++++++++++++++] marked stones are as good as dead.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++˝˚++++++++++++] If White plays at A later, playing B to D is a safe
[++!@ a ˜¨“+ A ++++++@+]
response for Black and White can’t separate Black’s
[+++´ˆ!˘ C B +@++++++]
[++!+@¯˙t D ++++!*@+] stones.
[+++!@¸˛+t+@++++++]
[++++›‚‹++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 28 for »
ˇ at @
a
[+@+++++++++++++++] Extending at ¨ is also conceivable, but the position
[++*+++++*+++++*++] becomes quite complicated after this, so Black needs
[+!+++++++++++++++] to come up with a clear continuation first.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++¨+++++++++++++] Since the last two variations were clear, and satisfac-
[++!@˜++++++++++@+] tory for Black, not many players would choose ¨.
[+++´ˆ!++++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+] If you make a habit of choosing straightforward, rea-
[+++!@+++!+@++++++] sonable sequences that are within the horizon of your
[+++++++++++++++++] reading ability whenever possible, your game will be-
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 29 for » come more stable and you’ll win more often.
January 21
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White hanes at ´, Black can just extend to ˆ.
[++*+++++*+++++*++] This creates a bad relationship between ´ and ! A,
[+!+++++++++++++++] which is another reason why Gu’s quiet extension in
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++˙´+++++++++++++] the game was better style.
[+˘!@ˆ++++++++++@+] Black doesn’t have to worry about White’s push and
[+ˇ˚¨˜!
A ++++@++++++]
[+¯!˝@++!*++++!*@+] cut, with ˜ and ˝, because the trade up to ˙ still
[+++!@+++!+@++++++] works for Black. This is even better for Black than
[+++++++++++++++++] Variation 25.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 30 for »
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White connects at ˜, then it’s time for Black to
[++*+++++*+++++*++] exchange ¨ for ˝. Black might regret removing the
[+!+++++++++++++++] aji in the corner (at A), but sometimes you just have
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++˜´+++++++++++++] to let your misgivings go and play down to earth
[++!@ˆ++˚+++++++@+] moves.
[+++++t++++@++++++]
[++!¨@++t*++++!*@+] Black’s capping play at ˚ is severe and provides ad-
[+ A ˝!@+++t+@++++++] equate compensation.
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s marked stones are quite weak now.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 31 for »
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White pushes with ˇ, Black can just walk out in
[++*+++++*+++++*++] front of White up to ˙. Black has the high ground
[+!+++++++++++++++] in this fight and White’s group feels a little heavy.
[++++˙++++++++++++]
[++!!˘¯+++++++++++] Black @A occupies a vital point and the overall result
[++!@@ˇ+@ A +++++++@+]
is bad for White.
[+++++!++++@++++++]
[++!@@++!*++++!*@+]
[++!!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 32 for »
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White tries to fight with ˇ, ˘ is a sharp tesuji.
[++*+ffi+++fl+++++*++] The hane at “ prevents White from cutting at A,
[+!++++«+fffi+++++++] and White is too thin to seal Black in after ».
[++++»‹++”+++++++]
[++!!+ A ˇ›“++++++++] White is enclosed and in urgent need of life.
[++!@@˙¸@„++++++@+]
[+++++!˘˛++@++++++] If he makes two eyes with – to ı, ! B fades away as
[++!@@‚¯!*++++! B *@+] Black takes the initiative in the center up to ffi.
[++!!@ G F +!+@‰+++++]
[++++ E D C ı+–—+++++] If White surrounds Black with ı at ffi instead, Black
,))))) H ))))))))))). C to E, ı and F to H sees White lose the race.
Variation 33 for »
22 January
Maintain the Pressure
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@F +++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!–+—+++++++++++]
[+ G !
A T+++++++++++@+]
[+++++s++++@++++++]
[++!+T++! D *++++!*@+]
[+++!T+++s C @ B ++++++]
[++ ++++++++++++++]
E
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 11
(Moves: 21-22)
Moving out with – may seem premature, but there weren’t any satisfactory alternatives. Jumping
to — was a powerful move, which kept the pressure on Black’s triangled group, while helping White’s
squared stones.
The opening up to — seems slightly better for White, but it’s difficult to find any questionable moves
by Black.
After the game, Lee Sedol lamented choosing the Micro-Chinese Opening (with @ B ) after White’s high
enclosure at !
A . That’s because Black would prefer to move @
B to C after !D . Therefore, instead of @B,
E or @F could be better for Black when White plays !A instead of G. Black @F is shown in Chapter 45.
However, that’s a very subtle point and it doesn’t fully explain White’s advantage at this stage of the
game. Gu Li’s intuition for the opening is extraordinary, even amongst professionals, and he’s usually
ahead in the opening when he plays against Lee Sedol.
[+@+++++++++++++++] Cutting at ´ still doesn’t work. Countering with the
[++*+++++*+++++*++] cut at ˚ is good, and Black can pursue a sacrifice
[+!—++++++++++++++] strategy with “ to —.
[»„“++++++++++++++]
[«”!@+++++++++++++] Even though White captures many Black stones, the
–‹˛!@+++++++++++@+] result still favors Black. White’s lower left group is
[‚˝¨ˆ´!++++@++++++]
›˘˚!˜@++!*++++!*@+] (for the most part) buried deep within the corner, so
[¯ˇ¸!@+++!+@++++++] those stones have little future potential in the game.
[+++˙+++++++++++++] The long term effectiveness of stones is a factor in
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 34 for — their overall efficiency. White’s corner stones cannot
be expected to continue working hard after this.
January 23
[+@+++++++++++++++] White can’t block at ¯, because White’s five marked
[++*+++++*+++++*++] stones will be captured after ˙ to ˛.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[¯˝¨ˆ´!++++@++++++]
[˘˚t˜@++!*++++!*@+]
[˛ˇ¸t@+++!+@++++++]
[+++˙+++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 35 for —
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White hanes at ´, Black’s wedge at ˆ repairs his
[++*+++++*+++++*++] weaknesses in sente. After that, Black will be happy
[+!+++++++++++++++] to take the key point for attack and defense with ˚.
[+++´+++++++++++++]
[++!@+˚+++++++++++] In the game, White didn’t waste any time in taking
[++!@+++++++++++@+] the key point at ˚ for himself.
[+˜ˆ¨+!++++@++++++]
[+˝!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 36 for —
[+@+++++++++++++++] Resisting with ˜ is what Black wants. Black can
[++*+++++*+++++*++] dodge White’s punch with ¨ and ˚.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++´+++++++++++++] This result is even worse for White than the previous
[++!@+++++++++++++] variation, because the marked stone is damaged.
[++!@+˚+++++++++@+]
[+˝ˆ˜¨t++++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 37 for —
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White tries to cut with ´, the hane at ˆ shows
[++*+++++*+++++*++] excellent timing.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++++ C ++++++++++++] White ˜ is necessary, because if White blocks at
[++!@ˇ“+++++++++++] A instead Black will exchange ¨ for ˝ and double
[++!@˝˚+++++++++@+] atari at B.
[+++´¨!˘+++@++++++]
[++! B @¯˙!*++++!*@+] Black’s best continuation is ¨ to ˘. White ¯
[+ E ˜!@¸˛+!+@++++++] doesn’t work because Black’s counter from ˙ to “
[++ A ˆ‹‚› D +++++++++] makes miai of C and D.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 38 for — If ˜ is at ¨, Black can live in the corner with E.
24 January
Know When to Hold ‘Em...
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@ A ++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++]
[++!T+!+++++++++++]
[++!T+++++++++++@+]
[+‰ı+!++++@++++++]
[++!+T++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!T+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 12
(Moves: 23-26)
You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and
know when to run. You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table. There’ll be
time enough for countin’ when the dealin’s done.
—Don Schlitz, The Gambler
Lee exchanged to to settle the shape and prevent White from cutting at ı.
In the variations from « to ı, offering to trade was the key to managing Black’s marked group. At
this point though, Black wanted to stop drawing cards and hold what he already had in his hand.
It’s usually good to keep the possibility of a trade open for as long as you think you can negotiate an
acceptable result. The nature of each trade and your planned counter often changes with each move.
White was another move that epitomized Gu Li’s style. It was slow, because it didn’t complete the
corner, but it created power in the center and set up a potential leaning attack for White at A.
[+@+++++++++++++++] Simply extending to ´ is slack. Pushing and cutting
[++*+++++*+++++*++] with ˆ and ¨ is now a strong tactic, because ! A
[+!+++++++++++++++] defends the cutting point at B.
[+++´+++++++++++++]
[++!@+! A +++++++++++] The moves up to ˇ might seem natural for Black,
[++!@¨ B +++++++++@+] but White’s extension at ˘ makes miai of C and D,
[++˚ˆ˜!++++@++++++]
[++!˝@++!*++++!*@+] and Black collapses.
[++ˇ!@+++!+@++++++]
[++ C ˘ D ++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 39 for
January 25
[+@+++++++++++++++] Cutting at ´ doesn’t lead to a good result, because
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Black can fight back with ˆ to ˚. After Black lives
[+!+¸+++++++++++++] in the corner with ˘ and ˙, White still needs to
[++¨++++++++++++++]
[ˇ˝sT+!+++++++++++] worry about Black’s marked cutting stones.
[˚+sT+++++++++++@+] Black will take sente and suppress !
A with ˛. This
[+ˆ@´˜!++++@+˛++++]
[++!+@++!*++++! A *@+] result is bad for White because Black can still con-
[+˘¯!@+++!+@++++++] nect under with B, and White has some bad aji in
[+˙+ B +++++++++++++] the proximity of Black’s marked stones.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 40 for ‰ Instead of ˝, White at ˚ will be met by Black’s
tesuji at ˇ—capturing White’s marked stones.
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White blocks at ˜, Black will play ¨ to ˚.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] White ˇ protects the marked stones, but Black will
[+ B ˚++++++++++++++] connect with the wedge at ˘. After ˙, A and B are
[+ C t@+! A ++++++++++] miai for Black.
[++t@˙˘¯++++++++@+]
[ˇˆ@´¨!++++@++++++] If White uses ˇ to cut at ˙, Black will capture
[+˜!˝@++!*++++!*@+] White’s marked stones with C. Either way, the result
[+++!@+++!+@++++++] is satisfactory for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 41 for ‰
[+@+++++++++++++++] Reinforcing with ´ is common, and White’s position
[++˜+++++*+++++*++] is still fine after this move.
[+!+ˆ+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black jumps out to ˆ, White can simply separate
[++!@+!+++++++++++] Black’s groups with ˜, and the game is progressing
[++!@+++++++++++@+] smoothly for White.
[+!@@+!++++@++++++]
[+´!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 42 for
[+@+++++++++++++++] It appears that Gu disliked the prospect of ˆ.
[++ A +++++*+++++*++]
[+!˚+++˜++++++++++] If White moves out with ˜, which is natural, Black
[+˝¨+ˆ++++++++++++] can continue up to ˚.
[+ B !@+!+++++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+] It’s difficult for White to cut at A, because White
[+!@@+!++++@++++++] has a weakness at B...
[+´!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 43 for
26 January
[+@+ A +++++++++++++] Rushing to cut with ˇ is foolhardy.
[+˘ˇ¯++++*+++++*++]
[+t@+++!++++++++++] After ˘, ¯ avoids Black’s loose net at A, but this
[+t@+@++++++++++++] leaves Black with the atari at ˙
[˛˙!@+!+++++++++++]
[+¸!@+++++++++++@+] Up to ˛, White’s marked stones are trapped and
[+!@@+!++++@++++++] (since they no longer help to cut or exert pressure on
[+!!+@++!*++++!*@+] anything) ˇ and ¯ have become dead weight.
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 44 for
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting with ˇ and ¯ is a better idea, but Black
[+++++++++++++++++] can still fight back with ˙ and ˛.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] After ˛, White’s cutting stones at ¯ and ¸ are
[+@+++++++++++++++] quite weak, and could easily become a liability.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White can’t aim to cut with A, because Black can
[+˙+++++++++++++++] stay connected with B.
[+@¯¸+++++++++++++]
[ C ˇ˘+ B ˛++*+++++*++] Furthermore, the hane at C will be sente for Black
[+!@++ A !++++++++++] later, because of the cutting point at D, so the overall
[+!@+@++++++++++++] result is good for Black.
[+ D !@+!+++++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[+!@@+!++++@++++++]
[+!!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 45 for
<(((((((((((((((((> If White separates Black with ˜, Black can develop
[+++++++++++++++++] his group with ¨ to ˘.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] Gu may have preferred to avoid this sort of develop-
[+@+++++++++++++++] ment, because Black is moving into the center ahead
[+++++++++++++++++] of White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++˜++˘++*+++++*++]
[+!++++˚++++++++++]
[++++ˆ¨˝ˇ+++++++++]
[++!@+!+++++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[+!@@+!++++@++++++]
[+´!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+++!+@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 46 for
January 27
Tread Lightly
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+ff++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+++++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[+!@@+!++++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+ A +!@+fl+!+@++++++]
[+++ C fi B +++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 13
(Moves: 27-29)
After reinforcing his shape, Black moved out with ff. White played the hane at fi to enlarge the
corner and erase Black’s aji around A, but that was a mistake.
Jumping straight to fl—omitting the exchange of B for C—was a brilliant idea which preserved Black’s
aji in the lower left corner.
Aji is a precious resource. You need to cultivate a light touch to make the most of it.
<(((((((((((((((((> Descending at ´ would have been better for White.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black still jumps to ˆ, White makes shape with
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] ˜.
[+@+++++++++++++++] There are no weaknesses in the lower left corner now
[+++++++++++++++++] and White’s center stones are flexible.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ˜, White A is another possible shape.
[+@+++++++++++++++] However, ˜ aims to fly out at B later (forming the
[++*+++ B +*+++++*++] horse’s head haengma, with ˜, !C and B).
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++++++++++] Even when you’re defending, you should look for the
[++!@+!
C +˜ A ++++++++]
move that offers you the best possible followups.
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[+!@@+!++++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+ˆ+!+@++++++]
[+++´+++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 47 for fi
28 January
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black just jumps at ˆ, White can attach at A, or
[+++++++++++++++++] move ! B out.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White can connect under with C, to help the marked
[+@+++++++++++++++] stones, at any time.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@ A ++++++++++++++]
[++*+ˆ+++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+++++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[+!@@+t++++@++++++]
[++!+@++t*++++! B *@+]
[+++!@+++t+@++++++]
[+++´+ C +++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 48 for fi
<(((((((((((((((((> Almost everyone would have expected Black to block
[+++++++++++++++++] at ´, but this is what Gu wanted.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] Now Black’s aji in the corner has been erased and
[+@+++++++++++++++] White’s center group can move out in good shape
[+++++++++++++++++] with ¨.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+¨+++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[+!@@+!++++@++++++]
[++!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[+++!@+˜+!+@++++++]
[+++ˆ!´+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 49 for fl
January 29
Create Something From Nothing
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+ffi+++++++++]
[++!@+++ E F ++++++@+]
["!@@+! B C D +@++++++]
[!ffl!+@+ A !*++++!*@+]
[# +!@+@+!+@++++++]
[%$+’!++++++++++++]
,&))())))))))))))).
Diagram 14
(Moves: 30-40)
Gu made shape for his group with ffi. In general, this kind of move is efficient because it protects
White’s cutting point at A indirectly (if A, then B to F), while also moving White’s group into the
center and developing eye shape.
However, in this case, it was another questionable move. Black’s cut at ffl was unexpected, and it was
the beginning of an exquisite sequence. Pushing at % was another fantastic move. White played the
best possible responses, but the result already favored Black.
The cut at ’ was the final tesuji of this wonderful combination. With this move, Black squeezed every
last drop of value out of his sacrifice in the corner.
Black didn’t have to worry about sacrificing five stones like this, because White had already spent
many moves in the lower left and Black’s stones were all played inside White’s territory.
Since White had to add one stone inside his territory for every stone that Black played there, Black
didn’t lose any points when his stones were captured. As we’ll see, Black gained an extra move on the
outside for his efforts, effectively creating something from what appeared to be nothing.
[+@+++++++++++++++] White should have extended to the vital point with
[++*+++++*+++++*++] ´, because Black didn’t block there. Black will form
[+!+++++++++++++++] a bamboo joint with ˆ and the marked stones, and
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+++++++++++] White can jump to ˜, making shape lightly.
[++!@+++˜+++++++@+] White’s shape is a little thin, but this is better than
[+!@@+!++++@++++++]
[++!+T+ˆ!*++++!*@+] the result in the game. White can still connect under
[+++!T+T+!+@++++++] with A later.
[++++!´+ A +++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 50 for ffi
30 January
<(((((((((((((((((> If White blocks at ´, Black can sacrifice his two
[+++++++++++++++++] cutting stones.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] Black will force with ˆ in sente and White should
[+@+++++++++++++++] defend at ˜ to prevent Black A.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Later, Black can force with ¨ to ˘ at his leisure,
[+++++++++++++++++] and ˚ and ˘ still hold some aji. For example, Black
[+@+++++++++++++++] B will be sente, and Black might enclose at C too.
[ B +* C ++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] We show the full sequence here to illustrate the aji,
[++!+@++++++++++++] but in a real game Black shouldn’t exchange ¨ to ˘
[++!@+!+!+++++++++] too early. Rather, he should save them as ko threats.
[˘˚!@+++++++++++@+]
[ˇ!@@+!++++@++++++]
¯@@!¨@++!*++++!*@+]
[´!˝!@+@+!+@++++++]
[++ A ˜!ˆ+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 51 for "
[+@+++++++++++++++] If Black blocks at ´, instead of % in the actual
[++*+++++*+++++*++] game, White will just connect at ˆ. There’s no more
[+!+++++++++++++++] aji in the corner now and the situation reverts to
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+!+++++++++] what it would have been if Black had simply played
[++!@+++++++++++@+] @A at ´ earlier.
[!!@@+!++++@++++++]
[@@!˝@++!*++++!*@+] If Black pushes at ˜ next, White can hane at ¨ and
[@!˚!@+@ A +!+@++++++] not even B to D is sente for Black. White’s stones
[˜!+ˆ!´+++++++++++] already have an eye and Black’s don’t, which means
,¨˘ˇ C B D ))))))))))). White will win any capturing race in this corner.
Variation 52 for %
<(((((((((((((((((> If White extends to ´, Black will push at ˆ and
[+++++++++++++++++] White should connect under with ˜.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] This captures Black’s marked stones on a large scale,
[+@+++++++++++++++] without leaving behind any bad aji.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] However, even though Black’s stone at @ A was
[+++++++++++++++++] wasted, White’s marked center stones are now float-
[+@+++++++++++++++] ing in what feels like an endless black ocean.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] This is rather dispiriting for White.
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+s+s+++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[!!@@+s+˘+˙@++++++]
[TT!+@+ˆ!˚ˇ+++!*@+]
[T!+!@+@¨!¯@++++++]
[@
A !++!´˜˝+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 53 for &
January 31
<(((((((((((((((((> White might try to settle in the lower right, while
[+++++++++++++++++] eyeing the cutting point at A, but Black can foil
[++!++++++++++++++] White’s plan with “.
[++*+++++*+++++@ B ++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] After ”, Black simply seals White in while develop-
[+++++++++++++++++] ing even more influence over the center with „.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s center influence is very powerful and solid,
[+@+++++++++++++++] and forms an imposing moyo stretching all the way
[++*+++++*+++++*++] to @
B , so White shouldn’t play this way.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+T++++++++++++]
[++!T+!+!+++++++++]
[++!T++++++++++„T+]
[!!@T+!+T+TT+“+¸˛+]
[@@!+T+T+@! A ++!*@+]
[@!+!@+@@!!@+++‚‹+]
[@!++!!!!+++++”+›+]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 54 for &
[+@+++++++++++++++] Black “ and „ might seem natural, but they betray
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Black’s lack of understanding of what White really
[+!+++++++++++++++] wants—namely, to cut at .
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+!+++++++++] Up to ı, White’s plan is a success and Black’s four
[++!@+++++++++++@+] stones are in trouble.
[!!@@+!+@+@@++¸˛+]
[@@!+@+@+@!«»ı!*@+]
[@!+!@+@@!!@–—+‚‹+]
[@!++!!!!+++‰+”+›“]
,)))))))))))))))„).
Variation 55 for &
<(((((((((((((((((> Pushing through and cutting immediately, with ¸
[+++++++++++++++++] and ‚, doesn’t lead to a good result for White.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] Black will be happy to follow the sequence up to “,
[+@+++++++++++++++] because !A is damaged in the process.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black is well on his way to consolidating a large ter-
[+++++++++++++++++] ritory in the bottom right.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+!+++++++++]
[++!@+++++++›+++@+]
[!!@@+!+@+@@‚‹++++]
[@@!+@+@+@!¸˛“! A *@+]
[@!+!@+@@!!@++++++]
[@!++!!!!+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 56 for &
32 January
[+@+++++++++++++++] Clamping at ¸ might look like a tesuji, but it doesn’t
[++*+++++*+++++*++] work either.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++++++++++] The result up to — is bad for White.
[++!@+!+!+++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[!!@@+!+@+@@++++++]
[@@!+@+@+@!˛«–!*@+]
[@!+!@+@@!!@¸„+—++]
[@!++!!!!›‹‚“+»+++]
,)))))))))”))))))).
Variation 57 for &
[+@+++++++++++++++] If Black blocks at ˆ, White can push and cut with
[++*+++++*+++++*++] ˜ and ˝. There are many possible moves for Black,
[+!+++++++++++++++] but none of them work.
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+!+++++++++] Black ˘ looks like a tesuji, but White can throw in
[++!@+++++++++++@+] at ›. White will win the capturing race with the
[!!@@+!++++@++++++]
A @@!˚@¨˝!*++++!*@+] tesuji of ”, and Black’s stones will be captured.
”@!ˇ!@˜T+!+@++++++] If Black answers ” at A, White can tenuki and the
[@!¸˘!´ˆ++++++++++] marked stones still die. Therefore, ” is better tech-
“›‹)¯‚˙˛)))))))))).
Variation 58 for & nique than White A, however strange that may seem.
[+@+++++++++++++++] Even if he ataris at ˙ first, Black still can’t save any
[++*+++++*+++++*++] of his stones.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+!+++++++++]
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@++++++]
[@@!˚@¨˝!*++++!*@+]
[@!ˇ!@˜@+!+@++++++]
[@!¸˘!´ˆ›+++++++++]
,˛˙‚¯)‹“”))))))))).
Variation 59 for &
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White resists the cut at @
A (’ in the game) with
[++*+++++*+++++*++] ´, Black captures the marked stones with ˆ to ˚.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++++++++++] It’s worth noting ¨ in this sequence; a tesuji which
[++!@+!+!+++++++++] is often decisive in capturing races.
[++!@+++++++++++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@++++++]
[@@!ˆ@++!*++++!*@+]
[@!˜!@+@+!+@++++++]
[@!+@
A t´˚++++++++++]
,!˝¨)))))))))))))).
Variation 60 for (
January 33
Power Promises Territory
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++,+*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+T++++++++++++]
[++!T+s+s++ C ++++++]
[++!T+++++++++++@+]
[!!TT+s++++@+ D ++++]
[@@!+T++s*++++! E *@+]
[@!+!T+T+s+@++++++]
[@! B @!)+++++++++++]
,!))!* A ))))))))))).
Diagram 15
(Moves: 41-44)
It may look strange, but * was the best response to ). Black could still atari at A in sente and this
gave Black an advantage in the fighting later on, but capturing at B would have been even worse.
As the negotiations in the bottom left finally drew to a close, Black moved into the center with + and
White pursued him with ,.
Exchanging White C for D in sente, before playing ,, would make White’s position in the center
stronger, but would come at the cost of weakening !
E.
At this point, White still had more territory on the board, but Black had accumulated more power.
Even though Black’s marked group was not yet settled, White’s marked stones were too thin to support
a strong attack. In other words, the game was well balanced.
Since his positions were slightly stronger, Black could expect to take profit either in the bottom right
corner or, if White set !
E in motion, on the right side later on. Although right now he was only sowing
seeds, he aimed to reap territory in the future. Power naturally leads to territory when used wisely.
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White captures Black’s stone with ´, Black can
[++*+++++*+++++*++] choose between playing A or ˚ in sente later, which
[+!+++++++++++++++] makes Black’s position even more flexible than it was
[++!+@++++++++++++]
[++!@+!+!+++++++++] in the game.
[++!@+++++++++++@+] After ˚, starting a ko with B or connecting under
[!!@@+!++++@++++++]
[TT!ˆ@++!*++++!*@+] with C are miai for Black. As this sequence demon-
[T!˜!@+@+!+@++++++] strates, Black’s marked stones are still working hard.
[T!´@!@+++ C +++++++]
,!¨˝! B A ˚)))))))))).
Variation 61 for *
34 January
Know When to Fight... And When Not To
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++*+T+s+*+++++*++]
[+!++++ C ++++++++++]
[++!+T++++- E ++++++]
[++!T+s+s+++++++++]
[++!T+++++ D 01+++@+]
[!!TT+s++++@++++++]
[@@!+T++s*++++! A *@+]
[@!+!T+T+s+@++++./]
[@!+@!T++++++++++ B ]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 16
(Moves: 45-49)
Black - showed Lee Sedol’s excellent sense of play in the center. Since - weakened White’s group,
it indirectly helped Black’s marked dragon in the lower left. “The hand which strikes also blocks.”
At the same time, - threatened to swallow !
A on a large scale, making it a clever dual purpose move.
White exchanged . for /, before deciding what to do about his marked stones. Making this exchange
now ensures that Black will answer at /, leaving White with some aji at B for later.
White 0 was Gu Li’s counter-attack. With this move, Gu defended the weakness around C indirectly.
Lee fell back to 1 because he didn’t think the fight starting with the hane at D would favor Black.
When your reading shows that a fight will lead to a bad result, or will become difficult for you, you
should search for another path.
As Sun Zi says in The Art of War, “The side which knows when to fight and when not to will win.”
Lee later mused about whether - would have been better at E, but both moves have pros and cons.
Note: An explanation of Sun Zi, Sun Tzu, Sun Wu and Sun Bin is given in Notes, in the back matter.
[+@++++˚++++++++++] Among other things, @
A threatens to cut White with
[++*+@+!˝ˇ+++++*++] ´ to ˝.
[+!++++´ˆ+++++++++]
[++!+@+˜¨+@ A +++++++] If White saves his cutting stone with ˚, Black can
[++!@+!+!+++++++++] extend to ˇ and the resulting fight looks promising
[++!@+++++++++++@+] for Black.
[!!@@+!++++@++++++]
[@@!+@++!*++++!*@+] However, Black should defend the bottom right cor-
[@!+!@+@+!+@++++! B ] ner at B first (as he did in the game). This variation
[@!+@!@+++++++++++] is just to demonstrate what Black had in mind.
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 62 for /
January 35
[+@+++++++++++++++] Let’s consider how Black should respond to !
A (0 in
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] the game).
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++@˛++++++] If Black hanes at ´, White will cut with ˆ, and
[++!@+!+!+ˇ˚¸+++++] Black might consider the atari at ˜.
[++!@+++++´! A ˝˙++@+]
[!!@@+!++¨ˆ@˘+++++] The fight up to ˛ is very complicated, and it doesn’t
[@@!+@++!*˜¯++!*@+] bode well for Black.
[@!+!@+@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 63 for 1
<(((((((((((((((((> So Black can think about extending with ˜ instead,
[+++++++++++++++++] but White’s shape becomes stronger up to ˇ.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White ˘ is a timely forcing move, and bulging at ˙
[+@+++++++++++++++] is surprisingly powerful! It makes miai of A and B.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black might consider playing ˇ at C instead, but ˙
[+++++++++++++++++] is still a strong move which aims to continue with B
[+@ F ++++++++++++++] or D later.
[++*+T E !+*+++++*++]
[+!++ B ++++ D +++++++] The problem with C is that it allows the pressure to
[++!+T+++˙@ A ++++++] slacken too much. White is practically alive after ˙.
[++!T+!+!+¨˝ C +++++]
[++!T++++˚´!ˇ+++@+] After exchanging C for ˙, Black can prevent B with
[!!TT+!+++ˆ@˜+++++] E, but he will face a one-sided attack after White F.
[@@!+T˘+!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!T¯T+!+@++++!@] Continuing on from ˇ to ˙...
[@!+@!T+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 64 for 1
<(((((((((((((((((> Capturing at ¸ is natural, because it prevents
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s double atari at A while denying him of an
[++!++++++++++++++] eye, but White’s cut at ˛ is severe.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] If Black tries to cut with ”, the marked groups be-
[+++++++++++++++++] come entangled up to ‰.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This is a capturing race which White will win.
[+@+++++—+++++++++]
[++*+@“!–*+++++*++]
[+!+‹˛‚„”++++++++]
[++!+T›«»s@ A ++++++]
[++!T+s+s+s@++++++]
[++!T++++s¸!@+++@+]
[!!TT+s+++s@@+++++]
[@@!+Ts+s*++++!*@+]
[@!+!TTT+s+@++++!@]
[@!+@!T+‰+++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 65 for 1
36 January
[+@+++++++++++++++] Capturing the ko at ” doesn’t improve the situation
[++*+@“!+*+++++*++] for Black.
[+!+‹˛‚+„+++++++++]
[++!+T›++!@+++++++] White will be satisfied with falling back to „ while
[++!T+!+!”!@++++++] connecting his stones.
[++!T++++!¸!@+++@+]
[!!TT+!+++!@@+++++] Black’s marked stones are in grave danger.
[@@!+T!+!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!TTT+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!T+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 66 for 1
[+@+++++++++++++++] Playing atari on the other side, with ‚, isn’t possi-
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] ble. White simply cuts at ‹, making A and B miai.
[+!+‚˛ A +++++++++++]
[++!‹@+++!@+++++++] Black can’t save his marked stones.
[++!T B !+!+!@++++++]
[++!T++++!¸!@+++@+]
[!!TT+!+++!@@+++++]
[@@!+T!+!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!TTT+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!T+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 67 for 1
[+@+++++++++++++++] The atari at ˜ doesn’t work either, because Black
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] can’t save his three cutting stones after ˘.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++@+++++++]
[++!@+!+!˘˚+++++++]
[++!@++++ˇ´!++++@+]
[!!@@+!++˜ˆ@++++++]
[@@!+@++!*¨˝++!*@+]
[@!+!@+@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 68 for 1
[+@+++++++++++++++] If Black ataris at ˜, White responds with ¨ to ˚.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] Even though Black creates a powerful flower shape
[++!+@++++@+++++++] when he captures at ˝, @ A is isolated and White’s
[++!@+!+!++˝++++++] formerly weak stones are all connected.
[++!@+++++´!˜+++@+]
[!!@@+!+++ˆ@++++++] Once again, Black has allowed the pressure to
[@@!+@++!*+¨˚+!*@+] slacken. This result is unsatisfactory for Black.
[@!+!@+@+!+@ A ++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 69 for 1
January 37
Running Is More Fun with a Friend
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++ A ++++++++++++]
[+@4+ C B +++++++++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++@+++++++]
[++!@+!+!++2++++++]
[++!@++++5+!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@3+++++]
[@@!+@++!*++++t*@+]
[@!+!@+@+!+@++++t@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 17
(Moves: 50-53)
Black was satisfied to fall back solidly and weaken White’s marked stones with 3.
White finally executed his long awaited leaning attack against Black’s lower left group, with 4, but
Black didn’t respond directly.
Instead, Black seized the vital point with 5. Lee didn’t forget to look for a counter-punch, even
though his other group was already under attack. Playing like this was much more interesting and
efficient than meekly running away with A, B or C.
Black 5 illustrates the Go proverb, “If you have to run, bring a friend.” This means that if your own
group is under attack and has to run into the center, you should try to counter-attack and create
another weak group to run with you.
If both groups are weak, such that the fight is close to even, then neither group is truly weak.
[+´+++++++++++++++] Falling back to ´ avoids helping White to attack,
[+@!˚ˆ++++++++++++] and is often a good idea, but in this case the attach-
[+ B ˜¨T+!+*+++++*++] ment at ˆ is powerful.
[+! A ˝+++++++++++++]
[++!+T++++@+++++++] If Black hanes at ˜, White will wedge with ¨. A
[++!T+!+!++!++++++] and B are miai, so Black can’t connect.
[++!T++++++!@+++@+]
[!!TT+!++++@@+++++] Black’s marked group is isolated.
[@@!+T++!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!T+T+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!T+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 70 for 5
38 January
[+´ B ++++++++++++++] If Black extends to ˜, blocking at ¨ is good enough.
[+St A ˆ++++++++++++] A and B are miai and Black’s shape is broken.
[++¨˜@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] In general, letting your opponent drill straight
[++!+@++++@+++++++] through a knight’s move (or a one space jump) like
[++!@+!+!++!++++++] this is quite damaging.
[++!@++++++!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@@+++++]
[@@!+@++!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@+@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 71 for 5
<(((((((((((((((((> White might also think about blocking at ¨, which
[+++++++++++++++++] looks more severe. Black can capture White’s cutting
[++!++++++++++++++] stones with ¯, but this is what White is hoping for.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] If White tries to save his three stones with A, Black
[+++++++++++++++++] sacrifices one stone and still captures them with B to
[++ F A D ++++++++++++]
[+´ E B C ¯+++++++++++] F (this is called a crane’s nest).
[+@!¨ˆˇ+++++++++++] However, ˙ and ˛ are a powerful combination, and
[+˚˝˜@˘!+*+++++*++] White will be happy to cut off the tail of Black’s
[+!+¸˙‚+++++++++++]
[++!˛@++++@+++++++] dragon (marked) with ‹.
[++!T‹!+!++!++++++] Capturing White’s three stones with ¯ was too
[++!T++++++!@+++@+]
[!!TT+!++++@@+++++] greedy and Black can do better.
[@@!+T++!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!T+T+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!T+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 72 for 5
<(((((((((((((((((> Simply bulging with ¯ is more powerful than it
[+++++++++++++++++] looks. It makes miai of ˙ and ¸ for Black.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] Black can escape up to ‚ and White’s marked stones
[+@+++++++++++++++] feel weak now, so ¨ turns out to be an overplay.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Playing ¨ at ˝, as in Variation 71, is better.
[+´+++˙+++++++++++]
[+@!¨ˆˇ˛++++++++++]
[+˚˝˜@˘!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++¯¸‚+++++++++]
[++!+@++++@+++++++]
[++!@+t+t++t++++++]
[++!@++++++t@+++@+]
[!!@@+t++++@@+++++]
[@@!+@++t*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@+@+t+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 73 for 5
January 39
<(((((((((((((((((> Resisting with the inside hane at ´ can sometimes
[+++++++++++++++++] be powerful, but it doesn’t work in this case. White
[++!++++++++++++++] can enclose Black’s marked dragon up to ˘, and
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] Black is in trouble.
[++ˇ++++++++++++++] It’s worth paying attention to the shape formed by
[++˝˚+++++++++++++]
[+˜¨+ C ++++++++++++] !A , ¨, ˚ and ˘. White ˚ and ˘ are the key
[+@!
A + B ˘+++++++++++] moves.
[+ˆ´+T+!+*+++++*++] It looks thin (and it is), but the haengma at ˘ can
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+T++++@+++++++] sometimes be a powerful way to enclose a group. B
[++!T+!+!++!++++++] and C are miai for White and even though Black can
[++!T++++++!@+++@+] cut, White can handle the fight.
[!!TT+!++++@@+++++]
[@@!+T++!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!T+T+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!T+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 74 for 5
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black hanes at ´, the moves up to ¨ are natural
[+++++++++++++++++] for both players, but the hane is not a good move.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] Black ˜ in this variation is at least better technique
[+@+++++++++++++++] than pushing at A, because ¨ can be expected either
[+++++++++++++++++] way and has less of an effect on ˜ than A.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++´¨+++++++++++++] The problem is that White moves out smoothly and
[+@!ˆ A ˜+++++++++++] solidly, while Black’s shape is left brittle, with a
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] weakness at B.
[+!++ B ++++++++++++]
[++!+@++++@+++++++] Furthermore, the center is more important than the
[++!@+!+!++!++++++] right side and exchanging ´ for ˆ removes all other
[++!@++++++!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@@+++++] options from the position.
[@@!+@++!*++++!*@+] When the tactical prospects of a position seem dim,
[@!+!@+@+!+@++++!@] as in this variation and those above, you should con-
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))). sider playing elsewhere. This is why 5 tenukied in
Variation 75 for 5 the game.
40 January
Don’t Obsess Over Shape
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@!+;++++++++++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+ A +9:++++++++++]
[++!+@8+++@+++++++]
[++!@+!+!++!++++++]
[++!@++++@+!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@@+++++]
[@@!+@6+!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@7@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 18
(Moves: 54-59)
The beauty of a move lies not in its appearance, but in the thought behind it.
—Aron Nimzowitsch
Exchanges like 9 for :—pushing into a knight’s move without cutting—are usually bad, but it was
unavoidable in this situation because Black needed to stay connected.
Black’s shape wasn’t pretty, and White could peep at A later, but this was the right way to move out.
Don’t let superficial concerns about shape stop you from doing what the game demands of you.
[++++´++++++++++++] If Black blithely jumps to ´, he’ll find himself in an
[+@!++++++++++++++] awkward situation after White clamps with ˆ.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!++ A ++++++++++++] Cutting at A or B next is miai for White.
[++!ˆ@!+++@+++++++]
[++!T B !+!++!++++++]
[++!T++++@+!@+++@+]
[!!TT+!++++@@+++++]
[@@!+T!+!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!TTT+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!T+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 76 for 9
January 41
[+@!++++++++++++++] In an emergency, Black can still live at the bottom
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] with ´ through to ˇ.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+@!+++@+++++++] However, this feels a bit passive for Black and if A
[++!@+!+!++!++++++] becomes sente for White later (which seems likely
[++!@+ˇ+˚@+!@+++@+] after this), White will have the option of playing an
[!!@@+!˝¨++@@+++++]
[@@!+@!˜!*++++!*@+] endgame move at B.
[@!+!@@@+!+@++++!@] This could eventually become very annoying for
[@!+@!@+´ˆ++ B +++++] Black. Lee Sedol dislikes this kind of variation.
,!))!!))) A )))))))).
Variation 77 for 9
<(((((((((((((((((> Jumping at ´ looks normal, but it’s a bit thin in
[+++++++++++++++++] this case.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] After White extends to ˆ, Black will need to worry
[+@+++++++++++++++] about the cutting point at A. That’s why Black ex-
[+++++++++++++++++] tended solidly in the game.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ˆ+´++++++++++++]
[+@!+ A ++++++++++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!++++++++++]
[++!+@!+++@+++++++]
[++!@+!+!++!++++++]
[++!@++++@+!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@@+++++]
[@@!+@!+!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 78 for ;
<(((((((((((((((((> The hane at ´ and push at ˜ are the epitome of
[+++++++++++++++++] bad style.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] Black ´ only provokes White to separate Black with
[+T+++++++++++++++] ˆ, after which Black needs to move his dragon out
[+++++++++++++++++] at the expense of his marked stones.
[++˚++++++++++++++]
[+ A ´¨˝++++++++++++] To put it simply, ´, ˜ and ˝ compel White to
[+T!ˆ˜++++++++++++] cleanly separate Black’s stones at close range, inflict-
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] ing the maximum possible damage on both sides.
[+!+ B +@!++++++++++]
[++!+@!+++@+++++++] If your stones are going to be separated anyway, you
[++!@+!+!++!++++++] mustn’t move them towards each other, otherwise
[++!@++++@+!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@@+++++] you’re playing the opponent’s game for them.
[@@!+@!+!*++++!*@+] Locally speaking, Black A is better style than ´, but
[@!+!@@@+!+@++++!@] in this case A allows White to attach at ˜, which is
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))). why Black played ; (at ˜) in the game.
Variation 79 for ; Peeping at B will always be sente for White, so
there’s no way to counter in this variation.
42 January
Seize Fleeting Opportunities
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@!+@++++++++++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!++++++++++]
[++!+@!+++@+++++++]
[++!@+!+!@+!++++++]
[++!@++>=@+!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!A+++@@+++++]
[@@!+@!?!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@++++++++++<]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 19
(Moves: 60-65)
White < was a probe, but the timing was off.
Lee didn’t miss this fleeting opportunity. He seized the initiative by attacking White’s center group
with = through to A in sente, before worrying about the lower right.
[+@!+@++++++++++++] White should have cut at ´ instead.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!++ˇ+++++++] If Black tries to fight with ˆ and ¨, White will push
[++!+@!+++@˝++++++] at ˝. White ˇ and A are miai for White next.
[++!@+!+!´ˆ!++++++]
[++!@++++@˜!@+++@+] Black can connect by exchanging ˚ for ˇ, and then
[!!@@+!++¨ A @@+++++] cutting at ˘, but White’s center group also becomes
[@@!+@!+!˚++++!*@+] strong and White takes sente.
[@!+!@@@˘!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 80 for <
[+@!+@++++++++++++] White can’t cut immediately, with ˝ and ˇ, be-
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] cause Black will capture the marked stones in a lad-
[+!+++@!++++++++++] der.
[++!+@!+++@˘++++++]
[++!@+!+!´ˆt++++++]
[++!@++++@˜t@+++@+]
[!!@@+!++¨˝@@+++++]
[@@!+@!+!ˇ˚+++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 81 for <
January 43
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black develops territory on the right side, with
[+++++++++++++++++] ˆ to ˚, White’s center group will become strong.
[++!++++++++++++++] Meanwhile, Black’s triangled dragon is still weak, so
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+S+++++++++++++++] extending to ˇ becomes powerful.
[++¯++++++++++++++] If Black flees with ˘, White can unleash a leaning
[++++˘++++++++++++]
[++ˇ++++++++++++++] attack with ¯ and the game is still complicated.
[+S!+T++++++++++++] This variation favors White because both of Black’s
[++*+T+!+*+++˚+*++] marked groups are in trouble.
[+!+++T!+++˝++++++]
[++!+T!+++@˜¨+++++]
[++!T+!+!´+!ˆ+++++]
[++!T++++@+!@+++@+]
[!!TT+!++++@@+++++]
[@@!+T!+!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!TTT+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!T+++++++++++]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 82 for <
<(((((((((((((((((> Coming back to defend with ˆ is the right move.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++] Next, White can probe at ˜ in the lower right corner,
[++*+++++*+++++@++] without any fear of a counter-attack.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The game is still even. Games of Go are like
[+++++++++++++++++] marathons, and this one still has a long way to go.
[++ˆ++++++++++++++]
[+@!+@++++++++++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!++++++++++]
[++!+@!+++@+++++++]
[++!@+!+!´+!++++++]
[++!@++++@+!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!++++@@+++++]
[@@!+@!+!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@++++++++++˜]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 83 for <
44 January
<(((((((((((((((((> If White connects with ´ and ˜ instead, Black can
[+++++++++++++++++] attack White’s marked group in sente before going
[++!++++++++++++++] back to deal with !
A.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] The flow of the game changed very suddenly when
[+++++++++++++++++] White probed prematurely at !
A.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++¨++++++++++]
[+@!+@++++++++++++]
[++*+@+t+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@t++++++++++]
[++!+@t+++@+++++++]
[++!@+t+t++t++++++]
[++!@+˜ˆ@@+t@+++@+]
[!!@@+t+´++@@+++++]
[@@!+@t+t*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+t+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@++++++++++! A]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 84 for >
<(((((((((((((((((> After ?, if White responds directly with ´, Black
[+++++++++++++++++] will reinforce at ˆ and make miai of A and B.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] If White connects at A, his group will become heavy
[+@+++++++++++++++] and disoriented after Black attacks with B to D.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++ D ++++++++++]
[+@!+@++++++++++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!++++++++++]
[++!+@! C B +@+++++++]
[++!@+!+!ˆ+!++++++]
[++!@++!@@+!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!´ A ++@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@++++!@]
[@!+@!@++++++++++!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 85 for @
[+@!+@++++++++++++] If Black plays A at ´, which seems like a common-
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] sense move, White will have time to reinforce his
[+!+++@!+˚++++++++] corner group with ¨.
[++!+@!+++@+++++++]
[++!@+!+!!˝!++++++] Even if Black cuts at ˝ next, White can develop a
[++!@ A +!@@+!@+++@+] resilient shape in the center with ˚, and his group
[!!@@+!ˆ˜+´@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*++++!*@+] becomes resistant to attack.
[@!+!@@@+!+@+++¨!@] Unlike the actual game, White now has a potential
[@!+@!@++++++++++!] eye at A if he needs it later.
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 86 for A This spells trouble for Black.
January 45
Deform Your Opponent’s Shape
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@!+@++++++++++++]
[++*+@+t+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@t++++++++++]
[++!+@t+GL@+++++++]
[++!@+t+ttC!++++++]
[++!@++t@ B @D!@+++@+]
[!!@@+t@E+B@@+++++]
[@@!+@t@!*FH++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+J+I!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++K! A]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 20
(Moves: 66-76)
Gu didn’t want to passively connect at C, so he haned at B instead. In response, Lee went all out
and cut the main body of White’s group in two with C. This made miai of D and E.
Black G was a sharp tesuji, which ruined White’s eye shape, and the game became easy for Black.
White needed to look after his groups at the bottom, but his marked center group was heavy too.
Black was overjoyed with the result up to K. White ! A was wasted, and this showed the wisdom of
Black’s earlier tenuki and subsequent attack at @
B . Moreover, L was painful but necessary.
From this point onwards, Black controlled the game.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White connects at ´, Black can return to the lower
[+++++++++++++++++] right to atari at ˆ and connect solidly at ¨.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] Even if White hanes at ˝ later, Black can cut with
[+@+++++++++++++++] ˚ and ˘, and White’s stones in the lower right cor-
[+++++++++++++++++] ner are practically dead.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black mustn’t play ˘ at A, because he’d be caught
[+@!+@++++++++++++] in a snapback by White’s atari at ˘.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!++++++++++] A and B are miai, and this result is very successful
[++!+@!+++@+++++++] for Black.
[++!@+!+!!´!++++++]
[++!@++!@@+!@+++@+] Note that if White cuts at C, Black D is a tesuji.
[!!@@+!@ˇ A ˝@@+++++] After D, Black doesn’t need to save ˆ because cap-
[@@!+@!@!˘˚+++! C @¨] turing it only gives White a false eye.
[@!+!@@@ B !+@+++ˆ!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++ D +˜!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 87 for B
46 January
[+@!+@++++++++++++] White ˇ doesn’t work, because Black can simply
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] connect at ˘.
[+!+++@!++++++++++]
[++!+@!+++@+++++++] Now A and B are miai and White’s marked stones
[++!@+!+!!´!++++++] are captured.
[++!@++!@@ A !@+++@+]
[!!@@+!@˘ B ˝@@+++++] If Black ataris at A, instead of playing ˘, White will
[@@!+@!@tˇ˚+++!*@¨] capture him in a snapback again by playing at ˘.
[@!+!@@@+t+@+++ˆ!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++˜!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 88 for B
[+@!+@++++++++++++] If White plays at ´, Black can cut with ˆ and ¨
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] and capture the marked stones in a ladder.
[+!+++@!+˝++++++++]
[++!+@!+++@˚++++++] Even though it looks similar, this is quite different
[++!@+!+!!ˆt++++++] to Variation 86.
[++!@ A +!@@˜t@+++@+]
[!!@@+!@++¨@@+++++] White can’t make an eye at A anymore, so his group
[@@!+@!@!*++++!*@+] is weaker now. Meanwhile, Black’s group is slightly
[@!+!@@@+!+@+++´!@] stronger than in the earlier variation.
[@!+@!@++++++++++!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 89 for B
[+@!+@++++++++++++] Cutting at ´ is what White wants.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!++++++++++] This way, White has time to play in both the center
[++!+@!+++@+++++++] and the corner.
[++!@+!+!!ˆ!++++++]
[++!@++!@@´!@+++@+] White would be very happy with this result.
[!!@@+!@˜+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*++++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+++¨!@]
[@!+@!@++++++++++!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 90 for C
[+@!+@++++++++++++] If White connects at ´, Black will connect at ˆ,
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] and White will be too busy to manage all three of
[+!+++@!++++++++++] his groups.
[++!+@!+@ A @+++++++]
[++!@+!+!!@!++++++] Both A and B are severe continuations for Black, and
[++!@++!@@!!@+++@+] C is quite big too.
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!! B +!ˆ@ C ]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+++@!@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++´!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 91 for J
January 47
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of L in the actual game, it might seem better
[+++++++++++++++++] for White to move out with ´. The problem is that
[++!¯+¸‚›+++++++++] White will face a severe attack.
[++*˘˙˛‹“*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] The atari at ˆ also threatens to cut at ˜ next. So
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can connect his groups with ˚ and become
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++´++++++++++] strong in the center.
[+@!+@+˝¨+++++++++] Because of that, White’s nearby groups are easy to
[++*+@+t+*+++++*++] attack.
[+!+++@t++++++++++]
[++!+@t˜@ˆ@+++++++] If White takes care of his lower right group with
[++!@+t˚!!@!++++++]
[++!@++t@@!!@+ˇ+@+] ˇ, Black can press at ˘ and start a leaning attack
[!!@@+t@@+!@@+++++] against White’s center dragon.
[@@!+@t@!*!!++!*@+] White’s marked stones are in danger.
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 92 for L
<(((((((((((((((((> White might adopt a strategy of prophylaxis, with
[+++++++++++++++++] the kosumi at ˇ.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*ˇ++++*+++++@++] White ˇ prevents Black from building a powerful
[+@+++++++++++++++] wall, as he did in the previous variation.
[++++++ A ++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This kind of strategy makes sense in the top left,
[++++++´++++++++++] because if White plays another move in the center
[+@!+@+˝¨+++++++++] instead (e.g. at A), Black’s press at ˇ will still be
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] powerful. White ˇ nips Black’s plan in the bud.
[+!+++@!++++++++++]
[++!+@!˜@ˆ@+++++++] However, now Black can attack White in the bottom
[++!@+!˚!!@!++++++] right. Let’s have a look at how he might do so...
[++!@++!@@!!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 93 for L
[+@!+@+!@+++++++++] Black ˘ develops the right side and is the simplest
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] way to attack. White will have to defend at ¯, after
[+!+++@!++++++++++] which @A will be immobilized.
[++!+@!!@@@+++++++]
[++!@+!@++@!++++++] After ¯, Black B will be met by C. This makes miai
[++!@++!@@!!@+˘+@+] of D and E for White, so White’s group at the bottom
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!! C +!*@+] is settled for the time being and Black should play
[@!+!@@@+!+@ A B !+@+@] elsewhere.
[@!+@!@++++¯ D E ++@!] This is a low risk strategy for Black.
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 94 for L
48 January
[+@!+@+!@+++++++++] Taking away White’s base with ˘ and ˙ is a more
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] aggressive strategy, which aims to set White’s stones
[+!+++@!++++++‹+++] adrift and begin a more drawn out attack.
[++!+@!!@@@+++++++]
[++!@+!@++@!+¸++++] White ¯ is necessary and, after Black connects un-
[++!@++!@@!!@‚˛+@+] der with ˙, ¸ captures three stones in a net. How-
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!¯+!*@+] ever, Black can develop the right side while attacking
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@] with ˛ and ‹, and White’s stones still aren’t com-
[@!+@!@++˙+˘++++@!] pletely settled.
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 95 for L This is a powerful variation for Black.
[+@!+@+!@+++++++++] Since White’s net at ˛ (¸ in the previous variation)
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] didn’t completely forestall Black’s attack, White
[+!+++@!+++++“„+++] might also consider the looser move at ¸.
[++!+@!!@@@++‹›+++]
[++!@+!@++@!+˛‚+++] Normally, it would be heavy to drag Black’s marked
[++!@++!@@!!T+¸+@+] stones out with ˛ to “, but it’s powerful in this case
[!!@@+!@@+!TT”++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!¯+!*@+] because Black’s surrounding groups are all strong
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@] and White still has two weak groups.
[@!+@!@++˙+˘++++@!] Eventually, White has to go back and patch up his
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 96 for L shape at ”, leaving Black to play the one thousand
dollar turn at „. White’s group is still under attack
and Black is developing the right side magnificently.
[+@!+@+!@+++++++++] If White doesn’t defend at „, Black will cut White’s
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] group in two with „ and ».
[+!+++@!+++++“++++]
[++!+@!!@@@++‹›+++] A and B are miai next, so White has no way to con-
[++!@+!@++@!+˛‚+”+] nect all his stones.
[++!@++!@@!!@+¸+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@„«+++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!¯»!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@ A ! B @+@]
[@!+@!@++˙+˘++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 97 for L
[+@!+@+!@+++++++++] Black can connect under with ˙ because ‹ is sente.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!++++++++++] Even if White tries his best to cut, Black connects
[++!+@!!@@@+++++++] along the edge with “.
[++!@+!@++@!++++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@+++@+] As you can see, Black’s earlier sacrifice at @
A is still
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++] paying dividends.
A !+@!@!*!!¯+!*@+]
[@@
[@!+!@@@‚!+@+!+@+@]
[@!›@!@+¸˙˛˘++++@!]
,!))!!‹)“))))))))).
Variation 98 for L
January 49
Determination Is Power
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++* A ++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++_+‘++++++++]
[+@!+@++P+++++++++]
[++*+@+t+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@tQMO+SU[]++]
[++!+@tR@t@+WTV\^+]
[++!@+tNtt@!X+++++]
[++!@++t@@!!@ZY+@+]
[!!@@+t@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@t@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 21
(Moves: 77-96)
White’s slow haengma at P was questionable. Perhaps White was wary of Black developing power
with A and wanted to pre-emptively move away from the top left? This is usually a good idea, but
Black began to amass power with S instead and White’s marked dragon became lethargic.
No matter where White turned, an invisible wall was waiting to spring up and block his path.
Pushing from behind, as Black did with U to ], is usually bad style. It can be difficult to come up
with this kind of strategy, but Lee Sedol specializes in this sort of decisive and determined play.
After Black had created enough power, he struck at White’s vital point with _.
<(((((((((((((((((> The jump at ´ is a little thin, but it still looks more
[+++++++++++++++++] flexible than the kosumi in the game. White doesn’t
[++!++++++++++++++] really have any good moves here, so he has to settle
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] for the ‘least bad’ option.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black cuts with ¨ to ˘, it helps White to move
[+++++++˙+++++++++]
[+++++ B ´˘¯++++++++] out up to ¸—gaining momentum by sacrificing ´.
[+@!+@˚¨˝+¸+++++++] White still has a tough fight on his hands, but at
[++*+@ A !ˇ*+++++*++] least he has more room to breathe than in the game.
[+!+ D C @!ˆ@@+++++++]
[++! E @!˜@!@+++++++] If White plays ˝ as the atari at ˚ instead; Black
[++!@ F !!!!@!++++++] at ˝, White A, and B to F can be expected. White
[++!@++!@@!!@+++@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++] will be in trouble, because he’s short of ko threats.
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 99 for P
50 January
<(((((((((((((((((> Playing the push and hane with ´ and ˝ is danger-
[+++++++++++++++++] ous, because cutting at ˚ is powerful.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White’s in trouble and Black’s cutting stone at ˚ is
[+@+++++++++++++++] stronger than it looks.
[+++++++˙+++++++++]
[++++++ˇ¨˝++++++++] Black ˆ in this diagram is sente. We will see why
[++++++@´˚++++++++] shortly, in Variation 108.
[+@!+@+˘!+++++++++]
[++*+@+!¯*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@ˆ+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!˜]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 100 for ‘
<(((((((((((((((((> White runs out of steam after Black extends at @
A.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++] White ¸ and ‚ don’t work and White’s marked
[++*+++++*+++++@++] group has very few liberties.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++@ A +++++++++]
[++++++!@!++++++++]
[++++++@t@¸+++++++]
[+@!+@+@t˛‹“++++++]
[++*+@+tt‚›++++*++]
[+!+++@t@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 101 for ‘
<(((((((((((((((((> White might try to create a ladder with ¸, but he
[+++++++++++++++++] can’t capture any of Black’s stones after —.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++“+++++++++]
[++++++›@+++++++++]
[+++++—!@!¸+++++++]
[++++–»@!@˛‚++++++]
[+@!+@«@!+‹+++++++]
[++*+@”!!*+++++*++]
[+!++„@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 102 for ‘
January 51
<(((((((((((((((((> Even if White manages to break out momentarily
[+++++++++++++++++] with ¸ to ›, his stones are still incredibly weak
[++!++++++++++++++] and will soon be in trouble again.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] This result is much worse for White than the game.
[+++++++@¸++++++++]
[+++++˛!@!“+++++++]
[++++++@!@‹›++++++]
[+@!+@+@!+‚+++++++]
[++*+@+!!*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 103 for ‘
<(((((((((((((((((> You may think that White can make shape with ˝,
[+++++++++++++++++] but it hurts when Black takes the vital point at ˚.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White will find it very hard to move out in good form
[+@+++++++++++++++] after this happens.
[++++++++++˘++++++]
[+++++++¨˚++++++++] Here, we can clearly see the potency of @
A (_ in
[++++++@ A ´+˝+++++++] the game). After absorbing that blow, White really
[+@!+@++!++ˇ++++++] struggles to make shape.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@ˆ+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!˜]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 104 for ‘
<(((((((((((((((((> For example, ¯ and ¸ look stylish at first, but the
[+++++++++++++++++] cutting point at “ is a problem and White’s marked
[++!++++++++++++++] dragon is trapped again.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++@+¸++++]
[+++++++@@++˛‚++++]
[++++++@t+t+‹¯+˙++]
[+@!+@++t++t›“++++]
[++*+@+t+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@t@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@tt@t@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+tttt@!!+++++]
[++!@++t@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+t@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@t@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 105 for ‘
52 January
<(((((((((((((((((> White ¯ is another move that would usually work,
[+++++++++++++++++] but the shape is too thin and Black’s wall is too pow-
[++!++++++++++++++] erful in this case. After ˛, Black can cut at A or B.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] White’s marked group is still captured.
[++++++++++@++++++]
[+++++++@@+˙¯+++++]
[++++++@t+t˛¸+++++]
[+@!+@++t+ A ! B +++++]
[++*+@+t+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@t@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@tt@t@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+tttt@!!+++++]
[++!@++t@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+t@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@t@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 106 for ‘
<(((((((((((((((((> White ¯ succeeds in staying connected, but Black
[+++++++++++++++++] will be happy to take profit while White slithers out
[++!++++++++++++++] at a snail’s pace.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] Playing ¯ to ‚ feels humiliating for White.
[++++++++++@+++‹++]
[+++++++@@+˛+¸++++]
[++++++@!+!+¯++˙++]
[+@!+@++!++!+‚++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 107 for ‘
January 53
The Beauty of Omission
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++c++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++@A B t++++++++]
[+@!+@++t C ++++++++]
[++*+@+t+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@t@@@+@@@@a+]
[++!+@tt@t@+@!!!!b]
[++!@+tttt@!!+++++]
[++!@++t@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+t@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@t@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 22
(Moves: 97-99)
Pushing at a was still sente and descending to b was necessary.
Capping at c followed the direction of play, by driving White’s marked group against Black’s powerful
wall in the center. Black’s strategy was to take profit at the top and simultaneously look after his
lower left group, while harassing White.
This kind of haengma (the elephant’s step, formed by the diagonal jump from @ A to c) is often used
to attack, but it’s especially powerful when Black can exchange B for C in sente. Since B is sente, you
can imagine that it’s already on the board and view c as an abstraction of the knight’s move (from
B to c).
It’s better style to omit the exchange of B for C and play c directly, because doing so keeps Black’s
options open and makes his position more flexible.
[+@!+@++!+++++++++] If White plays elsewhere after @
A , Black can play ´
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] to ˜ and White’s whole lower right group finds itself
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@ A +]
in danger.
[++!+@!!@!@+@tttt+]
[++!@+!!!!@!!˜ B ˝ˇ+] Cutting at ¨ would have worked earlier, but because
[++!@++!@@!!@!@¨@+] of @
A White is too short of liberties to cut at B.
[!!@@+!@@+!@@´ˆ˚++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+] The marked stones are captured and the rest of
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@] White’s lower right group is also in trouble.
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))). Instead of ˚, cutting at B leads to ko, but this is a
Variation 108 for b picnic ko for Black.
54 January
<(((((((((((((((((> The cap at ´ attacks from the wrong direction.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++ B +] Black can develop the top right area up to ˇ, but
[++*+˙+++˚+ˇ+++@++] he has to worry about his marked dragon after ˘.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++ˆ+˜++++ A +] White can still invade or reduce Black’s top right
[++++¯++++¨˝++++++] moyo with moves like A, B and C later, so this vari-
[++˘+++T+s+´++++++] ation isn’t promising for Black.
[+@!+T++s+++++++++]
[++*+T+s+*+++++*+ C ] The difference between the capping plays at ´ and
[+!+++Ts@@@+@@@@@+] ˆ is that the elephant’s step to ˆ (c in the game)
[++!+Tss@s@+@!!!!!] positions Black’s marked dragon in front of White’s
[++!T+ssss@!!+++++] and seizes the high ground, while ´ in this variation
[++!T++sTT!!@!@+@+]
[!!TT+sTT+!@@+++++] helps White to escape and attack Black.
[@@!+TsT!*!!++!*@+] Black c in the game also makes better use of Black’s
[@!+!TTT+!+@+!+@+@] wall than ´ in this variation does, but the most im-
[@!+@!T+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))). portant thing to focus on is the shifting power dy-
Variation 109 for c namics between the two weak groups.
<(((((((((((((((((> The knight’s move at ´ is usually a strong attacking
[+++++++++++++++++] haengma, but it’s not the best move in this situation.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White can make shape in the center up to ˘, and
[+@++++++˜˝ˇ++++++] Black’s marked wall is in danger of becoming a lia-
[+++++++´ˆ¨+˚+++++] bility as its power gradually evaporates.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++@+!++˘+++++] When you have a source of power that isn’t indepen-
[+@!+@++!+++++++++] dently alive (usually an eyeless wall), you need to
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++] watch out for this kind of situation.
[+!+++@!TTT+TTTTT+]
[++!+@!!T!T+T!!!!!] In general, you want to do one of two things while
[++!@+!!!!T!!+++++] using your wall to attack:
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+] 1. Ideally, enclose your opponent’s group while
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@] connecting your wall to other friendly stones.
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))). In this scenario, you connect around the out-
Variation 110 for c side of the enclosed group, but this isn’t always
possible and can backfire if you’re not careful.
2. Failing that, develop your wall while attacking,
so that it can’t be surrounded. Black’s play in
Diagram 23 (below) is a good example of this.
January 55
A Rich Man Shouldn’t Pick Quarrels
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++@+´++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++@+!+`+ˆ+˜++]
[+@!+@++!+++++++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!TTT+TTTTT+]
[++!+@!!T!T+T!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!T!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 23
(Moves: 100-103)
Black continued to attack naturally with ´ (´) and ˜. Black ˜ served a dual purpose, defending
Black’s marked group while denying White access to the eye potential at edge of the board. If a weak
group can make it to the edge, it generally becomes easier for it to make eyes. Therefore, if you can
confine a group to the center, you can usually take more profit while it slowly makes life.
There was no need for Black to try to capture White’s dragon, because his measured attack followed a
safer, more reliable path. The player who’s behind is the one who needs to take risks, and games are
often reversed when we focus obsessively on capturing a group. As Lao Zi says in the Dao De Jing, “If
you rejoice in victory, then you delight in killing; if you delight in killing, you cannot fulfill yourself.”
<(((((((((((((((((> If White moves out at ´, Black can continue to
[+++++++++++++++++] attack with ˆ. The progression up to ¨ is good
[++!++++++++++++++] enough for Black.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@++++ˆ++++++++++] This strategy is patient and flexible; Black doesn’t
[++++++++@++++++++] need to wedge and cut immediately with A, and do-
[++++++˜´ E ++++++++]
[++¨++ D @ A !++++++++] ing so would make Black’s position heavier.
[+@!+@++! F ++++++++] White can still play either B or C in sente, so there’s
[++*+@ B !+*+++++*++] some bad aji here if Black plays too aggressively.
[+!+ C +@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!] Extending to D is sente for Black because it aims
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++] push in at A next, making miai of E and F.
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 111 for `
56 January
<(((((((((((((((((> Black could also consider attacking with ´ to ¯.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++] Despite being somewhat thin, the shape formed by
[++*+++++*+++++@++] @
A , ´ and ¯ is often useful when attacking or en-
[+@+++++++++++++++] closing a group.
[++++++++@+@ A ++++++]
[+++++++++++´++¯++] The forcing exchanges of ˜, ˝ and ˇ make White’s
[++++++@ˇt¨tˆt++++] group heavier, but they also remove aji.
[+@!+@+˝t˘˜+++++++]
[++*+@+t˚*+++++*++] A player like Lee Sedol would be reluctant to expend
[+!+++@t@@@+@@@@@+] aji like this. He would only do so if he was sure that
[++!+@tt@t@+@!!!!!] he could capture White’s group.
[++!@+tttt@!!+++++]
[++!@++t@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+t@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@t@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 112 for ˜
<(((((((((((((((((> White still has some aji in the cut at ˙.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++ +fl+++++++] After the exchanges from ˙ to », Black hanes at
[++*+++++*++++fi@++] – to protect his cutting point (after –, Black can
[+@+++++»“‚+++‰ff++] answer White A, with B to H) and White gets sente.
[+++++++‹@˛@ı+—++]
[+++ H F +¸˙›”„@+@++] Up to , White’s center dragon is far from captured
[++– G E D @@!!!!!+ffiffl+] and the game has become very complicated.
[+@!+@ C @!!@+++++++]
[++*+@ A !!*+++++*++]
[+!++ B @!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 113 for ˜
« at ˛
January 57
<(((((((((((((((((> Connecting immediately at ı, instead of playing at
[+++++++++++++++++] fi as in the previous variation, doesn’t work very
[++!+++++++ffi++++++] well either.
[++*+++++*ffffl+ @++]
[+@+++++»“‚fl++‰ı++] Black’s shape will crumple under the force of to
[+++++++‹@˛@fi+—++] ffi and the push at will become more powerful
[++++++¸˙›”„@++@++]
[++–+++@@!!!!!++++] than before.
[+@!+@+@!!@+++++++] This variation is needlessly risky for Black.
[++*+@+!!*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 114 for ˜
« at ˛
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting at ¸ is a dangerous overplay for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++] The atari at ˛ and the moves to „ are sente, and
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White can extend his liberties with » and —.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++«”+@+@++++++] A and B are miai for White, so Black has to choose
[++++„++˙¸++@ C ++@D ++] between saving one marked dragon or the other. He
[++++“›@@!!!!!—»–+] cannot save both.
[+@! B T‹@!!S+++++ A +]
[++*+T˛!!*+++++*++] Lee probably considered fighting with @
C and @ D , but
[+!++‚T!SSS+SSSSS+] decided that the move he played in the game was
[++!+T!!S!S+S!!!!!] simpler and clearer, because of the bad aji of ˙.
[++!T+!!!!S!!+++++]
[++!T++!TT!!@!@+@+]
[!!TT+!TT+!@@+++++]
[@@!+T!T!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!TTT+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!T+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 115 for ˜
<(((((((((((((((((> It’s not easy for White to separate Black with ˙.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++] The double hane at › is an interesting counter, and
[++*+++++*+++++@++] « makes miai of A and B, so Black’s groups are
[+@+++++++++++++++] connected.
[++++++++@+@+++‚++]
[+++++++++++@+˛@”+] White can’t start a ko now, because both his stones
[++++++@@!!!!! A ˙¸“] are in atari.
[+@!+@+@!!@+++ C «‹›]
[++*+@+!!*+++++ D B „] This is an unusual example, but › follows the prin-
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+] ciple of sacrificing on the less important side first.
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++] Instead of ›, playing the immediate atari at « al-
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+] lows White to start a huge ko with C. Black can still
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++] dodge with the atari at ›, but White D gains more.
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@] If White connects at « after Black plays ›, Black
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!] connects under with „ and White’s gain is minimal.
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 116 for ˜
58 January
Hunt for Weaknesses
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+@++++ F +++˝++++++]
[++++++++@+@¨+++++]
[+++++++˚ E ++¯+++++]
[+++++˙@ C !˘!+!+@++]
[+@!+@+ A ! D ˇ+++++++]
[++*+@+! B *+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 24
(Moves: 104-110)
White poked his head out with ˚ because he decided that continuing to thrash around on the right
side would just let Black solidify his territory, as planned.
When one of your groups is under attack, you should hunt for weaknesses in your opponent’s position
and seek to enlarge or exploit them. This attitude is better than only thinking about running way.
Black’s position was too thin to cut with A to E (Variation 115 showed the danger of such tactics), so
Black switched to ¯ to developing his moyo in the top right. Playing ¯ at F was still possible, but
Lee thought ¯ was bigger at this stage.
White ˙ was a clever sacrifice tesuji. White wanted to sacrifice this stone in order to repair his
potential cutting points in sente, before moving out.
After the game, Lee said that he regretted omitting the exchange of A for B before he played ¯,
because that would have prevented ˙. Either way, the position was still favorable for Black.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White simply pushes at ´, he’ll need to come back
[+++++++++++++++++] and defend with ˜ after ˆ (to prevent Black A).
[++s++++++++++++++]
[++*¨++++*+++++@++] Black ¨ brings a powerful leaning attack to bear
[+@++++++++@++++++] against the marked stones, and the game becomes
[++++++++@+@!+++++] hopeless for White.
[++++++´t˜++@+++++]
[+++++ˆ@ A ttt+!+@++] White’s development here is too heavy and slow.
[+@!+@++t+@+++++++]
[++*+@+t+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@t@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@tt@t@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+tttt@!!+++++]
[++!@++t@@!!@!@+@+]
Variation 117 for ˙
January 59
Sacrifice Stones to Gain Sente
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!
B «++„++++++++++]
[++*” C +++*+++++@++]
[+@++++“+++@++++++]
[++++++++@+@!+++++]
[+++++‚‹!+++@»++++]
[++++›! A @+!!!–!+@++]
[+@!+@¸˛!+@+++++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 25
(Moves: 111-121)
White completed his one stone sacrifice up to ‹ and escaped with “. Sacrificing !
A was a good idea,
which earned White a tempo in the center, but it also made Black’s dragon stronger.
Black’s press at ” was a textbook example of a leaning attack and Black was satisfied to take profit
with «. White had little choice but to strengthen himself with „, leaving !
B at Black’s mercy.
As we saw in Variation 92, pushing with White at «, Black C, and so on would only strengthen Black
at the expense of White’s desperate center group.
Gu later said that he thought the position up to „ was still playable, because White may yet have an
opportunity to complicate the game, after strengthening his group.
White’s last hope was to start a complicated fight in the top right, and » was a good way to begin.
Black pushed at –, apparently confident about fighting here.
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting at ´ is also conceivable, and White will at-
[+++++++++++++++++] tach at ˆ next.
[++!@++!+++“++++++]
[++*@++++*+++‹+@++] White eventually needs to come back to defend at
[+@++++!+++@˝›+¯++] ˚, which gives Black time to atari and connect with
[++++++++@+@!´¨ˇ++] ˇ and ¯.
[+++++@!!+++@!˘ˆ˜+]
[++++@+@+!!!˚!+@˙¸] However, the game becomes closer up to “, so this
[+@!+@@!!+@+++++˛‚] isn’t a very good option for Black.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
Variation 118 for –
60 January
Find Balance Amidst Chaos
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!@++!++++! ++++]
[++*@++++*++ff+@++]
[+@++++!+++@++++++]
[++++++++@+@!+++++]
[+++++@!!++@!++++]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@ffi+]
[+@!+@@!!+@ı—+‰fifl+]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*+ffl]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 26
(Moves: 122-133)
Rather than retreating, Lee cut with and ı. Defending at ‰ was efficient, because it allowed
White to play fi and ffi next, and ffl was the right technique for defending Black’s center dragon.
Some readers might be alarmed at this development, but to Lee it was the clearest path to success.
Such apparent chaos is essential to Go, and possesses its own point of balance for you to discover.
Strive to understand the relationships between stones, the way strengths and weaknesses are counter-
poised against one another, and the natural cause and effect of fighting. While the winds of chaos may
seem intimidating, you will find peace in the eye of the storm. Should your opponent overstep in a
moment of greed, it takes only the lightest of movements to turn their momentum against them.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White connects at ´, Black will cut with ˆ and
[+++++++++++++++++] the game will become much easier for Black.
[++!@++!++++++++++]
[++*@++++*+++++@++] White wants to complicate the game and look for an
[+@++++!+++@++++++] opportunity to reverse it. This can be regarded as a
[++++++++@+@!+++++] failure to do so.
[+++++@!!++@@!++++]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@++]
[+@!+@@!!+@´!ˆ++++]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*++]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 119 for ‰
January 61
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black ataris at ´, White will extend to ˆ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!@++!++++++++++] A and B are miai for White next and Black’s center
[++*@++++*++@!+@++] dragon is in danger.
[+@++++!+++@++++++]
[++++++++@+@!+++++]
[+++++@!!++@@!+ B ´+]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@!ˆ]
[+@!+@@!!+TT!+!!@+]
[++*+@+!+*+++++* A +]
[+!+++@!TTT+TTTTT+]
[++!+@!!T!T+T!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!T!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 120 for ffl
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black uses ! to cut with ´ and ˜, White will
[+++++++++++++++++] play ¨ to ˘ in sente and then connect at ˙.
[++!@++!+++++!++++]
[++*@++++*++@!˜@ˇ G ] Black @A is paralyzed, and Black’s center group is in
[+@++++!+++@˝´ˆ˚ E F I trouble.
[++++++++@+@!¨ M + D C ]
[+++++@!!++@@!+ B J H K It’s worth observing how the forcing exchange of ˚
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@ A !˙] for ˇ prepares a defense against Black B.
[+@!+@@!!+TT!+!!T˘ L
[++*+@+!+*+++++*¯T] If Black plays B, White can respond with C and meet
[+!+++@!TTT+TTTTT+] D with E to I. White is intending to trade here.
[++!+@!!T!T+T!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!T!!+++++] Even though Black can capture three stones with J,
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+] immediately exchanging K for L exploits shortage of
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++] liberties to protect the cutting point at M in sente.
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@] In conclusion, Black saves his marked stones with B
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!] to L, but he does so at the expense of his top and
,!))!!)))))))))))). top right groups. This renders ´ and ˜ useless.
Variation 121 for !
62 January
Appearances Can Be Deceiving
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!@++!++++T!++++]
[++*@++++*++T!+@++]
[+@++++!+++T+$++++]
[++++++++T+T!+%&++]
[+++++@!!++TT!++’+]
[++++@+@+!!!T!+@!+]
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@"]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*#@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 27
(Moves: 134-139)
The truth is not always beautiful, nor are beautiful words always the truth.
—Lao Zi, Dao De Jing
White & looked like a sharp tesuji, but simplifying the game with ’ was good enough for Black.
Even though White could attack Black’s marked stones next, they were stronger than they looked.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black simply takes care of his top group, with
[+++++++++++++++++] ´, White will fight with ˆ to ˘ and entangle the
[++!@++!+´++@s++++] marked groups in a capturing race.
[++*@++++*++@s+C˘+]
[+@++++!+++@+s+ˇ˚+] This variation is very complicated, which is what
[++++++++@+@s++˝¨+] White wants.
[+++++@!!++@@s+˜++]
[++++@+@+!!!@s+C!ˆ]
[+@!+@@!!+TTs+ssT!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*TT]
[+!+++@!TTT+TTTTT+]
[++!+@!!T!T+T!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!T!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 122 for %
January 63
<((((((((((((¯((((> When Black peeped at @ A , White should have con-
[++++++++˝+˘˙˚ˇ+++] nected at ´. In that case, reinforcing at ˆ would
[++!@++!+˜¨+@!+¸”«] still be good for Black.
[++*@+›+‚˛++@!+@“„]
[+@++++!+‹+@+!++++] Both Black and White can live at the top up to ›.
[++++++++@+@!´@ A +++]
The result in the top right is fairly similar to the
[+++++@!!++@@!++ˆ+]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@!+] game, but the overall result is an improvement for
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!] White.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@] This would have been the best option for White.
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 123 for &
<(((((((((((((((((> Black might be tempted to try something like ˆ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!@++!++++@t++ˆ+] Black ˆ destabilizes White’s marked group while
[++*@++++*++@t+@++] also preparing a strong resistance against ˜ and ˝.
[+@++++!+++@+t˚+˝+]
[++++++++@+@t´@+++] However...
[+++++@!!++@@t+¨++]
[++++@+@+!!!@t+@!˜]
[+@!+@@!!+@@t+tt@!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 124 for &
<((((((((((((¯((((> White can still pressure Black with ˜ and sacrifice
[++++++++˝+˘˙˚ˇ+++] the cutting stones in sente (after first enlarging them
[++!@++!+˜¨+@!+¸ˆ+] with ‚).
[++*@++–˛++@!+@›”]
[+@++++!+—+@+!+«“„] Black has to take the time to capture White’s cutting
[++++++++@+@!´@+++] stones with », to avoid a difficult capturing race.
[+++++@!!++@@!+‹+»]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@t‚] After White lives with , we can see that Black’s
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@t] failed attack loses points.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 125 for &
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black cuts immediately at ´, White will answer
[+++++++++++++++++] with ˆ and ¨.
[++!@++!++++@!++++]
[++*@++++*++@!+@++] The exchanges from ´ to ¨ are bad for Black.
[+@++++!+++@˜!ˆ+++]
[++++++++@+@!´@!++]
[+++++@!!++@@!¨+++]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@!+]
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 126 for ’
64 January
The Cunning Rabbit Has Three Holes
<((((((((8((((((((>
[++/,-.+6+7+312+++]
[++!@++!50(+@! B 4++]
[++*@++*)*++@!+@++]
[+@++++! F C +@+!++++]
[++++++ E D @+@! A @!++]
[+++++@!!++@@!++@+]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@!+]
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 28
(Moves: 140-156)
White ( aimed to cover the weakness at A while pressuring Black at the top, but it was too thin.
Black ) and + formed a powerful combination. White had no choice but to connect at *.
However, , was a wonderful tesuji and White’s center dragon escaped along a hidden tunnel. This
move exemplified the Chinese proverb, “The cunning rabbit has three holes.” In other words, you
usually maintain your balance by preparing two options of similar value (make miai of two plans), but
ideally you should also prepare an escape hatch to save yourself if something goes wrong.
If White plays , at . instead, Black will extend to , and White’s group becomes less flexible.
The sente connection at 3 was the ace up Black’s sleeve. Defending at 4 protected the cutting point
at B and damaged Black’s corner, but Black was able to live with 7 in compensation. Meanwhile,
White’s center dragon was still in danger. White can’t net at C because Black D makes E and F miai.
The hane at 8 looks like it was played to gain more thinking time. Gu Li must have entered byo-yomi
around this stage, but the game was practically over anyway.
<((((((((((((¯((((> Extending to ˜ still seems to be best, but White
[++++++++˝+˘˙˚ˇ+++] now needs to exchange ´ for ˆ first.
[++!
A @++!+˜¨+@!+¸++]
[++*@+›+‚˛++@!+@++] As we’ve seen, Black can make two eyes through to
[+@++++!+‹+@+!++++] ‹, and White lives with ›. By living in this man-
[++++++++@+@!+@!++] ner, White is trying to preserve the aji in !
A as best
[+++++@!!++@@!+´@+]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@!ˆ] he can.
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!] Black is still in the lead, but this variation is better
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@] for White than the game.
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 127 for (
January 65
<((((((((‹(((¯((((> If White extends at ˝ instead, Black can still live
[+++++++‚˛+˘˙˚ˇ+++] up to ‹. White ˝ and ˛ are miai for Black.
[++!@++!+˜¨+@! A ¸++]
[++*@++++˝++@!+@++] Continuing...
[+@++++!+++@+!++++]
[++++++++@+@!+@!++]
[+++++@!!++@@!+´@+]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@!ˆ]
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 128 for (
<(((»((((@(((!((((> White › and ” form a good combination to help
[++„›“”+!@+@@@!+++] White settle his group, and White lives up to .
[++!
A @«+!+!@+@!+!++]
[++*@–+++!++@!+@++] This result is also better for White than the game,
[+@++—!+++@+!++++] and White is still catching up.
[++++++++@+@!+@!++]
[+++++@!!++@@!+!@+] However, White will rue helping Black to reinforce
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@+@] the top left corner and extinguishing !
A as a result.
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 129 for (
<(((((((((((((((((> If White hanes underneath at ˝, Black will still ex-
[++++++++ B ˝˘+˚ˇ+++] change ˚ and ˘.
[++!@++!+˜¨+@! A +++]
[++*@++++*++@!+@++] A and B are miai for Black next, so ˝ isn’t a good
[+@++++!+++@+!++++] idea for White.
[++++++++@+@!+@!++]
[+++++@!!++@@!+´@+]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@!ˆ]
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 130 for (
<(((((((((((((((((> Ideally, White would prefer to forego any other ex-
[+++++++++++++++++] changes and play at ´ immediately.
[++!@++!+´++@!++++]
[++*@++++*++@!+@++] Unfortunately, Black’s atari at ˆ is severe. After
[+@++++!+++@¨!˜˘++] Black connects at ˚ (!a ), ˇ and ˘ are miai.
[++++++++@+@! a ˆ@t B +]
[+++++@!!++@@t˝ˇ@+] Next, cutting at ˘ makes miai of A and B, meaning
[++++@+@+!!!@t+@t A ] White’s marked stones will be captured.
[+@!+@@!!+@@t+tt@t]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 131 for (
˚ at !
a
66 January
<(((((((((((((((((> White played at !A so that he could respond to ´
[+++ C +++++++¨+++++] with ˆ and ¨. If Black chooses this variation, he
[++! B @++!++! A +@!++++]
can capture the marked stones up to ˇ.
[˙+˘@++++*++@!+@++]
[ D @¯+++!+++@ˆ!˜+++] However, because White’s group at the top has be-
[++++++++@+@!´@!++] come stronger, White can salvage the top left corner
[+++++@!!++@@tˇ+@+]
[++++@+@+!!!@t+@!+] with ˘ and ˙.
[+@!+@@!!+@@t˝tt@!] There are many possible variations after this, but
[++*+@+!+*+++˚+*@@] White can aim at C or D next and will be able to
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 132 for ) create something in the corner.
This is what White wants.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White answers the peep at @
A ()) with ´, Black
[+++++++++++—»–+++] will probe at ˆ.
[++!@+”!´+!+T!+++]
[++*@+ˇ˚@ A ¯++T!+@++] Responding with ˜ and ˝ allows Black to increase
[+@++“˘s˙¸+T¨!˜ D ++] his liberties such that he can push and cut with ˚
[++++„›‚˛T+T! B ˆ@!++]
and ˘.
[+++++@ss‹+TT!˝ C @+]
[++++@‰@«sssT!+@!+] The moves up to ‰ lead to a capturing race between
[+@!+@@ss+@@!+!!@!] the marked groups, which Black will win.
[++*+@+s+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@s@@@+@@@@@+] Instead of ˚, Black can also play !
B to D (as we saw
[++!+@ss@s@+@!!!!!] in Variation 131) if he’s uncertain about the result
[++!@+ssss@!!+++++] of the capturing race.
[++!@++s@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+s@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@s@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 133 for *
<((((((((((((›((((> If White connects at ˜ instead, Black can play ¨
[++++++++ˇ¯˘“˙‚”«»] to ˙.
[++!@++!´˚!+@!‹ A „–]
[++*@++˝@¨+˛@! B @ D —] Defending at ¸ is necessary, to prevent Black from
[+@++++!+++@˜!¸ C ++] playing at ¸ himself. This means Black has time to
[++++++++@+@!ˆ@!++] reinforce at ˛.
[+++++@!!++@@!++@+]
[++++@+@+!!!@!+@!+] White ‚ appears to be a strong counter at first, but
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!] Black can cut at ‹.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+] White’s cutting stones will be captured up to —. If
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!] White ataris at A, connecting at B makes miai of C
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++] and D.
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 134 for *
January 67
Greed for the Win Takes the Win Away
<(((;(J(D!9(((((((>
[++@!@!+!@@+@@!+++]
[++!@:+!@!!E@!+!++]
[++*@<+!@GI+@!+@++]
[+@+?= B !FH+@+!++++]
[++++>@BA@ C @!+@!++]
[+++++@!!++@@!++@+]
[++C+@+@+!!!@!+@!+]
[+@!
A +@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Diagram 29
(Moves: 157-174)
White > was a clever tesuji, attempting to make an eye in sente, but ? was the correct response.
Black was able to complete his position in the top left with C. Both players had wanted to play
around here ever since White attached at ! A , but there was never enough time. Finally, Black found a
natural opportunity to play C in sente, while attacking. Rather than attempting to capture White’s
group, Black consolidated a clear territorial advantage and allowed White a small degree of latitude.
The sequence from D to J was the only way to save White’s group. White’s enormous dragon was
finally safe (B and C are miai), but you don’t need to capture anything if you’re already clearly ahead.
<(((@((((!@(((((((> If Black answers !
A with ´, White can live with ˆ
[++@+@!+!@@+@@!+++] to ˙
[++!@!+!@!!¯@!+!++]
[++*@!+!@˜ˇ+@!+@++] Later on, White will be able to play at B in sente,
[+@+˝@¨!ˆ˚˘@+!++++] because it threatens to continue with C.
[++++! A ´++@˙@!+@!++]
[+++ C +@!!++@@!++@+] If you compare this variation to the actual game,
[++ B +@+@+!!!@!+@!+] you’ll be able to see that it’s better for White.
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 135 for ?
68 January
<(((@(((˜!T(((((((> If Black reinforces at ´ without exchanging ˝ for
[++@+@!¨!TT+TT!+++] A first (A and B in the game), White can form a
[++!@!+!@!!+T!+!++] net at ˆ.
[++*@!+!@*++T!+@++]
[+@+@@+!˚ˆ+T+!++++] Black can’t cut at A, because White will atari at B,
[++++!! A ˝@ B T!+@!++] so Black’s marked group suddenly finds itself in deep
[+++++@!!++TT!++@+]
[++´+@+@+!!!T!+@!+] trouble and the game is reversed.
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!] Next...
[++*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 136 for A
<(((@(((@(@(((((((> If Black continues by cutting at ˇ, White will play
[++@+@!!!@@+@@!+++] ˘ to ˛.
[++!@!+!@!!+@! A !++]
[++*@!+!@*++@! B @‹+] Black can cut at ‚ and fight, but ‹ to „ is an ex-
[+@+@@+!!!+@¯!˘‚›”] cellent continuation, and Black’s marked group will
[++++!!+@@+@! a ˇ@!“+]
be captured after White lives with „.
[+++++@!!++@@!˙˛@„]
[++@+@+@+!!!@!+@! C ] If Black plays A instead of ›; White at ›, Black B
[+@!+@@!!+TT!+!!T!] and White C follow. Black’s marked stones still die.
[++*+@+!+*+++++*TT]
[+!+++@!TTT+TTTTT+]
[++!+@!!T!T+T!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!T!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+++++]
[@@!+@!@!*!!++!*@+]
[@!+!@@@+!+@+!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+++++++++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 137 for A
¸ at !
a
<(((@(ˆ(tt@(((((((> If White ataris at ´ (instead of defending at ˆ), ˆ
[++@+@t˚t@@+@@!+++] is severe and White’s marked dragon dies up to ˚.
[++!@t¨t@++@@!+!++]
[++*@t˝t@@@+@!+@++] Instead of ˜, if White plays at ˚, Black plays at ˝
[+@+@@˜ttt+@+!++++] and White still dies.
[++++ttt@@´@!+@!++]
[+++++@tt++@@!++@+]
[++@+@+@+ttt@!+@!+]
[+@!+@@tt+@@!+!!@!]
[++*+@+t+*+++++*@@]
[+!+++@t@@@+@@@@@+]
Variation 138 for J
January 69
Strike While the Iron Is Hot
<(((@(!(!!@((( G F I K H
[++@+@!+!@@+@@! E ZW G
[++!@!+!@++@@!+!LXY
[++*@!+!@@@+@!+@KM]
[+@+@@+!!!+@+!P+++]
[++++!!!@@+@!+@ D !++]
[+++++@!!++@@!+N@+]
[+ C @+@+@+!!!@!+@!O]
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[Q+[+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[R!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[++!@+!!!!@!!+++++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@+@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+T+++]
[TT!]@!@!*!!V+!*@+]
[T!^!@@@`!+@U!+@+@]
[T!+T!@+b_cS+ A \‘@!]
,!))!! B )))))))))a).
Diagram 30
(Moves: 175-200)
Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends; enter, and cry “The Dauphin!” presently, and then
do execution on the watch.
—William Shakespeare, Henry VI, Act 3, Scene 2
Black K began a sente endgame sequence, and White chose to capture @
D instead of blocking at X.
Wasting no time, Black’s conspirators snuck into White’s town at the bottom, disguised as farmers.
Then, with S, they delivered the coup de grâce from within. White couldn’t capture the two stones
because A and B were miai, so reinforcing at T became necessary.
Black W was another sente endgame move. After White defended up to Z, Black’s biggest move was
at A, but there was some aji for White in the cut at C so Lee reinforced with [ instead.
White was alive in the top right because he had eyes at @
D and E. If Black tries to capture White with
F, White G to I makes miai of G and K.
After \, Black had to connect under with _. He exchanged ] for ^ in sente because he was planning
to atari at B and squeeze the last drops out of the marked stones soon. When sacrificing stones, you
want to try to extract as much value from them as possible, before they’re removed from the board.
Black was winning by around 15 points on the board (without counting komi), so playing safely was
the best policy at this stage.
70 January
<(((@(!(!!@(((((((> If White tenukis (e.g. ´), instead of defending at ˜,
[++@+@!+!@@+@@!+++] Black will attack with ˆ, ¨ and ˚.
[++!@!+!@++@@!+!!´]
[++*@!+!@@@+@!+@@@] Making eyes in the bottom right is harder than it
[+@+@@+!!!+@+!!+++] looks, so White’s marked group will die after ˘.
[++++!!!@@+@!+@!++]
[+++++@!!++@@!+!@+]
[++@+@+@+!!!@!+@+@]
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[@+*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[!!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@ttttt]
[++!@+!!!!@tt˝++++]
[++!@++!@@tt@t@¨@+]
[!!@@+!@@+t@@ˆ˜+++]
[@@!+@!@t*ttˇ+t*@+]
[@!+!@@@+t+@˚t+@+@]
[@!+@!@++++@+˘++@!]
,!))!!)))))))))))).
Variation 139 for T
<(((@(!(!!@(((((((> Resisting with ˇ changes nothing, because Black can
[++@+@!+!@@+@@!+++] still connect under at ˘.
[++!@!+!@++@@!+!!´]
[++*@!+!@@@+@!+@@@] Remember that Black can play at A in sente!
[+@+@@+!!!+@+!!+++]
[++++!!!@@+@!+@!++] White is still in trouble.
[+++++@!!++@@!+!@+]
[++@+@+@+!!!@!+@+@]
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
[@+*+@+!+*+++++*@@]
[!!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[++!+@!!@!@+@ttttt]
[++!@+!!!!@tt˝++++]
[++!@++!@@tt@t@¨@+]
[!!@@+!@@+t@@ˆ˜+++]
[@@!+@!@t*tt++t*@+]
[@!+!@@@+t+@˚t+@+@]
[@!+@!@++˘+@+ˇ++@!]
,!))!! A ))))))))))).
Variation 140 for T
January 71
Can’t Capture? Think Endgame
<(((@(!(!!@(((.((0>
[++@+@!+!@@+@@!+!@-
[++!@!+!@++@@!+!!!@
[++*@!+!@@@+@!+@@@]
[+@+@@˘!!!+@2!!+++]
[+++«!!!@@+@!+@!ˆ˜]
[++–„»@!!ˇ+@@!+!@+]
[++@+@#@$!!!@!&@’@]
++@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
*@‚@/@+!+*++ B ++*@@]
,!!1“”@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[˙+!‹@!!@!@+@!!!!!
A ¯+!@›!!!!@!!++˚+fiı
[(+!@++!@@!!@!@¨@‰
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+!˝ff—
[@@!@@!@!*!!!+!*@!ffl
[@!!!@@@!!+@@!ffi@+@]
[@!˛@!@+!@@@+fl!!@!%
,!))!!¸)´)))))))@).
Diagram 31
(Moves: 201-250)
" at ı
Exchanging ¯ for ˙ was unusual at this stage, but that’s Lee Sedol’s style of play. Even in the
endgame, he thinks about vital points.
White — was a stylish endgame tesuji. White would have analyzed the position in the bottom right
earlier and concluded that Black couldn’t be captured.
When that happens, you should mentally adjust your focus from life and death to endgame possibilities.
In this case, White could still harass Black’s corner and reduce Black’s territory in sente up to %. If
you always insist on trying to capture stones you’ll often lose points, but if you consider the endgame
too you’ll discover other options.
Bullying a group to the point where it just barely makes eyes is almost as satisfying as capturing it.
Before defending at %, Black exchanged # for $ in sente. White had to answer because # threatened
to cut, and capture part of White’s center group.
White should have used 2 to reinforce at A in the bottom left. If he had done so, Black would have
played at B next.
However, Gu didn’t defend because he was behind, and was looking for a place to resign.
72 January
[+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!] The sente hane at ´ would be the usual endgame
˜@+@+@+!+*+++++*@@] play, but in this case the net result is about the same.
´!!+++@!@@@+@@@@@+]
ˆ++!+@!!@!@+@!!!!!]
[¨+!@+!!!!@!!++!++]
[++!@++!@@!!@!@!@+]
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+!@++]
[@@!@@!@!*!!!+!*@+]
[@!!!@@@!!+@@!+@+@]
[@!+@!@+!@@@++!!@!]
,!))!!))@)))))))@).
Variation 141 for ¯
@+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!] After ´ (3), the game is over.
!@@@@@+!+*+++++*@@]
!!!@!@@!@@@+@@@@@+] If White hanes at ˆ, Black will hane at ˜.
[!+!!@!!@!@+@!!!!!! We can expect a ko after White throws in at A.
A @+!@@!!!!@!!++!+!!
˜!+!@++!@@!!@!@!@@!
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+!@@!!
´@@!@@!@!*!!!+!*@@@
[@!!!@@@!!+@@!!@+@]
ˆ@!!+!@+!@@@+@!!@!@
,!))!!@)@))))@))@).
Variation 142 for 2
@+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!] If White defends at ˆ, Black will create a seki with
!@@@@@+!+*+++++*@@] ˜ and ˝.
!!!@!@@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[!+!!@!!@!@+@!!!!!! Neither player can atari at A without putting their
ˆ@+!@@!!!!@!!++!+!! own stones in atari.
[!+!@++!@@!!@!@!@@!
˚!!@@+!@@+!@@+!@@!!
´@@!@@!@!*!!!+!*@@@
[@!!!@@@!!+@@!!@+@]
˝@!!+!@+!@@@+@!!@!@
A !˜¨!!@)@))))@))@).
Variation 143 for 2
@+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!] Instead of A in the previous variation, White also
!@@@@@+!+*+++++*@@] has a tesuji at ¨. It leads to a ko at ˝.
!!!@!@@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[!+!!@!!@!@+@!!!!!! Playing ˆ at B doesn’t significantly change either of
ˆ@+!@@!!!!@!!++!+!! these variations. White still has to choose between
[!+!@++!@@!!@!@!@@! ko or seki.
B !!@@+!@@+!@@+!@@!!
´@@!@@!@!*!!!+!*@@@ This is why White resigned after 3 in the game.
[@!!!@@@!!+@@!!@+@]
¨@!!+!@+!@@@+@!!@!@
˝!˜ A !!@)@))))@))@).
Variation 144 for 2
January 73
Lee Sedol Chalks Up His First Win
<(((@(!(!!@(((!((!>
[++@+@!+!@@+@@!+!@@
[++!@!+!@++@@!+!!!@
[++*@!+!@@@+@!+@@@]
[+@+@@!!!!+@!!!+++]
[+++@!!!@@+@!+@!!@]
[++@!!@!!@+@@! E +!@+]
[++@+@@@!!!!@!!@@@]
@+@!+@@!!+@@!+!!@!]
!@@@@@+!+*+++++*@@]
!!!@!@@!@@@+@@@@@+]
[!+!!@!!@ D !@+@!!!!!!
[@+!@@!!!!@!!++!+!!
[!+!@++!@ C @!!@!@!@@!
[!!@@+!@@+!@@+!@@!!
3@@
A !@@!@!*!!!+!*@@@
[@!!!@@@!!+@@!!@+@]
[@!!+!@+!@@@+@!!@! B@
,!))!!@)@))))@))@).
Diagram 32
(Move: 251)
251 moves: Black won by resignation.
There will either be a ko or a seki in the bottom left corner after 3. White should resign either way.
See variations 142 to 144 (on the previous page) for details.
Even if White had defended the corner, Black was ahead by 16 points on the board at this stage.
The game was fascinating and enjoyable to watch, and it was a fitting start to the Jubango.
White’s position felt slightly better in the opening, but Black caught up again with the cut at ffl (@
A ).
White < (!B ) was a poorly timed probe, and Lee didn’t miss the opportunity to change the flow of
the game with = (@C ). After that, Black took the initiative with the attack that started at G (@
D ).
White fought back strongly and sought to complicate the game with » (!
E ), but it was too late. Lee
managed the game very well after !E , and there didn’t seem to be any opportunities for White to
recover.
The games of this match had longer time limits than most contemporaneous professional Go tourna-
ments. In slower matches, it’s quite hard to reverse a game once one falls behind, because the other
player has plenty of time to think carefully at critical moments and carry their lead through difficult
situations.
Lee Sedol was off to a good start and the players now had a month before their next game, in Pinghu.
Chapter 2
February
February 23, 2014, Pinghu, China: Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
<(((((((,+(A=@((((>
[+"!+++‹˛‚+–>@0?„+]
[+ ffl“"+*I)9*(—/“‹»B
[+—ˆ›-($%¸#W»«”´›„”
2L$–fl‰8COD¯Offi:˘&–«C
/J#%Iı’;8-˙“++˛‚˛’]
fflKM"HG¯¨˜˙=++bc„ff?]
—N& )F+´ˆ[,++‘a«‚+]
Dc`+DBE`˝\VX^_˚+++]
E]˘bffiA*ı,ZWQYˇ+*++]
[!a1C%$OPHSRSK+++]
[+flVfflU-ˇ˚T+R‰fffl++]
[+˜^‘0;4U(.&]7fiU¸+]
[++_Zˆ65)323’MJYT+]
[+++´T:7=W#LKN67+]
[+ˇ!1562<ffSRV¨N˜ı]
[++ ˝0+++>?fi++˙˚¯]
[+9/.HP[+@+;<:+¨Q‰9
,)E8GIL\)FFX))435˝.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-287)
˘ ‹ » . 4 at ˆ, ¸ ” A at ˝, 1 B at [,
< at ˜, > Q at `, › J at -, fi at ‚, ffi at D,
G at 4, M at 8, P at O
75
76 February
Pinghu
The second game took place in Pinghu, Zhejiang Province, China, on February 23, 2014. Gu Li played
black.
Pinghu is a thriving agricultural and manufacturing center on the outskirts of Shanghai. The organizers
selected this somewhat obscure venue due to its historical significance as the location of the famous
Danghu Games.
The Danghu Games were a series played between two pre-eminent Chinese Go masters during the Qing
Dynasty, Fan Xiping and Shi Xiangxia (better known to Western Go players as Shi Ding’an). The
official record stands at five wins each (after 10 games), but it is believed that the two played at least
11 games at Danghu (some say 13). Historians date this event as having occurred in the year 1739.
Fan and Shi were born a year apart into Go-loving families, living in the same town. Fan was a Go
prodigy and became Guoshou (a title reserved for the very best players at the time) as a teenager.
Shi was a sickly child and was deemed too delicate to master Go. His father had him schooled in the
Four Arts and the classics, but after persistent nagging by Shi, allowed him to focus on Go.
Eventually, Shi also attained the rank of Guoshou, several years after his friend Fan. Fan and Shi,
together with Cheng Lanru and Liang Weijin, became known as the ‘Four Go Masters of the Qing
Dynasty’.
Wu Songsheng 9 dan once remarked that Fan and Shi were on par with modern professionals, in terms
of their reading and fighting skills, and contemporary Go historians regard them as being among the
greatest players alive anywhere at the time.
Since Lee won the first encounter of the present match, it became important for Gu to redress the
balance by winning this game.
Before the Jubango began, many people expected that Gu Li would have something of an advantage,
because most of the games were to be played in China. However, it was already becoming apparent
that the travel, different food, and unfamiliar environment didn’t faze Lee Sedol.
February 77
A Wide Opening Serves Black
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ˆ+++++*+++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ A *+++++*+++++ B ˜+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 1-3)
Black played his first two moves in adjacent corners once again, with ´ and ˜.
Diagonal openings are relatively uncommon these days, because if Black plays ˜ at A, White will take
the last open corner with B and the scale of the game will reduce (i.e. the game will become narrower).
People often say that a diagonal opening leads to a fighting oriented game. This is true to some extent,
but another way of thinking about it is that a diagonal opening leads to a game with smaller battles,
smaller groups and smaller territories. This diminishes the advantage Black gains from moving first.
In contrast, when Black plays in adjacent corners, it’s much easier for him to develop a large framework
spanning about half the board. This allows Black to maximize the advantage of the first move and
keep the pressure on White.
In Edo period Japan, well before komi Go became common for professionals, diagonal openings were
so prevalent that the most common variant became known simply as the ‘Regulation Fuseki’. These
openings made sense at the time because Black, who gave no komi and started off ahead, wanted
to make the game narrower (reduce the possibilities) and preserve his advantage. Meanwhile, White
wanted to make the game wider in order to create opportunities for catching up.
Perhaps because of this early influence, the popularity of diagonal openings continued for many years,
but when komi was introduced to modern tournament Go (initially at 4.5 points in Japan) Black
had to employ a wider opening strategy to accommodate it. Over the following decades, the size
of komi increased, and we saw Black progressively favor wider, faster formations based on adjacent
corners—such as the Three Star Opening (Sanrensei), Kobayashi Opening and Chinese style openings.
The upshot of all this is that White needn’t worry about a diagonal opening after playing ˆ. In fact,
he may welcome it. For Black’s part, the message is that it’s generally a good strategy to create large
frameworks and make the game as wide as possible. In doing so, you can entice your opponent into
your sphere of influence and seize the initiative by attacking!
78 February
The Immediate Approach
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ B +++++*++++¨*@+]
[++ A ++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Move: 4)
The immediate approach at ¨ was an unusual move which, in recent times, has been relatively rare
in top professionals’ games.
It’s much more common for White to occupy the last empty corner, at A or B. However, ¨ is by no
means new, nor is it bad. Lee deliberately chose ¨ because it would likely be unexpected by Gu.
Since Gu likes to play Chinese style openings, Lee chose to follow another path. Studying your
opponent’s games, frustrating their preferred openings and style, and rendering any specific openings
they might have prepared irrelevant is all part of the psychological metagame in important matches.
<(((((((((((((((((> White ´ is the most common move in this opening,
[+++++++++++++++++] though other moves are also possible, of course.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!B +++++*+++++@++] White likes to play at ´ because of its relationship
[+++++++++++++++++] with @A and ! B . If Black approaches from the right
[+++++++++++++++++] side around C, White will enclose the corner with D
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] and (locally) the exchange is better for White.
[+++++++++++++++++] Because of that, it’s usually better to approach
[++*+++++*+++++*++] around D instead, which means White can dictate
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] the direction of play to some extent.
[+++++++++++++++++] You can think of this as a kind of anti-Chinese style
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ D ++++++++++++++] opening for White.
[++*++ C ++*+++++*@ A +]
[++´++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 1 for ¨
February 79
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black approaches around ˆ next, ˜ is a calm
[++*+++++*+++++*++] response. These approaches could also be at A and
[+++++++++++++++++] B instead.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The two 3-4 point corners can be regarded as miai in
[+++++++++++++++++] this opening, and since the players are sharing both
[+ˆ A ++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*++++ B *@+] corners, this opening is well balanced.
[++!++++++++++˜+++] If you don’t want Black to develop a large framework,
[+++++++++++++++++] this opening might suit you as White. Black ˆ at
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 2 for ¨ ˜ is another option, which we’ll study in Chapter 6.
<(((((((((((((((((> Since White has the support of !A , he might prefer
[+++++++++++++++++] to pincer with ˜, as we discussed in Chapter 1.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!
A +++++*+++++@++] Proposing a taisha joseki with ¨ used to be the most
[+++++++++++++++++] popular continuation for Black, but it has recently
[+“+++++++++++++++] fallen out of favor.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White usually continues with ˝ to ¸—gaining lib-
[+‹+”+++++++++++++] erties before jumping out at ‚—and Black’s plan is
[++*+++++*+++++*++] to develop power before pincering at ‹.
[+˜+›+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White › and Black “ are both natural and ” is a
[+++++++++++++++++] key point for attack and defense.
[+++ B +++++++++++++]
[+ˆ+˚+++++++++++++] White’s center group is stronger than it looks because
[++*˝¨˘˙˛*+++++*@+] White has a tesuji at B later. This has contributed
[++!+ˇ¯¸+‚++++++++] to the declining interest in playing ¨ in this opening.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 3 for ¨
<(((((((((((((((((> Probing at ¨ is a more interesting and active strat-
[+++++++++++++++++] egy. Black will decide how to manage his stone at ˆ
[+++++++++++++++++] based on how White deals with ¨.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White pincers with ˝, Black can consider giving
[+¨+++++++++++++++] up ˆ to play ˚ and ˘ in sente.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+˝+++++++++++++++] This is because White forms a stable two space exten-
[+++++++++++++++++] sion with ˜ and ˝, which means there’s little future
[++*+++++*+++++˙++] potential for attacking ˜ after moving ˆ out.
[+˜+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White consolidates the corner up to ¯, but his stones
[+++++++++++++++++] are all on the left side so far. Meanwhile, Black is
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ˆ D ++++++++++++++] developing rapidly with ˚, ˘ and ˙.
[+¯*ˇ+˚++ B +++++*@+] Black ˚ can also be at A and ˘ can be B, but ˚ at
[++!++ A C ++˘+++++++] C is worse for Black after ¯, ˘ and White D. After
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). ˚, if White plays at ¯, Black resists with D.
Variation 4 for ¨
80 February
<(((((((((((((((((> If White answers ¨ with ˝ and ˇ, Black won’t
[+++++++++++++++++] sacrifice ˆ as he did in the previous variation.
[++++ A ++++++++++++]
[++!+ˇ+++*+++++@++] Rather, Black plans to press with ˘ and ˙, before
[+˝+++++++++++++++] pincering with ˛.
[+¨˚++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˝ or ˇ could also be at A, but this doesn’t
[+++++++++++++++++] materially affect Black’s strategy.
[+˛+++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Both this variation and the previous one are accept-
[+˜+++++++++++++++] able for both players, but there’s a feeling that things
[+++++++++++++++++] are going according to Black’s plan here, so many
[+++++++++++++++++] players would prefer to resist this development.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ˆ+++++++++++++++]
[++*˘˙+++*+++++*@+]
[++!¯+¸+++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 5 for ¨
[+++++++++++++++++] If White pincers tightly at ˜, Black can still trade
[++*+++++*+++++˘++] with the counter-pincer at ¨ and the extension to
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] ˚. White should reinforce the corner with ˇ, and
[+˜+++++++++++++++] Black will have sente to take a big point like ˘.
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++] The exchange of ˆ for ˇ is good for White, but
[+ˆ˝++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*@+] overall it’s as if the move order were ˚, ˝, ¨, ˜,
[++!+++¨++˚+++++++] ˆ, ˇ, ˘. White is very thick, but a little slow.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 6 for ¨
<(((((((((((((((((> If White tenukis to take a big point, like ˇ, Black
[+++++++++++++++++] can mobilize his stones and live in the corner imme-
[+++++++++++++++++] diately, with ˘ to ‹.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] When the dust settles, White is left with a bedrag-
[+++++++++++++++++] gled looking wall facing Black’s stable two space ex-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] tension at the bottom. Since the ladder favors Black,
[+++++++++++++++++] the cutting point at B is also a matter of concern.
[++*+++++*+++++*ˇ+] Instead of ¯, if White ataris at ˙, we can expect
[+ E ++++++++++++ D ++]
[++ F ++++++++++++++] Black at ¯, White at ˛, Black at ¸, White A,
[+˜+++++++++++++++] Black B, White C and Black around D.
[+ C ¸++++++++++++++]
[ A ˆ˝ B +++++++++++++] Black will be pleased with either outcome.
[+˙˘¯++++*+++++*@+] Looser pincers, like E or F, result in more profit for
[+˛!+++¨++˚+++++++] White when Black trades with ¨ and ˚, which is
[+‹+‚+++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). partly why ˜ is rarely played in contemporary Go.
Variation 7 for ¨
February 81
<(((((((((((((((((> The high approach at ˆ is another good move in this
[+++++++++++++++++] opening, and can be easier to manage than the one
[+++++++++++++++++] space low approach at ˜.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Taking territory with ˜ is natural and playing the
[+++++++++++++++++] first few moves of the avalanche joseki with ¨ to ˇ
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] is a common continuation for both players.
[+++++++++++++++++] Continuing lightly with A (aiming to set up a Chinese
[++*+++++*+++++*++] style formation with B next) leads to a flexible and
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] rapid opening for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can also follow the large avalanche joseki with
[+ˇ C ++++++++++++++]
[+˜ˆ++++++++++++++] C, which will likely result in a large scale pattern
[+˝¨+++++*+++++*@+] which dominates the lower left quadrant of the board.
[++!˚+++++ B +++++++] For Black, playing ¨ at ˇ would also be natural,
[++ A ++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). and the decision comes down to a matter of taste.
Variation 8 for ¨
[+++++++++++++++++] Once again, if you don’t like the idea of Black de-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] veloping a large framework, it’s perfectly fine to ap-
[+++++++++++++++++] proach the lower right corner instead.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This has the effect of (potentially) breaking the board
[+++++++++++++++++] up into smaller territories, which can be an effective
[ A +ˆ++++++++++++++]
[++*+¨+++*++++˜ C @ D ] game plan for White when there is komi.
[++!++++++ B +++++˝+] White ˜ to ˚ leads to a trade and White can con-
[+++˚+++++++++++++] tinue with any of A to D next. It’s another game.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 9 for ¨
<(((((((((((((((((> Pincering at ˜ (or ¸) is another possibility, which
[+++++++++++++++++] makes efficient use of !
A . White ˜ aims to connect
[+++++++++++++++++] under by attaching at B, but ¨ frustrates that plan.
[++! A +++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˝ is interesting, and White develops rapidly
[+++++++++++++++++] up to ‚. White ˝ was first played by Sonoda Yuichi
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] 9 dan in 2005. It has become very popular since then.
[+++++++++++++++++] Responding to ˝ with Black at ˇ seems natural,
[++*+++++*+++++*++] but White’s counter-hane at C is surprisingly hard
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¸++++++++++++++] to deal with afterwards. Likewise, ˛ allows White
[+˜+++++++++++++++] to hit the vital point at D, so ˚ is a sturdy choice.
[+˙+++++++++++++++]
[ D B ˆ++++++++++++++] Descending to ˇ is more efficient than extending at
[+ C ˚+˘+++*+++++*@+] E, and there are many paths for Black to consider
[+¨! E +˝¯++‚+++++++] next. For example, ˘, D and ˙ are all possible.
[+˛ˇ++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Playing ˝ at ˛ is also good, but ˝ at C doesn’t
Variation 10 for ¨ suit the opening and leads to an obsolete joseki.
82 February
Unclaimed Corners Are Big
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ B *+++++*++++! A *@+]
[+++˝+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 4
(Move: 5)
Since White approached at !
A instead of claiming the lower left corner, Black claimed it for himself
with ˝. Unclaimed corners are often the biggest points on the board in the opening.
The placement of ˝ on the 5-3 point, facing !A , is significant. Black aims to pincer !
A soon, especially
if White plays at B next, and ˝ is well placed to support such tactics.
<(((((((((((((((((> Attaching underneath, to secure the corner territory,
[+++++++++++++++++] is also possible.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++] The hane at ˆ is natural and connecting solidly at
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨ is usually good in this kind of situation. Even
[+++++++++++++++++] though White hasn’t made a base for his lower right
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] group yet, taking the corner with ˚ is very big.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black pincers White’s lower right group with ˇ
[++*+++++*+++++*++] next, White can counter-pincer at ˘.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Since both players now have one unsettled group, a
[+++++++++++++++++] running battle in the center can be expected. In this
[+++++++++++++++˝+]
[+++++++++++++++++] battle, neither player is at any particular disadvan-
[++˚+++++ˇ+++¨!*@+] tage. Remember, running is more fun with a friend.
[++++++˘+++++ˆ´˜++] This would be another game.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 11 for ˝
February 83
<(((((((((((((((((> White ˚ follows the basic Go proverb, “Extend three
[+++++++++++++++++] spaces from a two stone wall.”
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++] This makes a base for White at the bottom (com-
[+++++++++++++++++] pleting a joseki), but Black will be able to take the
[+++++++++++++++++] last open corner with ˇ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black has played first in three corners, so it’s hard to
[+++++++++++++++++] deny that White’s opening is slow.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ˇ could also be at A or B if Black prefers.
[+++++++++++++++++] When Black plays at ˇ, he’s saying that the left
[+++++++++++++++++] side is more important to him than the bottom.
[+++++++++++++++˝+]
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++]
[++ B +++++*+++¨!*@+]
[++ A +++++˚+++ˆ´˜++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 12 for ˝
[+++++++++++++++++] If White enters the corner with ˘, Black’s plan is to
[++*+++++*+++++*++] press White down with ¯ and make White’s position
[+++++++++++++++++] at the bottom flat and over-concentrated. Black can
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] also exchange B to E later, and then atari at F or
[+++++++++++++++@+] attach at G.
[+@A +++++++++++++++]
[++*¯¸ F ++*+++tt*@+] If White doesn’t like this result, he won’t prevent
[+ G ˘˙ B ˛++t+++t@@++] Black from enclosing the corner with ˘. That would
[++++ C D E ++++++++++] make @A an efficient tactic for effectively claiming the
,))))))))))))))))). corner in one move.
Variation 13 for ˝
<(((((((((((((((((> The hanging connection at ¨ is also possible. It’s
[+++++++++++++++++] slightly thinner than the solid connection, but it also
[+++++++++++++++++] reaches further towards the lower left corner.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This variation was played in the second game of the
[+++++++++++++++++] 16th China Korea Tengen title match, by Choi Che-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] olhan 9 dan and Chen Yaoye 9 dan. Choi played
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨ in that game and the progression through to ¸
[++*+++++*+++++*++] followed.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ˝ was a strategic and flexible move (A is also
[+++++++++++++++++] possible). After ˚, making the two space extension
[+++++++++++++++¯+] at ˙ or attaching at ¸ was miai for Black.
[++++++++++++ˇ++++]
[+˚*+++++*++¨˘!*@+] This opening is acceptable for both players.
[+¸+ A ˝++˙++++ˆ´˜++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 14 for ˝
84 February
Don’t Change Horses Midstream
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+˘*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ˇ*+++++*++++! A *@+]
[+++@+++++++++++˚+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 5
(Moves: 6-8)
Since Black didn’t respond (locally) to !
A , taking a bite out of the corner with the attachment at ˚
was natural. Black completed his corner enclosure at ˇ and White took a big point with ˘, but the
latter was a questionable move. Rather than playing on the left, White should have continued what
he had started in the bottom right. After ˘, the opening became slightly better for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White enters the lower left corner with ´, Black
[++*+++++*+++++*++] will exchange territory for power with ˆ to ˝.
[+++++++++++++++++] These exchanges provide support for Black’s pincer
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+˝+++++++++++++++] attack at ˚.
[++¨++++++++++++++] Black shouldn’t be too worried about giving White
[+˜ˆ++++++++++++++]
[+´*+++++*++++! A *@+] cash in the lower left corner, because ! A is inside
[+++@+++++++˚+++++] Black’s sphere of influence, so Black can expect a
[+++++++++++++++++] return on his investment in this part of the board.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 15 for ˚
[+++++++++++++++++] Continuing in the bottom right corner would be bet-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] ter for White.
[+++++++++++++++ C +]
[+++++++++++++++++] When Black tenukis, as in the bottom right, White
[+++++++++++++++++] can continue at either ´ or A.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ˆ+] After ˜, White can regard B and C as miai, and the
[+@*+++++*++++!´@ A ] opening is even.
[+++@+++++ B +++++!˜]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 16 for ˘
February 85
Strategy Always Trumps Tactics
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++¸+]
[++++++++++++++ D ++]
[++++++++++++++++ C ]
[+@*+++++*++++!*@+]
[+++@+++++ B ++++˙!¯]
[++++++++++++++++ A ]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 6
(Moves: 9-11)
Gu returned to the lower right corner with ¯ to ¸, and the opening was already favored Black slightly.
Black ¸ is a relatively modern move, which leaves both lower right groups in a stable situation for
the time being.
From White’s perspective, his three stones are safe because A and B are miai. From Black’s perspective,
playing ¸ at C provokes White B, and Black will still take gote if he completes his shape at D.
This flexible, fast paced move illustrates the principle that your whole board strategy must always
precede local tactics. Tactics that do not serve a broader strategy are hollow, and potentially ruinous.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black plays at ´, White will be happy to extend
[+++++++++++++++++] to ˆ as part of the natural flow of play.
[++++++++˜+++ B ++++]
[++!+++++*+++˝+@++] White ˆ limits the potential of Black’s corner en-
[+++++++++++++++++] closure in the bottom left (marked), so Black doesn’t
[+++++++++++++++¨+] want to give White the impetus to play there if he
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] can avoid doing so.
[++++++++++++++“++] Black would like to take the big point at ˜ next, but
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] then White can develop the right side while attacking
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++‹++++] with ¨ to ˘.
[+++++++++++¸˙+˘++] Up to “, the result is slightly better for White.
[++++++++++›+‚+ A ˚+]
[+++++++++++++¯ˇ+´] Black could also make shape with A, instead of ˜,
[+T*+++++*+++˛!*@+] but then White would use sente to approach at B.
[+++T+++++ˆ++++!!@] Both outcomes are satisfactory for White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 17 for ¸
86 February
Pincer When It Strengthens Existing Stones
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˛+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++‚+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++T+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*+++++*++++!*T+]
[+++@++++++++++!!T]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 7
(Moves: 12-13)
Lee took sente and approached at ˛.
Black ‚ assisted Black’s three stones in the bottom right corner, while simultaneously pincering ˛.
Since the right side wasn’t particularly interesting anymore, Black’s plan was to take sente from the
negotiations in the top right and play a big move in one of the more open areas on the board.
The fewer stones there are in a particular section of the board the more untapped potential it has.
<(((((((((((((((((> Rushing to the bottom with ´ is gote now, so White
[+++++++++++++++++] should consider other ideas after Black plays at @
A.
[++++ˆ++++++++++++]
[++!+++++¨+++++@ B ++] Black’s lower left corner is already solid, with its
[+++++++++++++++++] doors closed on both sides. That means that, even
[++˜++++++++++++++] though ´ is a big point, this variation lacks punch.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can develop a framework at the top with ˆ,
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨ and @ B , and the opening still looks slightly better
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+T*+++++*++++!*@+]
[+++T+++++´++++!!@]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 18 for ˛
February 87
<(((((((((((((((((> Continuing to exchange moves in the bottom right is
[+++++++++++++++++] unnecessary right now. If White continues with ´,
[+++++++++++++++++] Black will develop rapidly with ˆ.
[++!+++++*+++++@ A ++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Because ˆ is fast, and also develops a framework
[+++++++++++++++++] with Black’s top right star point at @
A , the exchange
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] of ´ for ˆ is generally regarded as better for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++] This is a typical example of one difference between
[+!*+++++*+++++*ˆ+] modern and classical opening theory. It used to be
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] common for Black to make shape with @ B at C. That
[+++++++++++++++@ B +] move is stronger with regards to the corner territory,
[+++++++++++++++++] but slower with regards to the overall game. Black @B
[++++++++++++++++ C ] and ˆ represent a larger scale view of the opening.
[+@*+++++*++++!*@+]
[+++@++++++++++!!@] After ´ and ˆ, White has a nice tesuji at C, but it’s
[++++++++++++++++´] too slow to play there now, because White’s lower
,))))))))))))))))). right group is already strong. If White plays at C
Variation 19 for ˛
next, Black will tenuki and take another big point.
<(((((((((((((((((> Defending the corner with the knight’s move at ´ is
[+++++++++++++++++] the most basic response to White’s approach at !A.
[++++++++++++´++˜+]
[++!+++++*+++++@+ˆ] Black ´ is usually a very sound move, because it en-
[+++++++++++++++++] sures a base for Black while dissuading White from
[+++++++++++++++! A +]
invading the corner at ˜. It also quietly stores
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] power, preparing to attack !A if White tenukis. This
[+++++++++++++++¨+] is why White often settles his group with ˆ to ¨.
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] However, the result up to ˚ would be quite satisfac-
[+++++++++++++++ C +]
[+++++++++++++++++] tory for White, because ¨ invalidates the previous
[+++++++++++++++@+] variation and Black is compelled to reinforce with ˝.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++˝] If Black omits ˝, White plays at B and aims to
[+@*+++++*++++!*@+] attack with either C or White at ˝ next.
[+++@+++++˚++++!!@] As we’ve discussed, Black would prefer not to ex-
[++++++++++++++++ B ]
,))))))))))))))))). change ˝ for ˚ yet, because he might want to play
Variation 20 for ‚ in the vicinity of ˚ himself.
<((((((((((((( E (((> Usually, White shouldn’t invade at ˆ, because the
[++++++++++++¯˘+++] knight’s move at ´ helps Black to tightly enclose
[++++++++++ B +´˙˛ˆ˚] him, while developing power on both sides up to ‚.
[++!+++++*+++ A ¸@˜¨]
[+++++++++++‚ C ++ˇ˝] Using ˛ to cut at A takes out loan against the cor-
[++++++++++++++ D !+] ner, which isn’t yet alive. Black B to D may follow,
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] but White will eventually have to repay his debt with
[+++++++++++++++++] ˛, to stop Black from foreclosing on his corner at E.
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] Black will take territory on both sides, while White
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 21 for ‚ manages his cutting stones (and tenukis to play ˛).
If White’s cut is a problem, Black can play ¯ at ˙.
88 February
When in Danger, Sacrifice
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++—+“‹»]
[++!+++++*+++ D ”@›„]
[+++++++++++++++–«]
[+++++++++++++ C +! A +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@ B +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++T+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*+++++*++++!*T+]
[+++@++++++++++!!T]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 8
(Moves: 14-22)
Lee chose the simplest and most common continuation with ‹. When White plays at 3-3 in response
to a pincer (@
B ), he’s offering to trade !
A for the corner territory.
This tactic works because the presence of !
A curtails Black’s ability to play aggressively against ‹, as
you can see in the variation below. This gives White adequate compensation in the corner.
Instead of sacrificing !
A , doggedly running away with C would only provoke Black’s jump to D. Because
Black’s marked group supports @ B , it’s likely that Black would take territory on both sides.
The moves up to — completed a fundamental star point joseki, and Black took sente as planned.
<(((((((((((((((((> When White has a stone at ! A , ´ is usually an over-
[++++++++++++ E D +++] play. White’s simplest response is to descend to ˆ,
[+++++++++ F ++˝´!!ˆ] which makes miai of ˜ and ¨.
[++!+++++*++++¨TT˜]
[++++++++++++++˚ G C ] White ¨ likewise makes miai of ˝ and ˚. After ˚,
[+++++++++++++++! A B]
Black B will be met by C, and Black can’t save his
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] marked cutting stones.
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ˝, if Black rescues his marked stones
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] somehow, ˚ at ˝, Black D, White E captures
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s cutting stones at the top.
[+++++++++++++++@+] Rather than courting disaster with ˜, Black should
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] connect at ¨ and exchange White at ˜ for Black
[+@*+++++*++++!*@+] F. Instead of ˆ, White at ˜ (followed by Black C,
[+++@++++++++++!!@] ˆ, Black G and White at ˝) would be more refined,
[+++++++++++++++++] but ˆ is simpler and is still good for White.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 22 for ”
February 89
Settle the Shape Once the Path Is Clear
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++!+!!!]
[++!+++++*++++@@@!]
[+++++++++++++++@@]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ B +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++ A ]
[+@*+++++*++++!*@ı]
[+++@+++++++++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++‰]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 9
(Moves: 23-25)
Once the negotiations in the top right drew to a close, the direction of play in the bottom right became
quite clear: playing at the bottom was more valuable than tightening Black’s grip on the corner at A.
Black’s pincer at was an unusual, but excellent, move for developing the bottom. After applying
pressure to White’s bottom right group and settling the shape, Black aimed to expand further with B.
Even though we said Black could ignore ‰ in Variation 19, ı became an important move after Black
pincered at . By keeping White’s group unstable, ı worked in concert with and made it stronger.
There is often a relationship like this between the eyespace in the corner and a seemingly distant pincer,
which makes moves like ı larger and more strategically relevant than appearances would indicate.
[+++++++++++++++++] Pincering on the fourth line with ´ is more common
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] in this kind of position.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ A +++++++++++++++] However, White will respond with ˆ through to ˚
[+˘+++++++++++++@+] and Black will feel compelled to extend at ˇ. That’s
[+++++++++++++++++] because allowing White to “Hane at the head of two
[++++++++++ˇ++++++]
[+@*+++++*+´˚+!*@˜] stones,” (White at ˇ) is very painful for Black.
[+++@++++++˝¨++!!@] As a result, White will have time to extend to ˘,
[++++++++++++++++ˆ] which prevents Black from enlarging the bottom left
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 23 for with A. White will be happy with this result.
90 February
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black pincers more tightly at ´, it will become
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] easier for White to counter-attack and manage his
[+++++++++++++++++] group flexibly.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] Attaching with ˆ seems like a good way for White
[+++++++++++++++++] to continue in this opening (although, there are so
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*+++++*++ˆ+!*@+] many possible continuations that a whole book could
[+++@+++++++´++!!@] be written about it).
[+++++++++++++++++] Let’s just look at one possible continuation, so you
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 24 for can get a feeling for the nature of the position...
[+++++++++++++++++] This particular variation is one that Lee has played
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] in several other games, and it works well with the
[+++++++++++++++++] rest of the board in this opening.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] White develops influence and takes sente, while Black
[+"++++++++‰+˛fi˙¯›] takes territory in exchange. A and B are miai, so
[+++++++++ A « B ‹¸ˇ˚¨‚
[+@*+++++*„˜!!˘@˝] White can take a big point with ".
[+++@+++++—“@”+!!@] Black would feel that his advantage had been lost.
[+++++++++»–ffifflı+!+]
,)))))))))) )))))).
Variation 25 for
fl at ˚ ff at ¨
,
[+++++++++++++++++] White could also think about the knight’s move at
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] ´, which makes miai of A and B. This technique
[+++++++++++++++++] requires the potential ladder to favor White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] If Black defends his corner with A, White will press
[+++++++++++++++++] at B and Black C is likely. It’s another game, but
[+++++++++++´++++ A ]
[+@*+++++* B +++!*@+] White’s group is still floating in the center and it
[+++@++++ C +@+++!!@] seems like Lee didn’t like that prospect.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 26 for ‰
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black defends the bottom with ˆ, White will ha-
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] rass Black in the corner.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Because the ladder favors White, he can capture ˚
[+++++++++++++++@+] while Black connects along the edge. White’s group
[++++++++++++++¯ A ˙] becomes strong and solid and Black’s corner territory
[+++++++++++!+¸˚˝˜˘
[+@*+++++ˆ++++!ˇ@¨] is greatly reduced.
[+++@++++++@+++!!@] Instead of ˘, Black A would allow White to descend
[++++++++++++++++ B ] to ˘. The descent makes miai of ¯ and B, so Black
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 27 for ‰ collapses.
February 91
Chase Two Rabbits, but Catch One
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++!+!!!]
[++!+++++*++++@@@!]
[+++++++++++++++@@]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ B +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*+++++ff+++!*@@]
[+++@++++++@+++!!@]
[++++++++++++ A +++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 10
(Moves: 26-27)
When White sought to settle his group with the solid haengma of , the knight’s move at ff surprised
onlookers. It was a highly flexible technique which made miai of A and B, and demonstrated Gu Li’s
extraordinary intuition for the opening. There’s a proverb which claims “If you chase two rabbits, you
catch none,” but in Go we regularly chase two rabbits. Just be sure to catch one.
[+++++++++++++++++] Pushing up with ´ is the most common response to
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] a shoulder hit against a stone on the third line.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] However, this is a transposition of Variation 23
[+¨+++++++++++++@+] (where Black pincered at ´). We already know that
[+++++++++++++++++] this is good for White.
[++++++++++˜ B +++++]
[+@*+++ C +*+´!+!*@@] Instead of ´, Black at ˆ, White A, ´, White B
[+++@++++++@ˆ A +!!@] and Black C is possible, but White will still take
[++++++++++++++++!] sente and extend to ¨.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 28 for ff
[+++++++++++++++++] Taking away White’s base with ´ is also conceivable,
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] but White can fight back with ˆ and ¨, and Black’s
[+++++++++++++++++] three stones feel a little heavy and low.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] If Gu had felt that this fight would be good for Black,
[+++++++++++++++++] he might have played like this, because it fits well
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*++++¨*+ˆ!+!*@@] with his style. However, the move Black played in
[+++@+++++˜@+++!!@] the actual game was superior.
[++++++++++++´+++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 29 for ff
92 February
Play at the Intersection of Two Spheres of Influence
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++s+!!!]
[++s+++++*++++@@@!]
[+++++++++++++++@@]
[++ D ++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+s E ffi++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+fl+ C +++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+ A +++++++++++++++]
[+++ B +++++++++++++]
[+T*+++++T++!+!*@@]
[+++T++++++@fi++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 11
(Moves: 28-30)
Defending at fi was necessary and the opening up to fl was better for Black. It can only be said that
Gu Li’s sense of play in the opening is superior to Lee Sedol’s.
Jumping to ffi reinforced White’s moyo in the top left, while restricting Black’s potential in the bottom
left and creating several possible followups there for White (e.g. A, B or C later). It’s often efficient
to play at the intersection of two spheres of influence like this (both spheres of influence are marked).
Instead of ffi, enclosing the corner with D appears to make an ideal formation in the top left quadrant,
but in this case it would allow Black to attach at E, at the intersection of the two spheres of influence.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White ignores @ A and takes the big point at ´,
[+++++++++++++++++] sliding to ˆ will set White’s lower right group adrift.
[++++++++++++!+!!!]
[++!+++++*++++@@@!] Black will be happy to take territory on the right side
[+++++++++++++++@@] and at the bottom, while attacking White.
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] This is an example of the way in which a weak group
[+++++++++++++++@+] allows your opponent to profit.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*+++++*+++++*++] Black can look forward to more profit in the future,
[++++++++++++++¨++] because White’s lower right group still isn’t com-
[+++++++++++++++++] pletely settled.
[+´+++++++++++˜+@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*+++++@ A ++!+!*@@]
[+++@++++++@+++!!@]
[++++++++++++ˆ+++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 30 for fi
February 93
The Ideal Moment to Probe
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++!+!!!]
[++!+++++*++++@@@!]
[+++++++++++++++@@]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*!++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+ffl+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+ A +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@!+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++ @++++++@!++!!@]
[++ B +++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 12
(Moves: 31-33)
White’s attachment at was a probe. After Black reinforced his moyo with ffl, other possible moves,
like the invasion at A, became less interesting. Therefore, it was a good time to probe with .
White wasn’t worried about making Black’s position stronger and erasing possibilities like A, because
Black had already reinforced at ffl, making A a dull aim. Moreover, if White probes here later on,
Black might resist powerfully with B and capture any group White tries to establish in this area.
Black’s response at ! was par for the course, and confirmed that White’s probe at was well timed.
In summary, this is an opportune moment to probe, because Black’s moyo has already been reinforced,
but isn’t yet strong enough for Black to resist aggressively.
The best way to develop your sense of timing for probes is to replay professional games and experiment
with probes in your own games.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black wants to resist, he can hane with ´.
[+!*!++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s crosscut at ˆ is a useful sabaki tesuji which
[+@+@+++++++++++++] has frequent applications in real games (especially on
[+++++++++++++++@+] the second line).
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can seal White into the corner through to ˘,
[ A @ˇ¨++++@++!+!*@@] but White can live (in ko), because A and B are miai.
[+˘! C @˝+++++@!++!!@]
[+˚´ˆ˜+++++++++++!] Instead of ˜, if Black ataris !
C at ˇ or ˘, White can
,)) B )))))))))))))). tenuki and come back to atari at ˝ later. The result
Variation 31 for ! would end up being very similar to what happened
later in the game, so it would be as if ´ were at ˇ.
94 February
[+++++++++++++++++] Descending at ¯ is often a powerful technique where
[+!*!++++*+++++*++] life and death is concerned, and ˙ to ” leads to ko.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++] Winning this ko by capturing at @A leaves Black with
[+++++++++++++++@+] a strong shape, and no bad aji in the corner.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can also create a ko with ¸ at ‹, White at
[¯@@!B E +++@++!+!*@@] ¸ and Black at “, but this leaves more aji in !
B.
‚˛!!@@+++++@!++!!@]
‹¸!@
A !@+++++++++++!] Before ¸, exchanging C for D is sometimes good for
›“”˙ D C )))))))))))). the endgame, but in this case Black doesn’t want
Variation 32 for ! to reduce his own liberties because it would make it
easier to move !
B out with E (if White wins the ko).
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black captures at ¯, White can make life with ˛
[+!*!++++*+++++*++] to ‹.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+T+T+++++++++++++] Black has already invested many stones in the bot-
[+++++++++++++++@+] tom left and now his outside position feels somewhat
[+‚+++++++++++++++] over-concentrated, so White can be satisfied with liv-
[¸++++++++++++++++]
[˙@@!++++T++!+!*@@] ing small in the corner.
˛+!!@@+++++@!++!!@]
[‹!@!@+++++++++++!]
,)))¯))))))))))))).
Variation 33 for !
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s position isn’t thick enough to capture White
[+!*!++++*+++++*++] with ‚ and ›.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++] White can break out with “ to ‰ and even though
[‰++++++++++++++@+] a potential ko remains at A, this result is good for
[«„»—+++++++++++++] White.
[¸“”–++++++++++++]
[˙@@!++++@++!+!*@@]
˛+!!@@+++++@!++!!@]
›‚!@!@+++++++++++!]
,‹ A )¯))))))))))))).
Variation 34 for !
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black wants to capture, he can take at ˇ and
[+!*!++++*+++++*++] extend stoutly to ¯. This is an aggressive strategy.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@++ 3++ 3+++++++++] For now, White can move out with ˙ through to ‹,
[+‚+++++++++++++@+] and Black is too thin to contain him. If Black plays
[++˛ B ‹++++++++++++] ¸ at B, White will push at C and can still escape.
[+¯+++¸+++++++++++]
[+@˙¨ C +++@++!+!*@@] However, if Black has stones around the triangled
[+˘!
A @˝+++++@!++!!@] points later, capturing White’s group will be plausi-
[+˚´ˆ˜+++++++++++!] ble. This shows why the timing of White’s probe at
,)))ˇ))))))))))))).
Variation 35 for ! !
A was very important in the actual game.
February 95
Context Is Everything to the Star Point
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++"+++++++! A +!!!]
[++!+++++*++++@@@!]
[+++++++++++++++@@]
[+#+++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!
B *!
C ++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+T+T+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+TT+++++T++!+!*@@]
[++!T++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 13
(Moves: 34-35)
It’s always difficult to choose the best way to reinforce a star point corner, because the choice depends
largely on the broader circumstances of the overall game.
The knight’s enclosure at " was questionable, because the left side was weak and it was hard for
White to develop the top. Since " and !A were both low, White’s potential at the top of the board
was limited.
Approaching with a move like # is generally a poor tactic when there are already opposing stones
like !
B and ! C in the area, because it’s like playing into a pincer. However, it was conceivable in this
situation, partly because Black’s marked stones in the bottom left were already quite thick.
Even though # is outnumbered locally, Black can aim to use his power in the lower left to gradually
turn the tables on White’s stones at !
B and !
C . Black just needs to be able to withstand White’s initial
attack for long enough to bring his power to bear.
<(((((((((((((((((> The one space enclosure at ´ is also possible.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ B + A +++++++!+!!!] With this move, White establishes an efficient forma-
[++!+++++*++++@@@!] tion with the marked stones and the left side is more
[+++++++++++++++@@] secure than when he plays at A or B.
[++´++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] On the other hand, the corner and the top are now
[+++++++++++++++@+] more open to Black, so there are pros and cons.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+t*t++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 36 for "
96 February
<(((((((((((((((((> White could also consider playing ´, to secure the
[+++++++++++++++++] left side more firmly.
[ˇ¯´+++++++++!+!!!]
[˚˘!+++++*++++@@@!] If Black invades at ˆ, White can cap with ˜ and
[+++++++++++++++@@] attack Black.
[+ˆ+˜+++++++++++!+]
[“+˝++++++++++++++] Even though Black can live on the left side in sente up
[+¨+++++++++++++@+] to “, White’s outside becomes very solid and pow-
[‹+˛”+++++++++++++] erful, and the potential of Black’s lower left corner is
[˙!‚!++++*+++++*++] considerably reduced by ¸ and ›.
[¸›+++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 37 for "
<(((((((((((((((((> After the knight’s enclosure at !
A , the submarine ap-
[+++++++++++++++++] proach at ´ is a common tactic, but ˚ and ˘ are
[++++!
A +++++++!+!!!]
forceful moves which seal Black in.
[ˆ¨!+++++*+++ B @@@!]
[´˜¸+¯˛+++++++++@@] Black won’t have any problems living on the inside,
[+++ˇ˘++++++++++!+] but the result up to ˛ is satisfactory for White.
[++++˙++++++++++++]
[+˝+˚+++++++++++@+] White aims to push up at B soon, to develop the top.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*!++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 38 for #
<(((((((((((((((((> Attaching at ´ is also conceivable, but it’s poorly
[+¯+ˇ˘++++++++++++] suited to the overall position.
[˝+˜+!+++++++!+!!!]
[+´!¨++++*+++˙@@@!] That’s because White will develop power on the out-
[˚ˆ+++++++++++++@@] side with ˆ to ˘, and then push up at ˙.
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s potential at the top is very large and his
[+++++++++++++++@+] marked stones are well balanced with the top left.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+t*t++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 39 for #
February 97
The Opponent’s Key Point Is Your Own
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!+++++*++++@@@!]
[+$+++++++++++++@@]
[+T%++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+&+++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+s*s++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 14
(Moves: 36-38)
White kicked Black with $ to make Black heavy and obstruct his access to the corner in sente, before
tightening the screws with &.
‘Double pincering’ with & looks small, and may seem redundant in the presence of the squared stones.
However, it was an important move in this game, because White’s marked group wasn’t very strong.
White & is the key point for the eyespace of both the marked groups. If Black plays there, his group
will instantly become much richer in eye potential, while White’s marked stones become thin.
<(‹(((((((((((((((> Playing ´ before exchanging the kick at ˝ lacks
˛¸¯˙++++++++++++++] severity.
[¨˜˘+!+++++++!+!!!]
[˚ˆ!+++++*++++@@@!] Black ˆ and the counter-hane at ¨ form a practical
[‚˝ˇ++++++++++++@@] tesuji combination, helping to settle Black’s stones.
[+@+++++++++++++!+] Black will be happy to trade and live in the corner
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+´+++++++++++++@+] up to ‹.
[+++++++++++++++++] You can see that ´ ends up looking over-
[+!*!++++*+++++*++] concentrated by the end of this variation. If possible,
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++] White would prefer to remove ´ from the board and
[+++++++++++++++@+] place it elsewhere now.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 40 for $
98 February
<(((((((((((((((((> White can also consider attacking from above at ´.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] Sealing a weak group in and forcing it to live locally
[++!+++++*++++@@@!] is usually a good strategy, but in this case Black will
[+!+++++++++++++@@] resist with ˆ to ˚.
[+@@+´++++++++++!+]
[++++¨˝+++++++++++] White’s marked group is heavy, and finds itself in
[++++˚++++++++++@+] trouble once Black breaks through the containment
[++ˆ++++++++++++++] line. If the surrounding position isn’t strong enough
[+t˜t++++*+++++*++] to hold a group in, insisting on sealing it in anyway
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 41 for & often backfires.
<(((((((((((((((((> You may wonder whether White can resist with ˝
[+++++++++++++++++] and ˇ. In that case, Black can fight back with ˘,
[ A ˙¸¯!+++++++!+!!!]
[+‚!˘++++*++++@@@!] ˙ and ˛.
[˛!+++++++++++++@@] Black ‹ is a tesuji that makes miai of A and B,
[+@@˚´++++++++++!+] which are both strong moves for Black.
[‹++˝¨++++++++++++]
[+++ˇ+++++++++++@+] Continuing...
[++ˆ B +++++++++++++]
[+!˜!++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 42 for &
<(((((((((((((((((> White should defend at ›, because Black’s push and
[+++++++++++++++++] cut with A to C will be severe if he plays elsewhere.
[—@!!!+ı+++++!+!!!]
‰!!@++++*++++@@@!] Next, Black pokes his head into the center up to »,
[@!++“„»+++++++@@] before taking the eyespace in the corner with —.
[+@@@!”«–+++++++!+]
[@++!@++++++++++++] Up to , it’s hard to tell who’s attacking whom.
[+›+! C ++++++++++@+]
[++@ A B ++++++++++++]
[+!!!++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 43 for &
<(((((((((((((((((> White could also play ‚, instead of White at ‹,
[+++++++++++++++++] but it doesn’t greatly alter Black’s tactics. Black “
[«˙¸¯!+++++++!+!!!] is still a clever tesuji, which makes miai of « and ».
[‚‹!˘++++*++++@@@!]
”˛!›++++++++++++@@] The sequence up to — is powerful. Even though
[„@@˚´++++++++++!+] Black’s cutting stones seem to be very short of lib-
[“++˝¨++++++++++++]
F E C A ˇ—++++++++++@+] erties, you’ll find that White can’t capture them.
[ D B ˆ»–++++++++++++] That’s because trying to capture them in a ladder
[+!˜!++++*+++++*++] would put one of White’s cutting stones into atari.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 44 for & The presence of “ ensures that White can’t capture
ˆ and » with A, because it will be met by B to F.
February 99
Sometimes You Have to Choose Between Key Points
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++(++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@]
[+TT+ B ’+++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+ A +++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*!++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 15
(Moves: 39-40)
Since Black couldn’t settle his group locally, he moved the marked stones into the center with ’.
White’s vital point on the left side was A, but playing ’ at A invites a counter-strike at B.
White ( occupied a key point. This kind of move is usually good because it prevents Black from
pressing White down, by playing at ( himself. It also looks forward to exploiting the thinness of
Black’s two space jump later.
<(((((((((((((((((> The situation in the game is somewhat unusual, but
[+++++++++++++++++] it seems like it would have been better for White to
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] look after his left side group with ´.
[++!+++++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@] The merit of ´ is that it creates ‘depth’ for White’s
[+@@B+D@
C +++++++++!+]
weak group (marked), while reducing the depth of
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!
A +´+++++++++++@+] Black’s group. As with territory, four stones are
[+++++++++++++++++] needed to establish a base in the center, so White
[+s*s++++*+++++*++] needs to create a box like shape.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++] In contrast, after ´, Black’s weak group starts to re-
[+++++++++++++++@+] semble a ‘stick’. This sort of one-dimensional group
[+++++++++++++++++] doesn’t have much eye potential and often finds it-
[+++++++++++++++++] self under attack. The connection between B and C
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@] becomes thin, and White can aim to cut at D later.
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!] If you think about this, you’ll realize that !
A (& in
,))))))))))))))))). the game) and ´ are similar moves. The purpose of
Variation 45 for (
both of them is to occupy the key point for eyespace
between two weak groups.
100 February
<(((((((((((((((((> Nevertheless, ˆ is a good move which presses White
[++++++ˇ++++++++++] down, while dealing with the thinness between @ B
[++++! D ++++++!+!!!] and @
C.
[++!+˜ˆ++*++++@@@!]
[+!++¨˚˝+˘++++++@@] White ˇ may look small, but it’s important because
[+@@B ++@
C +++++++++!+]
it denies Black access to the rich eye potential at the
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!
A +!+++++++++++@+] edge of the board (after Black D). It also ensures that
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s corner group is completely comfortable.
[+s*s++++*+++++*++] This means that Black will have to make do in the
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 46 for ( center and the continuation up to ˘ can be expected.
<(((((((((((((((((> Next, if White swings into motion with ¯ to ‚, as
[++++++!++++++++++] he did in the game, we can see that the position will
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] be much easier for White to play.
[++!+!@++*++++@@@!]
[+!++@@!+@++++++@@] White’s marked stones are strong, so Black only has
[+@@++@+++++++++!+] one weak group to aim at. This means the fight be-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+s+s+++++++++++@+] tween Black’s bottom group (marked) and White’s
[+++++++++++++++++] lower left group becomes more balanced.
[+s*s++++*+++++*++] Try to remember that depth creates eyespace when
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++] playing in the center and that eyespace is a source
[+++++++++++++++@+] of power. The process of establishing a base in the
[+++++++++++++++++] center like this is called raising a flag.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@˛++‚+T++!+!*@@]
[++!@¸+++++T!++!!@]
[++˙¯++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 47 for (
<((—((((((((((((((> Some players doubt the value of sliding on the second
–+»«”›“++++++++++] line, with White at “, and think that attacking from
[+˙˛‚!˘„¯++ffi+!+!!!] the outside with something like ˇ and ¯ is superior.
ı++!ff˜ˆ++ˇ+++ffl@@@!]
[¸!+¨˚˝+++ ++++@@] This kind of strategy no doubt has its place, but it
[‹@@++@+++++++++!+] loses territory and is generally unsuccessful, because
‰+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+!+++++++++++@+] White hasn’t established a strong foundation for his
[++++++fi++++++++++] attack.
[+!*!+fl++*+++++*++] For example, Black can harass White’s corner with
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++] ˙, ˛ and ‹. White can tide things over with ›
[+++++++++++++++@+] to –, but the exchanges of ‹, “ and „ weaken
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s outside groups and obviate the intent of ˇ
[+++++++++++++++++] and ¯. Meanwhile, White’s corner keeps shrinking.
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@] To make things clearer, we can observe that Black
[++++++++++++++++!] can bully White with ‰ and in sente, which makes
,))))))))))))))))). a counter-attack with fi, ffi and conceivable.
Variation 48 for (
February 101
Raise a Flag When Your Group Is Floating
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@]
[+TT++T+++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+s+)+++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+s*s+*++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 16
(Moves: 41-43)
The knight’s move at ) started a flow which made excellent shape for Black and left White thin. Gu
didn’t just run away, but struck at the vital point and counter-attacked White’s marked group.
Up to +, we can clearly see that Black created depth for his group, while starting to turn White’s
marked group into a stick.
When Black raised his flag with +, the balance of power shifted in his favor.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black jumps to ´, White can occupy the vital
[+++++++++++++++++] point at ˆ.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] Black’s top left group suddenly becomes weak and
[+!+++++++++++++@@] heavy, and White moves into the center ahead of
[+TT++T+++++++++!+] Black up to ˚.
[+++˝+˜+++++++++++]
[+!+T¨ˆ+˚+++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*!+!++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+´+++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 49 for +
102 February
Use Power to Exploit Weakness
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@]
[+@@++@+++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+t+@+@+++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+t*t A t+,*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+-+++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 17
(Moves: 44-45)
When you have a powerful position, you should look for ways to use that power to obtain some sort
of benefit or profit.
Black used his newfound power to exploit the thinness of White’s marked one space jumps with -.
White’s left side group became weaker and a potential cutting point at A was exposed in the process.
While threatening White, - expanded Black’s moyo in the bottom left, so it was an excellent move.
<(((((((((((((((((> White would like to make shape by attaching at ´,
[+++++++++++++++++] but it isn’t possible in this game.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] Black can resist with ˆ, ¨, and ˚. After ˘, Black
[+!+++++++++++++@@] has miai to cut at A or B, and White’s position is in
[+@@++@+++++++++!+] tatters.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+@+@+ C +++++++@+] Instead of ˝, White can also form a bamboo joint
[+++ A ˇ B +++++++++++] with White A, ˘ and White B. Black will skip lightly
[+!˝!˚!++*+++++*++] to C next and Black’s moyo in the bottom left is
[++¨˜ˆ˘+++++++++++]
[+@+@´++++++++++++] becoming very big.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@+++++@++!+!*@@]
[++!@++++++@!++!!@]
[++++++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 50 for ,
February 103
Invade Just Before Territory Is Completed
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@]
[+@@++@+++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+@+@+++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*!+!+!*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@
A +++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++3++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@@1++2+T++!+!*@@]
[++!@0+++++T!++!!@]
[++/.++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 18
(Moves: 46-51)
When Black enlarged his lower left area with @
A , his prospective territory in the bottom left was almost
complete. Since White was already slightly behind, he needed to do something about the lower left
corner before it became too big and solid to deal with.
Usually the ideal time to invade is just before territory is completed, and no sooner. If your opponent
has already invested many stones in an area, your goals can be modest when invading.
Once you live successfully, their stones will generally be working less efficiently than if you had invaded
earlier. If there’s no way to live though, it means your invasion came too late. Timing is the hard part.
White’s asking move at . was a good way to start, and when Black secured the corner with /, White
began to settle his group with 0 and 2.
Black 3 was a dual purpose move which defended Black’s marked stones and attacked White’s group
simultaneously.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black extends at ´, White will be able to create
[+!*!+!+!*+++++*++] a ko fight in the corner with ˆ to ˘ at any time.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++] Even if Black wins the ko, White will be satisfied
[+++++++++++++++@+] with gaining two moves in a row in another part of
[+++++++++++++++++] the board.
[˝++++++++++++++++]
ˇ¨@@+++++@++!+!*@@] White has too many possible ko threats, so Black
˘+ˆ!@´+++++@!++!!@] can’t play like this.
[˚++!˜+++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 51 for /
104 February
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black descends to ˜, White will still be able to
[+++++++++++++++++] create a ko in the corner later, and the best strategy
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] for now is to tenuki and take the key point for power
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@] at ¨.
[+@@++@+++++++++!+] White ¨ might look pedestrian, but it’s a formidable
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+t+@+@+++++++++@+] move which casts an imposing shadow over Black.
[+++++++++++++++++] It nips any plans Black may have had of capping at
[+t*t+t+t*¨++++* A +]
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨ in the bud, and radiates power across the whole
[+@+@+@+++++++++++] board.
[+++++++++++++++@+] In more practical terms, the power White accumu-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] lates with ¨ can be used immediately to invade at
[˜@@+++++@++!+!*@@] A, or start a fight at B. In fact, A and B are miai.
[ C ˆ!@´+++++@!++!!@] Should White decide that he no longer wishes to fight
[+++! B +++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))). with B, he can always start a ko with C later.
Variation 52 for /
[+++++++++++++++++] If White decides to fight the ko in the corner, he can
[+!*!+!+!*+++++*++] do so with ¨ to ˚ at any time.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++] Once the shape is settled up to ˜, the option of the
[+++++++++++++++@+] ko is always there and isn’t affected by anything that
[+++++++++++++++++] happens in the center afterwards. That means this
[+++++++++++++++++]
[˜@@+++++@++!+!*@@] variation can be played much later in the game, if
B ¨ˆ!@´+++++@!++!!@] that’s what the situation demands.
˙¯+ D !˝+++++++++++!] Instead of ˚, White A would die after Black B, ˙,
¸˘ˇ A ˚ C )))))))))))).
Variation 53 for / Black at ˘, White at ¯, Black C, White at ˇ and
Black D.
<(((((((((((((((((> It’s too early to wedge at ´ right now. White will
[+++++++++++++++++] respond with ˆ to ˘ and break through Black’s
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] shape.
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@] Even though Black can play ˇ and ¯ in the pro-
[+@@++@+++++++++!+] cess, he’s still not thick enough to use that power
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+@+@+++++++++@+] effectively against White’s marked stones at the bot-
[++++˜++++++++++++] tom.
[+!*!´!+!* A ++++*++] However, we can see from this sequence that if Black
[+++¨ˆ˝+++++++++++]
[+@˙@˚@+++++++++++] is able to place more stones within the vicinity of ˇ
[+++˘ˇ++++++++++@+] in sente, then cutting at ´ becomes a stronger aim.
[++++¯++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Therefore, a better strategy for Black is to attack
[+@@@++t+@++!+!*@@] White’s marked stones first, and look forward to cut-
[++!@t+++++@!++!!@] ting at ´ or attacking at A later, depending on how
[++@t++++++++++++!] White plays at the bottom.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 54 for 3
February 105
Some Things Are Too Good to Be True...
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@]
[+@@++@+++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+@+@+++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*! C !+!*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++]
[+++++;4 A +++++++@+]
[+++++65+@++++++++]
[+++++:7+=++++++++]
[+@@@++!<@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++>?@!++!!@]
[+9@!++++@+ B +++++!]
,))8)))))))))))))).
Diagram 19
(Moves: 52-64)
White 4 was a surprising and interesting move, typical of Lee Sedol’s style of play.
Bumping with 7 was questionable, and led to an unsatisfactory result for Black. It would have been
better for Black to bulge at A.
White settled very easily at the bottom and the game became even again up to @. Note that White
can connect under at B if he has to.
Black was still focusing on the wedge at C. He thought that reinforcing with ; and taking sente
to cut at C would be good enough. Unfortunately for Black, White’s responses in the actual game
demonstrated the flaw in this plan, as we’ll see shortly.
Even when you have mouthwatering tesuji in mind, it’s critical to maintain a detached and clear view
of the whole board.
[+++++++++++++++++] White ´ is the first move most players would think
[+!*!+!+!*+++++*++] of to try to settle White’s group at the bottom, but
[+++++++++++++++++] the moves up to ˛ show that it doesn’t work here.
[+@+@+@+++++++++++]
[++++++ A ++++++++@+] However, imagine for a moment that White already
[+++++++ B @++++++++] has a stone on the board at A (4 in the game). In
[++++++˛˘˝ˇ+++++++]
[+@@@++!˜@++!+!*@@] that case White will be able to atari at B and capture
[++!@!+¯ˆ´˚@!++!!@] Black’s cutting stone after ˘.
[++@!+¸˙+¨+++++++!] This was one of Lee’s aims when he played 4 in the
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 55 for 4 actual game. This is also the thought process that
will enable you to find such moves yourself!
106 February
<(((((((((((((((((> Black ´ is better than A (7 in the game).
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] White ˆ and ¨ are an interesting combination, but
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] Black can still cut off the tail with ˇ and capture
[+!+++++++++++++@@] the marked stones.
[+@@++@+++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] This result would be good enough for Black.
[+!+@+@+++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!*!+!+!*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@¨++++++++++]
[+++++˚!´+++++++@+]
[+++++!@˝@++++++++]
[+++++ˇ A ˆ˜++++++++]
[+@@@++t+@++!+!*@@]
[++!@t+++++@!++!!@]
[++@t++++++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 56 for 7
[+++++++++++++++++] White can try to live by cutting at ¨, but it’s very
[+!*!˘!+!*+++++*++] difficult to make two eyes up to ¸.
[++++ˇ++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@˝++++++++++]
[+++++˚!´+++++++@+]
[+++++!@¨@++++++++]
[+++++++ˆ˜++++++++]
[+@@@++!+@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!˙¯+++@!++!!@]
[++@!++¸+++++++++!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 57 for 7
<(((((((((((((((((> Sliding with ˆ looks like the best solution for White,
[+++++++++++++++++] but Black will be able to accumulate power with the
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] moves to ¸.
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@] White has to defend in gote with ˛ (to prevent Black
[+@@++@+++++++++!+] C), and that gives Black time to cap at ‚.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+t+@+@+++++++++@+] Black ‚ attacks White’s marked group from above,
[+++++++++++++++++] while starting to develop a large moyo on the right
[+t*t+t+t*‚++++*++] side.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++] Instead of ˜, the bump at A is often good technique
[++++++!´+++++++@+] when White slides on the second line (e.g. at ˆ).
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] However, if Black plays ˜ at A in this case, White
[+@@@¸+!+@++!+!*@@] lives in style with ˚, ˇ, ¨, Black B and ˙, so we
[++!@!¯˝˜ A ˛@!++!!@] can see that Black’s bump would be slack.
[+ˇ@!+˙˘¨ˆ B C +++++!]
,))˚)))))))))))))).
Variation 58 for 7
February 107
Strategy and Tactics Are Inseparable
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[+!+++++++++++++@@]
[J@@I+@+++++++++!+]
[+++HG++++++++++++]
[+!+@F@+++++++++@+]
[+++DBE+++++++++++]
[+!*!A!+!* A ++++*++]
[++++C++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++]
[+++++@
C!B ++++++++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!++++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Diagram 20
(Moves: 65-74)
Gu took sente and wedged with A (all according to plan), but the wedge wasn’t as powerful as it
initially seemed. White’s atari at C no longer worked after Black C, so B to H was the best option.
However, when White haned at J the problem became clear. White was able to complete his corner
territory and look after his weak group at the same time! It seems that Gu overlooked this possibility
when planning to wedge at A, and this was what caused his strategy to fall to shreds.
Earlier in this chapter, we discussed how strategy always trumps tactics, but that doesn’t mean that
tactics are unimportant. In fact, proficiency in tactics informs strategy by helping us to glean what is
possible and dismiss ideas that are impossible. This may sound obvious once it is stated, but it is a
critically important point where many players go wrong, and affects the clarity of your perception.
You can envision the most wonderful strategy ever conceived, but if there’s no practical way to execute
it you might as well be building castles in the sky. A curious corollary of this is that one way to improve
your strategic planning is to focus on tactical skills—tesuji, life and death, haengma and fighting.
Of course, strategy still trumps tactics, so you need to arm yourself with knowledge of strategic
principles and experience in applying them, otherwise you won’t be able to make effective use of your
tactical skills. If this all sounds very circular, that’s because it is. The distinction between strategy
and tactics is useful, but arbitrary. They are two inseparable halves.
Therefore, in Go and all other pursuits, the best approach is to focus on neither the big picture nor
the details, but both. Don’t allow your thinking to be constrained just because others expect it of you.
On the previous page we saw Variation 58, where Black took sente and capped at A. Attacking White’s
entire group instead of slicing it in two would have been a better strategy in this game. Unfortunately,
because of the cutting stone at ! B , Black’s marked stones were now thin and attacking on a large scale
was no longer viable. Knowing this, Black had to reconsider the whole board and form a new plan.
108 February
<(((((((((((((((((> If White ataris at ´, he can still break through
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s shape with the moves up to ¯. However,
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] ˙ is powerful and Black can prevent White’s groups
[+!+++++++++++++@@] from connecting in the continuation up to „.
[ B @@++@+++++++++!+] White has to capture a stone with «, after which »
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+@+@+++++++++@+] is a perfectly timed asking move. If White defends
[++++ˆ++++++++++++] at –, Black will have time to defend too, at —.
[+!«!@!+!*+++++*++] Now both of White’s groups are unsettled, so A and
[+›‹˜´¨+++++++++++]
[+@ˇ@˝@+—+++++++++] B are miai and one of White’s groups will die.
[+˙¯˘˚@!++++++++@+] If White plays – at A, Black at – and — will
[+˛¸‚“!@+@++++++++]
[+++„”!@+@++++++++] be miai, so Black will play at B immediately and
[+@@@–»!!@++!+!*@@] White’s left side group will still die.
[++!@! A ++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!++++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 59 for B
<(((((((((((((((((> If White simply plays ´, aiming to live, the descent
[+++++++++++++++++] at ˆ makes miai of ˜ and ¨.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[˜+!++!++*++++@@@!] White can’t defend the corner at ˜, because ¨ and
[+!+++++++++++++@@] ˚ are a powerful combination and White’s marked
[ˆ@@@+@+++++++++!+] group will die.
[++´t@++++++++++++]
[+t+@t@+++++++++@+] Therefore, White would have to play ˜ at ¨ instead,
[¨˝+tt@+++++++++++] and the corner would be left open to a reduction or
[+t*t@!+!*+++++*++] invasion later on.
[+˚++@++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++] White would not be happy with this result.
[+++++@!++++++++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!++++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 60 for J
February 109
Fix Your Roof While the Sun Is Shining
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[L!+++++O+++++++@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++++!+]
A KM+!@++++++++++++]
[N! B @!@+++++++++@+]
[+++!!@+++++++++++]
[+!*!@t C t*+++++*++]
[++++@++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++]
[+++++@t++++++++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+P++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Diagram 21
(Moves: 75-80)
The wise do sooner what fools do later. Both do the same; all that differs is the when. The
former act at the right moment, the latter at the wrong.
—Baltasar Gracián, The Art of Worldly Wisdom
A and B were miai for White after N, and the game became favorable for White up to P. White had
successfully managed both his weak groups, and consolidated the top left corner, without sustaining
any serious damage.
Capturing a stone with C would have been too slow, so Black played O with the aim of swallowing
up White’s marked stones on a large scale.
White P looked small, but it was actually very big. White could now play in the center without
having to worry about any other weak groups.
[+++!!@+++++++++++] White can connect under at A if necessary, so Black
[+!*!@!+!*+++++*++] might think about plans involving the hane at ´. If
[++++@++++++++++++] White responds to ´ at ˜, Black can harass White’s
[+@+@+@+++++++++++]
[+++++@!+++++¨++@+] lower left group with B or C.
[+++++!@+@++++++++] However, White would calmly reinforce his lower left
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@ C +!!@++!+!*@@] group with ˆ and would answer ˜ with ¨.
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@] Since it isn’t easy to continue attacking, Black has
[+@@! B ˆ++!+ A ´˜+++!] been keeping his options open. For example, he may
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 61 for O prefer to exchange Black at ¨ for White A later.
110 February
<(((((((((((((((((> To see the value of P in the game, imagine that
[+++++++++++++++++] White reduces at ´ instead. If the game continues
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] up to ˇ, White’s lower right group has been isolated.
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[!!+++++@+++++++@@] Note: these moves are hypothetical and not ideal.
[!@@@+@+++++++++!+]
[@@+!@++++++++++++] Now White has to answer ˘ with ¯, and while nei-
[!!+@!@+++++++++@+] ther of White’s groups can be captured, it’s good
[+++!!@+++++++++++] enough for Black to bully White and force him to
[+!*!@!+!*ˇ+˝++“++] live small up to ›.
[++++@++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@++++++˜+´++] Since Black can now capture White’s marked cutting
[+++++@! B ++++++¨ˆ@+]
stones with A at any time, White’s cutting stone at
[+++++tS+S++˚+++++]
[+++++tS+S++++++++] B becomes dead weight.
[+@@@˙ A !!S++!+!*@@] Because of this, Black’s marked stones are stronger
[++!@!¸++!@@!++!!@] than before and Black can start to attack White’s
[+@@!˛‚›+!++˘¯+++!]
,))!‹))))))))))))). center group with “.
Variation 62 for P
[+++!!@+++++++++++] Flying out with ´ is also conceivable, but Black’s
[+!*!@!+!*+++++*++] push at A or hane at B might still be annoying for
[++++@++++++++++++] White later.
[+@+@+@+++++++++++]
[+++++@!+++++´++@+] Since neither of the strategies in these two variations
[+++++!@+@++++++++] seemed promising, Lee chose to put his affairs in or-
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@ A +!!@++!+!*@@] der with P in the game.
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!++++!++ B ++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 63 for P
<(((((((((((((((((> After P in the game (´ in this variation), if Black
[+++++++++++++++++] separates White with ˆ, White will capture at ˜
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] and can easily live because A and B are miai.
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[!!+++++@+++++++@@] Since playing ˆ in sente is Black’s right at any time,
[!@@@+@+++++++++!+] it’s better for him to hold it in abeyance for the time
ˆ@@ B !@++++++++++++]
[!!˜@!@+++++++++@+] being.
[+++!!@+++++++++++] This is because Black might prefer to capture a stone
[+!*!@!+!*+++++*++] with B later (forcing White to play ˆ) and he might
[ A +++@++++++++++++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++] also want to use ˆ as a ko threat at some point.
[+++++@!++++++++@+] As we discussed in Chapter 1, it’s usually better to
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++] keep your options open for as long as possible in Go.
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+´++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 64 for P
February 111
Fight from a Position of Strength
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[!!+++++@+++++++@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++++!+]
[@@+!@+++++++b++++]
[!!+@!@++[+++‘a+@+]
[+++!!@++\VX^_++++]
[+!*!@!+!ZWQY++*++]
[++++@+++++++S++++]
[+@+@+@++T+R++++++]
[+++++@!U+++]+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Diagram 22
(Moves: 81-98)
Black Q showed us Gu Li’s keen intuition for play in the center. The center area was neither strong
nor solid, so Gu played Q—a flexible move which aimed to take control of one part or the other.
White’s reduction at R was a balanced response, and Black developed the right side with S. The
reduction was going well up until Z, which was heavy. Lee had a specific plan in mind when he played
there, but he’d made a small oversight, as we’ll see in a moment.
Since Black had patiently strengthened his positions, with S and U, he could now attack forcefully
with [ and ]. This allowed Black to consolidate a large territory on the right, while attacking.
<(((((((((((((((((> Jumping to ´ is also conceivable, but then White
[+++++++++++++++++] can reduce the center with ˆ to ˚, which is an easier
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] continuation for White than the moves in the game.
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[!!+++++@+++++++@@] It’s hard for Black to attack this group severely, be-
[!@@@+@+++++++++!+] cause White’s stones are light and flexible.
[@@+!@+++ A ++++++++]
[!!+@!@+++++˚+ B +@+] White ˚ makes miai of A and B, neatly raising
[+++!!@+++++++++++] White’s flag in the center either way.
[+!*!@!+!*+++++*++]
[++++@+++++¨+ˆ+˜++]
[+@+@+@+++++++++++]
[+++++@!+++˝+´++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 65 for Q
112 February
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black plays S at ´, to isolate the marked stones,
[+++++++++++++++++] White will reduce the right side with ˆ and ¨.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] After ¨, White’s stones in the center look quite diffi-
[!!+++++@+++++++@@] cult to attack, and Black has surrounded the marked
[!@@@+@+++++++++!+] stones on a relatively small scale.
[@@+!@++++++++++++]
[!!+@!@+++++++++@+]
[+++!!@+++++++++++]
[+!*!@t+t*+@+++*++]
[++++@+++´++++++++]
[+@+@+@++++!+¨+ˆ++]
[+++++@t+++++++˜@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 66 for S
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of Y, fighting with ´ and ˜ is also possible,
[+++++++++++++++++] but the result up to ˛ is satisfactory for White.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*+++ C @@@!] It may seem like Black can complete a large territory
[!!++++ B @+++‚+++@@] with ‚, but he has a weakness at ‹. Even if Black
[!@@@+@‹“ A ++++++!+] cuts at ›, “ is an excellent counter which exploits
ˆ@@´!@˛›¸”++++++++]
[!!+@!@ a ˙¯˚++++++@+] Black’s thinness mercilessly.
[+++!!@˘ˇ˜!!++++++] After White connects at „ (@ a ), A and B are miai.
[+!*!@!+!¨@@˝++*++] If Black reinforces around ›, instead of playing ‚,
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++] White will push up at C and the result is still better
[+++++@!@+++++++@+] for White.
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 67 for Y
„ at @
a
February 113
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of Z in the actual game, jumping at ´ would
[+++++++++++++++++] have been lighter and more flexible.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] If Black tries to attack White with ˆ and ¨, White
[!!+++++@ A +˝+++++@@] can easily manage his stones up to ˝. Black needs
[!@@@+@ ++++++++!+]
B
to look after his stone at @
A now, because the cutting
[@@+!@++++++++++++]
[!!+@!@+´˜++++++@+] point at B has been exposed.
[+++!!@++ˆ!!++++++] This variation is slightly better for White.
[+!*!@!+!¨@@@++*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++++++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 68 for Z
<(((((((((((((((((> If White tries to reduce the right side more aggres-
[+++++++++++++++++] sively, with ´ and ˜, Black will cut White’s group
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] in two with ¨ to ˘.
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[!!+++++@+++˘+++@@] White’s center group is now in serious danger and
[!@@@+@+++++++++!+] this is too risky for White.
[@@+!@++++++˚+˜+++]
[!!+@!@++@++¨!@˝@+]
[+++!!@++tttt@´+ˇ+]
[+!*!@t+tt@@@ˆ+*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++t+t++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 69 for b
114 February
Strong Players Love Ko
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!]
[!!+++++@+++++++@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++++!+]
[@@+!@+¨˜++++!c+++]
[!!+@!@´ˆ@+++!@+@+]
[+++!!@`˝!!!!@++++]
[+!*!@!+!! A @@@++*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Diagram 23
(Moves: 99-105)
A ko at ˆ was inevitable after White played `. Lee had been planning this since he played at !
A.
Many Go players hate fighting ko and seem to avoid it at all costs, but all the best players are masters
of ko. If you practice fighting ko, and learn to love it, you will earn yourself a powerful weapon.
In this case, Lee thought that the ko would quickly resolve things in his favor, so he actively sought it
out. However, it appears that he overlooked one small detail while analyzing the upcoming ko fight.
<(((((((((((((((((> White should have played at ´, instead of ` above.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] If Black continues to attack White’s center group
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] with ˆ and ¨, White can counter-attack with ˝
[!!+++++@+++++++@@] and ˇ.
[!@@@+@¯+¨++++++!+]
[@@˘!@ˇ˝ˆ˜˚++!@+++] Black is in deep trouble after White cuts with ¯.
[!!+@!@+´@+++!@+@+]
[+++!!@++!!!!@++++]
[+!*!@!+!!@@@++*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 70 for `
February 115
<(((((((((((((((((> Blocking at ˚ is another possibility, but it leads to
[+++++++++++++++++] an enormous ko at ˇ.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] White captures first and Black doesn’t have enough
[!!+++++@+++++++@@] ko threats, so the ko is too heavy for Black.
[!@@@+@˚ˇ¨++++++!+]
[@@+!@+˝ˆ˜+++!@+++]
[!!+@!@+´@+++!@+@+]
[+++!!@++!!!!@++++]
[+!*!@!+!!@@@++*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
Variation 71 for `
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black wants to hane at ¨, exchanging ˆ for ˜
[+++++++++++++++++] first is the correct move order.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*++++@@@!] White needs to save his marked stones with ˜, so
[!!+++++@+++++++@@] Black can return to the center and play ¨.
[!@@@+@˙+˚++++++!+]
˜@@ˆ!@¯ˇ¨˝˘++!@+++] Black looks after his left side group in sente up to ¸,
[ss+@sT¸´@+++!@+@+] but the overall result still favors White because his
[+++ssT++!!!!@++++] center stones become strong after capturing Black’s
[+s*s@!+!!@@@++*++] marked cutting stones.
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 72 for `
<(((((((((((((((((> Reinforcing at ˆ is the best move for Black, and
[+++++++++++++++++] White can calmly manage his center group up to ˝.
[++++!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!++!++*+++ C @@@!] Black @A is looking precarious, so Black should spend
[!!+++++@ A +˝+++++@@] another move to prevent White from cutting at B
[!@@@+@ B ++++++++!+] next. This is more flexible for White than his play
[@@+!@¨˜+++++!@+++]
[!!+@!@+´@+++!@+@+] in the game.
[+++!!@++!!!!@++++] If Black defends at B next, White can push up at C.
[+!*!@!ˆ!!@@@++*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 73 for `
116 February
Every Ko Threat Costs You Something
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++“!+++++++!+!!!]
[++!›+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!+++++@+++++++@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++˛‚!+]
[@@+!@¯!@˙+++!@„++]
[!!+@!@@˘@+++!@ A @+]
[+++!!@!@ a !!!!@˚+++]
[+!*!@!+!!@@@ˇ+*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Diagram 24
(Moves: 106-118)
¸ ” at @
a , ‹ at ˘
After exchanging a ko threat at ˚, White cut at ˙ to make the ko bigger. Everything was still going
according to Lee’s plan.
Black had to answer White’s ko threat at ˛. For his next ko threat, White chose „ instead of A,
because the latter would lose more points on the right side. Professionals are sensitive about territory.
Every ko threat has its price, and there’s little value in winning a ko if it costs you much more than
you gain.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black ignores White’s ko threat at ! A , the wedge at
[+++++++++++++++++] ˆ is a sacrifice tesuji which gains ground by squeez-
[++++!++»++++!+!!!] ing Black with ¨ and ˚.
[++!++!++*+++˘@@@!]
[!!+++++@+++++++@@] After White connects at ˘, Black can connect under
[!@@@+@++++++„! A ˚!˙¸
with ¯. White ˛ to “ are well timed forcing moves,
[@@+!@@!@!+++!@˜¨¯‚
[!!+@!@@+@+++!@ˆ@˛] played before defending at „.
[+++!!@!@!!!!@! a ˝‹«]
The result up to » is good for White and he’s still
[+!*!@!´!!@@@@ˇ“++] in the lead.
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 74 for ‚
› at ˆ, ” at !
a
February 117
<(((((((((((((((((> Connecting at „ is also conceivable, but then Black
[+++++++++++++++++] will cut in sente with « and reinforce his position
[++++!+++++++!+!!!] with .
[++!++!++*+++˘TTT!]
[!!+++++@+++»—+TT] The result is a large scale trade of the marked groups.
[!@@@+@+++++–«!˚!˙¸ Black captures the center stones and White captures
[@@+!@@!@!+++s@˜¨¯‚
[!!+@!@@+@+++s@ˆ@˛] the top right, but the result is better for Black.
[+++!!@!@ssss@! a ˝‹„]
This means that White’s connection at „ is too
[+!*!@!´ss@@@@ˇ“++] greedy.
[++++@+++++++@++++]
Variation 75 for ‚
› at ˆ ”
, at !
a
<(((((((((((((((((> If White ataris at ´ instead, he can win the ko fight,
[+++++++++++++++++] but this ko threat loses points.
[+++!!+++++++!+!!!]
[+˝!@+!++*++++@@@!] White was reluctant to play like this.
[!!¨++++@+++++++@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++!@!+] Continuing...
[@@+!@@!@!+++!@ˆ++]
[!!+@!@@˜@+++!@´@+]
[+++!!@!@!!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@!+!!@@@@+*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
Variation 76 for „
<(((((((((((((((((> After ¯ (at !
a ), Black has to fall back to ˙.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++!!++“++++!+!!!] Black can’t make a ko threat elsewhere because his
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!] whole top left group is at risk. He doesn’t have any
[!!@++++@+++++++@@] more local threats and his other threats are too small.
[!@@@+@+˙+++++!@ C !+]
˛@@›!@@!@!+++!@@ˇ+] B Even though White wins the ko fight with ¸, the
[!!‚@!@@! a @¸++!@! A @+] game becomes even again up to “. That’s because
[+++!!@!˚!!!!@!˘++] White’s ko threat at !
A loses four or five points.
[+!*!@!+!!@@@@+*++]
[‹+++@+++++++@++++] To understand how White loses points in this varia-
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++] tion, consider the fact that White could play !A as
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+] the double atari at @B instead. In that case, White
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++] would be able to capture @ C and Black’s right side
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@] territory would be smaller than it is after !
A.
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 77 for „
¯ at !
a
118 February
Count Your Ko Threats Carefully
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++!!+++++++!+!!!]
[+—!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!–++++@+++++++@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++!@!+]
[@@+!@@!@! C +++!@!++]
[!!+@!@@»@+++!@«@+]
[+++!!@!B @!!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@!+!! A @@@@+*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Diagram 25
(Moves: 119-122)
Defending at — was necessary, and this is the move that Lee overlooked earlier.
When he played at !A (Z), he thought that he could simplify the game and consolidate his advantage
by winning the ko after !
B to !
C.
Unfortunately for Lee, he misjudged the effectiveness of Black’s ko threat at –.
<(((((((((((((((((> Originally, Lee thought that Black would have to de-
[+++++++++++++++++] fend at ´, rather than playing at @A.
[ˇ+˜!!+++++++!+!!!]
[¨ˆ!@+!++*++++@@@!] Lee’s plan was to capture at ´ now, but ˆ and ¨
[tt@
A +++˚@+++++++@@] are more powerful than Lee initially expected.
˘t@@@+@+´+++++!@!+]
[@@+!@@!@!+++!@!++] The trade up to ˘ hurts White, because he doesn’t
[!!˝@!@@!@+++!@@@+] actually make much territory in the center, he only
[+++!!@!+!!!!@!+++] makes his group strong.
[+!*!@!+!!@@@@+*++]
[++++@+++++++@++++] Meanwhile, losing the marked stones is a big loss.
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 78 for —
February 119
<(((((((((((((((((> If White plays at ˝, to cut off Black’s marked stone,
[+++++++++++++++++] his squared group will be captured up to ‹.
[++˜!!+++++++!+!!!]
[¨ˆ!@+!++*++++@@@!] Continuing...
[!!@++++T+++++++@@]
[!@@@+@˝´+++++!@!+]
[@@˚! a @@!@!+++!@!++]
[ss¯@s@@!@+++!@@@+]
b
[++˘ss@!+!!!!@!+++]
[+s˙s@!+!!@@@@+*++]
[ˇ‹+˛@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 79 for —
¸ at !
a , ‚ at @
b
<(((((((((((((((((> White can build a huge territory spanning the top
[+++++++++++++++++] and the center of the board up to , but the game
[”«!!!+++++++!+!!!] is still better for Black.
[@@!@+!++*+++@@@!]
»!!@++›+@++++++–@@] Letting Black capture White’s marked stones is too
„!@@@“@!!+++++!@!—] big, and Black establishes a clear lead.
[@@@s@@!+!+++!@!++]
[sssss@@!@+++!@@@+]
[++@ss@!+!!!!@!+++]
[+s@s@!+!!@@@@+*++]
[s@+@@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@+++@+++@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 80 for —
120 February
Something Is Better than Nothing
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++!!+++++++!+!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!@++++@+++ffi+++@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++!@!+]
ffl@@"!@@t@t+++!@!++]
[!! @!@@t@+++!@@@+]
[+++!!@t!!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@!ı!!@@@@+*++]
[!+++@+++++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!‰fffl++]
[+++++@!@+++@+fi+@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@+ A ++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Diagram 26
(Moves: 123-134)
There were no appropriate ko threats left for White, so he played at ‰. It wasn’t good enough, but it
was better than nothing. Sometimes you just have to take what you can, in order to stay in the game.
The result up to fl was very successful for Black and the game was reversed again. White’s marked
stones were all wasted, and they had only helped to make Black’s position stronger in the center.
Lee played at ffi to support his center group, but it didn’t make any points. He should have played at
A instead, which would have been slightly better for White.
Black ! was a large sente endgame move at this stage, and White’s response at " was forced.
<(((((((((((((((((> White ´ looks like it could be a ko threat, but Black
[+++++++++++++++++] will ignore it and capture at ˆ.
[+++!!++++++¸!+!!!]
[+!!@+!++*+++˙@@@!] After White cuts at ˝, ˚ makes miai of ˇ and ˘.
[!!@++++@++˛++++@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++s@s+] Black and White trade the marked groups up to ˛,
[@@+!@@!@s+++s@s++] but the result is good for Black.
[!!+@!@@+@+++s@@@+]
[+++!!@!@ssss@!+++] White’s squared stones are worth much more than
[+!*!@!ˆss@@@@+*++] Black’s five triangled stones at the bottom.
[++++@++˚˘+++@++++]
[+@+@+@+¨!+!++++++]
[+++++@!@˝+¯@+++@+]
[+++++!@˜T+ˇ++++++]
[+++++!@´T++++++++]
[+@@@++!!T++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!TT!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Variation 81 for ‰
February 121
Count as You Catch Your Breath
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++!!+*+)++(!+!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!@++++@+++!++&@@]
[!@@@+@+++++++!@!’]
@@@!!@@!@!+++!@!++]
[!!!+!@@+@+++!@@@+]
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@!@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@%$+++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@+!+@+]
[+++++!@+@++++++++]
[+++++!@+@+#++++++]
[+@@@++!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+ A +++++!]
,))!)))))))))))))).
Diagram 27
(Moves: 135-142)
White * was another mistake. Lee thought the game was still even, but White was already behind.
White should have played * at A. Connecting at the bottom is bigger than it looks and the game
would still have been close if White had played there.
What would the situation have been like if White had played at A? Let’s have a look together and
take stock of the game.
Imagine that the triangles are Black stones, the squares are White stones, and dead stones (usually
worth two points each) are circled. Let’s count the points inside each area...
<(((((( 2(((((( 2(((((> Black:
[++++++ 2++++++ 2++ 2+++]
[+++!!+++@++!!+!!!] Right side: 32, bottom left: 22, and center: 8.
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!] 2 Total: 62 points.
2!!@++++@+++!++!@@]
[ 3
[!@@@+@+++++++!+ 1!
A @] (!
A stones = 4 × 50% chance = 2 points.)
@@@!!@@c@!+++!@! A+
3+]
[!!!+1!@@+ 1@+++!@@@+] White:
[+2++!!@+ 1@!!!!@c+++] Bottom: 23, top right: 12, top left: 18, left side: 4,
[+!*2!@+1@!!@@@@+*++]
3@+
[ 3++@@!+++++@+ 3+++] center: 1, and komi 7.5.
[+@+3@+@++!+!!!@@++] Total: 65.5 points.
[+++3++3@c@+++@+!+@+]
[+++3++!@+@+++++++ 3+] The game is very close, but favorable for Black, be-
[++++3+!@+@+@+++++ 3+] cause he has sente.
[+@@@++ 2!!@++!+ 2!*@@]
[++c@!+++!@@!++!!@] 3 Black can also expect to make some extra points
[+3@@!+!++!+´+++++ 2!] in the endgame, because his stones are thicker and
,)3)!)
2)))))) 2))))))) 2. stronger than White’s.
Variation 82 for *
122 February
Sometimes There’s No Room to Back Down
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++0+++]
[+++!!+!+@++!!/!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!@++++@+++!++!@@]
[!@@@+@+8-++++!+!@]
@@@!!@@!@!+++!@!++]
[!!!+!@@.@ a ,++!@@@+]
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@@!+++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@7!+@+]
[+++++!@+@23++++++]
[+++++!@+@+@+ D ++++]
[+@@@56!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!++!+++:+ B A !9
,))!))))))))))))) C .
Diagram 28
(Moves: 143-158)
1 at @
a , 4 at .
Black + was very big, and , began a delicate endgame sequence. Black had to start a ko with -,
because he was only leading by a couple of points. Sometimes, in a close game, you just can’t afford
to back down. White : was the only response to 9. If Black continues with A, White B to D lives.
<(((((((((((((((((> White would like to cut at ´ and isolate @
A inside
[+++++++++++++++++] his territory if possible.
[+++!!+!˜@ A ++!!+!!!]
[+!!@+!+ˆ´¨+++@@@!] However, Black can resist with ¨ to ˘ and the result
[!!@++++@˝˚+!++!@@] up to ¸ is a ko.
[!@@@+@+˙ˇ++++!+!@]
@@@!!@@!@!˘++!@!++] Unfortunately for White, Black has too many big
[!!!+!@@¸@¯++!@@@+] ko threats (starting in the bottom left), so ´ is an
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] overplay.
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@@!+++++@++++]
Variation 83 for ,
<(((((((((((((((((> That’s why White played atari at !
B first in the game.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++!!+!¨@ A ++!!+!!!] If Black connects at ´, White can cut Black at ˆ
[+!!@+!+˜ˆ++++@@@!] and @A will be stranded.
[!!@++++@+++!++!@@]
[!@@@+@++ C ++++!+!@] There’s no longer any way for Black to capture
@@@!!@@!@!+++!@!++] White’s cutting stone at ˆ, which is why Black
[!!!+!@@´@! B ++!@@@+] played ´ at C instead.
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@@!+++++@++++]
Variation 84 for -
February 123
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black falls back at ´, attaching at ˆ is still a
[++++++++˚˘+ 2+++ 2+++] good endgame move and ˘ connects under.
[+++!!+!¨@ˇ+!!+!!!]
[+!!@+!+˜ˆ˝+++@@@!] 2 Black:
2!!@++++@+++!++!@@]
[ 3
[!@@@+@´+@++++!+ 1!
A @] Right side: 32 (includes !
A stones = 2), bottom left:
@@@!!@@c@!+++!@! A+
3+] 22, center area: 7, and bottom: 2.
[!!!+!@@!+!++ 2!@@@+]
[+2++!!@+@!!!!@c+++] Total: 63 points.
[+!*2!@+1@!!@@@@+*++] White:
3@+
[ 3++@@!+++++@+ 3+++]
[+@+3@+@++!+!!!@@++] Bottom (both groups): 14, top: 42, left side: 4, cen-
[+++3++3@c@+++@+!+@+] ter: 2, and komi: 7.5.
[+++3++!@+@+++++++ 3+]
[++++3+!@+@+@+++++ 3+] Total: 69.5 points.
[+@@@++ 2!!@++!+ 2!*@@]
[++c@!+++!@@!++!!@] 3 Compared to our previous count, White’s territory
[+3@@!+!++ 2!@++ 3+2++2+!] has increased while Black’s is about the same.
,)3)!)
2)))) 2)) 3)) 3)) 2)))2. The game is still close, but has been reversed. In
Variation 85 for /
conclusion, Black shouldn’t back down with ´.
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] If White defends at ´, as is usual in the corner, ˆ
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] is a double threat tesuji and White finds himself in
[@+++@@!+++++@++++] great danger up to ˘.
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@@t+@+]
[+++++!@+@!@++++++]
[+++++!@+@+@++++++]
[+@@@@!!!@++t+t*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@t˘+tt@]
[+@@!+!++!@+˝¨ˇ++t@
,))!)))))˜ˆ)˚))))´.
Variation 86 for :
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] If White defends the bottom right group with ˜,
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] Black hits White’s vital point at ¨, and White’s
[@+++@@!+++++@++++] lower left group dies.
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@@ C !+@+] This is why Black exchanged @
A for !
B before cutting
[+++++t@+@!@++++++] at @
C earlier.
[+++++t@+@+@++++++]
[+@@@@
A!B tt@++!+!*@@] After ¨, D and E are miai, as are F and G.
[++!@t++ E t@@!++!!@]
[+@@t+t¨ F t@+˜++++!@
,))t)))) G D ˆ))))))´.
Variation 87 for :
124 February
Play Double Sente as Early as Possible
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++++++@!?++]
[+++!!+!+@++!!@!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!@+++C@D++!++!@@]
[!@@@+@;!@++++!+!@]
@@@!!@@!<!=++!@!++]
[!!!+!@@!B!++!@@@+]
[+++!!@>@ a !!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@@!+++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@@!+@+]
[+++++!@+@!@++++++]
[+++++!@+@+@++++++]
[+@@@@!!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[ C @@!+!++!@++!+++!@
, A E! B ))))F)))))))).
Diagram 29
(Moves: 159-170)
A at @
a
The atari at E was a double sente endgame move, and defending at F was the best response. White
at E instead would lead to A to C. In this case, White may still choose to reinforce at F after the
sente exchange, but he doesn’t have to. Black was winning by between 1.5 and 2.5 points up to F.
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] If White doesn’t defend at the bottom, his group dies
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] up to ˝.
[@+++@@!+++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@@!+@+]
[+++++!@+@!@++++++]
[+++++!@+@+@++++++]
[+@@@@!!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+˝+!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!ˆ!+¨!@++!+++!@
,)@!´))))˜)))))))).
Variation 88 for F
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] White might think about creating a ko with ˆ, but
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] he doesn’t have enough ko threats to win it.
[@+++@@!+++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++] Falling back to the vital point with ˆ at A doesn’t
[+++++@!@+++@@!+@+] work either. Black will still capture at ˜ and White
[+++++!@+@!@++++++] will die.
[+++++!@+@+@++++++]
[+@@@@!!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!˜! A +!@++!+++!@
,)@!´ˆ)))))))))))).
Variation 89 for F
February 125
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] Connecting at ´ is careless. Black ˆ strikes at the
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] vital point and White doesn’t have a good response.
[@+++@@!+++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++] The best White can do is beg for life up to ¯, but
[+++++@!@+++@@!+@+] he has lost practically all his territory at the bottom
[+++++!@+@!@++++++] and Black can still bully his lower right group at A.
[+++++!@+@+@++++++]
[+@@@@!!!@++!+!*@@] This is why White may still play F in Diagram 29,
[++!@!+¯+!@@!++!!@] even if he can play E first. Strictly speaking, E is
[+@@!˜!ˇ˝!@++!++ A !@ only double sente in the local sense in this game.
,)@!´)ˆ˘˚¨)))))))).
Variation 90 for F
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] If White ataris at ˜, Black will exchange ¨ for ˝
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] before revealing his wonderful double threat at ˚.
[@+++@@!+++++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++] The moves up to ¸ are forced and when Black re-
[+++++@!@+++@@!+@+] captures the ko with ˛ (at ˘), White should resign.
[+++++!@+@!@++++++]
[+++++!@+@+@++++++] The timing of ˚ is important. Black should wait
[+@@@@!!!@++!+!*@@] to see how White answers ˆ and ¨, before playing
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@] ˚. If Black exchanges ˚ for ˇ too early, he may
[+@@!+!¨˙!@++!++ A !@ unnecessarily give up a big endgame move at A.
,)@!´¸ˆ˜˝˘¯˚)))))ˇ.
Variation 91 for F
˛ at ˘
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] White can defend the lower left group with ˇ, but
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] ˛ is another tesuji and White still has to fight a ko
[@+++@@!+++++@++++] up to ›.
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@@!+@+] If White plays ‚ at A, the result is still ko after
[+++++!@+@!@++++++] Black B, White C and ‹.
[+++++!@+@+@+¸++++]
[+@@@@!!!@++!+!*@@] If ¸ or ‚ is at D, White dies after Black C.
[++!@!+++!@@!˛ D !!@]
[+@@!+!¨+!@›‹!+¯˘!@
,)@!´ˇˆ˜˝))˚‚ B C A )˙.
Variation 92 for F
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] Capturing a stone at ˝ also leads to ko, because ˚
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] makes miai of connecting under at A and starting a
[@+++@@!+++++@++++] ko with ˆ.
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@@!+@+]
[+++++!@+@!@++++++]
[+++++!@+@+@++++++]
[+@@@@!!!@++!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!+!¨+!@++!+++!@
,)@!´˝ˆ˜˚ A )))))))).
Variation 93 for F
126 February
Go Is a Battle of Wills
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++++++!!@++]
[+++!!+!I@++!!@!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!@+++@@!++!++!@@]
[!@@@+@@!@++++!+!@]
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!++]
[!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+]
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@@!OP+++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@@!U@+]
[+++++!@+@!@+MJ+T+]
[+++++!@+@+@LKN+++]
[+@@@@!!!@SR!+!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!H!++!@++!++Q! A@
,)@!G))))!))))))) B .
Diagram 30
(Moves: 171-185)
Military power wins battles, but spiritual power wins wars.
—George Marshall
Black eventually had to defend at I. The game was close, but Black still maintained a small lead.
Black Q was another big endgame move. This kind of move is normally worth seven points, but it
was worth even more in this game because Black planned to bully White further in the corner.
Black wanted White to live in gote, but White resisted with T. This attachment was characteristic of
Lee’s style. It’s hard to say whether T is correct or not, but it’s difficult for Black to answer.
Lee’s fierce endgame moves apply psychological pressure to his opponents and sometimes cause them
to make mistakes. White T can be viewed as an expression of Lee’s fighting spirit in the endgame.
It was a tough choice, but Gu chose to resist with U.
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] If Black tries to counter-attack with ´ and ˜, White
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] can still live up to ˘.
[@+++@@!@!+++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++] Meanwhile, Black needs to go back and defend at A
[+++++@!@+++@@!+@+] in gote.
[+++++!@+@!@+@!+! A ]
[+++++!@+@˝@!@!+++] If Black neglects to capture at ˜, White can extend
[+@@@@!!!@@!!¨!*@@] to ˜ himself.
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!++!@˘+!ˆ´@!@
,)@)@))))!ˇ˚)))))˜.
Variation 94 for U
February 127
Sacrifice Plums for Peaches
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++++++!!@++]
[+++!!+!@@++!!@!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!@+++@@!++!++!@@]
[!@@@+@@!@++++!+!@]
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!++]
[!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+]
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@@!@!+++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[+++++@!@+++@@!@@+]
[+++++!@+@!@+@!Y! C +]
[+++++!@+@W@!@!+++]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!V!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!++!@ B +!++@!@
,)@)@))))! A X)))))).
Diagram 31
(Moves: 186-189)
White lived with X, which made A and B miai, and Black captured ! C (T) with Y. White was able
to take sente, but he had to pay for it with !
C . This is what makes Lee’s endgame unconventional.
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] Black can tenuki and defend the left side with ´,
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@+*++] which is also big.
[@+++@@!@!+++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@+˛] However, White will counter with ˆ to ˛, starting
[+++++@!@+++@@!@@˚] a capturing race inside Black’s territory.
[++++´!@+@!@+@!+!˜ˇ
[+++++!@+@@@!@!+ˆ¨˝
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!*@@˙
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@¸
[+@@!!!++!@++!++@!@
,)@)@))))!)!))))¯˘.
Variation 95 for Y
[+++!!@+@!!!!@!+++] Liberties count here, and ‚ is the tesuji which saves
[+!*!@+@!!@@@@—ı›] Black from disaster.
[@+++@@!@!+++@“”‹‚]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@ff!] However, White is still able to squeeze eight points
[+++++@!@+++@@!@@!„ out of Black in sente up to ff. In contrast, @ A is
[++++@
A !@+@!@+@!‰!@@
worth only six points, so Black decided not to tenuki
[+++++!@+@@@!@!+!!@
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!@@« in the game.
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@@ If Black plays ‚ at ‹ instead, White will win the
[+@@!!!++!@++!+»@!@ capturing race after playing atari at „.
,)@)@))))!)!))))@!–
Variation 96 for Y
128 February
Greed Leads Not to Success
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++++++!!@++]
[+++!!+!@@++!!@!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!@+++@@!++!++!@@]
[!@@@+@@!@++++!+!@]
@@@tt@@!!!@++!@!++]
[ttt+t@@!!!++!@@@+]
[+++tt@+@!!!!@!+++]
[]t*t@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@@!@!+++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[++^++@!@+++@@!@@+]
[+++Z+!@+@!@+@!@!+]
[+++++!@+@@@!@!+++]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!![+!@++!++@!@
,)@)@))\)!)!)))))).
Diagram 32
(Moves: 190-194)
Black ] was nicely timed, and ^ helped White’s marked group indirectly.
The situation in this part of the board was finely balanced, so White had to keep his wits about him
and resist the temptation to be rash or greedy.
In long games like this it’s natural to become weary, and that’s when you need to take the most care.
<(((((((((((((((((> It might look like White can jump all the way to ´,
[++++++++++++!!@++] but that’s too greedy.
[+++!!+!@@++!!@!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!] Black counter-attacks with ˆ to ˚, and White’s
[!!@+++@@!++!++!@@] marked group dies abruptly.
[!@@@+@@!@++++!+!@]
@@@tt@@!!!@++!@!++]
[ttt+t@@!!!++!@@@+]
[˝¨+tt@+@!!!!@!+++]
[@!˚t@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+++@@!@!+++@++++]
[+@+@+@++!+!!!@@++]
[++ˆ++@!@+++@@!@@+]
[+´˜!+!@+@!@+@!@!+]
[+++++!@+@@@!@!+++]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!@+!@++!++@!@
,)@)@))!)!)!)))))).
Variation 97 for ^
February 129
There’s Many a Slip Between the Cup and the Lip
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++++++!!@++]
[+++!!+!@@++!!@!!!]
[+!!@+!++*++++@@@!]
[!!@+++@@!¯+! B ˘t@@]
[!@@@+@@!@++ C A !+t@]
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@t D E ]
[!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+]
[c`+!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[@!b!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+a+@@!@!+++@++++]
[+@+@+@ˇ˚!+!!!@@++]
[+˜!‘+@!@+++@@!@@+]
[++_!ˆ!@+@!@+@!@!+]
[+++´+!@+@@@!@!+++]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!@+!@++!+¨@!@
,)@)@))!)!)!)))))˝.
Diagram 33
(Moves: 195-209)
Black _ was another exquisite endgame tesuji. Black’s endgame up to here was excellent and Gu was
still leading by about 1.5 points.
White’s endgame move at ˘ was worth eight points. If Black can play here first he’ll cut at A, followed
by White B, Black at ˘, White C and Black D; capturing the marked stones.
In that case, Black won’t need to reinforce at E later, which earns him seven points (including the
marked stones). White’s center is also one point smaller, which gives us eight points in total.
At this moment, Black suddenly played ¯. It was the losing move.
Disaster can befall we frail humans at any time. In the Greek myth of Ancaeus, King of Samos, a
soothsayer told the king that he would not live to taste the wine of his vineyard. Shortly afterwards,
Ancaeus embarked on a quest with the Argonauts, but upon his safe return the wine was ready.
Ancaeus summoned the soothsayer and gloated as he raised his cup, but the man only replied by saying
“There’s many a slip between the cup and the lip.” Suddenly, there was a commotion, as a wild boar
was nearby. Ancaeus put down his wine to deal with the boar, but it ended up taking his life.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black should have exchanged ´ for ˆ first, then he
[++++++ˆ´++++!!@++] would have maintained his winning position up to ˝.
[+++!!+!@@++!!@!!!]
[+!!@+!++˝++++@@@!] Let’s see how the endgame would have proceeded
[!!@+++@@!˜+!+!!@@] from here, and practice counting once again...
[!@@@+@@!@¨+++!+!@]
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!++]
[!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+]
[@!+!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[@!!!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+@+@@!+!+++@++++]
Variation 98 for ¯
130 February
<(((((˙¯¸(( 2(
2((((((> Black:
[+++++˛!@+˚“+!!C‹+]
[+++!!+!@@›+!!@!!!] 2 Right side: 34, bottom left: 25, center 3, and a net
[+!!@+!++@++„”@@@!‚ lead of 1 prisoner.
2!!@+ A +@@!
[ B @+!+ 2!!@@] 3
[!@@@+@@!ˇ!˘++!+!@] Total: 63 points.
@@@!!@@!!!C++!@!++ 3] White:
«!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+]
[@!+!!@+@!!!!@c+++] Bottom (both groups): 12.5, top left: 19, top right:
[@!!!@+@!!@@@@+*++] 12.5, center: 7.5, left side: 2, and komi: 7.5.
[@+@+@@!+!+++@+ 3+++]
[+@+@+@@!!+!!!@@++] Total: 61 points.
[+@!!+@+@+++@@!@@+]
[++@!!!@+@c@+@!@c+] It’s White’s turn, and A and !
B are miai for Black.
[+++@+!@+@@@!@!++ 3+] Given the size of the remaining endgame plays, Black
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!*@@]
[++c@!+++!@@!++!!@] is ahead by half a point.
[+@@!!!C+!@++ 2!+!@+@
,)@)@)
22 )!)!) 2!) 2))) 2)
3@.
Variation 99 for ¯
<(‰—((˚˝ˇ(((((((((> White ˆ is also conceivable, but then ¯ becomes
[»«”„+˘¨´+˙++!!@˛+] bigger.
[–“›!!+!@@‚‹!!@!!!]
+!!@¯!˜+*+++ffl@@@!¸ Cutting at › is a nice tesuji, and « and – are
!!@flfiffi@@!ˆ+! !!@@] good followups. Wherever White answers, Black can
ı!@@@+@@!@++++!+!@] reduce White’s territory by two extra points with .
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!++]
ff!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+] Up to %, Black is winning by 1.5 points.
[@!+!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[@!!!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+@+@@!+!+++@++++]
[+@+@+@@!!+!!!@@++]
[+@!!+@+@$!"@@!@@+]
[++@!!!@+@!@#@!@!+]
[+++@+!@%@@@!@!+++]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!@+!@++!+!@+@
,)@)@))!)!)!)))))@.
Variation 100 for ¯
<(((((˚˝ˇ(((((((((> If White responds with ˘, Black can still cut at ¯.
[++˙+++¨´++”+!!@“+]
[+˛¯!!˘!@@«„!!@!!!] White can save some points in the top left, but ¸
‹+!!@+!˜+*++++@@@!› and ‚ are sente.
¸!!@+++@@!ˆ+!+!!@@]
‚!@@@+@@!@++++!+!@] After «, Black is still winning by 1.5 points.
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!++]
[!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+]
[@!+!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[@!!!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+@+@@!+!+++@++++]
Variation 101 for ¯
February 131
White Reverses the Game
<(((((((,+((((((((>
[+"!+++‹˛‚+–+!!@„ A ]
[+ ffl!!+!@@+*!!@!!!]
[+!!@-!$%¸#+»«@@@!”
[!!@fl‰+@@! b @+!+!!@@]
[!@@@ı@@!@ a ˙“++!fi!@]
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!ff+]
—!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+]
[@!+!!@ C @!!!!@!+++]
[@!!!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@@+@@! D !+++@++++]
[+@ B @+@@!!+!!!@@++]
[+@!!+@+@(.&@@!@@+]
[++@!!!@)@!@’@!@!+]
[+++@+!@@@@!@!+++]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!@+!@++!+!@+@
,)@)@))!)!)!)))))@.
Diagram 34
(Moves: 210-246)
› at @
a , ffi at !
b
White ˛ was a four point reverse sente move. The game was still very close, but White took the lead.
White „ may look strange, but it prevented Black A. Meanwhile, stopped White from cutting at
B and harassing Black’s center group. Black fl was only worth two points, because $ was sente.
Black couldn’t win the ko at ffi (! b ), because the double ko at C and D gave White unlimited ko
threats, so he lost half a point with # and $. He lost another two thirds after & and (, and a half
at -. White . was worth more than two and a half points, and the game was completely decided.
<((((((((((((((((¨> Blocking at ´ is a big mistake.
[++++++!!@+++!!@ˆ˜˚
[+++!!+!@@++!!@!!!´ Black can start a ko with ˆ to ˚, which would be
[+!!@+!++@++++@@@!@ a disaster for White this late in the game.
[!!@+++@@+@+!+!!@@˝
[!@@@+@@!@!!++!+!@ A Instead of ˜, if White immediately captures at ˝,
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!++] Black at ˜, White at ˚ and Black A leads to an
[!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+] even more comfortable ko for Black.
[@!+!!@+@!!!!@!+++]
[@!!!@+@!!@@@@+*++]
[@+@+@@!+!+++@++++]
[+@+@+@@!!+!!!@@++]
[+@!!+@+@+++@@!@@+]
[++@!!!@+@!@+@!@!+]
[+++@+!@+@@@!@!+++]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!*@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!@+!@++!+!@+@
,)@)@))!)!)!)))))@.
Variation 102 for „
132 February
<((((((‰ı(! (((((> Instead of fl in the game, ´ is sente and exchanging
[++++++!!@#@$!!@!+] this move now erases the bad aji in Black’s shape.
[+++!!+!@@"„!!@!!!
[+!!@»!’+@++!@@@@!@ Next, Black should connect at ˜, but he’s still be-
—!!@¨!«@@˜@%!fi!!@@ff hind by half a point.
–!@@@@@@!@!!++!!!@]
@@@!!@@!!!@ A +!@!@fl] We can play out the remainder of the endgame with
!!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+] ¨ to +, and we see that Black is ahead by seven
˛@!+!!@+@!!!!@!+++] points on the board. This means White will win by
‚@!!!@+@!!@@@@+*++] half a point after adding komi.
[@@@‹@@!*!+++@ B +++]
[+@›@”@@!!+!!!@@++] Note that White still needs to play one more move
[+@!!“@+@´ˆ+@@!@@+] at A and Black needs to defend at B later.
[++@!!!@+@!@+@!@!+]
[+++@+!@!@@@!@!ffiffl+]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!(@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!@+!@˝ˇ!+!@+@
,)@)@&)!)!˚!˘)˙¯¸@.
Variation 103 for fl
<(((((((!@((((((((> Capturing at ´ is a 2.5 point endgame move. Let’s
[+!@+++!!@+@+!!@!+] compare this variation to the position after White
[+!@!!+!@@+!!!@!!!] played at . in the actual game (previous page).
[+!!@+!!@@@+!@@@@!@
[!!@@!+@@!@+!+!!@@] White’s lower side is 1.5 points smaller, because if
[!@@@@@@!+!!++!!!@] Black plays A to C later White may eventually have
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!@+]
!!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+] to spend one more move at E (if Black takes D).
ˆ@!+!!@+@!!!!@!+++] Black also gained two thirds of a point at F. We
[@!!!@+@!!@@@@+*++] calculate it as 32 because White can atari at G to
[@@@+@@!+! H I +@++++]
[+@+@+@@!! G !!!@@++] capture ´ later.
[+@!!+@+@!´!@@!@@+] If Black exchanges G to I in sente, White will gain
[++@!!!@@@! F @@@!@!+]
[+++@+!@!@@@!@!+++] more points at the bottom (or sente) because ˚ will
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!! D @@] be atari. There’s no benefit for Black in playing G.
[++!@!+++!@@!+ E !!@] In the game, White has the potential to make another
[+@@!!!@+!@˜˝!+!@+@
,)@)@))!)!¨!˚) B A C @. point at H. We count this as half a point because H is
Variation 104 for - gote for both sides, so either player could play there.
Therefore, the value of ´ is actually slightly greater
than 2.5 points: 1.5 + 23 + 0.5 = 2 + 23 = 83 .
February 133
Losing a Won Game
<(((((((!@(A=@((((>
[+!@+++!!@+@>!!@!+]
[+!@!!+!@@9!!!@!!!B
[+!!@@!!@@@W!@@@@!@
2!!@@!8@@!@O!:!!@@C
/!@@@@@@!J!!++!!!@]
@@@!!@@!!!@++!@!@?]
!!!!+!@@!!!++!@@@+]
D@!+!!@Q@!!!!@!+++]
E@!!!@+@!! A @@@@+*++]
[@@@1@@!P!HSR@K+++]
[+@V@U@@!!+!!!@@++]
[+@!!0@G@!!!@@!@@+]
[++@!!!@@@!@@@!@!+]
[+++@T!@!@@@!@!67+]
[+@@@@!!!@@!!!!N@@]
[++!@!+++!@@!++!!@]
[+@@!!!@+!@;<!+!@+@
,)@M@IL!)!F!))435@.
Diagram 35
(Moves: 247-287)
287 moves: White won by half a point.
Lee Sedol won the game in a shocking, last minute reversal. He was now leading the match 2–0.
Gu Li made another good start in the opening, but Lee turned the tables after settling his weak groups
at the bottom and on the left side, without sustaining any significant damage.
White Z (! A ) was a mistake, and Gu was able to attack White’s center group. In addition, Lee
misjudged the implications of the ko fight, and the game was reversed again.
Gu’s endgame was fine, almost until the end, but he made several small mistakes and lost a won game.
White only won by half a point, but using territory scoring White would have won by 1.5. The Chinese
rules use area scoring, so Black gains a point when he plays last. This is partly why komi is 7.5 points.
The uncertainty of the last move means a half point lead can be comfortable or uncomfortable. In
general, barring an unusual seki, White wins close games by either 0.5 or 2.5 and Black by either 1.5
or 3.5 points using this method of counting. This can be quite confusing if you’re not used to it.
Lee’s endgame is different to that of other top professionals. His play is fierce and is backed by deep
reading. His unconventional moves and constant probing make the endgame harder than usual for his
opponents. This intense psychological pressure sometimes causes his opponents to make mistakes, so
Lee reverses many games with his magical endgame tactics.
Losing the game in this way was a heavy blow for Gu, because he maintained his lead throughout most
of the endgame, only to make several small and unbelievable mistakes right at the end.
He was under a great deal of pressure; not just because he was playing a jubango against Lee, but
because the large contingent of Chinese fans and reporters at the venue were expecting him to win.
In general, top pros don’t make many mistakes in the endgame, and this game was an aberration for
Gu. His challenge now was to let go of his despair and regain his balance in time for game three.
Chapter 3
March
March 30, 2014, Chengdu, China: Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
<(((((((((Ofl((((((>
[++++++++ffiffL+++M]
[++++˙‹+P«—‰ı˚+HJ‘a
[++ˆ++‚++˘”fi–++´IK]
[+X++ˇ+++„»+ffl+++++]
[+¯T+++++++TNQUˇ++]
[++@+U+DH+P+SR+++G]
`>VW[+GCBONKMQ<+;+]
?%cV´SAFE\IJ+Z´:+D]
c`\‚a+-.¨[ZL+»=–B+]
[b]^_«$+R+Y“¯˙„C˝>]
[,“‘ˆ‚„++++—˘›«!@?]
[+++›‹"+#++5”+++ A]
ˆ+¸)fl»0!++ff+++)+768
[]ˇ—&’ffl ı¸3*(›E$]
[˚˜¨–”4‰/“fi2%-’&"FX
^˝¨¯ffi˛+31˛71‹0,˜#.W
[˘˙(+++˝2+:4<8/9+56
,)))))¸˚˛))));9)=Y.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-222)
* at ¯, _ ˜ at I, b at \
135
136 March
Chengdu
The third game of the match was played in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, on March 30, 2014.
Lee Sedol played black.
Chengdu is a major city in Western China and has a long history as a regional hub—spanning more
than 2,000 years. Marco Polo visited the city in the 13th century, and today it is home to towering
skyscrapers, fiery cuisine and the irresistibly cute panda.
Since Lee Sedol won the first two games, he should have had a psychological advantage going into the
third, but the mood of the series changed abruptly just before this game took place.
One week earlier, there was a game between Gu Li and Lee Sedol at the 4th Zhaoshang Cup (see
Chapter 45). Lee’s play in that game indicated that he was in poor form, and Gu won.
When Lee isn’t in good form, he tends to rush; playing thin and overly territorial moves, instead of
solid moves which emphasize power. If you look at that game, you’ll feel that Lee’s play was different
to his play in the present match. The Zhaoshang Cup is a team tournament, and neither player would
have cared about the result as much as they usually do. However, there was another game shortly
afterwards which changed the flow of the Jubango even more dramatically.
The Round of 16 of the 10th Chunlan Cup took place just two days before this game, and Gu and Lee
were paired together once again (based on drawing lots). This game was different. Both players did
their best and you could feel the intensity of their fighting spirits from the beginning until the very
end (see Chapter 46).
In the Chunlan Cup, Gu Li took the lead after a large trade on the right side, and maintained his lead
throughout most of the game. Lee Sedol caught up near the end as usual, with his characteristic fierce
and powerful moves, and almost reversed it. Nevertheless, Gu managed to hold on to the narrowest
of leads amidst the chaos. Lee knew that he was losing by half a point, and that there was no way to
catch up, so he resigned.
Winning those two games seemed to restore Gu Li’s confidence, and relieve the mental pressure he felt
about playing Lee Sedol in this match. On the other hand, Lee Sedol suffered a serious psychological
blow and he only had one day to regain his composure before the Jubango resumed.
We humans are emotional creatures. Even for professionals, it can be difficult to dismiss a previous loss
from your thoughts and be completely in the moment, especially when there isn’t much time between
games. However, if you don’t do so, you will still be playing the previous game in some corner of your
mind, draining your energy and distracting you from the game at hand. Part of being a strong Go
player—especially a professional—is developing the mental toughness to do this, but we are all human.
In light of his two recent losses, some pundits claimed that Lee was saving his energy and stamina for
the Jubango, and, that if he won, the pain of his recent failures would just melt away...
March 137
That Which Bends Is Not Always Weak
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ˆ+++++*+++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++ D +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ E ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨+++++*+++++* A +]
[++ B + C +++++++++˜++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 1-4)
Yield and overcome; bend and be straight; empty and be full.
—Lao Zi, Dao De Jing
In Chapter 2, Black played ˜ at A and we discussed White’s possible response at B. In this game,
Black played ˜ facing his star point at ´, and White changed his stance accordingly with ¨. Setting
up a two star formation with ¨ is the most popular choice in this opening.
After ˜, White isn’t as concerned about Black approaching at C anymore, and his focus shifts instead
to the potential of Black’s anticipated moyo (for example, if Black plays the Chinese Opening at D).
We touched upon the strategic advantages of ˆ in Chapters 1 and 2, and if you explored the variations
in those chapters the flexibility of ˆ may already be apparent to you.
The important thing to grasp is the way in which White keeps his options open with ˆ. If Black plays
˜, ¨ suits the position nicely. If ˜ is at A instead, ¨ at B is a harmonious response. Of course,
other moves are possible too. Go is not that simple.
Influencing the shape of the opening is a privilege of the first move, but some readers may object to
White dancing in step with Black. Perhaps you would prefer ¨ as an immediate approach around E?
There is great freedom in the opening, so you can choose any moves that appeal to you. Just understand
that adapting smoothly to Black’s choices is not weak. Such a strategy holds its own subtle power;
like water slowly wearing down stone.
Black rarely plays the two star formation in contemporary openings, because professionals think it’s
too simple. It’s nevertheless a nimble formation for White, which gives him two free hands to deal
with whatever may come. Since Black has the first move and White has komi, the trend has been for
White to focus on balance and flexibility, rather than immediate territory.
138 March
The Chinese Opening
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++˚++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@ A ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++˝+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++++@ B ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 5-6)
Lee Sedol started the game with the classic form of the Chinese Opening, at @
A, @
B and ˝.
This isn’t Lee’s favorite opening, but it seems that he was trying to clear his mind by playing something
different. As far as openings go, the Chinese Opening is relatively straightforward and dependable.
[+++++++++++++++++] On the other hand, Gu Li likes to play the two star
[++*+++++*+++++*++] formation against the Chinese Opening, and he usu-
[+++++++++++++++@+] ally continues with the corner enclosure at ´.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This is a firm way to reduce Black’s potential at the
[+++++++++++++++++] bottom of the board.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++] From 2005 onwards, Gu often played ´ and it be-
[++++´+++++++++@++] came quite popular amongst professionals. We’ll dis-
[+++++++++++++++++] cuss this ‘Gu Li style’ opening in Chapter 5.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 1 for ˚
[+++++++++++++++++] Approaching from the wider side with ´ is another
[++*+++++*+++++*++] popular strategy for reducing the potential of Black’s
[+++++++++++++++@+] Chinese Opening.
[+ B +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ C +] If Black encloses the corner with ˆ, extending to ˜
[+¨+++++++++++++++] is natural and now it’s Black’s turn to reduce White’s
[++++++++++++++ˆ++]
[++!+++++˜++´++*++] moyo with ¨.
[++++ A ++++++ D ++@++] White can continue with A or B next, and aims to
[+++++++++++++++++] invade at C later. Instead of ´, White D is a similar
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 2 for ˚ idea which leads to another game.
March 139
[+++++++++++++++++] Extending immediately to ´ is a more flexible strat-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] egy because White avoids exchanging A for B. This
[+++++++++++++++@+] retains the possibility of entering Black’s Chinese for-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] mation at B later.
[+++++++++++++++++] Depending on how the game develops, White might
[++++++++++++++ B ++]
[++!+++++´+ C A ++*++] still approach at A, but for now his strategy is to wait
[++++++++++++++@++] and see. Of course, this also gives Black the option of
[+++++++++++++++++] approaching at C to expand his moyo at some point.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 3 for ˚ We’ll revisit this move in Chapter 8.
<(((((((((((((((((> Approaching from the inside with ´ goes against the
[+++++++++++++++++] direction of play.
[++++++++++++ A ++++]
[++!+++++*+++¨+@++] It’s better for White to approach from the wider side
[+++++++++++++++ˆ+] with A (as in the game). This is because White’s
[++++++++++++++˜´+] potential on the right side is already limited by @
B.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++ C D +++] After Black pressures White with ˆ to ˚, White
[+++++++++++++++˝+] feels cramped and Black is developing potential on
[++*+++++*++++˚*++] both sides. White’s group still isn’t settled and he
[+++++++++++++++@ B +]
[+++++++++++++++++] should defend at C or D next. Black aims to enlarge
[+++++++++++++++++] his moyo at E soon.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In conclusion, it’s too early to play at ´. White
[++!+++++*+++ E +*++] should wait until the areas around the top and the
[++++++++++++++@++] bottom of the board are more settled, at which point
[+++++++++++++++++] ´ might become playable.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 4 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> The low approach at ´ is the worst option we will
[+++++++++++++++++] consider in this discussion.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++] Black can make White heavy by kicking with ˆ, and
[+++++++++++++++++] White can’t establish a comfortable base because @
A
[+++++++++++++++++] is already pincering him.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black will develop his positions on both sides while
[+++++++++++++++++] White runs out into the center. Most of the stones
[++*+++++*+++++*++] White plays in this area will end up occupying dame.
[+++++++++++++˚+@ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++] You may recall that the Ten Golden Rules of Go
[+++++++++++++++˝+] advise us to “Be unhurried about invading.”
[++++++++++++ˇ++++]
[++++++++++++++˜´+] This is exactly the kind of situation the proverb cau-
[++!+++++*++˘+¨*ˆ+] tions against. Always be careful not to enter your
[++++++++++++++@++] opponent’s sphere of influence rashly, or too deeply.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 5 for ˚
140 March
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˝ and ˇ comprise a more sophisticated tech-
[++*+++++*+++++˚++] nique for managing White’s weak group flexibly, but
[++++++++++++˙++@+] Black is still able to develop on both sides while at-
[+++++++++++++˝+ˇ˘]
[+++++++++++¸+++¯+] tacking.
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s original invasion at ´ betrayed a jealous at-
[++++++++++++++˜´+]
[++!+++++*++++¨*ˆ+] titude, and no degree of tactical brilliance can make
[++++++++++˛+++@++] up for a fundamental strategic error of this nature.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 6 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> Approaching at ´ is another example of playing on
[+++++++++++++++++] the narrow side. Black @A is already acting as a pin-
[++++++++++++„++++] cer, so White’s potential here is very small.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ˆ is the most common response when Black
[+++++++++++++++++] has a stone at @
A , and ˚ maintains the pressure.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White can establish a small base with ˇ, and the
[+++++++++++++++“+] moves from ˘ to ” form a middle game joseki. How-
[++*+++++*+++++*+‹] ever, the result favors Black, because once again it’s
[+++++++++++++++@ A ‚]
[++++++++++++++˛+›] too early to enter his sphere of influence.
[+++++++++++++¯”ˇ+] Black „ is a steady way to develop Black’s top right
[++++++++++++˘˙¸++]
[++++++++++++++´++] area, and the result favors Black. Instead of „, Black
[++!+++++*+++ˆ+*˝+] also wants to extend at B, but his advantage will be
[++++++++ B +++++@˜+] less certain if he allows White to approach at „.
[+++++++++++++++¨˚]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 7 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> Black ˆ is another good idea, because after ˇ Black
[+++++++++++++++++] has already closed the door to his territory in the
[+++++++++++++++++] bottom right.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This gives Black a free hand to develop a moyo in
[++++++++++++++˙++] the top right.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White doesn’t move out with ¯, Black can seal
[+++++++++++++++++] him in at A.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++˘+@+] Note how A would loosely connect ˆ and ˘ with
[+++++++++++++++++] a two space jump and large knight’s move. This is
[++++++++++++¯++ˇ+] what to look for when aiming or threatening to seal
[++++++++++++ A ++++]
[++++++++++++++´++] a group in.
[++!+++++*+++++*˝+] There are whole books dedicated to the Chinese
[++++++++++++ˆ+@˜+] Opening, so we won’t go into more detail here.
[+++++++++++++++¨˚]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 8 for ˚
March 141
There Are Many Paths to Success
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++++++++ E ++]
[+++++++++ D A +!++ F +]
[++!+++++˘+ G +++@++]
[++++++++++ C ++++++]
[++++++++++++++ˇ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++ B +++++*++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 4
(Moves: 7-8)
Black defended at ˇ, which is common in this opening, and White simply extended to ˘ at the top.
Most professionals stopped playing ˘ because it makes it easy for Black to invade at A later. However,
that doesn’t mean ˘ is a bad move—professionals just tend to place a premium on cash in the bank.
If Black has a stone around B later, he can also exchange C for D as part of a large moyo strategy.
In contrast, if the players follow the prevalent joseki with ˘ at E, Black F and White D, Black can’t
invade and can only develop the center later (e.g. by pressing at G). This limits Black’s options.
There are many effective ways of playing Go, and so many unexplored avenues. Even in the middle
game, the kaleidoscopic selection of possible strategies is breathtaking, so you should never allow
yourself to be fooled into believing there’s only one possible move.
Perhaps we Go players are excessively fond of the phrase, ‘the only move’. In practice, the number of
situations where there really is just one viable move are far fewer than those where there are choices.
There are many paths to success and they are always branching. Let’s see some concrete examples...
<(((((((((((((((((> ...but first let’s address ´, which doesn’t harmonize
[++++++++++++˚++++] with the standard Chinese Opening. It’s difficult to
[++++++++++´+!+¨ˆ+] find a good response after White invades at ˆ.
[++!+++++*++++˝@˜+]
[+++++++++++ˇ+++++] Blocking at ˜ seems to help Black to develop the
[+++++++++++++++++] right side, but White will be able to reduce with A,
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] B or C, so Black’s right side moyo feels out of kilter.
[+++++++++++++++++] This joseki is usually played when Black has a high
[++*+++++*++++ B C E +] stone on the right side around C. It doesn’t work as
[+++++++++++++ A +@ D +]
Variation 9 for ˇ well when Black’s stone is low (at D or E).
142 March
<(((((((((((((((((> Blocking on the other side with ˜ isn’t good either,
[+++++++++++++ˇ˚˘+] and that’s why Black prefers to play ´ at A.
[++++++++++´+!¯˜ˆ+]
[++!+++++*+++++@¨+] The joseki up to ˙ is natural, but @
B ends up in an
[++++++++++++++˝++] awkward position. Black wishes @B were at C now.
[++++++++++++++ A ˙+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Even though joseki are said to provide an even result,
[+++++++++++++++++] that’s only true in the local context.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Your strategy must be flexible, and should take all
[+++++++++++++++@ B +] the stones that are already on the board into account.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Having a rigid approach—perhaps with a favorite
[+++++++++++++++++] joseki—isn’t good, because it may not suit the po-
[+++++++++++++++ C +] sition and your stones will easily become inefficient.
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++++@++] If you keep your mind open to the existence of many
[+++++++++++++++++] paths, you will have the freedom to try new things.
,))))))))))))))))). This is both challenging and exciting.
Variation 10 for ˇ
<(((((((((((((((((> Sliding at ´ was the most common move in this
[++++++++++++++´++] opening for a long time. Black can choose between
[++++++++++ B C !++ A +] local responses like A, B and C later, depending on
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] the overall situation.
[++++++++++++++@++] It’s not clear yet what the best response in the top
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] right is, so Black might tenuki now and play around
[+++++++++++++++++] D or E. The idea is to see how White responds.
[++*+++++*+++++*++] This is an important and subtle point; since there
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] are many paths, it’s sometimes better not to commit
[+++++++++++++++++] to any particular path, or settle the shape, until you
[+++++++++++++++++] see how the board develops elsewhere.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++ E +++++*++] Since ignoring ´ proved effective for Black, some
[++++ D +++++++++@++] players began to experiment with ´ at A...
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 11 for ˘
<(((((((((((((((((> White’s invasion at ´ is very severe, which makes it
[+++++++++++++¨˜˝+] hard to ignore. Splitting White’s stones with ˆ is a
[++++++++++++!˚ˆ´+] common sense response.
[++!+++++*+++++@ A +]
[+++++++++++++++¯ˇ] If Black plays ˆ at A, White will simply connect at
[++++++++++++++@ B ˙˘]
ˆ. In that case, Black’s play would be considered
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] slack and @B would end up being over-concentrated.
[+++++++++++++++++] The variation up to ˙ is a fragment of a well known
[++*+++++*+++++*++] joseki.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 12 for ˘
March 143
<((((((((((((˛((((> White ¸ is the result of recent research, and can be
[++++++++++++¸@!!+] regarded as something of a prototype joseki.
[++++++++‚+++!@@!+]
[++!+++++*+++++@ A +] Joseki books tell us that White needs to live in the
[++++++++++++++‹!!] corner with A now, but the board is wider than just
[++++++++++++++@@@] the corner and developing rapidly with ¸ and ‚ is
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] also conceivable.
[+++++++++++++++++] After ‹, White can tenuki and the result is even.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] Since White has mostly settled the shape of the top
Variation 13 for ˘ right corner in sente, he now has more information
about how to play elsewhere on the board...
<((((((((((((@» A ((> For example, White might use sente to limit Black’s
[++++++++++++!@tt+] large moyo and develop rapidly with › and ”.
[++++++++!+++!@@t+]
[++!+++++*+++++@++] White’s marked group is more resilient than it looks,
[++++++++++++++@tt„ because descending at A is sente, but what if Black
[+«++++++++++++@@@] wants to capture the corner, to ‘punish’ White?
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] One Go proverb tells us “There is death in the hane,”
[+++++++++++++++++] so „ appears to be the vital point for life and death,
[++*+++++*+++++*++] but White still isn’t completely captured.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] White can ignore „ in exchange for another big point
[+++++++++++++++++] at «, and he still has a chance of living in the corner
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++“++] later (see the variation below).
[++!+++++”++›++*++] Black » captures the corner, but White takes sente
[++++++++++++++@++] again and has the better position. Even giving up
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). five stones and a corner is possible if you take enough
Variation 14 for ˘ compensation! There are many paths to success.
<((((((((((( A @»–(> It’s too early to play in the corner right now, but
[++++++++++++s@tt— B later White can still make a ko with « to .
[++++++++s+++s@@t+]
[++!+++++*+++++@+«] The ko is heavy for Black so, if White does play «
[++++++++++++++@tt„ now, Black shouldn’t rush to start the ko either.
[++++++++++++++@@@]
[+++++++++++++++++] Even if Black wins the ko, the result won’t be that
[+++++++++++++++++] impressive because White will be able to play two
[+++++++++++++++++] moves elsewhere.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] Meanwhile, if White wins the ko (at A) his marked
[+++++++++++++++++] weak groups will become connected and strong.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White also has some local ko threats, starting at B.
[++++++++++++++“++]
[++!+++++”++›++*++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 15 for ˘
144 March
<(((((((((((ff@ı(–> If Black doesn’t want to fight the ko he can play »
[++++++++++++t@!!»— to in the endgame, but it’s not good to do this too
[++++++++t+++t@@!‰] early, because White’s marked stones become strong.
[++!+++++*+++++@« A
[++++++++++++++@!!„ Instead of ı, if White connects at Black will take
[++++++++++++++@@@] a liberty at A. White’s liberties will then be too short
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] to cut at ı, and his corner stones will be captured.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++“++]
[++!+++++”++›++*++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 16 for ˘
<((((((((((((@((((> Since playing to capture the corner with A doesn’t
[++++++++++++t@!!+] work properly at this stage, it’s better for Black to
[++++„+++t+++t@@!+] invade around „.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++++@!! A Black’s position in the top right is quite solid and
[++++++++++++++@@@] powerful, so Black wants to use it to attack.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] After Black plays at „, we can see that White’s
[+++++++++++++++++] marked stones are relatively thin and weak. Black
[++*+++++*+++++*++] plans to attack the marked stones, or (if White de-
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] fends them), use „ to take profit in the top left.
[+++++++++++++++++] We called „ an invasion, but when an invasion is
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++“++] backed by nearby power like this it’s possible to grad-
[++!+++++”++›++*++] ually turn the tables and take the initiative from your
[++++++++++++++@++] opponent. You want to shift from defending to at-
[+++++++++++++++++] tacking, when you can.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 17 for ˘
<(((((((((((( A ˛ B ((> If Black descends at ˛, instead of playing the hane
[++++++++++++¸@!!+] at A, the variations we just explored no longer work.
[++++++++++++!@@!+] This is because B isn’t sente for White.
[++!+++++*‹++++@‚+]
[++++++++++++„“›!!] In this case, White should reinforce the corner with
[++++++++++++»”@@@] ‚.
[++++++++++++–«+++]
[++++++++++++++—++] Now there are many possible choices. For example,
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can pincer with ‹ and steel himself to fight
[++*+++++*+++++*++] after White cuts at ”.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 18 for ˘ The moves up to — are playable for both sides.
March 145
<(((((((((((((˛(((> Defending the cutting point with ‹ is also possible.
[++++++++++++¸@!!+]
[++++++++++++!@@!+] White will be happy to extend along the top with ›,
[++!+++++›+++++@‚+] but Black will have sente to expand his moyo at the
[+++++++++++++++!!] bottom.
[++++++++++++‹+@@@]
[+++++++++++++++++] This variation is playable too.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 19 for ˘
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black plays at ˘ immediately, instead of attaching
[+++++++++++++¨˜˝+] at A, White can kick at ¯ in sente before approach-
[++++ B +¸+++++!˚ˆ´+] ing at ¸.
[++!+++++˘+++++@++]
[++++++++++++++++ˇ] This variation is still playable for Black, but since
[++++++++++++++@¯ A ] the right side is left open most players wouldn’t be
[++++++++++++++˙++]
[+++++++++++++++++] as happy with this as they would with Variation 12.
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ˘, approaching at B is also conceivable.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 20 for ˘
<(((((((((((((((((> Pushing underneath with ˚ is also possible.
[++++++++++++˚¨˜˝+]
[+++++++++++‹!+ˆ´+] The idea behind ˚ is that it prevents White from
[++!+++++*++“‚+@›+] blocking at the same point.
[+++++++++++++˛¸¯ˇ]
[++++++++++++++@˙˘] White will still play ˇ to ¯, and extending at ‚ is
[+++++++++++++++++] an interesting move which exposes cutting points in
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s position.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++] White takes sente after “, and it’s another game.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 21 for ˘
<((((((((((((((˚((> The tiger’s mouth at ˝ feels somewhat out of place
[++++++++++++ A ¨˜ˇ˝] in this opening, because Black can exchange ˚ to ‚
[++++++++++++!˘ˆ´+] in sente before extending to ‹.
[++!+++++‹+++++@+‚]
[+++++++++++++++¸˙] Notice how the exchange of ˚ for ˇ means that A
[++++++++++++++@˛¯] is no longer sente for White. Moreover, while White
[++++++++++++++++ B ]
[+++++++++++++++++] B will be big later, it’s too slow to play right now.
[+++++++++++++++++] We’ve merely scratched the surface in the preceding
[++*+++++*+++++*++] analysis, but hopefully this practical illustration of
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 22 for ˘ the many paths will help you to expand your percep-
tion of the countless possibilities in Go.
146 March
A Tactical Approach
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++˙+++++++!++++]
[ A +!+++++!+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+¯++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ B +++++++++++++++]
[++ C +++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+¸+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++˛+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 5
(Moves: 9-12)
Approaching at the bottom with ¯ at ˛ is more common, but Lee chose to reduce White with ¯.
Black ¸ was a tactical approach to the opening. Black could also continue with ¸ at A or B, which
would be simpler. Playing ¸ at ˛, followed by White at ¸ and Black C, is another possible tactic.
<(((((((((((((((((> Pincering at ´ is another strategy.
[++ B ++++++++++++++]
[+ˆ˜+++++++++!++++] This is a well known joseki and the result is satis-
[+¨!+++++!+++++@++] factory for both players, but we can expect that Lee
[++˝++++++++++++++] would push up with ˚ at A instead.
[˚@ A +++++++++++@++]
[+++ˇ+++++++++++++] Compared to the shape in the next variation, Black’s
[ C ´+++++++++++++++] position in the corner is thinner, with slightly less
[ E D +++++++++++++++] territory, and moves around B potentially threaten
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Black.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] However, White’s outside position is also thinner, so
[+++++++++++++++++] there are pros and cons to each joseki.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Later on, if Black is in trouble in the corner or the
[++!+++++*+++++*++] area on the left becomes small, Black can attach at
[++++++++++++++@++] C to expand his eyespace. White usually answers C
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). at D, because if he hanes at E Black’s crosscut at D
Variation 23 for ˙ is difficult to deal with.
March 147
<(((((((((((((((((> After ´ to ˝, we can expect Black to push up with
[+++++++++++++++++] ˚. This move is more appropriate in this situation.
[˙ˆ˜++ A ++++ B +!++++]
˛¯¨!+++++!+++++@++] The moves from ´ to ” form another joseki, but the
[˘ˇ˝++++++++++++++] result is slightly better for Black than the previous
“¸@˚‚++++++++++@++] variation.
[‹+›+”++++++++++++]
[+´+++++++++++++++] That’s because Black can invade the top with either
[+++++++++++++++++] A or B later. We’ll examine A in Chapter 7.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] After ”, Black can take sente and develop his moyo
Variation 24 for ˙ at the bottom.
<(((((((((((((((((> White might also consider pincering @
A (¸ in the
[+++++++++++++++++] game) with ´.
[++++!+++++++!++++]
[ B +!+++++!+++++@++] However, after the moves through to ˘, Black has
[+¯+++++++++++++++] good continuations at B and ˙, and the moves up
[+@++++++++++++@++] to ˛ are playable for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The sequence from ˆ to ˘ forms part of an obsolete
[+++++++++++++++++] joseki, and White would usually complete the joseki
[++*+++++*+++++*++] by playing ¯ as the atari at C.
[++´++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] The local result after C is regarded as being slightly
[+˙¨˛+++++++++++++] better for White, because White is thick and ap-
[C@ A ˜˝+++++++++++++]
[¸ˇ+++++++++++++++] proaching with White D later will be powerful.
[++!+++++*+++++*++] Remember though that the board is wide, and if
[+˚˘+ˆ+ D +++++++@++] White completes the joseki at C, Black will be happy
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). to slide to B. White ¯ in this variation prevents that,
Variation 25 for ˛ but Black is nevertheless satisfied.
<(((((((((((((((((> White ´ is often played in handicap games, because
[+++++++++++++++++] it pincers A and B simultaneously and prevents Black
[++++!+++++++!++++] from establishing an ideal formation on the left side.
[++!+++++!+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This appears at first to be an excellent tactic, but
[+@
A ++++++++++++@++]
practical experience shows that it lacks severity.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black will respond with ˆ to ‹ and, after White
[+++++++++++++++++] encloses Black with ›, Black can develop rapidly
[++´+++++*+++++*++] with “.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++‹›+++++++++++++] Black’s stone at A is still light and this result is good
[˙+¨‚+++++++++++++] for Black.
[+@
B ˜˝+++++++++++++]
[˘ˇ¯++++++++++++++] If you study the tactics pertaining to star point cor-
[˛˚!+++++“+++++*++] ners in detail, you will find that star points like to
[+¸++ˆ+++++++++@++] pincer firmly, with a one or two space pincer (in most
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). cases). We’ll discuss this further in Chapter 6.
Variation 26 for ˛
148 March
<(((((((((((((((((> White might consider pincering at ‚, to avoid the
[+++++++++++++++++] previous variation, but ‹ is a key point for power
[+”++!+++++++!++++] and Black can counter-attack with „.
[“+!+++++!+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In the previous variation, White occupied the key
[+@++++++++++++@++] point for power at ‹ and connected ´ to the rest
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++„++++++++++++++] of his group. He also enclosed Black, which usually
[+++++++++++++++++] promises future profit even if a group can’t be cap-
[++´+++++*+++++*++] tured.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] In this variation, ´ is isolated and under attack, and
[˙+¨‹+++++++++++++] White does not have sufficient compensation.
[+@˜˝+++++++++++++]
[˘ˇ¯++++++++++++++]
[˛˚!+++++*+++++*++]
[+¸+›ˆ++‚++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 27 for ˛
<(((((((((((((((((> As we saw in Chapter 2, responding to White’s pincer
[+++++++++++++++++] at ´ by offering to trade with ˆ is often a simple
[++++!+++++++!++++] and effective strategy.
[++!+++++!+++++@++]
[+¸+++++++++++++++] However, in this case it’s too simple and it hands the
[+@
A ˛+++++++++++@++]
initiative to White. That means it’s a bad strategy
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++‚++++++++++++++] in this situation.
[+++++++++++++++++] The moves from ´ through to ˙ follow the ba-
[++´+++++*+++++*++] sic joseki, but Black’s stones at A and B are left
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] stranded.
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of playing honte at C, White will kick @
A with
[+@
B C ++++++++++++++]
[ˇ¯+++++++++++++++] ¸ and, if Black stands at ˛, take the vital point at
[˚˜!˝++++*+++++*++] ‚. This result is good for White.
[˘ˆ¨+˙+++++++++@++] Remember to look for ways to make your stones work
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). together, as Black did in the previous variation.
Variation 28 for ˛
[+++++++++++++++++] The low pincer at ´ is also conceivable. It makes
[+´*+++++*+++++*++] a slightly stronger attempt at taking away Black’s
[+++++++++++++++@+] eyespace, but it’s also harder to move into the center
[+˙+++++++++++++++]
[++¨++++++++++++++] later.
[+@˜˝+++++++++++++] The moves up to ˙ can be expected, after which it’s
[+˘ A C E ++++++++++++]
[+˚! B D F ++*+++++*++] hard to tell who’s attacking whom. This result is
[+ˇ++ˆ+++++++++@++] acceptable for Black.
[++¯++++++++++++++] If Black pushes at A later, White will play B to F
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 29 for ˛ and trade ˜ and ˝ for ˆ and some territory.
March 149
Mount Fuji Is a Volcano
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++!++++]
[++!+++++!”++++@++]
[++++++++„++++++++]
[+T++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ A +++++++++++++++]
[++ C ++++++++++++++]
[++‚+++++*+++++*++]
[++ D ++++++++++++@+]
[+ B +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+T+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++›++]
[++!+++++“++ E ++*++]
[++++!++++++‹++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 6
(Moves: 13-18)
Black ‚ and the marked stones completed an ideal formation known as Mount Fuji. Nevertheless,
White was happy to play at the top and the bottom and the opening up to “ was well balanced.
Even though the Mount Fuji formation looks pleasing, it’s actually still quite weak. White can easily
disrupt the shape with moves like A, B, C or D later. Technically, Mount Fuji is still an active volcano.
Playing ‹ at the bottom worked well in this opening. White could also play at E instead, but ‹ in
the game was more practical and made it easier for White to claim the territory at the bottom.
The left and right sides were occupied by Black, while White took the top and the bottom. This kind
of opening, where the players just take all the big points, is quite boring. It’s unusual to see openings
like this in top professionals’ games, because they usually try to oppose one another’s plans and play
more actively.
Black ” was the first contact move of the game. Lee Sedol was ready to fight and Gu Li had several
options now. Extending quietly to „ was the best response.
<(((((((((((((((((> Since White’s shape at the top also resembles Mount
[+++++++++˘˝++++++] Fuji, the following variations will give you some ideas
[++++!++ A ˚´ˆˇ!++++] about how such a formation can be disrupted. We’ll
[++!+++++!@˜+++@++]
[+++++++++¨+++++++] come back to this topic again later on in the game.
[+@++++++++++++@++] If White hanes at ´, the moves up to ˘ can be ex-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] pected. This variation is conceivable for both players.
[+++++++++++++++++] Next, White can consider connecting at ˆ, or play-
[++@+++++*+++++*++] ing atari at A...
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 30 for „
150 March
<(((((((((((((((((> Connecting at ¯ is a little passive.
[+++++++++@!++++++]
[++++!+++@!¯!!++++] Black will be happy to capture !
A in a ladder.
[++!++++˙! A @!+++@++]
[+++++++++@+++++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 31 for „
<(((((((((((((((((> The atari at ¯ is the proper move for White in this
[+++++++++@!++++++] case, and the result up to ‚ is playable for both
[++++!++¯@!˙!!+‚¸+] sides.
[++!++++˛!@!+++@++]
[+++++++++@+++++++] However...
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 32 for „
<(((((((((((((((((> Answering at ˛ is better for Black in this game.
[++++++++›@!++++++]
[++++!++¯@! a ˙!!+˛¸+] By playing this way, Black is able to play two moves
[++!+++++!@!+++@++] in a row at the bottom, while White resolves the ko.
[+++++++++@+++++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++] This variation favors Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!++++‹!+++++*++]
[++++!+++“++!++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 33 for „
‚ at !
a
March 151
<(((((((((((((((((> Pushing up with ˝ is also conceivable for White.
[++++++++¯ˇ+++++++]
[++++!+++˚´ˆ+!++++] In general, it’s good technique to push on the side
[++!+++++!@˜+++@++] where your cutting stone is, rather than at A. This
[++++++++ A ¨˝+¸++++] isn’t an ironclad rule though.
[+@+++++++˘˙+˛+@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can build a wall in the center with ˙ and ˛,
[+++++++++++++++++] and this works well with his existing moyo.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++] This isn’t a good strategy for White in this opening.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 34 for „
<(((((((((((((((((> Playing atari at ¯ is a mistake, because ˛ is a skill-
[++++++++¸ˇ˙+ A ++++] ful sacrifice tesuji.
[++++!++¯˚´ˆ›!++++]
[++!+++++!@˜˛”+@++] The result after « (at ˛) is terrible for White, be-
[+++++++++¨˝‚‹++++] cause Black becomes strong and powerful in the cen-
[+@+++++++˘„“++@++] ter, in sente.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ›, if White tries to resist with the empty
[+++++++++++++++++] triangle at “, Black at ›, ” and Black A will leave
[++@+++++*+++++*++] White in a tough spot.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!+++++*++]
[++++!++++++!++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 35 for „
« at ˛
<(((((((((((((((((> Connecting at ˝ isn’t a good choice in this case.
[+++++++++ B ˇ A +++++]
[++++!+++˝´ˆ¯!++++] Up to ¯, Black has effectively walled off the top in
[++!+++++!@˜˚++@++] sente, and can develop a deep moyo on the right side
[+++++++++¨˘++++++] with ˙.
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White omits ¯ and takes sente to pre-emptively
[+++++++++++++++++] reduce the right side, Black can start a ko with Black
[+++++++++++++++++] A, ¯ and Black B at any time.
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] This is a picnic ko for Black. Losing the ko won’t
[+++++++++++++++++] severely damage Black’s position, whereas White will
[+++++++++++++++++] suffer greatly if he loses it—very bad news for White.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++˙++@++] After ˙, Black can aim to play at C later.
[++!+++++!+++++*++]
[++++!++++ C +!++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 36 for „
152 March
Use Power to Invade
<((((((((((fl((((((>
[++++++++ffiff+++++]
[++++!++ A «—‰ı!++++]
[++!+++++!@fi–++@++]
[++++++++!»+ffl+++++]
[+T++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ B +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++T+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+ C ++++++++++++!++]
[+++++++++++++++ +]
[+T+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!+++++*"+]
[++++!++++++!++@#+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 7
(Moves: 19-35)
Black – was the proper haengma after « and ». If Black simply extends at fi, White will hane at
A and the exchange of » for Black at fi will be good for White.
Black’s driving tesuji at is usually good technique, but simply playing at ı would have been better
in this game. Black ffl secured the corner territory while reducing White’s thickness over the center.
Black’s large corner territory may look good, but the overall result favored White. White became very
thick and powerful at the top, and this made Black’s marked stones thin.
White used his newfound power to invade at . After !, " was adroit and # was natural.
Invading the left side wasn’t urgent, because there were weaknesses at both B and C, and Black couldn’t
repair them efficiently with a single move.
On the other hand, Black’s lower right area was almost complete, and as we know already the best
time to invade is just before territory is completed.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black’s hane at A (« in the game) was deft.
[+++++++++++ C +¨+++]
[++++!+++ A ˆ+˜!++ B +] The shoulder hit at ´ is too ordinary, and ˆ and
[++!+++++!@+´++@++] ¨ become a powerful combination.
[++++++++!++++++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++] B and C are miai for White next. Black can’t achieve
[+++++++++++++++++] a decent result after ¨.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 37 for «
March 153
<(((((((((((((((((> If White cuts at ´, we can expect the variation up
[+++++++ C ˇ˜¨++++++] to “ and the result is even. Gu may have thought
[++++!++›@´ˆ˛! E D +++]
that Black’s corner territory was too big though.
[++!+++++!@˝˘“+@++]
[++++++++!˚¯ A B ++++] If White turns at A, instead of playing ¸, Black will
[+@++++++‹˙¸+++@++] double hane at B and the result will be similar to
[++++++++++‚++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Variation 35 (which was good for Black).
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ´, if White hanes at › we can expect
[++@+++++*+++++*++] Black at ´, White C, ˚ and White at ‹, after
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 38 for » which Black will happily kick at D to attack !
E.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black simply pushes down at ´, White will extend
[+++++++++ˆ B +˜++++] to ˆ and Black can secure the corner with the hane
[++++!+++@!+´!++++] at ˜.
[++!+++++!@ A @++@++]
[++++++++!!+++++++] This result is better for Black than the actual game,
[+@++++++++++++@++] because White doesn’t become as thick at the top.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ´, connecting at A is too simple, because
[+++++++++++++++++] White can connect under with a stylish kosumi at B.
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 39 for
[+++++++++++++++++] Moving on to White’s invasion, if Black connects at
[++@+++++*+++++*ˇ˝] ´ (instead of # in the game), White can play the
[+++++++++++++++@¨] sequence from ˆ to ˙ to obtain a satisfactory result.
[+++++++++++++ B @+˚]
[+++++++++++++˜ˆ!+] It’s important to note the way Black’s corner be-
[+@+++++++++++ A +++] comes weak after White’s kosumi at ˘ takes away
[++++++++++++++@+˙]
[++!+++++!+++++´!+] Black’s base.
[++++!++++++!++@¯˘] This is somewhat uncomfortable for Black, because
[+++++++++++++++++] there are cutting points at A and B.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 40 for #
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black blocks at ´, White will create weaknesses
[++@+++++*+++++*++] with ˆ, before living with ¨ to ˙.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++] The cutting point at A will be annoying for Black,
[+++++++++++++++!+] so Lee didn’t choose this variation.
[+@+++++++++++++¯ˇ]
[+++++++++++++ A @´˚] Instead of ˙, White can also atari at B first, but
[++!+++++!++++˜ˆ!˘] Black C would make Black stronger at the bottom
[++++!++++ D +!+ C @¨+] and leave White thinner around D.
[+++++++++++++˝ B +˙]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 41 for #
154 March
There Are No Forcing Moves in a Fight
<((((((((((@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@+++++]
[++++!+++@!!@!++++]
[++!+++++!+!@++@++]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@ B $]
[++!+++++!++%++*!+]
[++++!++++++! A +@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 8
(Moves: 36-37)
White $ was an unusual and interesting move. It appears that Black wanted to exchange % for A in
sente, before playing at B. There was a hint of a forcing move, or asking move, in %.
However, once a fight begins in earnest you cannot rely on forcing moves; you can only offer to trade.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White just connects at ´, which is normal, Black
[++@+++++*+++++*˘˚] can take sente up to ¯ and reinforce his position on
[+++++++++++++++@˝] the left side with ˙.
[++++++++++++++@+ˇ]
[+++++++++++++¨˜!+] If White hanes at A later, blocking at B aims to play
[+@+˙++++++++++++¯] C. This means Black’s corner is stronger, with more
[++++++++++++++@´ D ]
[++!+++++!+++++ˆ! C ] eyespace than it had in Variation 40.
[++++!++++++!++@@ A ] Gu didn’t seem to like this variation, so he played at
[++++++++++++++++ B ] D ($ in the game) instead.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 42 for $
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black responds to !
A with the connection at ´,
[++@+++++*+++++*ˇ˝] the moves up to ˘ transpose to the shape we saw in
[+++++++++++++++@¨] Variation 40.
[++++++++++++++@+˚]
[+++++++++++++˜ˆ!+] This variation is better for White than playing !
A at
[+@+++++++++++++++] B (as above), because Black’s base has been eroded.
[++++++++++++++@ B ! A]
[++!+++++!+++++´!+] Now if Black hanes at C White can answer with D,
[++++!++++++!++@@˘] which is more severe than the previous variation.
[++++++++++++++++ C D
,))))))))))))))))). This is what White is hoping for.
Variation 43 for %
March 155
[+++++++++++++++++] Rather than A (%), Lee should have played at ´.
[++@+++++*+++++*‚›]
[++++++++++++++˛@˘] If White exchanges the moves up to ˇ, and then
[+++++++++++++‹@˙¯] attaches at ˘, Black can resist with ¯ and ¸.
[+++++++++++++ˇ˚!¸]
[+@+++++++++++++++] This way, Black can capture White’s marked stones
[++++++++++++++@´t] with the help of his stone at ´.
[++!+++++!++ A ++˜t¨]
[++++!++++++!++@@ˆ]
[++++++++++++++++˝]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 44 for %
[+++++++++++++++++] Pushing up at ˆ first is the right move order for
[++@+++++*+++++*ˇ˝] White.
[+++++++++++++++@¨]
[++++++++++++++@+˚] If Black hanes at ˜, the attachment at ¨ works
[+++++++++++++˜ˆ!+] again.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@´!] White will be happy with this result, which is similar
[++!+++++!+++++¯!˙] to Variations 40 and 43.
[++++!++++++!++@@˘]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 45 for %
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black still resists with the hane at ˝, White will
[++@+++++*+++++*¯¸] sacrifice his stones with the moves up to ˙.
[++++++++++++++˘@¨]
[+++++++++++++˙@˚˝] This result is playable for White, because White
[+++++++++++++˜ˆ!ˇ] avoided the bad exchanges of A to D, which we saw
[+@+++++++++++++++] in the previous variation.
[++++++++++++++@´!]
[++!+++++!+++++ B ! C ]
[++++!++++++!++@@ A ]
[++++++++++++++++ D ]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 46 for %
[+++++++++++++++++] Trading with ˜ is the right strategy for Black.
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++˝++@+] White will move into the center with ¨ and ˚, but
[++++++++++++++@++] the overall result isn’t bad for Black.
[+++++++++++˚+¨ˆ!+]
[+@+ A +++++++++++++] Black will have sente to reinforce the left side at A.
[++++++++++++++@´!]
[++!+++++!+++++*!˜]
[++++!++++++!++@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 47 for %
156 March
Fortune Favors the Bold
<((((((((((@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@+++++]
[++++!+++@!!@!++++]
[++!+++++!+!@++@++]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@+!]
[++!+++++!++@ A ++&!+]
[++++!++++++!++@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 9
(Move: 38)
When Black turned to @
A he was implicitly offering a trade. White & accepted the deal with vigor.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White answers at ´, Black will play ˆ to ˚ and
[++@+++++*+++++*++] the stone at A might help Black to attack White’s
[++++++++++++˚++@+] right side group.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++˝˜!+] This was Lee’s plan, but Gu had other ideas.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@ˆ!]
[++!+++++!++@ A ++*!¨]
[++++!++++++!´+@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 48 for &
[+++++++++++++++++] Drawing back at ´ is too calm in this case. As
[++@+++++*+++++*++] soon as Black takes the vital point at ˆ, White’s
[+++++++++++++++@+] group becomes weak. Pushing and cutting with ˜
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++!+] and ˝ doesn’t work, because Black can manage the
[+@+++++++++++˚˘++] situation up to ˘.
[++++++++++++ˇ˝@ D !]
[++!+++++!++@ A +¨˜!+] If the exchange of @A for ´ weren’t on the board,
[++++!+++++´! C B @@ˆ] White would be able to capture ¨ with B now. In
[+++++++++++++++++] this case White can’t do that, so he’s in trouble.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 49 for & If White cuts at B, instead of ˝, then Black connects
at ˝ and makes miai of C and D.
March 157
Fight for Sente
<((((((((((@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@+++++]
[++++!+++@!!@!++++]
[++!+++++!+!@++@++]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+@+++++++++++)+++]
[++++++++++++*(@+!]
[++!+++++!++@+’!!+]
[++++!++++++!++@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 10
(Moves: 39-43)
White’s cut at ( was a strong counter, and the battle suddenly became complicated and intense.
Black + looks like an overplay, but Lee probably thought that fighting like this was inevitable. This
was also a fight for sente, because both players wanted to be first to return to the left side.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black compromises with ´ and ˜, White will be
[++@+++++*+++++*++] happy to take sente with ˆ and invade the left side.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++] This is too easy for White.
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+@+++++++++++ˆ+++]
[+++++++++++++!@+!]
[++!+++++!++@+@!!+]
[++++!+++++˜!´+@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 50 for )
[+++++++++++++++ B +] After !
A (*) Black still can’t compromise with ´
[++@+++++*+++++*++] and ˜, because once again White will take sente
[+++++++++++++++@+] and invade on the left.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++!+] White will also be able to invade at B later, because
[+@+++++++++++@ˆ++] his group in the lower right is settled.
[++++++++++++! A !@+!]
[++!+++++!++@´@!!+]
[++++!+++++˜!++@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 51 for +
158 March
Go with the Flow
<((((((((((@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@+++++]
[++++!+++@!!@!++++]
[++!+++++!+!@++@++]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++3!!@+!]
[++!+++++!+2@-@!!+]
[++++!++++71!0,@@.]
[++++++++++4+8/9+56
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 11
(Moves: 44-57)
The fighting escalated further with , and ., and / was the only move for Black.
Black / and 1 worked in tandem, and the stones followed a one-way street up to 9. There are times
to resist, or look for novel variations, but there are also times to simply wait and go with the flow.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can’t afford to sacrifice the two marked stones
[++@+++++*+++++*++] with ´ and ˜, because he loses all the corner ter-
[+++++++++++++++@+] ritory and doesn’t gain enough center influence in
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++!+] compensation.
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[++++++++++++!!@+!]
[++!+++++!++@@@!!+]
[++++!++++++!´!TT!]
[++++++++++++˜ˆ+¨+]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 52 for /
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black connects at ´, to capture the corner, White
[++@+++++*+++++*++] will play ˆ to ˙.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++] Black can start a ko fight with A to C, but it’s a
[+++++++++++++++!ˇ] picnic ko for White.
[+@+++++++++++@@˚˝]
[+++++++++++@!!@˜!¯ This is a bad result for Black, so Lee avoided it.
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!¨]
[++++!+++++@!!!@@!˙
[++++++++++!+ˆ@+´@!
,))))))))))))) B ˘ A ) C
Variation 53 for 7
March 159
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black exchanges ´ for ˆ and then connects at ˜,
[++@+++++*+++++*++] the placement at ¨ is a good tesuji.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++] After ˚, Black can’t atari at A because he’s short of
[+++++++++++++++!+] liberties, so Black’s in trouble.
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@+!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!+]
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++˝!ˆ!@˚˜@!
,))))))))))))´)¨ A ).
Variation 54 for 9
Use Ko to Resist
<((((((((((@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@+++++]
[++++!+++@!!@!++++]
[++!+++++!+!@++@++]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++@+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@+!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!+]
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++:!<!@@+@!
,))))))))))));))=).
Diagram 12
(Moves: 58-61)
When you find yourself in a difficult situation, creating a ko shape can be a powerful way to resist. As
you can see below, the precise nature of the ko matters. Black = created a flexible and resilient shape.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black rushes to capture the corner with ´ and ˜,
[++@+++++*+++++*++] White can make a slightly different ko with ¨.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++] It’s hard for Black to fight this two stage ko, because
[+++++++++++++++!+] White captures first in this variation.
[+@+++++++++++@@+˜]
[+++++++++++@!!@´!] At times, there can be a world of difference between
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!ˆ] a ko where you capture first and a ko where you must
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!] find the first threat.
[+++++++++!!!!@@˚@!
,))))))))))))@))˝¨.
Variation 55 for =
160 March
Make Peace When Isolated
<((((((((((@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@+++++]
[++++!+++@!!@!++++]
[++!+++++!+!@++@++]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++D]
[++@+++++*+++++*B+]
[++++++++++++++C@>]
[++++++++++++++@@?]
[+++++++++++++++!A]
[+@+++++++++++@@+ B ]
[+++++++++++@!!@+t]
[++!+++++!+!@@@tt+]
[++++!++++@@!!!@@t]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@t
,))))))))))))@))@ A .
Diagram 13
(Moves: 62-68)
White > to D was a brilliant tactic. Gu sensed the steely taste of danger in the air and compromised.
White could still start a ko at either A or B, so he was flexible. As the dry wit of Baltasar Gracián
urges in The Art of Worldly Wisdom, “Don’t hold on to anything too firmly. Fools are stubborn, and
the stubborn are fools, and the more erroneous their judgment is, the more they hold on to it.”
[+++++++++++++++++] If White plays ´, Black can exchange ˆ to ˇ before
[++@+++++*+++++*++] blocking at ˘.
[+++++++++++++++@˘]
[++++++++++++++@+´] This leads to a complicated capturing race, which is
[+++++++++++++++!ˇ] risky for White.
[+@+++++++++++@@˝¨˚
[+++++++++++@!!@ˆt] If White plays ˇ at ˘, Black A cleanly captures the
[++!+++++!+!@@@tt˜] marked stones.
[++++!++++@@!!!@@t A
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@t
,))))))))))))@))@).
Variation 56 for >
[+++++++++++++++++] White can start a ko with ´, but it’s too early to do
[++@+++++*+++++*++] so now.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@++] White doesn’t have enough ko threats and this time
[+++++++++++++++!+] Black gets to take the ko first (unlike Variation 55).
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@ D !] In addition, it’s a two stage ko which favors Black.
[++!+++++!+!@@@!! B C This means that White will need to spend three
[++++!++++@@!!!@@! A moves to remove the ko.
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@´ˆ If White connects at A, Black will play B to D.
Variation 57 for >
March 161
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black falls back with ´, White can live in sente
[++@+++++*+++++*˜´] up to ˝.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[++++++++++++++@+ˆ] Recall that Black doesn’t want to give White sente,
[+++++++++++++++!+] because he’ll use it to invade Mount Fuji.
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@¨!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!+]
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@˝)@).
Variation 58 for ?
[+++++++++++++++++] Some readers may be wondering whether Black can
[++@+++++*+++++*++] save his marked stones with ´.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[++++++++++++++@++] White can hold Black in with ˆ and ¨ because ˚
[+++++++++++++++!+] is sente. After ˚, A and B are miai.
[+@+++++++++ A +@@++]
[+++++++++ B ˚@!!@+!] Instead of ˝, if Black tries to gain more liberties by
[++!+++++!˝!@@@!!+] descending to C, White simply fills Black’s liberties
[++++!++ˆ´TT!!!@@!] from the outside, starting at ˝. White will win the
[+++++++¨˜!!!!@@+@! capturing race by one liberty.
,)))))))) C )))@))@).
Variation 59 for ?
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black ataris at ´, instead of playing A in the
[++@+++++*+++++ A ˜´] game, White can play ˆ to ˛.
[+++++++++++++¸ˆ@!˝
[+++++++++++++˚@!@] White ˚ and ˘ are a sharp combination and Black
[+++++++++++˛˙+ˇ!¨] is in deep trouble after ˛, because A and B are miai
[+@++++++++ B ¯˘@@++] for White.
[+++++++++++@!!@+!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!+]
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@).
Variation 60 for A
[+++++++++++++++++] Extending at ´ isn’t possible.
[++@+++++*+++++*˚¨]
[+++++++++++++˙˝@!] Black ˆ and ˘ are strong moves, and if White con-
[++++++++++++++@!@] tinues fighting with the sequence up to «, he finds
[+++++++++++¸¯+ˆ!@] himself in a perilous situation.
[+@++++++ A ‚+˘ˇ@@´+]
[++++++++›˛+@!!@˜!] White’s marked stones are captured and his lower
[++!+++++!‹!@@@!!+] right corner group is also in trouble.
[++++!++”“@@ttt@@!]
[+++++++«„tttt@@+@! Moreover, there’s a cutting point at A.
,)))))))))»))@))@).
Variation 61 for B
162 March
Beware of Indigestion When Eating Stones
<((((((((((@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@+++++]
[++++!+++@!!@!+H++]
[++!+++++!+!@++@I+]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[++++++++++++++++G]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++t]
[++@+++++*+++++*t+]
[++++++++++++++@@t]
[++++++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@+ B ]
[+++++++++++@!!@E!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!F]
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@ A .
Diagram 14
(Moves: 69-73)
Black exchanged the atari at E for F, to settle the position as best he could. However, there was no
way for him to tidy things up with just one move, because bad aji remained at A and B.
Black G was the proper move to attack the marked stones and, outwardly, it appeared that Black was
in the lead. In reality though, the game was already favorable for White.
When you play to swallow up stones, you have to watch out for this kind of situation. If you can’t
completely digest them, you’ll be left with a sick feeling in your stomach which will weigh you down.
White H was a probe and calmly extending to I made it clear that the corner was Black’s territory.
<((((((((((@((((((> If Black ataris at ´, White will start a ko with ˆ.
[++++++++!@!@+++++]
[++++!+++@!!@!++++] Even though Black can win the ko with ˝, White
[++!+++++!+!@++@++] takes compensation with ¨ and ˚, and there are
[++++++++!!+@+++++] still rumblings in the bottom right corner.
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White can start another ko at A later, so this varia-
[+++++++++++++++++] tion makes Black queasy.
[++¨+++++++++++++!˝
[+˚@+++++*+++++*!˜ˆ
[++++++++++++++@@!´
[++++++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@+!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!+]
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@ A .
Variation 62 for E
March 163
[++++++++++++++++!] After G in the game, starting a ko fight with ´ is
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] still premature.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[++++++++++++++@!@› White is short of ko threats and Black still has local
[++++++++++++++“!@] threats around A.
[+@++++++++++¨@@˙¯]
[++++++++++˜@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!«!@@@!!!]
[++++!++ˇ˚@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++‚˛!!!!@@+@!
,)))))))) A „))@))@´ˆ
Variation 63 for H
˝¸” at ´ ˘ ‹ » at ˆ
,
<((((((((((@((((((> White can also think about ´ and ˜, which lead to
[++++++++!@!@+++++] another complicated ko fight.
[++++!+++@!!@!++++]
[+‹!+++++!+!@++@++] White ¸ is a clever move which creates a double ko,
[++“+++++!!+@+++++] and Black needs to resolve the first ko with ˛.
[+@++++++++++++@++]
[++++++++++++++++@] Eventually White will win the ko, but Black will be
[+++++++++++++++++] able to play two moves in a row in compensation.
[++++++++++++++++!˛
[++@+++++*+++++*!¨˜ The result up to “ is playable for Black, who can
[++++++++++++++@@! aˆ settle the right side with ˛ and reduce his thinness
[++++++++++++++@!@] on the left side.
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@++++++++++˚@@+´] This means that it’s too early to start a ko with ´.
[++++++++++˝@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!]
[++++!++¯˘@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@‚@!
,))))))))))))@)›@¸.
Variation 64 for H
ˇ at ! ˙
a , at ¨
<((((((((((@((((((> If Black answers !
A with ´, White will play ˆ and
[++++++++!@!@ C D E ¨+] ¨ and there will be some bad aji after moves like B,
[++++!+++@!!@!+! A ´˝]
C and D later.
[++!+++++!+!@+ˆ@ F +]
[++++++++!!+@++˜++] Using ˝ to cut at E would fall in with White’s plan.
[+@++++++++++ B +@++] White would start a ko with D, which would be a
[++++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++++] serious problem for Black.
[++++++++++++++++!] Black’s quiet response at F (I) in the game was
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] better.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 65 for I
164 March
Don’t Use Power to Surround Territory
<(((((((((O@((((((>
[++++++++t@ A t@L+++M]
[++++t++P@tt@!+!J+]
[++t+++++t+t@++@@K]
[++++++++tt+@+++++]
[+@++++++++TNQU@++]
[+++++++++++SR+++@]
[+V+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++!]
[++@+++++*+++++*!+]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[++++++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!]
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@).
Diagram 15
(Moves: 74-86)
White N aimed exploit aji in the corner and O was interesting. Lee didn’t want White to be able to
capture @A in sente, but it’s not clear whether exchanging O for P was good for Black because White
became even more powerful. White’s long awaited invasion came with V. He used his considerable
influence at the top (marked) to invade and fight, rather than to surround immediate territory.
<(((((((((@@((((((> If White extends with ´, jumping to ˆ becomes
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] an excellent preventative move and White misses his
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] chance to invade.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[+˜++++++!!+@+++++] Black ˆ also cautiously reduces White’s influence at
[¨@+ˆ++++++!!@@@++] the top.
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[++++++++++++´++++]
[++++++++++++++++!]
[++@+++++*+++++*!+]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 66 for V
<(((((((((@@((((((> Most players go through a stage of learning where
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] they focus on surrounding territory directly. Such
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] players may be satisfied with White’s territory at the
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++] top, after ´ to ˝, but this is an inefficient strategy.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] White doesn’t make an adequate return on the many
[+++´+++++++@!+++@]
[++ˆ++++++˝+¨+++++] stones he’s invested at the top, and provoking Black’s
[++++˜+++++++++++!] reinforcement at ˆ is a steep premium to pay for ´.
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] If you doubt this, compare this variation to the result
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 67 for V later on in the game. For example, see Diagram 17.
March 165
Use Power to Conquer Foreign Territories
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++t@t@!+++@]
[++++t++t+tt@!+!!+]
[++t+++++t+t@++@@@]
[++++++++tt+@+++++]
[+@++++++++tt@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!
A +[+++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++Z+++!]
[+\@a++++*+++++*!+]
[b]^_++++++++++@@!]
[++‘+++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@+ C ]
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[++t+++++t+t@ B @@!!!X
[++++t++++@@!!!@@!W
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@Y.
Diagram 16
(Moves: 87-98)
Black couldn’t find a good response to !A , so he came back to the lower right corner with W and Y.
Lee must have felt that it was too hard for Black to fight properly on the left side while the burden of
the ko remained in the bottom right corner.
Since Black had to come back to the corner like this, we can conclude that the game wasn’t good for
him. As a corollary, we can also infer that Black’s attachment at @
B (%) was a questionable move.
White Z demonstrated Gu’s delicate sense of play once again. This jump was excellent because it
reduced Black’s right side influence while maintaining White’s potential to play at C later.
Black was still struggling to respond to !
A , and the knight’s move at [ was questionable. Mount Fuji
suddenly erupted with \ and ^! This crosscut unleashed a severe counter-attack, and it was hard
for Black to fight back because White’s marked positions at the top and bottom were so powerful.
After b, we can see the results of White’s invasion at !
A . Rather than surrounding territory, as in
Variation 67, he used his power to conquer Mount Fuji and transform it into his own territory.
<(((((((((@@((((((> Instead of Z above, if White simply extends to ´,
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] Black will play the nose tesuji at ˆ.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] If White hanes at ˜ in response, Black will counter-
[++++++++!!+@+++++] hane at ¨, threatening to play atari at A next.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@] As we’ll see below, all of White’s right side stones are
[+!+++++++++ A ´¨+++] in danger of being swallowed up in sente.
[+++++++++++˜ˆ+++!]
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] Preventing this is what made Z in the game so
[++++++++++++++@@!] exquisite.
Variation 68 for Z
166 March
[++++++++++++++++!] Even after Black exchanges @ A and @
B , there’s still
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] some bad aji in the bottom right.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[++++++++++++++@!@] After ´ and ˜, ¨ is necessary in order to stop
[++++++++++++++¨!@˚ White from connecting under, and White can create
[+@+++++++++++@@ˆ´˜ a seki in the corner with ˝ and ˇ.
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!! If Black tries to capture White’s group with ˘,
[++++!++++@@!!!@@! A White will be able to start a ko by playing at @ a
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@! later on, which will be a heavy burden for Black.
,)))))))))))ˇ@ a ˝)@@
B˘
Variation 69 for Z
¯ at @
a
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black wants to avoid the seki or ko in the corner,
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] he can live with ¨. This allows White to connect
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] under with ˝ and ˇ.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++] If Black tries to capture White with ˘ and ˙, the
[+@++++++++!!@@@+“„ sequence through to „ flows naturally.
[+++++++++++@!++›@”
[+!++++++++++++++‚‹ Next...
[++++++++++++++˘¯!˛
[++@+++++*+++++*!+˙
[++++++++++++++@@!¸
[++++++++++++++@!@˝
[++++++++++++++˚!@ˇ
[+@+++++++++++@@ˆ´˜
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@¨)@@.
Variation 70 for Z
<(((((((((@@((((((> Cutting at – is the decisive tesuji, and it’s very hard
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] for Black to continue.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Eventually, White rescues the whole group, after !
[++++++++!!+@+++++] captures Black’s marked cutting stones in a net.
[+@++++++++!!@@@+@@
[++++++++++ffiT!ı!@] If Black extends with at ff instead, White will
[+!+++++++!+ff‰—fl!@ push at and fi, fl, Black at –, and the cut at ffl
[+++++++++++fflfi–@!!@ can be expected to follow. Black is in deep trouble.
[++@+++++*++ +»«!+@
[++++++++++++++@@!!
[++++++++++++++@+@!
[++++++++++++++@+@!
[+@+++++++++++@@@!!
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 71 for Z
March 167
<(((((((((@@((((((> Based on the previous variations, we can conclude
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] that if White doesn’t play at A (Z in the actual
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] game), Black will immediately atari at ˆ and cap-
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++] ture White’s lower right group on a large scale.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] If White still tries to mobilize his corner group with
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+´++++++++ˆ++++] ˜ and ˝, Black can now calmly play at ˚.
[++++++++++++ A +˙¸!] Up to ˛, White’s group is dead, because Black’s
[++@+++++*+++++*!+˛ stone at ˆ invalidates White’s decisive tesuji in the
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[++++++++++++++@!@ˇ previous variation.
[++++++++++++++˘!@¯ This is a clear example of the value of reading.
[+@+++++++++++@@¨˜˝
[+++++++++++@!!@@!] Practicing life and death problems doesn’t just help
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!! you to rescue or capture stones. It allows you to
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!] glean information from below the surface, which can
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@˚)@@. form the basis of a coherent whole board strategy.
Variation 72 for Z
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black attaches at ´, aiming to cut off White’s
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] group, White will play ˆ to ˘.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] White ˚ is a relaxed move, which makes miai of A
[++++++++!!+@+++++] and ˘ next.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@] Black finally captures White’s marked stones, but
[+!
B +++++++++++˘+++] Black’s territory is all in the top right and bottom
[++++++++++++!´˚+!] right corners, and White has the advantage on the
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] left side.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[++++++++++++++@!@ A Having investigated the aji on the right side, let’s
[++++++++++++++ˇ!@] return our attention to ! B and see how White can
[+@+++++++++++@@˜ˆ¨
[+++++++++++@!!@@t] use his powerful influence to conquer Mount Fuji.
[++!+++++!+!@@@tttt
[++++!++++@@!!!@@t]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@t
,))))))))))))@˝)@@.
Variation 73 for [
<(((((((((@@((((((> After !A , Black would usually try to connect his
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] stones with ´, but in this case it’s difficult to find a
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] good continuation after White wedges at ˆ.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[˛¯++++++!!+@+++++] Sometimes playing ˜ and ˝ is good enough, but in
[˘@˙+++++++!!@@@++] this case White will headbutt at ˚ instead of playing
[+˚ˇ++++++++@!+++@]
[B!
A ´+¸++++++++++++] atari at ˇ (if ˚ is at ˇ, Black plays B).
[+˜ˆ¨++++++++!+++!] White ˚ and ˘ are severe, because White’s position
[+˝@+++++*+++++*!+] at the top is extremely powerful.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 74 for [ White’s tactics from ˆ to ˛ are very successful.
168 March
<(((((((((@@((((((> The atari at ˝ can be expected. It’s hard for Black
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] to start a ko with ¯ at A, because White has more
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] ko threats around ‹ and B.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@ B ++++] If Black just connects with ¯ at ! a , White will re-
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] duce Black’s left side in sente with ˙ to ‚.
[+ˇ+++++++++@!+++@]
[˝! a ´++++++++++++++] Next, White can return to the right side with ‹ and
[˘˜ˆ¨++++++++!+++!] this variation favors him.
[¸˚@˛++++*+++++*!+]
[‚ A ˙+++++++++++@@!]
[++++++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@›‹“
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 75 for [
¯ at !
a
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black pushes up with ˝, White can still play ˚
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] and ˘ because his cutting stones at ˆ and ¨ can’t
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] be captured in a ladder.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[+¯++++++!!+@+++++] This sequence is similar to Variation 74 and is based
[˘@++++++++!!@@@++] on the same strategy—to exploit White’s power at
[+˚ˇ++++++++@!+++@]
[+!´˝+++++++++++++] the top to the maximum extent possible, instead of
[˙˜ˆ¨‹+++++++!+++!] following typical patterns of play.
[˛¸@+++++*+++++*!+] Up to ‹, it’s very hard for Black to fight, because
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+‚++++++++++++@!@] his groups are too weak and White’s position at the
[+++++++++++++++!@] top is too powerful.
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
Variation 76 for [
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black pushes up with ˝, White can atari at ˚.
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] Cutting at ¯ doesn’t lead to a good result because
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] all the ladders favor White.
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] After ˙, A and B are miai.
[+¯˚ A +++++++@!+++@]
[˙!´ˇ+++++++++++++]
[+˜ˆ¨˘+++++++!+++!]
[+ B @˝++++*+++++*!+]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 77 for [
March 169
<(((((((((@@((((((> Playing atari at ˜ isn’t good either.
[++++++++t@t@!+++@]
[++++t++t+tt@!+!!+] White can easily settle on the left side up to ˘, and
[++t+++++t+t@++@@@] the cutting point at A is a serious problem for Black.
[++++++++tt+@+++++]
[+@++++++++tt@@@++] Can you feel the way White’s powerful influence
[++˝++++++++@!+++@] makes its presence felt in these variations?
[+!´ A +++++++++++++]
[+¨ˆ˜++++++++!+++!] In some positions, exchanging territory for influence
[+˚@+++++*+++++*!+] with ´ to ˇ would give Black a reasonable result,
[++ˇ+++++++++++@@!] but here White’s marked power is so overwhelming
[+˘++++++++++++@!@] that Black’s wall ends up being thin and heavy.
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@++] This variation illustrates the principle of using power
[+++++++++++@!!@@!] to conquer foreign territories even more clearly than
[++t+++++t+t@@@!!!! the game does.
[++++t++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@! Invading and fighting like this is one strategy for con-
,))))))))))))@))@@. verting the power stored in your stones into territory.
Variation 78 for [
<(((((((((@@((((((> Blocking at ˝ is also conceivable, but White will be
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] happy to swallow @A along with the corner territory,
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] with ˚ to ˙.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++] Since we can’t find a good continuation for Black
[+@
A ˙+++++++!!@@@++]
after he attaches at ´, we can understand why Lee
[+˘˚++++++++@!+++@]
[+!´ˇ+++++++++++++] didn’t play ´ in the game.
[+¨ˆ˜++++++++!+++!]
[+˝@¯++++*+++++*!+]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 79 for [
<(((((((((@@((((((> Creating an iron pillar at ´ would have been the
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] best move for Black in this case.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] White will kick at ˆ, and Black can settle the posi-
[+ˆ++++++!!+@+++++] tion and consolidate territory with ˜ and ˝.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@] Up to ‚, the game is still slightly better for White,
[+!+++++++++++++++] but the gap is closing.
[++++++++++++!+++!]
[+´@+++++*+++++*!+]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[++‚+++++++++++@!@]
[++¸˛+++++++++++!@]
[+@˙++++++++++@@++]
[¯˚˘++++++++@!!@@!]
[ˇ˜!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[˝¨++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 80 for [
170 March
<(((((((((@@((((((> Perhaps Lee expected White to move out with ´.
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] In that case, Black can reinforce his position with
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] ˆ and ¨, and this development is satisfactory for
[++++++++!!+@+++++] Black.
[+@˝+++++++!!@@@++]
[++´++++++++@!+++@] Of course, Gu didn’t follow Black’s plan in the game.
[+!˜@+++++++++++++]
[+ˆ¨+++++++++!+++!] Continuing...
[++@+++++*+++++*!+]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 81 for \
[+@@+++++++++!+++!] Jumping with ˚ is calm and solid, and the result
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] through to ˘ is acceptable.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[++++++++++++++@!@] Perhaps you feel that Black should try to stretch his
[+++++++++++++++!@] stones to accomplish more though? In that case...
[˘@+˚+++++++++@@++]
[+ˇ+++++++++@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 82 for \
[+@@+++++++++!+++!] The attachment at ˚ and counter-hane at ˘ ap-
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] peared in Variation 80, and it may seem like Black
[++++++++++++++@@!] can still play this way.
[++“+++++++++++@!@]
[++‹›+++++++++++!@] If Black could play like this and solidify his territory
[+@‚++++++++++@@++] up to “ it would be even better than the previous
[˛¯¸++++++++@!!@@!]
[˙˚!+++++!+!@@@!!!! variations. As we’ll see, however, ˚ is an overplay.
[˘ˇ A +!++++@@!!!@@!] White could connect at A instead of playing ¯, but
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@! Black would make shape with ˛ and be satisfied.
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 83 for \
[+@ A @+++++++++!+++!] White won’t meekly connect at ˛. He will push
[+ B @+++++*+++++*!+] through and fight with ¸.
[ C »++++++++++++@@!]
[«„++++++++++++@!@] Cutting at ˛ is natural, but White can extend his
[”“+++++++++++++!@] liberties with ‚ to « in sente, before winning the
[›@‚++++++++++@@++] capturing race in the corner with – and .
[¸¯˛‹+++++++@!!@@!]
[˙˚!+++++!+!@@@!!!! Note that if @
A were at B, as in Variation 80, Black
[˘ˇ–+!++++@@!!!@@!] would be able to play » at C, and White would have
[—+++++++!!!!@@+@! one fewer liberty. In that case, Black would win the
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 84 for \ capturing race.
March 171
[+@@+++++++++!+++!] Black can still consider the hane at », but his posi-
[+@+++++*+++++*!+] tion is too thin to make it work properly.
[»‰+++++++++++@@!]
[«„ı+++++++++++@!@] White – is an interesting move, which makes miai
[”“ff+ffl++++++++++!@] of — and fl.
[›@‚ffi+++++++++@@++]
[¸¯˛‹fl++++++@!!@@!] Cutting at and squeezing up to fi is a tight se-
[˙˚!–++++!+!@@@!!!! quence which prepares to net Black’s cutting stones
[˘ˇ++!++++@@!!!@@!] with fl and ffl.
[+—+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@. This result is very good for White.
Variation 85 for \
fi at
[+@@+++++++++!+++!] Black can avoid the net in the previous variation by
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] extending to —.
[»+++++++++++++@@!]
[«„++++++++++++@!@] The problem is that if – is sente, White can then
[”“+++++++++++++!@] descend to without connecting at A.
[›@‚++++++++++@@++]
[¸¯˛‹—++++++@!!@@!] This means Black also has one fewer liberty than in
[˙˚!–++++!+!@@@!!!! Variation 84, so » has gained nothing.
[˘ˇ A +!++++@@!!!@@!]
[‰+++++++!!!!@@+@! White wins the capturing race with ı.
,ı)))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 86 for \
[+@@+++++++++!+++!] If Black allows the pressure to slacken, by gripping a
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] stone with „, White can relax and connect at «.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+ B ++++++++++++@!@] A and B are miai for White.
[”“„++++++++++++!@]
[›@‚++++++++++@@++]
[¸¯˛‹+++++++@!!@@!]
[˙˚!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[˘ˇ«+!++++@@!!!@@!]
[ A ++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 87 for \
[+@@+++++++++!+++!] Inserting the atari at „ changes nothing of conse-
[++@+++++*+++++*!+] quence.
[+‰+++++++++++@@!]
[+–—+++++++++++@!@] White can extend his liberties in sente with – and
[”“»++++++++++++!@] , before saving his stone from atari with ı.
[›@‚fi+++++++++@@++]
[¸¯˛‹ff++++++@!!@@!] Once again, White wins the capturing race.
[˙˚!«++++!+!@@@!!!!
[˘ˇ„+!++++@@!!!@@!]
[ıfl++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 88 for \
172 March
<(((((((((@@((((((> Returning to game, if Black tries to fight with ´
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] instead _ (at ˘), White plans to counter with ˆ
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] and ¨.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++] Even though Black can capture ˆ and ¨, White can
[+@
A ++++++++!!@@@++]
move out at ˛ after exchanging ˘ and ˙ in sente.
[++˛++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+T+++++++++++++] Black @A and the marked stones have been forsaken
[+˚++++++++++!+++!] inside White’s sphere of influence.
[˝!
B T´++++*+++++*!+]
[˜@!˘++++++++++@@!] Note how the exchanges of !B and ˚ make it harder
[¨ˆˇ˙++++++++++@!@] for Black to sacrifice @
A effectively. Compare this
[+¯¸++++++++++++!@] with Variation 81.
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 89 for _
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black extends at ´ instead, White will break
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] through with the moves from ˆ to ˛.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Black @
A is isolated and the result is good for White.
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@
A ++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++˛+++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@˘˙+++++++++++]
[++ˆ¨˝¯¸+++++!+++!]
[+!@˜˚+++*+++++*!+]
[+@!ˇ++++++++++@@!]
[+´++++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 90 for _
March 173
<(((((((((@@((((((> You might wonder whether Black can resist with the
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] extreme tactic of ¸ and ‚.
[+ ++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[ffl+!+++++!+!@++@@@] Black ‚ appears to simultaneously guard against the
[ıfiff–!++!!+@+++++] ladders starting at both A and ‹.
[‰@“«»"+++!!@@@++]
[ffi—‹›”„+++++@!+++@] White is, however, unperturbed. He can manage
[+!¸@˘˙‚++++++++++] both his groups with ‹ to », and connect under
[+˛ˆ¨˝¯ A +++++!+++!] with —, ‰ and .
[+!@˜˚+++*+++++*!+]
[+@!ˇ++++++++++@@!] After White evades the immediate danger, Black’s
[+´++++++++++++@!@] giant dumpling finds itself predigested inside White’s
[+++++++++++++++!@] stomach. This is thanks to White’s power at the top.
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+++++++++++@!!@@!] All of Black’s stones after ‚ are captured.
[++!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 91 for _
fl at “
<(((((((((@@((((((> Fighting with ´, after exchanging @
A for !
B , is an
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] alternative tactic.
[++++s++s+!!@!+!!+]
[++s+++++s+!@++@@@] White will play ˆ in sente and move out with ¨.
[++++++++ss+@+++++]
[+T++++++++ss@@@++] Black ˝ and ˇ start a promising counter-attack.
[++¨++++++++@s+++@] The net at ˇ doesn’t technically work, but that
[+s+T+++++++++++++] doesn’t usually matter with this shape because Black
[++++++++++++s+++!] can damage White’s corner with – if he escapes.
[˚sT˝++++*+++++*!+]
[+@s@A ++++++++++@@!] The humble push at — is nevertheless a strong move.
[+´!+»„—+++++++@!@]
B
[+˜ˆ˛‹›«++++++++!@] White’s squared sphere of influence is huge and
[+@˘ˇ‚“+++++++@@++] Black’s triangled stones find themselves adrift and
[+¸¯˙”++++++@!!@@!] without hope, amidst a sea of white.
[++!–++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 92 for a
174 March
Play Carefully, Don’t Act in Haste
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[ D !+@+++++++++++++]
[ B c++++++++++!´++!]
[`!@@++++*+++++*!+]
[!@!@++++++++++@@!]
[+ A !ˆ++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@ C +++++++++++@@++]
[+ˇ++++++++¸@!!@@!]
[˚˜!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[˝¨¯+!++++@@!!!@@!]
[˘˙+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Diagram 17
(Moves: 99-111)
The result up to ` was satisfactory for White. If White had played ` at A, Black would have been
able to make good shape with B, so the solid connection at ` was appropriate in this situation.
Lee took sente and returned to attacking White on the right side with ´, but it didn’t bother Gu.
Turning at ˆ was satisfyingly thick, and White was clearly ahead. Since the result up to ˆ was a
success for White, Lee later said that he should have pushed with Black ´ at ˆ, before playing ´.
Black had to make use of @ C somehow, before White swallowed it whole. Black ˜ and ˝ were typical
of Lee’s style of play, but cutting at ˚ was a strong counter in this case.
Instead of ´, if Black plays at B, White will still push up at ˆ and will aim to attack Black’s group
with the clamp at D later.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] If Black tenukis after !
A , for example to play at ´,
[+++++++++++@!+++@] @B is practically captured after White reinforces the
[+!+@+++++++++++++] corner with ˆ.
[´@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] Even if Black tries to run away with ˜, White can
[!@!@++++++++++@@!] easily cut off his escape with ¨ and Black won’t be
[++!!A ++++++++++@!@]
[++++¨++++++++++!@] able to save his group, because White is too thick at
[+@
B +˜+++++++++@@++] the bottom.
[+++++++++++@!!@@!]
[+ˆ!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[++++!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 93 for ˜
March 175
<(((((((((@@((((((> Black can easily live in the corner after invading
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] at ´, but White strikes back with ˛ and Black’s
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] marked group is under attack.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++] White doesn’t need to worry about the cutting point
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] at A in this case, because his position at the bottom
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!˛T+++++++++++++] is already very strong.
[+@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!TT++++*+++++*!+]
[!@!T++++++++++@@!]
[++!!++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[¨˚+++++++++@!!@@!]
[˜ˆ!˙ A +++!+!@@@!!!!
[˝´¸¯!++++@@!!!@@!]
[+++ˇ˘++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 94 for ˜
<(((((((((@@((((((> After Black’s attachment and counter-hane with @ A
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] and @ B , ´ and ˜ are more common than White’s
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] atari at ˆ (˚ in the game), but they’re not good in
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++] this situation.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] Black can live in the corner with ¨ to ˙, and he has
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@+++++++++++++] more points than he did in the previous variation.
[+@++++++++++!@++!] This variation is unsatisfactory for White.
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+]
[!@!@++++++++++@@!]
[++!!++++++++++@!@]
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[¯´˜++++++++@!!@@!]
[ˆ@A !+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[@!¨+!++++@@!!!@@!]
B
˘ˇ˝˚++++++!!!!@@+@!
,)˙))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 95 for ˚
[+@++++++++++!@++!] If Black ataris at ´, ˆ is the vital point.
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+]
[!@!@++++++++++@@!] Black can try to manage the situation with ˜, but
[++!!++++++++++@!@] White will be happy to capture the marked stones
[+++++++++++++++!@] without any trouble.
[+T+ˆ+++++++++@@++]
[+T¨++++++++@!!@@!]
[!T!´˜+++!+!@@@!!!!
[@!@+!++++@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 96 for ¸
176 March
[+@++++++++++!@++!] Capturing with ˜ is a lethargic move, which rouses
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] White to put his foot down with ¨.
[!@!@++++++++++@@!]
[++!!++++++++++@!@] It looks like Black might have some play against the
[˙++++++++++++++!@] corner with ˇ and ¯, but ˙ and ˛ are ingenious
[+@+ˆ+++++++++@@++] moves which defend the corner indirectly while land-
[+@˜++¨+++++@!!@@!]
[!@!´˝˚ B +!+!@@@!!!! ing severe blows.
[@!@+!ˇ¸++@@!!!@@!] If Black connects at A, White takes a liberty at B
[!!¯+˘‚ A ˛+!!!!@@+@! and Black’s stones in the bottom left are all dead.
,))))“‹›)))))@))@@.
Variation 97 for ¸
[+@++++++++++!@++!] Black ¸ is also worth considering, but ˛ and ‹ are
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] a tesuji combination for connecting along the edge.
[!@!@++++++++++@@!]
[++!!++++++++++@!@] Up to », Black’s marked group is still captured.
[˙++++++++++++++!@]
[+T+ˆ+++++++++@@++] For reference, Black is hoping to capture White’s cor-
[+T˜++¨+++++@!!@@!] ner with something like A to E, but ˙ ensures that
D !T!´˝˚”+!+!@@@!!!! White can connect along the edge if he needs to.
A @!T+!ˇ˛›»@@!!!@@!]
B !!¯+˘¸‚‹+!!!!@@+@!
, E C )))“„)))))@))@@.
Variation 98 for ¸
« at ˛
[+@++++++++++!@++!] Worrying too much about the corner lands White in
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] all sorts of trouble.
[!@!@++++++++++@@!]
[‹+!!++++++++++@!@] Defending at ˙ gives Black too much leeway and ‚
‰‚++++++++++++++!@] is a vital point.
—+@+ˆ+++++++++@@++]
›@˜–+¨+++++@!!@@!] Black has two half eyes after exchanging › for “ in
ı!@!´˝˚++!+!@@@!!!! sente, and can form one complete eye with ” to –.
“@!@«!ˇ+++@@!!!@@!]
[!!¯„˘¸+++!!!!@@+@! If White continues trying to capture Black with —,
,)˙˛”»)))))))@))@@. the result up to ı is a ko for the life of both groups.
Variation 99 for ¸
[+@++++++++++!@++!] Since ¯ is a vital point in this position, Black should
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] think about exchanging ¯ for ˙ first.
[!@!@++++++++++@@!]
[˙+!!++++++++++@!@] However, ˛ is good enough to destroy Black’s eye
[¯++++++++++++++!@] shape and ‹ still works.
[+@+ˆ+++++++++@@++]
[˛@˜++¨+++++@!!@@!] There are many possible variations here, but Black
[!@!´˝˚++!+!@@@!!!! can’t live after White encloses him with ¨.
[@!@+!ˇ‚++@@!!!@@!]
[!!¸+˘++‹+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 100 for ¸
March 177
Chaos Smiles upon the Underdog
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@+++++++++++++]
[+@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+]
[!@!@++++++++++@@!]
[+“!!‚„++++++++@!@]
[+++›‹++++++++++!@]
[+@+++++++++++@@++]
[+@++++++++@ A @!!@@!]
[!@!+”+++!+!@@@!!!!
[@!@+!+++˛@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Diagram 18
(Moves: 112-118)
Black @A (¸ in the game) was very subtly timed and Gu fell back with ˛, which was a bit passive,
but still solid. The position favored White, so he played safely here.
Black ‚ and › were unexpected. It’s not easy to think about cutting and fighting here, because
White’s position is already quite strong. Lee specializes in this sort of close combat within his oppo-
nent’s sphere of influence.
White “ was slack, and Lee was able to begin complicating the game. This is exactly what you want
to do when you’re behind. A chaotic and unpredictable game favors the player who is already losing.
Gu played very cautiously in order to retain his lead, but he was being too careful.
Black ” was a difficult move to answer. The atari in the center, at „, was the correct response.
[+@++++++++++!@++!] There’s nothing wrong with ´.
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+]
[!@!@++++++++++@@!] In the game, Gu may have worried that peeping at
[++!!++++++++++@!@] ˘ would be sente.
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+@+˜+++++++++@@++] In that case, Black might try something like ˆ to ˙
[+@˝+++˙+++@@!!@@!] later. It appears that Gu disliked this prospect.
[!@!ˆ¨+++!´!@@@!!!!
[@!@ˇ!˚+˘¯@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 101 for ˛
178 March
<(((((((((@@((((((> Instead of capturing with “ in the game, White
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] should have played the atari at ´.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] If Black extends to ˆ, White can even consider at-
[++++++++!!+@+++++] tacking Black’s marked group with ˝.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@] Black has two weak groups, and it doesn’t look like
[+!˝T+++++++++++++] it’s possible for him to manage both of them.
[+@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!TT++++*+++++*!+]
[!@!T¨+++++++++@@!]
[++!!T˜++++++++@!@]
[++´@!++++++++++!@]
[+@+ˆ+++++++++@@++]
[+@++++++++@@!!@@!]
[!@!+++++!+!@@@!!!!
[@!@+!+++!@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 102 for “
<(((((((((@@((((((> White shouldn’t respond to @
A directly.
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] If White answers at ´, Black has the hane at ˆ up
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] his sleeve and the result up to ‹ is a great success
[++++++++!!+@+++++] for Black.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@] Black has reduced the lower left in sente and devel-
[+!+@+++++++++++++] oped his own power in the center.
[+@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@++ C +*+++++*!+] White can’t save ˇ with B, because Black can make
[!+!@˘ B ++++++++@@!] a net with C.
[+!!!@ˇ‹+++++++@!@]
[+++@!¨+++++++++!@]
[+@+¸˝˚+++++++@@++]
[+@‚ˆ¯˛++++@@!!@@!]
[!@!´@
A ˙++!+!@@@!!!!
[@!@˜!+++!@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 103 for „
[+@++++++++++!@++!] In the middle of this sequence, cutting at ˜ doesn’t
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] lead to a good result either.
[!+!@++++++++++@@!]
[+!!!@+++++++++@!@] Black can double atari with ¨ and run away with
[+++@!˝+++++++++!@] ˚ and ˘.
[+@++¨++++++++@@++]
[+@+ˆ˜˚+˘++@@!!@@!] There’s nothing for White to gain here after ˘.
[!@!´@+++!+!@@@!!!!
[@!@ˇ!+++!@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 104 for „
March 179
Playing Too Safely Is Risky
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@+++++++++++++]
[+@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+]
[!+!@«+++++++++@@!]
[+!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[+++@!++++++++++!@]
[+@+ A »++++++++@@++]
[+@—++++ı@@!!@@!]
[!@!–@+‰+!+!@@@!!!!
[@!@+!+++!@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Diagram 19
(Moves: 119-126)
Black was a brilliant multi-purpose move and ‰ should have been at A. Gu focused too much on
protecting his advantage, allowing the game to become complicated. As Niccolò Machiavelli points out
in The Prince, we never “. . . escape one mischief without falling into another. Prudence therefore
consists in knowing how to distinguish degrees of disadvantage, and in accepting a less evil as a good.”
[+@++++++++++!@++!] Black may try to rescue his stones with ´, but White
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] will counter with ¨ and ˚.
[!+!@@+++++++++@@!]
[+!!!@!++++++++@!@] All of Black’s marked stones will be captured because
[+++T!++++++++++!@] he has nowhere to go at the bottom.
[+T+´!++++++++@@++]
[+T!˜+¨˚+++@@!!@@!]
[!T!TT˝++!+!@@@!!!!
[@!Tˆ!+++!@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 105 for
[¨@++++++++++!@++!] If White pushes up at ´, capturing with ˆ is a large
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] sente move.
[!+!@@+++++++++@@!]
[+!!!@!++++++++@!@] Reinforcing with ˜ is necessary and the game would
[ A ++@!+˜++++++++!@] be quite close after ¨.
[+@++!++++++++@@++]
[+@!+++´@@+@@!!@@!] There’s still a hint of bad aji on the left side if Black
[!@!@@+!+!ˆ!@@@!!!! plays at A later on.
[@!@+!+++!@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 106 for
180 March
Don’t Celebrate Too Early
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@+++++++++++++]
[+@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+]
[!+!@@+++++++++@@!]
[+!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[+++@!"+#+++++++!@]
[+@+fl!+!++ff+++@@++]
[+@!++ffl @@ A !@@!!@@!]
[!@!@@+!+!fi!@@@!!!!
[@!@ffi!+++!@@!!!@@!]
[!!+++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Diagram 20
(Moves: 127-135)
Black @
A , fl and ffl formed a delicate combination, and the game suddenly became even. The way
Black made the game playable again was unbelievable.
You can compare the situation at moves ‹ and ffl, to see the difference. Only Lee Sedol could pull
off this kind of magical reversal against Gu Li.
White and " demonstrated the correct move order in this kind of situation, but the mood of the
game had already changed.
Black was in high spirits now, because the result up to here was a great success. Furthermore, Gu was
now under some psychological pressure, because of his history of losing ‘won games’ to Lee.
However, Black’s hanging connection at # was a mistake. It’s critically important not to celebrate
too early in Go. The moment you relax and revel in your lead is the moment you lose it.
[+@++++++++++!@++!] Connecting at ´ without pushing at ˆ first is
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] wrong.
[!+!@@++˘++++++@@!]
[+!!!@!++++++++@!@] Black ˘ is a good move to seal White in, and the
[+++T!´+¯˙++++++!@] result up to ˙ is very good for Black.
[+T˚T!++++@+++@@++]
[+T!˜¨@ˆ@@!@@!!@@!] Later on, White will be forced to remove Black’s
[!T!@@+!+!!!@@@!!!! marked group from the board in a capturing race,
[@!@ a !!+++!++!!!@@!]
and will lose points in the corner while Black be-
[!!˝++++++!!!!@@+@! comes thick in the center.
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 107 for
ˇ at @
a
March 181
<(((((((((@@((((((> Black must play at ´ first.
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] If White plays the same moves as he did in the game,
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] turning with ¯ will set up a squeeze and Black takes
[++++++++!!+@+++++] sente to play ›.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@] As you can see, Black is able to seal off the center in
[+!+@++++++++›++++] sente, while also erasing the aji on the right side.
[´@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+] This result is obviously good for Black.
[!+!@@¯++++++++@@!]
[˘!!!@!+¸++++++@!@]
[ˇ++@!!˛˙‚++++++!@]
[+@˝@!+@++@+++@@++]
[+@!ˆ˜@!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!@@‹!+!!!@@@!!!!
[@!@ a !!+++!++!!!@@!]
[!!¨++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 108 for #
˚ at @
a
<(((((((((@@((((((> Jumping at ˙ is the right move for White, but the
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] game is still playable for Black.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Reinforcing with › is very good, and A doesn’t work
[++++++++!!+@+++++] for White anymore.
[+@+›++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[ A !+@+++++++++++++]
[´@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@++++*+++++*!+]
[!+!@@¯++++++++@@!]
[˘!!!@!+˙+¸++++@!@]
[ˇ++@!!+‹+‚+++++!@]
[+@˝@!+@+˛@+++@@++]
[+@!ˆ˜@!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!@@+!+!!!@@@!!!!
[@!@ a !!+++!++!!!@@!]
[!!¨++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 109 for #
˚ at @
a
182 March
Hope Takes but a Moment to Crumble
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@+++++++++++++]
[%@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@+-.+*+++++*!+]
[!+!@@$++++++++@@!]
[,!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[+++@!!+@ A +++++++!@]
[+@)@!+@++@+++@@++]
[+@!&’@!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!@@+!+!!!@@@!!!!
[@!@ a !!+++!++!!!@@!]
[!!(++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Diagram 21
(Moves: 136-146)
* at @
a
We can now see that, compared to the previous variations, @
A was a mistake. Black should have just
played at % immediately.
The push at $ and the hane at . were strong moves. It appears that Lee didn’t anticipate ..
All of Lee Sedol’s hard work came to naught when he stumbled at @
A . He was back to square one.
You can catch up painstakingly, point by point, and grasp an opportunity with both hands, but if your
attention wavers for just a moment it will slip through your fingers like dust.
<(((((((((@@((((((> Lee may have expected White to jump out with ´.
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] If so, Black can maintain good shape on the left side.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Gu played several passive moves in the bottom left,
[++++++++!!+@+++++] but he played forcefully with the hane at ˆ (. in
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] the game).
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@+++++++++++++] The mood of the game changed once again, in favor
[@@++++++++++!@++!] of White.
[!!@@+@A ˆ+*+++++*!+]
[!+!@@!+´++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!+˜++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++¨++++!@]
[+@@@!+@++@+++@@++]
[+@!!@@!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!@@+!+!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+++!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 110 for .
March 183
Go Is an Unforgiving Friend
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@+++++++++++++]
[@@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@+@!+*+++++*!+]
[!+!@@!++++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++5++++!@]
[+@@@!0@++@+++@@++]
[+@!!@@!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!@@4!/!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+31!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++2+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Diagram 22
(Moves: 147-153)
Black’s push at / was another careless mistake, and it became the losing move. It appears that Lee
was too tired to maintain his concentration at this stage. He compounded one mistake with another.
Cutting at 0 was the right response for White, and all of his bad aji was gone.
Black was able to reduce White’s territory with 1 and 3, but it wasn’t enough. To add insult to
injury, 5 became necessary, so White took sente.
<(((((((((@@((((((> Black should cut at ´, then he can still come back
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] to play ˝.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] However, the game already favors White again, be-
[++++++++!!+@+++++] cause there are weaknesses in Black’s position at A
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] and B.
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[ A !+@++++++++˝++++] We can conclude from this that @
C was a big mistake.
[@@+++ˆ++++++!@++!]
[!!@@˜@!+*+++++*!+]
[!+!@@!´+++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@ C +++++++!@]
[+@@@!¨@++@ B ++@@++]
[+@!!@@!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!@@+!+!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+++!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 111 for /
184 March
<(((((((((@@((((((> Lee’s plan was to exchange @
A for ´, before coming
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] back to ˆ.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] In this variation, Black manages to reduce White’s
[++++++++!!+@+++++] territory by two more points with @A , but this one-
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] sided reading was too optimistic.
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@++++++++˚++++]
[@@+++˜++++++!@++!]
[!!@@¨@!+*+++++*!+]
[!+!@@!ˆ+++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@+++++++!@]
[+@@@!˝@++@+++@@++]
[+@!!@@!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!@@+!@ A !!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+´+!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++++!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 112 for 0
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black doesn’t reinforce at ¨ (5 in the game),
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] White will cut at ˆ and it will be hard for Black to
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] manage his group at the bottom.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[+!+@++++++++´++++]
[@@++++++++++!@++!]
[!!@@+@!+*+++++*!+]
[!+!@@!++++˘+++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@+˝¨˚+++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@ˆ˜ˇ@@++]
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@))@@.
Variation 113 for 5
March 185
Always Try One Last Time
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+T++++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@]
[>!+T+++++++++<+;+]
[TT++++++++++!@:+!]
[!!TT+T!+*++++=*!+]
[!+!TT!++++++++@@!]
[!!!!T!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@768
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@9)@@.
Diagram 23
(Moves: 154-162)
White 6 and 8 were well timed moves, and Black played 9 to capture White’s lower right stones
without a ko fight or seki.
Black ; and = were strong, insistent moves, which showed that Black was going all out.
If Black couldn’t capture White’s group, the game would be hopeless for him, so he had to play severely.
Even when a game seems lost, you should always try one last time before giving in.
Gu didn’t keep playing on the right side. He came back to > to attack Black’s marked stones in sente
and planned to return to the right side later. This was a great idea and Lee was in trouble.
<(((((((((@@((((((> White would like to deform Black’s shape in sente,
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] before clamping at A, but this is too optimistic.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Black will resist with ˆ. After this, !
B is captured
[++++++++!!+@+++++] and Black’s group is strong.
[+@+ˆ++++++!!@@@++]
[+++++++++++@!+++@] Black @
C isn’t very important anymore, because
[A!
B +@+++++++++!+@+] White has captured the marked stones.
[@@+++´++++++!@!+!]
[!!@@+@ C !+*++++@*!+] White cannot trade !B for @
C like this, and should
[!+!@@!++++++++@@!] clamp at A without delay.
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!+3+3!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!+3+
3!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 114 for >
186 March
Use Miai to Maintain Your Lead
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[++@+ C A DH+++@!+++@]
[!!+@+GCB+++ D +! B @+]
?@@+++AFE+IJ+!@!+!]
[!!@@+@!+*++++@*!+]
[!+!@@!++++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Diagram 24
(Moves: 163-174)
White B was a gentle yet effective move, which made miai of A and B. White didn’t need to save or
capture anything, he just needed to maintain his lead.
Black C was played not only to save Black’s left side group, but to keep the possibility of D alive.
White D and H were the correct responses, and now B and C were miai.
Black I was a diabolical move, typical of Lee Sedol. Attaching at J was the proper response, and B
and C were still miai for White.
<(((((((((@@((((((> If White tries to save his right side stones with ´,
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] Black can play to capture them with ˆ and ¨.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Continuing...
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+++++++˙@!+++@]
[!!+@+++++˘¯ˆ˜!´@+]
@@@+++@++++¨ˇ!@!+!]
[!!@@+@!+*˚˝++@*!+]
[!+!@@!++++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 115 for B
March 187
<(((((((((@@((((((> It’s a long sequence, but Black manages to hold ev-
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] erything together through to .
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] All of White’s marked stones are captured.
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@+++++++ı!!@@@++]
[++!+++++‰¸@@t+++@]
[!!+@+++‚@˛@ttt@+]
@@@+++@+++‹@tt@t+t]
[!!@@+@!+»@t”+@*t+]
[!+!@@!+„›“+++@@t]
[!!!!@!+—–«++++@t@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++t@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@tt
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@t]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@tttt
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@t]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@t
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 116 for B
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black reinforces his group on the left with ´,
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] White can save his right side stones with ˆ.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Black ˜ doesn’t work anymore and the game will
[++++++++!!+@+++++] finish here.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+++!!+++@!˚++@] This variation makes the effect of White’s gentle
[!!+@+@@! A +¯ˇ˜˝!ˆ@+] knight’s move at !
A easier to understand, as it’s now
@@@++´@!@+˙˘¨!@!+!] blockading Black’s escape route.
[!!@@+@!+*++++@*!+]
[!+!@@!++++++++@@!]
Variation 117 for I
<(((((((((@@((((((> If White doesn’t defend the center with J, and tries
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] to capture Black’s group with ´, Black can cut at ˆ
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+] and White’s marked center stones will be captured.
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+´+!!+++@!+++@]
[!!+@+@@!+++++!+@+]
@@@+++@t@¨@++!@!+!]
[!!@@+@t˜*++++@*!+]
[!+!@@!ˆ˝++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!˚ˇ++++++@!@]
[@++@!!˘@¯+@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@˙+@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 118 for J
188 March
There’s No Easy Road to Success
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+ B +!!+++@!+++@]
[!!+@+@@!+NKM+!+@+]
@@@+++@!@+@! A +!@!+!]
[!!@@+@!+*+L++@*!+]
[!+!@@!++++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Diagram 25
(Moves: 175-178)
White !
A (J) and L formed a tight combination, and the game was nearing its end.
However, cutting at N was a serious mistake. It seems that Gu wanted to ensure that everything was
tidy, before capturing Black’s group with B, but this cut became a bad exchange.
As victory nears, it’s incredibly tempting to try to wrap things up as quickly as possible. In this
moment, all players face a crucial struggle against the vicissitudes of human nature. There are no
shortcuts, however, and you have to continue to read and play with the same intensity that brought
you this far, right until the last stone touches the board and settles into stillness.
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black cuts at ´ first, ¨ is a good move and ˇ
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] and ˘ are still miai for White.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] After », White has enough liberties to win a captur-
[++++++++!!+@+++++] ing race with the marked stones, so Black collapses.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+++!!+++T!+++@]
[!!+@+@@!+¸T¯˙!˘@+]
@@@++ˇ@!T˜T!›!@!+!]
[!!@@+@!ˆ‚˛!“”@*!+]
[!+!@@!´‹¨˝«„++@@!]
[!!!!@!˚++++»++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 119 for M
March 189
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black reinforces at ´ now, White can still connect
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] at ˆ.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] As you can see from these variations, there’s no way
[++++++++!!+@+++++] for Black to win the capturing race.
[+@++++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+++!!+++@!+++@]
[!!+@+@@!+˝@˜¨!ˆ@+]
@@@++´@!@¯@!‚!@!+!]
[!!@@+@!˘ˇ˚!‹›@*!+]
[!+!@@!+˛˙¸+“++@@!]
[!!!!@!+++„+”++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 120 for M
<(((((((((@@((((((> Instead of cutting at A (N), Gu would have won the
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] game easily if he’d attacked at ´.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Black can’t make two eyes, and cutting at ˚ doesn’t
[+++˝++++!!+@+++++] work either.
[+@˜¨++++++!!@@@++]
[++!ˆ´+!!+++@!+++@] If Black plays ˙ at B, White can turn at C. White
[!!+@+@@!+ A @@+!+@+] will answer Black’s bulge at D with the cut at A.
@@@+++@!@˘@!+!@!+!]
[!!@@+@!ˇ¯˙!++@*!+]
[!+!@@!˚ B C +++++@@!]
[!!!!@!+¸ D +++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 121 for N
190 March
Be Slow to Anger
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[++++++++!!+@+++++]
[+@T+++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+U+!!+P+@!+++@]
[!!+@+@@!O! A @@Q!+@+]
@@@++S@!@+@!+!@!+!]
[!!@@+@!+*+!++@*!+]
[!+!@@!+R++++++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Diagram 26
(Moves: 179-185)
A good soldier is not violent. A good fighter is not angry. A good winner is not vengeful.
—Lao Zi, Dao De Jing
Despite stumbling at !A , Gu stayed calm and maintained his balance with R. You mustn’t become
flustered or angry when you err, or you will pile mistake upon mistake. Even though Black lived with
S, U was questionable. There were no more chances for Black afterwards.
<(((((((((@@((((((> Instead of R, if White attacks at ´ to capture
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] Black’s group, cutting at ˆ is the beginning of an
[+¸++!++!+!!@!+!!+] elaborate counter.
[‚˙!+++++!+!@++@@@]
[‹+˛+++++!!+@+++++] Up to ¯, Black has managed to capture White’s
[+@++++++++!!@@@++] marked stones in sente.
[++!+´+!!+!+@!+++@]
[!!+@+@@!@!@@@!+@+] After this, Black can return to the left side and create
@@@+++@!@ A @t+t@!+!] a ko with ˙ to ‹. White might still be winning, but
[!!@@+@!˜¨+t++@*!+] the game has become quite complicated.
[!+!@@!ˆ˝˚+++++@@!]
[!!!!@!¯ˇ˘+++++@!@] Note: In actual play, White would take the ko at A
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@] before continuing with each of ˝, ˇ and ¯. This
[+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[+@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!] makes Black spend ko threats. Those moves are only
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!! omitted here to make the overall strategy clearer.
[@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 122 for R
March 191
<(((((((((@@((((((> Black should have lived with ´, instead of A (U).
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[+ B ++!++!+!!@!+!!+] Reinforcing at ˆ is necessary, to erase bad aji at B,
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] and Black can create ko on the left side with ˜ to
[+ˆ++++++!!+@+++++] ¯.
[+@!+++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+ A +!!+!+@!+++@] It’s still very difficult for Black to catch up at this
[!!+@+@@!@!@@@!+@+] stage, but he might have had a chance with this vari-
@@@´+@@!@+@!+!@!+!] ation. Something is better than nothing.
¯!!@@+@!+*+!++@*!+]
[!+!@@!+!++++++@@!] If ˝ is the hane at ˚ instead, White hits the vital
˚!!!!@!++++++++@!@] point at ˝ and it becomes a “One eye beats no eye,”
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@] capturing race. Black loses such a capturing race.
˝+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[˜@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
ˇ!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
¨@a !!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 123 for U
˘ at @
a
<(((((((((@@((((((> If Black just plays at ˇ immediately, White can play
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] at ˘ to avoid the ko.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!+]
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Black’s stones are captured in a “One eye beats no
[+ˆ++++++!!+@+++++] eye,” capturing race once again.
[+@!+++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+++!!+!+@!+++@] The reason why a one-eyed group usually beats an
[!!+@+@@!@!@@@!+@+] eyeless group in a capturing race is that the group
@@@´+@@!@+@!+!@!+!] with an eye counts all the shared liberties as its own.
ˇ!!@@+@!+*+!++@*!+]
¸!+!@@!+!++++++@@!] This means that the eyeless group needs to have
˚!!!!@!++++++++@!@] more outside liberties than the total of the one-eyed
˛@¯+@!!+@++@++++!@] group’s outside and inside (shared) liberties to win.
˝+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
˙˜@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!] Because of this, one eye nearly always beats no eye
˘!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!! (hence the proverb), but it’s not an ironclad rule.
¨@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 124 for U
192 March
A Flawless Endgame
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!‹+!+!!@!+!!‘a
[++!++‚++!+!@++@@@]
[+X++ˇ+++!!+@+++++]
[+@!+++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+@+!!+!+@!+++@]
`!!W@+@@!@!@@@!+@+]
@@@V´@@!@\@ a !+!@!+!]
c!!@@+@!¨[Z!++@*!+]
[!+!@@!+!+Y“¯˙„@@!]
[!!!!@!+++++˘›«@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@”+++!@]
ˆ+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[]@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
^@!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!+++˝!+!!!!@@+@!
,)))))¸˚˛))))@@)@@.
Diagram 27
(Moves: 186-219)
_ ˜ at @
a , b at \
White V and X dissolved the possibility of a ko on the left side and tidied up the corner. The endgame
was proceeding smoothly for White, and ¨ (¨) was the right way to deal with the ko in the center.
The jump at ˇ and the knight’s move at ˘ were miai. White’s hane at ˙ was a neat tesuji, which
ensured that the stone at ˘ was connected.
Black couldn’t capture ˘, so he went back to the bottom with ¸. White „ was another skillful
endgame tesuji and « was the best response. Gu Li’s endgame was flawless.
<(((((((((@@((((((> If White cuts at ´ instead, Black can block with ˆ
[++++++++!@!@!+++@] and ˚ in sente.
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!!@
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] Black will jump at A next, and the game will become
[+!++ A +++!!+@+++++] quite close again.
[+@!+++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+@+!!+!+@!¨++@]
!!!@@+@@!@!@@@!+@+]
@@@+@@@!@ˇ@!˜!@!+!]
@!!@@+@!˝@!!+˚@*!+]
[!+!@@!+!´@ˆ+++@@!]
[!!!!@!++++++++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
!+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[@@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
!+!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!++++!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))))))))@@)@@.
Variation 125 for ¨
March 193
<(((((((((@@((((((> White should be careful not to push at ´ first.
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!++!+!!@!+!!!@ White can’t save the stone at ! A now, because if he
[++!+++++!+!@++@@@] ataris at B, Black will threaten a snapback with C.
[+!++@+++!!+@+++++]
[+@!+++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+@+!!+!+@!¨++@]
!!!@@+@@!@!@@@!+@+]
@@@+@@@!@+@!˜!@!+!]
@!!@@+@!!@!!+ C @*!+]
[!+!@@!+!+@´@ B +@@!]
[!!!!@!++++ˆ! A ++@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@++++!@]
!+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[@@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
!+!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!+++@!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))!)))))@@)@@.
Variation 126 for ˙
[+@!+++++++!!@@@++] If Black goes all out to capture !
A , White can respond
[++!+@+!!+!+@!˝++@] with ˆ to ˘.
!!!@@+@@!@!@@@! C ¯@+]
@@@+@@@!@+@!¨!@t+t] Black can’t connect with ¯ at ˙, because he’s short
@!!@@+@!!@!!+ˆ@˙t+] of liberties.
[!+!@@!+!+@´@!˘@@t]
[!!!!@!+++++! A ˜˚@!@] After White double ataris at ˙, his marked stones
[@++@!!+@++@+ˇ+ B !@] have been rescued and the game is over (B and !C
!+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!! are miai).
[@@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
!+!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!+++@!+!!!!@@+@!
,))))))!)))))@@)@@.
Variation 127 for ¸
[+@!+++++++!!@@@++] If Black ataris at ´ after !
A („), ˆ and ¨ are
[++!+@+!!+!+@!˝++@] sente.
!!!@@+@@!@!@@@!ˇ@+]
@@@+@@@!@+@!¨!@!+!] The sequence up to ˙ would be a disaster for Black.
@!!@@+@!!@!!ˆ´@˜!+]
[!+!@@!+!+@!@!! A @@!]
[!!!!@!+++˙+!@˚@!@]
[@++@!!+@++@@˘++!@]
!+@@@!!@++@++¯@@@!!
[@@!!++!@@!@@!!@@!]
[!@!++!!@!!!@@@!!!!
!+!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!+++@!+!!!!@@+@!
,)))))@!!))))@@)@@.
Variation 128 for «
194 March
Gu Li Grasps His First Win
<(((((((((@@((((((>
[++++++++!@!@!+++@]
[++++!!+!+!!@!+!!!@
[++!++@++! A !@++@@@]
[+!++@+++!!+@ B +++++]
[+@!+++++++!!@@@++]
[++!+@+!!+!+@!+++@]
!!!@@
F +@@!@!@@@!+@+]
@@@+@@@!@+@!+!@!+!]
@!!@@+@!!@!!+»@–!+]
[!+!@@!+!+@!@!!@@! E]
[!!!!
G @!++++—!@@@!@]
[@++@!!+@ H ++@@+++!@]
!+@@@!!@++@+++@@@!!
[@@!!++!@@!@@!!@@ D !]
[!@!++!!@ I !!!@ C @@!!!!
!+!!!!+@@!++!!!@@!]
[!!!+++@!+!!!!@@+@!
,)))))@!!))))@@)@@.
Diagram 28
(Moves: 220-222)
222 moves: White won by resignation.
White gained some points up to —, and was about five points ahead on the board when Black resigned.
This was a fascinating game, from the very beginning through to the end. The first battle began when
Black played at ” (A) and the result up to ffl (@
B ) favored White slightly.
Black’s attachment at % (@ C ) was very interesting, but it should have been at @ D instead. In the
sequence following @
C , sacrificing with > (!E ) was a brilliant idea and White established a clear lead.
Black [ (@F ) was questionable, and White had a winning position after ˆ (! G ). Lee tried very hard
to reduce White’s lower left corner, and Gu played too cautiously. This gave Lee a chance to catch up.
However, # (@H ) was a crucial mistake and the game soon became difficult for Black again. Black /
(@
I ) was another careless error, and it became the losing move. Black didn’t get another chance.
It still wasn’t easy for White to wrap up the game, but Gu was able to carry his lead to the very end.
With his first win under his belt, Gu had made an important step towards catching up. The score was
now 2–1 in Lee’s favor.
It would have become a very difficult match for Gu if he’d lost this game too, but this victory restored
his confidence in his endgame against Lee and relieved some mental pressure.
On the other hand, Lee’s psyche was taking a beating—losing three games in a row, in the space of a
week. Fortunately, the next game was a month away, so Lee had time to recover from this rout.
At the beginning of 2014, Lee said that the tournament schedule was too tight. Gu probably felt the
same. There have been more and more new tournaments in recent years and the professional circuit is
tiring for top players. We saw some careless moves in this game, which is unusual for Lee and Gu.
The next game was to be in Korea, and the atmosphere would be very different...
Chapter 4
April
April 27, 2014, Jeung-do, Korea: Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
<((N(((((((G(X(Y((>
[+&%‘++1+WUV+:++++]
[+(¨K#)-fl+"H+ffiffl32+]
[++’J+$,*.+9+ D´A+]
[+fi.LMbICF+><;<E@+]
[++0c//0a+‰+B==!C+]
[+++++¨`ff+(7D8%Z[+]
[++4´1˝˜5+&’+:;\]+]
[++ˆ+ffl+++*)¯++fl^_+]
[++*6›ffi++fi++#++¯++]
[+++“‚‹+ ++$?++ı+]
[+++"R”«+++˙++‰—+]
[+++N!„–++¸E˘«˘–+]
[+˚S»+ı+++ˇ˚++„”9»]
[+T+O+++++GF++“‚++]
[++ˆAM++ff*IH++‹˙˜+]
[++BL˝+++++ˇJ+˛¸›+]
[++POQ+++5-K˛+—++]
,))@>?)))32,4)867).
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-179)
195
196 April
Jeung-do
Game four of the Jubango was held on April 27, 2014 on Jeung-do (Jeung Island), in Shinan County,
Korea. It was the first and only game scheduled in Korea, and Gu Li held black for the second time.
Jeung-do is not far from Lee Sedol’s hometown, Bigeum-do. They are both part of a group of more
than 800 islands that form Shinan County.
Apart from the traditional local industries of agriculture, salt farming and fishing, Jeung-do also boasts
a burgeoning tourism scene. Visitors are drawn by the coastline, fresh seafood and slower pace of life.
The mood of the series changed when Gu Li defeated Lee Sedol in three consecutive games, including
game three of this match and two games from unrelated tournaments, but the overall score was still
2–1 in Lee’s favor. Nevertheless, since Gu was on a roll, Lee was keen to win this game and apply the
brakes Gu’s growing momentum.
Playing on one’s home turf can be advantageous in many ways, but also brings enormous pressure.
The media and fans in Korea were much more interested in Lee Sedol than the Chinese had been.
Lee Sedol arrived early, with his brother Lee Sanghun (also a 9 dan professional). The camera crew
was still setting up and the venue was in a state of disarray. There wasn’t anywhere to sit and wait,
and tension was clearly visible on Sedol’s face.
Sanghun suggested that they return to their hotel rooms, to relax, but his younger brother refused.
Instead, Sedol uncharacteristically fussed over minor details, like the lighting around the Go board.
Gu Li finally arrived, but the two friends avoided eye contact...
April 197
Chinese Style Refrain
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+˚ A ++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ˆ+++++*+++++*˜+]
[++++˝+++++ˇ++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 1-7)
Black started with the Micro-Chinese Opening of ˜, ˝ and ˇ, which is one of Gu Li’s favorite
formations. The opening was almost the same as in game one, except that Lee Sedol, playing White
this time, swapped Gu Li’s trademark jump at A for the knight’s enclosure at ˚.
We investigated the Micro-Chinese Opening together in Chapter 1, and by now you’ve probably made
it your own, so we’ll refrain from repeating a detailed analysis here.
<(((((((((((((((((> The Mini-Chinese Opening at ´ is also quite com-
[+++++++++++++++++] mon and splitting the right side with ˆ is the usual
[++!++++++++++++++] strategy for limiting Black’s development.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˆ prevents Black from playing near the same
[+++++++++++++++ C +] point and forming a wide framework centered around
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[+++++++++++++++ F +] his stone at @
A.
[+++++++++++++++++] There are so many possible continuations for Black
[++*+++++*+++++*ˆ+] next. For example, on the right side, all of the moves
[++++++++++++++ D E +]
[++++++++++++++ H G +] from B to H have been tried extensively in profes-
[+++++++++++++++++] sional games.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@ A +]
[++++@++++´+++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 1 for ˇ
198 April
Approach from the Wider Side
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++¯++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++˘++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ D ++]
[++!+++++*++++ B ˙@ A +]
[++++@+++++@ C +++¸++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 8-11)
White approached from the outside with ˘, and you may recall that in Variation 1 of Chapter 2 we
said that it’s generally better to approach a 3-4 point stone like @
A around B. However, when @ C is
already on the board, approaching from the outside with ˘ is better, because White is playing on the
wider side—meaning the side that has more free space and future potential.
White wanted Black to reinforce the corner at B or D, so that he could extend along the right side.
Resisting with the pincer at ¯ was a good idea. White attached at ˙ to settle a group in the bottom
right as quickly as possible. It’s generally good to play contact moves like ˙ when you’re outnumbered.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black just defends the corner at ´, White will
[+++++++++++++++++] extend to ˆ and establish a stable group up to ¨.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++T++] Even though White doesn’t gain much on the right
[+++++++++++++++++] side, he settles a group there with relative ease.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˜+] Black had hoped to be able to play around A and
[+++++++++++++++++] unify his marked stones in a magnificent large frame-
[+++++++++++++¨+ˆ+] work, but White’s stable group drove a wedge into
[++*+++++*+++++ A ++] those dreams.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] As long as White is going to interfere with Black’s
[++++++++++++++!++] plans, Black would like to exact some form of com-
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] pensation. That’s why he pincered at A in the game.
[++!+++++*++++´*T+] When your opponent enters your sphere of influence,
[++++T+++++T++++++] you should try to pressure them firmly. This allows
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). you to turn a sketchy moyo into real territory.
Variation 2 for ¯
April 199
<(((((((((((((((((> Responding with the kosumi at ´ is similar to de-
[+++++++++++++++++] fending at A.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White will still extend to ˆ, and the result up to ¨
[+++++++++++++++++] is playable for White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˜+] If Black invades at B later, White will fight back with
[+++++++++++++++++] a diagonal move at C.
[+++++++++++++++ˆ+]
[++*+++++*+++++ C ++]
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[+!+++++++++++++¨+]
[++++++++++++++´++]
[++!+++++*++++ A *@+]
[++++@+++++@++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 3 for ¯
[+++++++++++++++++] Pressuring Black’s corner with the large knight’s
[++*+++++*+++++@++] move from !A to ´ is a slightly gentler haengma.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The large knight’s press is thin, yet flexible, and when
[++++++++++++++! A ++] you play this way you should expect to be separated
[+!+++++++++++¨+˘+] by ˆ and ¨. White uses Black’s momentum against
[++++++++++++˜ˆ+˚+]
[++!++++˙*++¯+´˝@+] him to gain a foothold in the corner, sacrificing ! A.
[++++@+++++@¸+++ˇ˛] Park Junghwan 9 dan and Lee Younggu 9 dan played
[+++++++++++++++‚+] the variation up to ‚ in game two of the 9th Price
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 4 for ˙ Information Cup final, in August 2013.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black ¨ is an important move in these variations.
[+++++++++++++++++] It separates !
A from the rest of White’s group and
[++!++++++++++++++] prevents Black from being sealed into the corner.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Eight days before this game, the moves up to « were
[+++++++++++++++++] played by Gu Li 9 dan (Black) and An Kukhyun
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] 4 dan, in the preliminary final of the 19th LG Cup.
[+++++++++++++++++] White won that game, but Lee may have thought
[++*+++++*+++++@++] that the result up to « was playable for Black, so he
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] didn’t choose the large knight’s move at ´.
[++++++++++++++! A ++]
[+!++++++++++˛¨+++]
[++++++++++++˜ˆ˚¯+]
[++!+++++*+‚¸+´˝@˙]
[++++@+++‹›@++”“ˇ˘]
[+++++++++«+++++„+]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 5 for ˙
200 April
[+++++++++++++++++] Pulling back at ¨ is wrong in this situation.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˝ is a good response and it’s very difficult for
[+++++++++++++++++] Black to find an effective move afterwards.
[++++++++++++++!++]
[+!++++++++++˝++++] Cutting at ˚ captures ´ and strengthens Black’s
[++++++++++++˜ˆ¨++] corner group, but White sacrifices in style with the
[++!+++++*++ˇ˚´*@+] sequence to ‚ and achieves a better result overall.
[++++@+++++@ A ¯˘˛+++]
[++++++++++‚+¸˙+++] Observe how @
A is badly damaged by ˇ to ‚.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 6 for ˙
<(((((((((((((((((> The elephant’s step at ˆ is another haengma for
[+++++++++++++++++] cutting the large knight’s move, and can sometimes
[++!++++++++++++++] be played to develop a large moyo.
[++*+++++ B +++++@ C ++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White will break through with ˜ to ˇ and will be
[+++++++++++++++++] happy with the corner territory up to ¸. In this
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] game, Black’s moyo isn’t particularly impressive.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black @A is too close to Black’s influence in the bot-
[++*+++++*+++++@ A ++]
tom right. It would be better if it were around B.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Moreover, it would be better if @ C and ! D swapped
[++++++++++++++!˙+] places. As you can see, Black’s opening is confused
[+!+++++++++++ˆ¨˚ˇ] and inconsistent.
[++++++++++++++˜˝¯]
[++!
D +++++*++++´*@˘] When the overall situation doesn’t support develop-
[++++@+++++@++++¸+] ing a large moyo, trying to force one into existence
[+++++++++++++++++] usually leads to a difficult game. Your stones should
,))))))))))))))))). flow along the path of least resistance, like water.
Variation 7 for ˙
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black hanes on the outside with ´, White can
[+++++++++++++++++] easily live in the corner with the counter-hane at ˆ,
[++!++++++++++++++] and the moves through to ˚.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++++++ D ] When White attached at ! A to settle his group, it
[+++++++++++++++++] was implicit that he was prepared to give up !B in
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˘+] exchange for some other profit (such as the corner
[+++++++++++++++++] territory).
[++*+++++*+++++@ C +] Black’s influence is not to be sneezed at, but White
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] can treat his stone at !
B lightly and invade with ˘.
[++++++++++++++! B ++]
It’s hard for Black to attack ˘ because White has
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++ˇ+˝´˜+] several possible continuations. For example, C and
[++!+++++*+++++! A @+] D are miai.
[++++@+++++@+˚+¨ˆ+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 8 for ¸
April 201
Use Contact Moves to Defend
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++“‚++]
[++!+++++*+ B + A ‹!@+]
[++++@+++++@++˛@›+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 4
(Moves: 12-16)
White’s forces had landed deep inside black terrain, without any reinforcements, and wanted to avoid
getting caught in a drawn out battle. White played another contact move with the counter-hane at
˛, in order to settle a group in this area without delay. Black played ‚ and › to make White heavy.
As we discussed in Chapter 1, contact moves help to defend because the resulting contact fight makes
the groups on both sides become solid and settled more quickly. This tends to favor the defender.
White isn’t worried about Black cutting with ‚ at ‹, because after White extends to ‚ the ladder
at A and the atari at › will be miai for White.
White isn’t trying to save all his stones, he’s just trying to establish a viable presence in this part of
the board. Splitting the position into many small groups helps that cause. Therefore, if Black ataris
at ‹, he has to realize that as he cuts White, he also cuts himself.
Lee couldn’t find another feasible path at the time, so he blocked at “. However, he realized later
that continuing to play contact moves, with the attachment at B, would have made things simpler.
Perhaps Lee was haunted by the memory of his inopportune attachment in game three?
[+++++++++++++++++] White can also think about the crosscut at ´. The
[++*+++++*+++++@++] crosscut is another contact technique which often
[+++++++++++++++++] helps to settle a weak group.
[+++++++++++++++˛+]
[++++++++++++++!‚¸] However, Black’s tesuji at ‹ captures White’s cut-
[+!+++++++++++ A +¯˙] ting stones at ´ and ˝, and the result is better for
[+++++++++++++++˜˚]
[++!+++++*++++ˇ!@¨] Black because White’s center stones are still floating.
[++++@+++++@+˘ˆ@´+] Black will be able to attack White’s group at A later.
[+++++++++++++++˝‹]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 9 for ˛
202 April
[+++++++++++++++++] If White jumps at ´, Black will quietly separate his
[++*+++++*+++++@++] stones with ˆ. It’s hard for White to manage both
[+++++++++++++++++] his groups (!
A and !B ) after being split like this.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++! B ++] Notice how ˆ doesn’t make direct contact with
[+!+++++++++++ˆ+++] White’s stones on either side.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++*++´+! A !@+] Non-contact moves like this are usually best when at-
[++++@+++++@++!@@+] tacking, because they make it harder for weak groups
[+++++++++++++++++] to settle quickly and they draw out the attack.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 10 for “
[+++++++++++++++++] The contact play at ´ would help White to settle
[++*+++++*+++++@++] his group in a more conventional manner.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ˆ hits the vital point, but White can manage
[+++++++++++++˘!++] with ˜ and ˝.
[+!++++++++++˚ A +++]
[+++++++++++ˇ˝ˆ@++] After ˇ, cutting at A and pincering at ¯ are miai.
[++!+++++*+´++!!@+]
[++++@+¯++¨@˜+!@@+] The result is slightly favorable for Black, but it’s
[+++++++++++++++++] quite playable for White too.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 11 for “
[+++++++++++++++++] Falling back at ˆ is too passive in this case. In fact,
[++*+++++*+++++@++] this is what White wants.
[+++++++++++++¸+++]
[++++++++++++++ˇ++] White will go back and block at ˜ now, but the
[++++++++++++˘˚!++] conditions have changed after the exchange of ´ for
[+!+++++++++++˝¨+¯] ˆ. That’s because, if Black cuts at ˚, White can
[+++++++++++ A +˜@+˙]
[++!+++++*+´ B +!!@+] manage the right side with ˇ to ¸.
[++++@++++ˆ@++!@@+] Since A and B are miai for White, Black can’t easily
[+++++++++++++++++] surround White with a knight’s move at A, but he
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 12 for “ could if ´ and ˆ were not on the board.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black hanes at ˆ, White will draw back at ˜ and
[++*+++++*+++++@++] make miai of A and B.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of B, White can also consider cutting at C if
[++++++++++++ B +!++] it better suits his style. Both moves are possible.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@ C +]
[++!+++++*ˆ´˜+!!@+]
[++++@++++ A @++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 13 for “
April 203
Concentrate Your Forces
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++«!++]
[+!+++++++++++„”+»]
[+++++++++++++s@++]
[++!+++++*++++ss@+]
[++++T+++++T++s@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 5
(Moves: 17-20)
There was no reason for Black to avoid fighting. A battle in the lower right looked promising for Black,
because his marked stones could all be expected to play a part in attacking as the fighting spread
across the board. Consequently, Black played a grinding yet potent cut with ” and «.
In The Art of War, Sun Zi says that a general should concentrate his forces, which means that all of
your forces should be focused on a common goal, instead of being scattered towards disparate ends.
Black’s stones in this diagram are arrayed in a way that epitomizes this principle as it applies to Go.
In the discussion of the previous diagram, we advised against cutting White to pieces, yet here we are
praising the cut at «. Isn’t that a contradiction?
The difference is that White’s lightly peppered stones in the previous diagram were formless. Should
Black attack any of them directly, White would be able to dodge away with an inconsequential sacrifice.
In this diagram, White’s form is clear because his marked stones are all solidly connected. They are
heavy, because no one stone can easily be sacrificed anymore. Once connected, their fates are tied.
The crux of it is in the value of what you cut. Black « was powerful, and » was an exquisite haengma.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black reinforces his stones at the bottom, White
[++*+++++*+++++@++] can cut at ˆ and develop a strong outside position
[+++++++++++++++++] up to ˘.
[+++++++++++++++ˇ+]
[++++++++++++++!˘˚] In addition, White will be able to play at A or B
[+!+++++++++++++¨˝] in sente later, because both moves threaten Black’s
[+++++++++++++!@ˆ˜]
[++!++++´*++++!!@+] corner.
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[++++++++++++ B A +++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 14 for ”
204 April
[+++++++++++++++++] The double hane at ´ is an alternative technique for
[++*+++++*+++++@++] cutting, which results in better shape for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] However, it doesn’t work in this case because the
[++++++++++++++!++] ladder at ¨ favors White.
[+!++++++++++¨´ˆ++]
[+++++++++++++!@˜+]
[++!+++++*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 15 for ”
[+++++++++++++++++] Attaching at ´ looks like a tesuji, but it doesn’t
[++*+++++*++++ A @++] really help White in this case.
[++++++++++++++´++]
[++++++++++++++˜++] After ˆ and ¨, A and B are miai for Black, and one
[++++++++++++¨@!ˆ+] of White’s two groups will be in serious trouble.
[+!+++++++++ B +!@++]
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!+++++*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 16 for »
[+++++++++++++++++] Extending at ´ is a common sense move. However,
[++*+++++*+++++@ C +] it’s hard to fight after Black defends at ˆ.
[+++++++++++++˜˝++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s marked stones are in danger up to ˚.
[++++++++++++¨@!´ A ]
[+!+++++++++++t@ B ˆ] Instead of ˜, White can also consider White A,
[+++++++++++˚+t@++] Black B, ˝, ¨ and White C, but the result is similar
[++!+++++*++++tt@+] and White’s marked stones are still in trouble.
[++++@+++++@++t@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 17 for »
[+++++++++++++++++] White » in the game (˜ in this diagram) is the right
[++*+++++*+++++@+ B ] technique in terms of move order.
[++++++++++++++ A ++]
[++++++++++++++´++] If White exchanges ´ for ˆ first, Black will respond
[++++++++++++ˆ@!˝+] to ˜ with ¨. Even though White can threaten a
[+!+++++++++++!@+˜] snapback with ˝, the empty triangle implies that
[+++++++++++++!@˚¨]
[++!+++++*++++!!@+] one move was wasted.
[++++@+++++@++!@@+] White ´ is now over-concentrated and White would
[+++++++++++++++++] prefer to move it to A or, in this game, B. The ex-
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 18 for » change of ´ for ˆ overwhelmingly favors Black.
April 205
Cooperate, When It Suits You
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++ı+]
[+++++++++++++‰—+]
[+++++++++++++@t–+]
[+!+++++++++++t@+! A]
[+++++++++++++t@++]
[++!+++++*++++tt@+]
[++++@+++++@++t@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 6
(Moves: 21-25)
White played ! A to provoke Black’s counter from – to ı, because this gave him the impetus to
strengthen his marked center stones. Even if you know your opponent’s plan, it doesn’t mean you
must resist. When it suits you, you can let him have his way. Black willingly took territory up to ı.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black defends with ´, the result won’t be the same
[++*+++++*+++++@+¨] as in Variation 18.
[++++++++++++++ A ++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White will crouch down with ¨, because it doesn’t
[++++++++++++˝@!ˆ+] directly provoke ˝ like attaching at A does.
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[++++++++++˚++!@˜´] Black will extend to ˝ anyway, but White is now
[++!+++++*++++!!@+] relatively stable on the right side and gains a tempo
[++++@+++++@++!@@+] to move out with ˚.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). This lets White manage his groups on both sides.
Variation 19 for –
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black connects at ´ instead, developing at ˆ be-
[++*+++++*+++++@++] comes a natural choice for White, because extending
[+++++++++++++++++] at A isn’t sente anymore.
[++++++++++++++ˆ++]
[+++++++++++++@! A +] The overall situation is still very complicated, but
[+!+++++++++++!@+!] the fact that White can push at B later means that
[+++++++++++++!@´ B ]
[++!+++++*++++!!@+] Black’s corner isn’t completely safe yet.
[++++@+++++@++!@@+] This gives White more leverage against the corner,
[+++++++++++++++++] which will help him to manage his groups on both
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 20 for – sides (as we can see in the following variation).
206 April
<(((((((((((((((((> The atari at ´ is an overplay.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++] Black’s corner is weakened up to ˇ, and White has
[++*+++++*+++++@++] time to defend at ˘ because moves around A and B
[+++++++++++++++++] are miai for White at the bottom.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black plays at A next, provoking White to play B
[+++++++++++++++++] to D, Black will lose the capturing race in the corner.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@˘¨]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++´++]
[++++++++++++˝@!ˆ+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++++ A +!@˜˚]
[++!+++++*++++!!@ˇ]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++ D B C +]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 21 for –
[+++++++++++++++++] Connecting at ´ is too cautious.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White will be ecstatic when he captures Black’s cut-
[++++++++++++++!ˆ+] ting stone in a ladder with ¨.
[++++++++++++¨@!@˜]
[+!+++++++++++!@´!]
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!+++++*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 22 for
<(((((((((((((((((> Sealing White in from above with ´ can sometimes
[+++++++++++++++++] be a powerful continuation, but it doesn’t work well
[++!++++++++++++++] in this case.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] For Black’s attack to succeed, ˝ needs to land a
[+++++++++++++++++] debilitating blow.
[+++++++++++++++“ B ]
[+++++++++++++++‹›] Unfortunately for Black, ˚ is a strong counter and
[+++++++++++++++˛‚] White makes miai of A and B in the sequence to “.
[++*+++++*++++ A @˚¸]
[+++++++++++++¯˘ˇ˝] After White cuts at ˘, he makes miai of ¯ and ˙.
[+++++++++++++´!ˆ˙] If Black ataris at ˙, White at ¯ makes miai of C
[+++++++++++++@!@¨] and White at ¸, and Black collapses.
[+!+++++++++++!@ C !]
[+++++++++++++!@˜+]
[++!+++++*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 23 for
April 207
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black tries the looser encroachment at ˝, White
[+++++++++++++++++] can still live easily because ˚ makes miai of ˇ and
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] ˘.
[+++++++++++++++++] The moves that follow are practically forced and
[+++++++++++++++++] White is alive up to „.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++”] Now Black has to take care of his unstable group in
[++++++++++++++›¯“] the lower right corner, and the cutting stone at ˙ is
[++*+++++*+++++@˘˝„ also annoying.
[+++++++++++++˙¸˛˚‚
[+++++++++++++´!ˆ‹]
[+++++++++++++@!@¨]
[+!+++++++++++!@ˇ!]
[+++++++++++++!@˜+]
[++!+++++*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 24 for
[+++++++++++++++++] Pincering at ´ is impetuous.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black becomes too powerful on the right side after
[+++++++++++++ˆt@+] he captures two critically important stones with ˆ.
[+++++++++++++@t@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!] Even though White can continue with ˜, Black can
[++++++++++˜++!@++] manage the situation flexibly with ¨.
[++!++++´*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++¨+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 25 for ‰
<(((((((((((((((((> Extending to ´ is an overplay. White will make a
[+++++++++++++++++] thick and excellent shape on the right side up to ˚,
[++!++++++++++++++] erasing most of Black’s potential there.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black is aiming to attack with ˇ, but it’s not enough
[+++++++++++++++++] because now White can afford to sacrifice his five
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] marked stones and engineer a counter-attack on @ A.
[+++++++++++++++++] There’s still some bad aji inside Black’s position, for
[++*+++++*+++++@++] example if White plays at B later. Remember to
[+++++++++++++++¨+]
[+++++++++++++!!@˚] beware of indigestion.
[++++++++++++´@!@+]
[+!+++++++++ˇ+t@ˆ!]
[+++++++++++++t@˜˝]
[++!+¸+++*++¯+tt@+]
[+++˙@
A +˛+˘+@++t@@+]
[++++++++++++ B ++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 26 for ı
208 April
Never Underestimate Thickness
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@ C ++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++tt@+]
[++++++++++++@ E t@+]
[+!+++++++++++t@+! D]
[+++++++++++++t@++]
[++!++++ff*++++tt@+]
[+ B ++T+++ A +T++t@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 7
(Moves: 26-27)
White created an extremely thick shape with , and reinforcing Black’s position at the bottom with
ff became necessary. It was a classic exchange of territory for power. Many Go players questioned this
result and thought that it was better for Black, but most professionals watching the game (including
the professional author) evaluated it as even because:
1. Black has to defend at ff, so White takes sente.
2. Black started out with four stones in this area, whereas White had only one, so we should expect
Black to end up with more profit than White in this part of the board.
3. Even after ff, Black’s position at the bottom is still weak, because of the power of White’s thick
group. For example, it will be easy for White to invade at A later.
4. Because Black is still weak at the bottom, White’s lower left corner is actually much bigger than
it looks. Black can’t expect to be able to invade at B without provoking a severe counter-attack,
and White can enlarge the corner in sente by harassing Black later (see Variation 27).
5. Since White’s lower right group has good eye potential, it’s much more powerful than a simple
wall would be. It’s more than a wall; it’s thickness. Extending along the bottom is less important
for this kind of group, because there’s no urgency to create a base (think eyespace).
6. Even though ff reduces the potential of White’s thickness, Black doesn’t have much potential to
speak of either. White’s thickness turns the bottom into a no man’s land, where neither player
can expect to make many points. Meanwhile, the lower right corner is settled, mostly along the
third line. Black’s stone at @
C is slightly over-concentrated.
7. White has potential on the left side and at the top, which he can develop with sente.
8. Both players exchanged one stone (! D and @ E ), but !
D still has some endgame aji, as we’ll see
later, so Black’s lower right corner is slightly smaller than it looks.
April 209
Still Waters Run Deep
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+fi+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++++!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!++++@*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 8
(Move: 28)
Lee patiently enclosed the top left corner with fi. This move was somewhat slow, but it was also solid.
Since all of White’s groups were strong, he’d be able to fight without reservation later in the game.
Nevertheless, it takes a high degree of skill and explosive fighting power to play this kind of game well.
[+++++++++++++++++] White can play ´ to ˜ in sente later, because of the
[++*+++++*+++++@++] presence of White’s thickness (marked).
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++tt@+] This means that White’s corner is bigger than it
[++++++++++++t+t@+] seems and White’s power is already paying dividends.
[+!+++++++++++t@+!]
[++++¨++++++++t@++]
[++!++++@*++++tt@+]
[+++˜@+++++@++t@@+]
[+++´ˆ++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 27 for fi
<(((((((((((((((((> After the game, Lee pondered whether ´ and ˜
[+++++++++++++++++] would have been better. This would certainly have
[++!+++++++++´+ˆ++] been a more active way of playing, but we can’t say
[++*+++++*˜++++@++]
[+ A +++++++++++++++] that A (fi in the game) was a mistake.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can play for territory with ˆ, because Black’s
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] position on the right is already quite strong. This
[+++++++++++++++++] kind of move dares White to invade and create a
[++*+++++*+++++@++] target for attack.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 28 for fi The moves up to ˜ would lead to another game.
210 April
Stake a Claim to the Land Between Two Corners
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++t++++fl A +++ffi++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@ B ++]
[+t+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++++!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!++++@*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 9
(Moves: 29-30)
The area around A is a key point for developing White’s marked corner enclosure. Likewise, the top
is a high priority area for @
B , because the star point wants to form a moyo on both sides. Obviously
there was an advantage in staking an early claim to such a desirable piece of real estate with fl.
<(((((((((((((((((> Probing with ´, before invading at ˜ is an old fash-
[+++++++++++++++++] ioned style of play.
[++!++++@++++++ A ˜+]
[++*+++++*ˆ++++@ B +] The logic behind this combination is that, after
[+!+++++ C ´++++++++] White invades the corner at ˜, Black will develop
[+++++++ D E ++++++++] a powerful wall with either A or B and either way ˆ
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] will end up looking a bit over-concentrated.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White invades the corner first and then tries to
[++*+++++*+++++@++] exchange ´ for ˆ, Black will probably resist by at-
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 29 for ffi taching at C. After C, Black plans to meet D with a
crosscut at E. A complicated fight will follow.
<(((((((((((((((((> Approaching from the right side, with ´, betrays a
[+++++++++++++++++] jealous attitude and is a bad idea.
[++!+˘++@+++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++¨+@++] Black will be happy to develop his position at the
[+!+++++++++++++ˆ+] top and can still aim to further attack White’s top
[++++++++++++++˜´+] right group later on.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ˇ+] It’s better to avoid playing near strong positions
[++++++++++++++˚˝+] when you don’t have to.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 30 for ffi
April 211
<(((((((((((((((((> Invading the corner immediately at ´ is also con-
[+++++++++++ C ˇ˝+++] ceivable.
[++!++++@ A +++˘˚¨˜´¸]
[++*+++ +*+++++@ˆ¯]
B The result up to ˛ isn’t a proper joseki for Black,
[+!++++++++++++++˙] because @
A isn’t working efficiently.
[+++++++++++++++˛+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black @ A would be better at B, because the door is
[+++++++++++++++++] open at the top around C; and the center and the
[+++++++++++++++++] top left are more important than the top now.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 31 for ffi
<(((((((((((((((((> Black ¨, ˚ and ˘ are savvy moves.
[++++++++++++˘˝++ˇ]
[++!++++@ A ++++˛¨˜´˚‚ Black seals White in and makes efficient use of @
A,
[++*+++++*++++¸@ˆ¯] which is good enough for Black.
[+!++++++++++++++˙]
[+++++++++++++++‹+] This is why White didn’t invade at ´ in the game.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 32 for ffi
<((((((((((((¸((((> In the midst of the previous variation, if Black hanes
[+++++++++++¯˚˝˙˛ B ] at ˚ without exchanging A for B, White will capture
[++!++‚+@++‹+ˇ¨˜´ A ]
[++*+++++*+++›˘@ˆ+] ˚ with ¸.
[+!+++++++++++++++] The result up to › is playable for White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Continuing...
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 33 for ffi
<((((((((((((!((((> Cutting at „ is an overplay, because White can re-
[+++++++++++!+!@@—] activate his marked stones with –.
[++!++!+@++@«!@tt–]
[++*+++++*+»„!@@@] White makes miai of A and B, so Black runs out
[+!+++++++++”“ A ++ B ] of steam.
[++++++++++++ C ++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of „, Black should extend to C, giving White
[+++++++++++++++++] time to connect at ».
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 34 for ffi
212 April
Defense Is No Mere Shield
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+&%++++++++++++++]
[+(!+#)+@ A +"++!ffl+++]
[++’++$+**+++ +@++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++++!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!++++@*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 10
(Moves: 31-43)
Black chose ffl and ! because @
A already stifled White’s development and pressured him at the top.
White " approached @A and established a small base for White, which prompted Black to create his
own base with #. This is the ebb and flow of attack and defense, and such progressions are natural.
White’s shoulder hit at $ aimed to develop influence while helping White’s top right group. Black
probed skillfully from % to (, and played to minimize White’s center influence with ) to +.
As Carl von Clausewitz notes in On War, defense is “. . . not a mere shield, but a shield formed of
skilfully delivered blows.” In practice, attack and defense are finely balanced and are often combined.
<(((((((((((((((((> Let’s explore how the players should (and shouldn’t)
[++++++++++++˚++++] combine attack and defense in this position.
[++!++++@ A ++´+!+¨ˆ+]
[++*+++++*++++˝@˜+] ‘Attacking’ with ´ is a questionable strategy.
[+!+++++++++ˇ+++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˆ dodges into the corner as swiftly as a swal-
[+++++++++++++++++] low and Black is faced with a choice between ˜ and
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨. He chooses ˜ because the right side is large.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++˘+@++] White lives in the corner in sente up to ˇ, and flying
[+++++++++++++++@+] to ˘ reduces Black’s right side territory nicely.
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++++!+!@+] Black @
A has become a slack move, and this variation
[+!+++++++++++!@+!] is comfortable for White.
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!++++@*++++!!@+] Black is thinking about attacking, but going about
[++++@+++++@++!@@+] it in a manner that isn’t well suited to the circum-
[+++++++++++++++++] stances on the board.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 35 for ffl
April 213
<(((((((((((((((((> The high enclosure at ´ puts too much emphasis on
[++++++++++++++ˆ++] defense.
[++!++++@ A +¨++! B +˜+]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] White can expand his eyespace with ˆ, which makes
[+!+++++++++++++++] miai of ˜ and ¨.
[++++++++++++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Up to ¨, White settles easily at the top.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black @ A isn’t being used to its full potential in this
[++*+++++*+++++@++] variation, and is becoming weaker. Since neither of
[+++++++++++++++@+] these tactics were promising, Black wisely chose B
Variation 36 for ffl (ffl) in the game, instead of ´.
<(((((((((((((((((> After Black extends to @
A , stealing his base with ´
[++++˜˝´ˆ+++++++++] and ˜ puts too much emphasis on attacking.
[++!+@
A +¨@+t++t@+++]
[++*+++++*+++t+@++] Even though ´ to ˝ set Black adrift, and force him
[+!++++++˚+ˇ++++++] to find life in the center, White’s tactics don’t balance
[++++++++++++++@++] offense and defense appropriately.
[+++++++++˘+++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black has sente to counter-attack the marked stones
[+++++++++++++++++] and is able to occupy the high ground up to ˘.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] White ´ would be possible if the marked stones were
Variation 37 for $ stronger, but in this case it gives up the initiative.
<(((((((((((((((((> The knight’s move at ´ occupies what is often a key
[+++++++++++++++++] point between two space extensions, but it’s a bit
[++!+@++@+!++!@+++] slack in this game.
[++*+++++*+++!+@++]
[+!+˚++¨ˆ´++++++++] Black expands his base into the center, starting with
[+++++++˜˝+++++@++] ˆ, and his group is effectively settled up to ˚.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black has a comfortable shape and White’s potential
[+++++++++++++++++] on the left side has been reduced.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 38 for $
<(((((((((((((((((> White chose the shoulder hit at A in the game, but
[+++++++++++++++++] capping at ´ is a strong alternative strategy.
[++!+@++@+!++!@+++]
[++*++ A ++*+++!+@++] As Black moves into the center with ˆ, White is able
[+!++´++ˆ+˜+++++++] to strengthen his own group while attacking with ˜.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++¨+++++++++] Black ¨ avoids a capping play at the same point,
[+++++++++++++++++] and the stones follow a pleasing rhythm up to ˝.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++˝+++++*+++++@++] It’s another game.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 39 for $
214 April
<(((((((((((((((((> The other shoulder hit, at ´, heads in the wrong
[+¯˘˛+++++++++++++] direction. Once again, White fails to combine the
[+‚!˚@+ˆ@+t++t@+++] needs of attack and defense properly.
[++*ˇ˜˝´¨*+++t+@++]
[+!++++++˙++++++++] When Black turns at ¨, White’s marked group be-
[++++++++++++¸+@++] comes weaker.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] After ˝ to ‚, Black plays at ‹ and the value of
[++‹++++++++++++++] White’s stones from ´ to ˇ is diminished.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] White ¸ in this diagram may not look big, but it’s
[+++++++++++++!!@+] the key point for attack and defense. Let’s explore
[++++++++++++!+!@+] what happens if White omits this move...
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!++++@*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 40 for $
<(((((((((((((((((> The fundamental principles of attack and defense are:
[+¯˘–++++«+++”„+++]
[+ B !˚@+ˆ@+!++!@+++]
[++*ˇ˜˝´¨*+++!+@++] 1. Divide your opponent’s forces,
[+!++++++˙›‚++++++]
[++++++»++“‹˛ A +@++] 2. Surround your opponent, and conversely
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] 3. Stay connected,
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¸+++++*+++++@++] 4. Avoid being surrounded, and finally
[++++++++++++—++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+] 5. Know your next moves.
[++++++++++++!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++++++!@++] White ¸ is big, but jumping to A was urgent.
[++!++++@*++++!!@+] Black’s light enclosure at ˛ looks thin, but if White
[++++@+++++@++!@@+] scrambles for life like an octopus in a kettle, Black’s
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). surrounding positions harden to stone up to «.
Variation 41 for $ Black consolidates a large corner territory, and his
center stones become powerful, while White strug-
gles. Next, connecting with » makes B and — miai.
Even if you can live, you should avoid being sur-
rounded unless you really know what you’re doing.
April 215
<(((((((((((((((((> Simply defending at ´ is naive. Black is follow-
[+++++++++++++++++] ing White’s plan without thinking about what White
[++!+@´˝@+!++!@+˛+] wants or looking for a counter-punch.
[++*˙¸!
A ˜ˆ˚+++!+@++]
[+!++¯ˇ¨++++++++++] White will be able to strengthen his group and accu-
[++++++˘+++++++@++] mulate power in sente, with ˆ to ˘.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] He can use that power to invade Black’s moyo in the
[+++++++++++++++++] top right, with ˛.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] Meanwhile, despite being chuffed about its perfect
Variation 42 for % eye at !
A , Black’s group is over-concentrated.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black probed at @A in the game, before defending
[++@
A +¨ˆ˜++++++++++] with Black at ´.
[+˚!+@´˝@ B +!++!@+++]
[++*++!++*+++!+@++] If White resists with ´, Black will happily trade @
B
[+!+++++++++++++++] for the corner territory with the moves up to ˚.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s net profit is twice as big as it looks, because
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s corner territory has disappeared and become
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s corner territory.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] This variation is better for Black.
Variation 43 for &
<(((((((((((((((((> If White tries to resist with ´, it will only make
[++@´˜˝+++++++++++] Black’s position stronger.
[+ˇ!ˆ@¨˚@+t++t@+++]
[++*++!++*+++t+@++] White will eventually have to defend at ˇ and
[+!+ A ++++˘+¯++++++] Black will take the opportunity to counter-attack the
[++++++++++++++@++] marked stones with ˘ and ˙.
[+++++++++˙+++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Though the moves are different, the result is similar
[+++++++++++++++++] to Variation 37.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] Black has the initiative and can make shape in the
Variation 44 for & center with A later.
<(((((((((((((((((> Resisting with ´ is a bad move, because exchanging
[+!
B @ˆ+++++++++++++]
´ for ˆ makes Black stronger and ¨ damages ! A.
[+˜!´@++@+!++!@+++]
[++@F C ¨!A ++*+++!+@++] Blocking with ˜ at ¨ doesn’t work well either.
[+!+ D E ++++++++++++] Black will be happy to cut at ˜ and capture !
B.
[+++ G ++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ˜, White C provokes ¨, White D, Black
[+++++++++++++++++] E and ! A is wasted. White !A is more valuable than
[+++++++++++++++++] @F and Black G will be sente later (because it aims
[++*+++++*+++++@++] to atari at ˜ once again), so Black will be satisfied.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 45 for (
216 April
Make Territory While Attacking
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+!@++++ A + C +++ E +++]
[+!!+TT-T B s++s@32+]
[++@+Ts,s.+++s+@++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++0 D /+++++++++@++]
[++++++++++7++++++]
[++4+1++5+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*6++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++++!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!++++@*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 11
(Moves: 44-55)
Gu regretted - and later said it should have been at A instead. In that case, White would have played
. at B to prevent Black from expanding his eyespace with C. White . was the proper move after -.
Black’s marked group at the top wasn’t settled yet and he jumped out with / to stave off White’s
attack at D. At this point in the game, White had developed considerable power at the top and in the
bottom right, but didn’t have as much territory as Black.
When you have a lot of power and not much territory, you should look for a way to make territory
while attacking. White’s biggest area of potential was on the left side, so his plan now was to develop
territory by attacking Black at the top, and in doing so to maintain the overall balance of territory.
White 0 struck firmly at a key point in Black’s shape while simultaneously developing the left side.
If White didn’t play at 0, Black would have played a shoulder hit at 0—reducing the left side and
practically settling his top group at the same time.
Sometimes you have to play slow-looking moves like 0, to prolong your attack and prepare powerful
followups. White 0 set up a powerful attack at 1, so Black jumped to 1 himself—once again
forestalling a more severe attack on his dragon in the top left.
The invasion at 2 was a probe and 3 was the right response. In cases where the squared stones are
already relatively strong, there isn’t as much potential for a counter-attack after descending to E, so
3 is better.
After seeing Black’s response at 3, which focused on the corner, White continued taking territory
while attacking with 4. Black’s dragon fled into an open sky up to 5, gradually growing stronger.
White 6 continued to expand White’s area on the left side and Gu Li demonstrated his delicate sense
of play in the center with 7, which lightly pressured White’s marked stones at the top.
The pendulum of attack and defense had swung towards Black, and it was now his turn to attack.
April 217
<(((((((((((((((((> If White defends at ´ instead, Black can peep at ¨
[+!@++++++++++++++] in sente.
[+!!+@@@@´!++!@+++]
[++@+@!!!˝+++!+@++] Lee didn’t like this prospect, so he extended thickly
[+!++++++¨++++++++] with ˝ in the game.
[++˜+ˆ+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 46 for .
<(((((((((((((((((> Descending at ´ isn’t the right strategy in this game,
[+!@++++++++++´+++] because White’s marked stones are hard to attack.
[+!!+@@@@+t++t@+! A +]
[++@+@tttt+++t+@ D +] Observe how Lee probed at ! A before exchanging B
[+!++++++++++++˜ˆ+] for C in the game. If Black insists on trying to at-
[++!+@+++++++++@+¨] tack with ´ anyway (which isn’t good), White might
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ B +@++ C +++++++++] prefer to play around C later, instead of B.
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ´, blocking at D is nearly always bad,
[++*+++++*+++++@++] because it allows White to bully the corner with the
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 47 for 3 hane at ´ and gains little in exchange.
<(((((((((((((((((> Playing at ´ (instead of 7) is also conceivable, but
[+!@++++++++++++++] then White will break through with ¨ to ˛ and
[+!!+TTTT+!++!@@!+] Black’s marked dragon will be threatened.
[++@+T!!!!+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++!+T++++˛++++@++]
[++++˜ˆ++¸¨ˇ´+++++]
[++!+T++T˘˝˚++++++]
[++++++++˙¯+++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 48 for 7
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black cuts White with ¯ and ¸ instead, White
[+!@++++++++++++++] will start a ko by cutting at ˛.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+++!+@++] White has more ko threats, starting with ‹, so he
[+!+›‹++++++++++++] will be happy with this development.
[++!+@++++¸++++@++]
[++++˜ˆ+˛¯¨ˇ´+++++]
[++!+@++@˘˝˚++++++]
[+++++++++˙+++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 49 for 7
‚ at ˝ “
, at ¨
218 April
Offense Is the Best Defense
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+!T+++++++++:++++]
[+!!+TTTT+! B +!@@! C +]
[++T+T!!!!+9+!+@++]
[+!++++++++ A <;++++]
[++!+T+++++++++@++]
[++++++++++T+8++++]
[++!+T++T+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++++!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++++++!@++]
[++!++++@*++++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 12
(Moves: 56-60)
Jumping out with 8 was typical of Lee’s style of play. He prefers to counter-attack instead of defending
whenever possible. White 8 prevented Black’s marked dragon from connecting to the right side.
Since White counter-attacked, instead of simply defending his group at A, Black fought back with 9.
Descending with : was more efficient than simply blocking at B. It threw a lifeline out to !
C , so that
it might connect under or live in the corner later. Black cut at ; and < was the best response.
<(((((((((((((((((> Defending at ´ is patient, but passive.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+] Black will take sente and the game will be slightly
[++@+@!!!!+++!+@++] better for him after he jumps to ˆ.
[+!++++++++´++++++]
[++!+@+++++++++@++] The value of ˆ is that it reduces White’s potential
[++++++++++@++++++] on the left side, while also fortifying Black’s group at
[++!+@++@+++++++++] the bottom.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++] Remember that White’s marked thickness is still
[+++++++++++++++@+] lurking in the bottom right, waiting for the ideal mo-
[+++++++++++++tt@+] ment to strike.
[++++++++++++t+t@+]
[+!+++++++++++t@+!]
[++++ˆ++++++++t@++]
[++!++++@*++++tt@+]
[++++@+++++@++t@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 50 for 8
April 219
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black tries to cut with ´ and ˜, connecting at ¨
[+!@++++++++++++++] and falling back with ˚ is playable for White.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+++!+@++] Black @
A will be damaged and Black can’t expect to
[+!+++ B +++++˝˜++++] separate White because White has too many sente
[++!+@+++++˚ˆ´+@++] moves like B, C and D.
[+++++ C D +++@ A ¨!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 51 for 9
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting at ˜ doesn’t work, because ˘ is a clever
[+!@++++++++++++++] tesuji. White breaks into the right side up to ˛.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+++!+@¸+] If Black ataris at ˛, instead of capturing with ¯
[+!++++++++++˚˙˘˛+] (´), White will double atari at A and Black will be
[++!+@++++++ˆ´¨@++] in trouble.
[++++++++++@˜!˝ A ++]
[++!+@++@++++ˇ++++] If Black plays ¸ at ˛, he’ll have to contend with
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s cut at ¸.
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 52 for 9
¯ at ´
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black attaches at ´ without any sort of prepara-
[+!@++++++++++++++] tion, White will exchange ˆ for ˜, and then play
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+++!+@++] ¨ and ˚ to connect.
[+!+++++++++˝´++++] Black can’t expect to gain much with such blunt tac-
[++!+@+++++˚¨++@++] tics.
[++++++++ˆ+@+!++++]
[++!+@++@˜++++++++] Let’s see how Black’s preparation in the game ad-
[+++++++++++++++++] dressed this obstacle...
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 53 for 9
<(((((((((((((((((> The idea behind the exchange of @ A for !B becomes
[+!@+++++++++! B ++++] clearer after you read the previous variation.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!˙@ A ˇ!+@++] Once @
A is on the board, cutting with @
C becomes
[+!+++++++˚˝ˆ@ C ++++] much more effective.
[++!+@++++¨˜´˘+@++]
[++++++++++@¯!++++] If White still tries to connect his stones with ´,
[++!+@++@+++++++++] Black won’t allow him to do so.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++] Because of the presence of @
A , Black can hane at ¨
[+++++++++++++++@+] and defend at ˘ in sente, cutting White in two up
Variation 54 for < to ˙.
White is in trouble.
220 April
Sometimes Retreat Is Best
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+!@+++++++++!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@A+]
[+!++++++++>!@++@+]
[++!+@++++++B=+@C+]
[++++++++++@D!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++?++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++ A +++++++E+!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++GF++!@++]
[++!++++@*+H++!!@+]
[++++@+++++@++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 13
(Moves: 61-72)
The result up to > was acceptable for both players, and the game was still well balanced. Immediately
after the game, Lee said that he regretted @, but it doesn’t seem to be bad.
Black C was the right response to B, and Black was probably content with the additional corner
territory. White was able to connect at D in compensation, so the game was still even.
Black’s attachment at G was satisfying, and he became stronger on the outside with the sequence that
followed. Nobody likes to play moves like H, but sometimes there are no better options. It takes a
certain maturity to know when to fall back and defend staunchly, even if it feels blunt and uninspired.
Sometimes retreat is best is the last and most famous of the Thirty-six Stratagems, giving rise to the
well known Chinese saying, “Of the Thirty-six Stratagems, retreat is best.” This doesn’t just refer to
running away, but also knowing when to avoid meeting a strong opposing force head on; retreating
only temporarily in order to regroup and await a better moment to fight.
Lee later said that E and G were questionable, and that Black should have played at A to reduce
White’s left side instead. It seems, however, that Gu was satisfied with his moves in the game.
[+++++++++++++++++] Lee said that he should have played @ at ´.
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+] The merit of ´ is that it helps to preserve the power
[+++ A +++++++++!!@+] of White’s influence. White doesn’t have any weak
[++ B +++++++++!+!@+] groups now, so it will be easier for White to fight if
[+!+++++++++++!@+!] Black tries to reduce the left side at A or B.
[++++++++++´++!@++]
[++!++++@*++++!!@+] White ´ also intensifies the aim of invading at C or
[++++@+ D + C +@++!@@+] D later, and Black’s top left group is still a bit weak.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 55 for @
April 221
<(((((((((((((( H F G > Pushing at ´, before playing @ in the game, is the
[+!@++++++++ J t+˘ˇ I ] wrong move order.
[+!!+@@@@ E t C +t@@!+]
[++@+@tttt B @ A t+@˝+] Black will let White live in the corner, with ˜ to ¸,
[+!+++++++˛tt@+¨˜+¸ and can later strike back at ˛.
[++!+@+ K ++ D +´@+@˚¯]
[++++++++++@ˆ!+++˙] A and B are miai, so White can’t cut at B. If White
[++!+@++@+++++++++] plays A to C, Black can exchange D for E. Since F to
[+++++++++++++++++] I is sente for Black (threatening the corner), White
[++*!++++*+++++@++] will be left with a troubling weakness at J.
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 56 for @ If Black reinforces around K during negotiations in
the center, the marked stones will be endangered.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black responds to !
A with ´, White will be happy
[+!@+++++++++!++++] to connect at ˆ to live in the corner up to ˚.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@ˆ+] The exchanges from ¨ to ˚ leave bad aji inside
[+!++++++++!!@+´! A ˚] Black’s territory. For example, White can clamp at
[++!+@+++++++@+@˜¨] B later.
[++++++++++@+!+++˝]
[++!+@++@++++++++ B ]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 57 for A
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting at ´ is an overplay.
[+!@+++++++++!‹˛‚+]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!TT! a ¸] Black’s shape up to ˝ is hideous, and Black will lose
[++@+@!!!!+@+!˝TT˙] the capturing race in the corner after “.
[+!++++++++!!@ˆ¨!“]
[++!+@++++++!@˜@˚+] The marked stones are all dead.
[++++++++++@´!+ˇ˘+]
[++!+@++@++++++¯++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 58 for C
› at !
a
[+++++++++++++++++] White shouldn’t try to fight with ´ to ˝, because
[++*!++++*+++++@++] Black will counter-atari at ¨ and isolate White’s
[++++++++++++@++@+] marked stones up to ˚.
[+++++++++++++tt@+]
[++++++++++@+t+t@+] White’s once proud thickness is now in serious dan-
[+!+++++++´ˆ++t@+!] ger.
[++++++++˝@!˚+t@++]
[++!++++@*˜¨++tt@+] When the position doesn’t favor fighting, it’s better
[++++@+++++@++t@@+] to be patient and wait for future opportunities.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 59 for H
222 April
The Threat Is Stronger than the Execution
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+!@+++++ B +++!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!++++++++!!@++!+]
[++!+@++++++!@+@@+]
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@ D ++@+]
[+++++++++++++tt@+]
[++++++++++@+t+t@+]
[+!+++++++++++t@+!]
[+++++++++@t++t@++]
[++!+ A ++@ C *It++tt@+]
[+++L@+++++@J+t@@+]
[++++++++++K++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 14
(Moves: 73-76)
It looks like Lee thought the game was favorable for White at this point, so he chose the simple
attachment at L. If he’d thought that he was behind, he would have played at A or B instead—both
of which would have led to a more complicated game.
Some readers may look at White’s marked group in the lower right now and conclude that White’s
influence wasn’t powerful, because it looks very small. However, we should remember that White
created this group in a part of the board where Black had a four to one advantage, and that White
subsequently took sente three times (after @
C, @
D and K).
White’s group was powerful, but the profit has been realized in other parts of the board—both in
terms of points and by limiting the scope of Black’s actions. It’s important to understand that every
decision involves some sort of tradeoff in Go.
The mere presence of White’s power earlier in the game constrained Black’s choice of strategies and
led to the current position. As the chess grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch was fond of saying, “The
threat is stronger than the execution.”
[+++++++++++++++++] Attaching at ´ is conceivable.
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+] If Black answers normally, with ˆ to ˚, White will
[+++++++++++++!!@+] be happy to complete a large territory up to ˇ.
[+++ˇ++++++@+!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!] This variation is slightly better for White than the
[++++¨++++@!++!@++] actual game.
[++!˝´ˆ+@*@!++!!@+]
[+++˜@˚++++@!+!@@+]
[++++++++++@++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 60 for L
April 223
<(((((((((((((((((> Black could also think about resisting with ˆ to ˚.
[+!@+++++++++!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+] Even though Black captures a stone with ˘, the re-
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+] sult up to ¯ is also successful for White, because he
[+!++++++++!!@++!+] secures a very large territory on the left side.
[++!+@++++++!@+@@+]
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++¯+++++++@++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++@+!+!@+]
[+!+ˇ+++++++++!@+!]
[+++˝˚++++@!++!@++]
[++!¨´˘+@*@!++!!@+]
[++˜ˆ@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++++++++++@++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 61 for L
<(((((((((((((((((> Reinforcing with ´ and ˜ is slack. Black will take
[+!@+++++++++!++++] sente and reduce the left side with ¨.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+] It will be hard for White to attack ¨, because it is
[+!++++++++!!@++!+] Black’s only weak group.
[++!+@++++++!@+@@+]
[++++++++++@!!++++] Notice how ¨ makes it very difficult for White to
[++!+@++@+++++++++] connect the marked stones.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*t++++*+++++@++] When stones are more than one line apart both verti-
[++ A +++++++++@++@+] cally and horizontally, you can usually separate them
[++ B ++++++++++!!@+] by playing at one of the middle points (¨, A or B in
[++¨+++++++@˜!+!@+] this case). We call this a bad relationship.
[+t+++++++ˆ´++!@+!]
[+++++++++@!++!@++] Knight’s moves and jumps (long and short) are com-
[++!++++@*@!++!!@+] mon shapes when developing, because they’re harder
[++++@+++++@!+!@@+] to separate in this way. That’s because they only
[++++++++++@++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). stretch out in one direction at a time.
Variation 62 for L
<(((((((((((((((((> White could also consider playing at ´. This di-
[+!@+++++´+++!++++] agonal move is bigger and more important than it
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+] looks.
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!++++++++!!@++!+] In addition to strengthening White’s group at the
[++!+@++++++!@+@@+] top, it also dampens Black’s ambitions of invading
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++] or reducing the left side because it weakens Black’s
[+++++++++++++++++] top left group considerably.
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 63 for L
224 April
Caution Is Both Friend and Foe
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+!@+++++ A +++!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!++++++++!!@++!+]
[++!+@++++++!@+@@+]
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++ B +++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
[++++R++++++++!!@+]
[+++N++++++@+!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+M++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++POQ+++++@++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 15
(Moves: 77-82)
The sense of danger must not disappear: the way is certainly both short and steep, however
gradual it looks from here; look if you like, but you will have to leap.
—W. H. Auden, Leap Before You Look
The hane at O was a big endgame move. We can see from this that Gu thought the game favored
Black. If he’d thought that the game was better for White, he would have looked for a more aggressive
tactic to reduce White’s left side.
White R was too cautious, and was a questionable move. Lee doesn’t normally play like this unless
he has a clear lead. He might have thought White was ahead, but (as we’ll see later) Black’s thickness
gave him invisible potential.
Instead of the kosumi at R, playing at either A or B would be more active.
<(((((((((((((((((> Since White didn’t play at the top, reinforcing with
[+!@+++++˜´ˆ+!++++] ´ and ˜ is also a good idea (instead of O).
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+] Let’s evaluate the position at the time of R above...
[+!++++++++!!@++!+]
[++!+@++++++!@+@@+]
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 64 for O
April 225
<((
2((((((( 2((((( 2(((
3> White should have played at ´. If Black attaches at
[+!@+++++´+++!+ 2++
3+3] ˆ, securing the left side with ˜ is satisfactory.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@c+]
[+
2+@+@!!!!+ 2C+!+@@+] Black:
[+!++++++++!!@++ 3c+]
[++2!+@++++++!@+@@+] Right side: 44, lower side: 19, and top to center: 2.
[+++2+++++++@!!+++ 3+] Total: 65 points.
[++!+@++@++++++++ 3+]
[+++2+++++++++++++ 3+] White:
[++*!ˆ+++*+++++@++]
[+++˜++++++++@++@+] Left side: 48, upper side: 13, lower side: 4, and komi
[++++2+++++++++!!@+] 7.5.
[+++!++++++@+!+!@+]
[+!+2++++++++++!@+c] Total: 72.5 points.
[++2++++
3+3++ 3@!+ 2+2!@++] It’s Black’s turn and Black has more potential in the
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++2!@+++++@!+!@@+] center, so the game is actually closer than it looks.
[+
2+2!@@+++++@++ 2+++3+] However, as we can see, White has more territory
,)
2)))3))))))) 3))))) 3). and is slightly ahead.
Variation 65 for R
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black invades the left side or the corner—with ˆ
[+!@+++++´+++!++++] to ˚ for example—White can let him live small and
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+] attack Black’s top group with ¯.
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!++++++++!!@++!+] Up to ”, White compensates for the territorial loss
[++!+@++˛+++!@+@@+] in the lower left while erasing Black’s potential in the
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@˙+@‹++++++++] center.
[+++++¯¸‚+++++++++] The result is even.
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++˜!++”+++@+!+!@+]
[+!ˆ++++++++++!@+!]
[+++++++++@!++!@++]
[+ˇ!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[›¨˝!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[“˚!@@+++++@++++++]
,))˘)))))))))))))).
Variation 66 for R
[++!+@++@+++++++++] Reinforcing at ´ isn’t a good idea.
[++˝¨+++++++++++++]
[++*!˚+++*+++++@++] Black can easily develop the center with ˆ to ˚ and
[++++++++++++@++@+] this variation is good for Black.
[+++˜ˆ++++++++!!@+]
[+++!++++++@+!+!@+]
[+!+++++++++++!@+!]
[+++´+++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 67 for R
226 April
Gu Li’s Ingenious Probe
<((((((((((((X(Y((>
[+!@+++++WUV+!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+! A +!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!++++++++!!@++!+]
[++!+@++++++!@+@@+]
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
[++++!++++++++!!@+]
[+++!++++++@+!+!@+]
[+!S++++++++++!@+!]
[+T+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 16
(Moves: 83-89)
The attachment at S was an ingenious probe. This exchange was of great help to Black later in the
endgame. It’s difficult to come up with this kind of move and falling back to T was unavoidable.
White X protected A in sente, but gaining Y as part of the natural flow of play was enough for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White responds to @A (S) at ´, Black will be able
[++*!++++*+++++@++] to live in the corner with the moves up to “.
[++++++++++++@++@+]
[++++!++++++++!!@+] Note that blocking at B (aiming at C to E) will be
B ¸+´!++++++@+!+!@+] sente for White.
˛˘!@A ¯+++++++++!@+!]
[+˚ˇ++++++@!++!@++]
E “˙!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
C +¨˝!@+++++@!+!@@+]
D ‹ˆ!@@+++++@++++++]
,›‚˜)))))))))))))).
Variation 68 for T
[+++++++++++++++++] Attaching at ‚ is worth considering, but Black will
[++*!++++*+++++@++] still be able to live in seki up to ».
[++++++++++++@++@+]
[++++!++++++++!!@+] This is worse for White than the previous diagram,
A ¸+´!++++++@+!+!@+] because he will lose territory on the left side when
˛˘!@¯+++++++++!@+!] Black plays at A later.
[“˚ˇ++++++@!++!@++]
›»˙!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[”¨˝!@+++++@!+!@@+]
«‚ˆ!@@+++++@++++++]
,„‹˜)))))))))))))).
Variation 69 for T
April 227
[+++++++++++++++++] It’s very hard for White to capture Black’s stones in
[++*!++++*+++++@++] the corner.
[++++++++++++@++@+]
[++++!++++++++!!@+] White may try ˇ, but Black lives with the sequence
[+¯´!++++++@+!+!@+] to ‹.
[˘!@‚+++++++++!@+!]
[˛˚¸++++++@!++!@++]
[˙ˇ!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+¨˝!@+++++@!+!@@+]
‹+ˆ!@@+++++@++++++]
,))˜)))))))))))))).
Variation 70 for T
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of capturing the cutting stone at A in the
[++*!++++*+++++@++] previous variation, White might try to capture the
[++++++++++++@++@+] corner with the clamp at ‚.
[”+++!++++++++!!@+]
[“¯´!++++++@+!+!@+] Black can’t make two eyes in the corner after › and
[˘!@ A +++++++++!@+!] ”, but the position is not that simple and we need
[˛˚¸++++++@!++!@++]
[˙ˇ!+@++@*@!++!!@+] to be mindful of our own weaknesses when attacking.
[‹¨˝!@+++++@!+!@@+] The variations are long, but let’s have a look to make
[‚ˆ!@@+++++@++++++] sure that White can’t win the capturing race...
,)›˜)))))))))))))).
Variation 71 for T
[+++++++++++++++++] Cutting at „ is a clever asking move.
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[–«++++++++++@++@+] The sente exchange of » for – effectively gains
»!„++!++++++++!!@+] Black a liberty in the capturing race, and White is
A @!!!+ ffi+++@+!+!@+] captured up to &.
B @!@—‰flffl+++++!@+!]
&@@!ıfffi++@!++!@++] If White plays % at A, Black at % wins the race. If
%@!!+@!+@*@!++!!@+] White tries % at B instead, Black A wins again.
#@@!!@$"+++@!+!@@+]
[!@!@@+++++@++++++]
,)!!)))))))))))))).
Variation 72 for T
[+++++++++++++++++] It’s also worth considering the flanking maneuver at
[++*!++++*+++++@++] !, turning to attack Black’s marked stones instead.
[–«++++++++++@++@+]
»!„++!++++++++!!@+] Black will cut at " and can still win the capturing
[@!!!+ ffi+++@+!+!@+] race with the precise combination of & to *.
[@!@—‰flffl+++++!@+!]
[@@!ıfffi$+@!++!@++] Playing ! at # leads to a very similar result after
[@!!+T"#@*@!++!!@+] $, because ! and " are miai next. White will face
*@@!!T’!+++@!+!@@+] the situation in either this or the previous variation,
(!@!TT%++++@++++++] and Black will win the capturing race either way.
,)!!&))))))))))))).
Variation 73 for T
228 April
[+++++++++++++++++] Extending to « denies Black an extra liberty, but
[++*!++++*+++++@++] leaves behind bad aji of another kind.
[«+++++++++++@++@+]
C !„+ı!++++++++!!@+] After , ‰ is a crude yet powerful move, which
[@!!!‰ B ++++@+!+!@+] makes miai of ı and .
[@!@»— A +++++++!@+!]
[@@!–+++@!++!@++] Since the ladders starting at both A and B favor
[@!!+@++@*@!++!!@+] Black, White is in trouble.
[@@!!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[!@!@@+++++@++++++] Once Black blocks at , White has fewer liberties
,)!!)))))))))))))). than in the previous variations, so preventing Black’s
Variation 74 for T atari at C doesn’t achieve anything and White dies.
[+++++++++++++++++] Struggling to gain liberties with ı to ff accom-
[++*!++++*+++++@++] plishes nothing.
[«+++++++++++@++@+]
[!„+fl!++++++++!!@+] Eventually White needs to go back to defend at fl,
[@!!!‰ı++++@+!+!@+] allowing Black to wrap up the situation nicely with
[@!@»—fi++++++!@+!] ffi and .
[@@!–ffffi++@!++!@++]
[@!!+@ffl+@*@!++!!@+] White loses the capturing race yet again.
[@@!!@ ++++@!+!@@+]
[!@!@@+++++@++++++] As we can see from the foregoing analysis, !
A ends in
,)!!)))))))))))))). failure, which means Black can live in the corner.
Variation 75 for T
<(((((((((((((((((> White can’t resist @
A (U in the game) with the hane
[+!@+++++´@ A ˜+!++++] on the inside at ´.
[+!!+@@@@ˆ!˝+!@@!+]
[++@+@tttt¨@+!+@@+] Black will fight back with ¨ and ˚, and will capture
[+!+++++˙˘˚!!@++!+] White’s marked stones up to ˙.
[++!+@++¯+ˇ+!@+@@+]
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 76 for V
<((((((((((¨((((((> If White doesn’t defend his group at the top after
[+!@´++++@ A @!˝!++++] Black extends to @A (W), Black can cut at ˆ and
[+!!+@@@@+!ˆ˜!@@!+] destroy White’s shape up to ˝.
[++@+@!!!! B T+!+@@+]
[+!++++++++!!@++!+] White has only one eye, and Black will even be able
[++!+@++++++!@+@@+] to save his marked stones by playing at B later.
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 77 for X
April 229
<((((((((((˜((( A ((> It would have been better for White to defend at ´.
[+!@+++++@@!+!++++]
[+!!+@@@@ C !ˆ+!@@!+] This preserves endgame possibilities for later, like
[++@+@!!!! B @+!+@@+] White’s small monkey jump at A.
[+!+++++ G F D !!@++!+]
[++!+@++´+ E +!@+@@+] If Black tries to save his cutting stones with B, White
[++++++++++@!!++++] is ready to counter with C to G.
[++!+@++@+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 78 for X
<((((((((((((!‰»((> Blocking at ´ looks like it secures a bigger corner
[+!@++++@@!+!´˜ˆ—] for Black, but it leaves behind bad aji.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!–]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!‹@@˝] White will poke at the corner, with ˆ, ¨ and ˚,
[+!++++++++!!@›˛!¨ı until Black’s position gives way—one way or another.
[++!+@++++++!@‚@@„]
[++++++++++@!!˙˘¯“ For example, White will be very happy to reduce
[++!+@++@++++++ˇ˚”] Black’s corner territory in sente with the moves
[+++++++++++++++¸+] through to ı.
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+] He can then use sente to take a big point, like .
Variation 79 for Y
« at ˚
<((((((((((((!–»ı(> Black can’t cut and capture White’s stones with –.
[+!@+++++@@!+!´˜ˆ‰]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@! If he tries to do so, White will counter with — and
[++@+@!!!!+@+!‹@@˝— it will be Black who is captured up to .
[+!++++++++!!@›˛!¨]
[++!+@++++++!@‚@@„]
[++++++++++@!!˙˘¯“]
[++!+@++@++++++ˇ˚”]
[+++++++++++++++¸+]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 80 for Y
« at ˚
<((((((((((((!((((> Switching to the atari at ¯ doesn’t help Black.
[+!@+++++@@!+!´˜ˆ+]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+] The sequence up to “ is severe, and if Black connects
[++@+@!!!!+@+!“@@˝] at A next, White can capture Black’s whole dumpling
[+!++++++++!!T›‹!¨] shape (marked) with B.
[++!+@++++++!T A TT+]
[++++++++++@!!¯˘¸ B ]
[++!+@++@+++++˙ˇ˚+]
[++++++++++++++˛++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 81 for Y
‚ at ˘
230 April
<((((((((((((!((¯(> Even if Black connects solidly at ˝ and plays to cap-
[+!@+++++@@!+!´˜ˆˇ] ture the invaders with ˇ and ¯, ˙ is still effective.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!˘]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@˚] After ˙, ¸ and ˛ are miai, and White is satisfied.
[+!++++++++!!@+˝!¨]
[++!+@++++++!@+@@¸]
[++++++++++@!!++++]
[++!+@++@+++++˛+˙+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 82 for Y
Stay Connected
<((((((((((((!(@((>
[+!@‘++++@@!+!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!+++b++++!!@++!+]
[++!c@++a+++!@+@@+]
[++++++`+++@!!+Z[+]
[++!´@++@++++++\]+]
[++++++++++++++^_+]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
[++++!++++++++!!@+]
[+++!++++++@+!+!@+]
[+!@++++++++++!@+!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 17
(Moves: 90-101)
After reducing the right side in sente up to _, White returned to harassing Black’s center dragon with
‘ to `. Forming a bamboo joint with c and ´ (´) was good style, staying connected and strong.
<((((((((((((!(@((> Black shouldn’t try to cut off !
A with ´ and ˜.
[+!@!++++@@!+!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+] Black’s group will be split in two by ¨ and ˚, and
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+] the result is bad for Black.
[+!+++!++++!!@++!+]
[++!@@ˆ´@+++!@+@@+]
[++++˝˜!A +++@!!+!@+]
[++!+@¨˚@++++++!@+]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
Variation 83 for ´
April 231
Good Things Come to Those Who Probe
<((((((((((((!(@((>
[+!@!++++@@!+!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!+++!++++!!@++!+]
[++!@@++@+++!@+@@+]
[+++++¨!+++@!!+!@+]
[++!@@˝˜@++++++!@+]
[++ˆ A ++++++¯+++!@+]
[++*!›+++*+++++@++]
[+++“‚‹++++++@++@+]
[++++!”«+++˙++!!@+]
[+++!+„+++¸@˘!+!@+]
[+!@
B »+++++ˇ˚++!@+!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@˛+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 18
(Moves: 102-120)
Lee regretted ˆ, and later said it was a mistake. White should have played at A instead and then ‚
wouldn’t have been anything special.
The combination of ˙ and ˛ was another small mistake. Jumping to « would have been better.
The razor sharp edge of ‚ caught the light as it hit the board. Lee had not expected this move and
was forced to parry frantically. White ‹ was the best response, but it didn’t greatly help White.
Black’s masterstroke at ‚ forced White defend at », so Black kept sente. All of this flowed from the
wonderful probe at @B . With some patience, Black was able to enjoy the fruits of his earlier labor.
<((((((((((((!(@((> White should jump to ´ instead of playing ˙ in the
[+!@!++++@@!+!++++] game.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+] Black will bully White’s bottom right group with ˆ,
[+!+++!++++!!@++!+] ¨ and ˚, but the game is still very close.
[++!@@++@+++!@+@@+]
[+++++!!+++@!!+!@+] After ˚, White can tenuki—managing to defend the
[++!@@@@@++++++!@+] bottom right in sente once again.
[++!+++++++@+++!@+]
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[++++++++++++@++@+]
[++++!+´++++++!!@+]
[+++!++++++@!!+!@+]
[+!@++++++@!++!@+!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@ˆ˝+˜¨+]
,))))))))))))))˚)).
Variation 84 for ˙
232 April
[++!+++++++@+++!@+] If Black attaches at ´ (instead of ‚ in the game)
[++*!+˘++*+++++@++] White will hane at ˆ.
[++++ˇˆ˜+++++@++@+]
[++++!´˝+++!++!!@+] If Black now tries to play at ˇ, White can extend to
[+++!+¨+++@@!!+!@+] ˘ and capture his stone.
[+!@˚+++++@!++!@+!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++] This is quite different to the result in the game.
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@!+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 85 for ‚
[++!+++++++@+++!@+] If Black simply caps at ´, White will reduce Black’s
[++*!++++*+++++@++] center area up to ˘ and the game will be slightly
[+++++++++˘++@++@+] better for White.
[++++!+´+++!++!!@+]
[+++!+ˆ˜++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@++¨+++@!++!@+!]
[+!++++˝++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@!+˚ˇ++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 86 for ‚
[++!+++++++@+++!@+] Let’s see why @
A (‚ above) was a brilliant move.
[++*!++++*+++++@++]
[+++´@ A ˝++++++@++@+] If White answers @A with ´ and ˜, Black will un-
[++++!ˆ++++!++!!@+] leash a formidable combination with ¨ to ˙.
[++¯!+˜+++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@+¨++++@!++!@+!] Black ˙ makes miai of B and C, and White is in
[+!˘++++++@!++!@++] trouble.
[+ B !+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+˙ C !@+++++@!+!@@+] If White plays ˇ at ˙, Black at ˇ is good enough.
[+˚!@@+++++@!+++++] Instead of ¯, if White defends the corner at ˙,
,))ˇ)))))))))))))). Black breaks into White’s territory with ¯.
Variation 87 for ‹
[++!+++++++@+++!@+] If White answers ¨ with ˝, Black will gain a huge
[++*!++++*+++++@++] number of points in the center up to ˙.
[+++´@˙++++++@++@+]
[+++ˇ!ˆ++++!++!!@+]
[+++!˚˜+++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@˝¨++++@!++!@+!]
[+!¯˘+++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@!+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 88 for ‹
April 233
[++!+++++++@+++!@+] Extending at ´ is White’s strongest attempt at re-
[++*!+¯++*+++++@++] sistance, but Black will still break through up to “.
[++˜ˆ@+++++++@++@+]
[++ˇ˚t´++++!++!!@+] Instead of ›, if White saves the left side with White
[+“˙!˘ C +++@@!!+!@+] at “, Black will extend to ›, making A and B miai.
[+!@¸‚++++@!++!@+!]
[+!‹˛+++++@!++!@++] If White uses ˇ to fall back at ˙, Black still cuts at
[+ A !+@++@*@!++!!@+] ˘ and White can’t capture any black stones.
[+› B !@+++++@!+!@@+]
[+¨!@@+++++@!+++++] If White ¯ connects at ˙, Black will push at C and
,))˝)))))))))))))). White’s marked cutting stones will be in danger.
Variation 89 for ‹
[++!+++++++@+++!@+] After « (at @
A ), White defended with » at B in the
[++*!@+++*+++++@++] game.
[+++!@!++++++@++@+]
[++++!@@ A +++!++!!@+] If White pushes at ´ instead, Black can once again
[++ˇ!˜!´++@@!!+!@+] peep at ˆ, clamp at ¨ and pinch with ˚.
[+!@ B ˆ++++@!++!@+!]
[+!˚++++++@!++!@++] If White tries to resist, Black will capture White’s
[¸˙!˛@++@*@!++!!@+] corner stones up to ˛.
[+˘¯!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[+¨!@@+++++@!+++++] The timing and placement of ¨ is very important,
,))˝)))))))))))))). as we’ll see in a moment.
Variation 90 for »
[++!+++++++@+++!@+] White can extend his liberties by pushing out with
[++*!@+++*+++++@++] atari from ¸ to ” and connecting at «.
[+++!@!++++++@++@+]
[ı‰++!@@+++!++!!@+] However, » is a vital point and fi is a tesuji for
[—ˇ!˜!´++@@!!+!@+] capturing races. White fl stops Black from making
[ff!@˛ˆ‹“„+@!++!@+!] two eyes, but Black gains liberties from the exchange.
–!˚¸‚›”ffi+@!++!@++]
A »˙!«@ E D @*@!++!!@+] Black will eventually win this capturing race.
B +˘¯!@+++++@!+!@@+]
fl C ¨!@@+++++@!+++++] Even if White tries to start a ko with A to C, Black
,fi)˝ F ))))))))))))). will be fine as long as he just fills White’s liberties
Variation 91 for » from the outside with D to F.
[++!+++++++@+++!@+] Black’s clamp at ¯ in the previous variations was
[++*!@+++*+++++@++] very important, because ¨ and ˘ don’t work.
[+++!@!++++++@++@+]
[++++!@@+++!++!!@+] If Black continues with ˙ and ˛, White can capture
[++ˇ!˜!´++@@!!+!@+] Black’s corner stones through to .
[+!@“ˆ„»—+@!++!@+!]
[‚!˚›”«–++@!++!@++]
[+˘!@++@*@!++!!@+]
[‹¨˝!@+++++@!+!@@+]
˛˙¯!@@+++++@!+++++]
,¸)))))))))))))))).
Variation 92 for »
234 April
Thickness Still Pays in the Endgame
<(((2((
2(3(((( 3( 2(2!(@((>
[+!C!+2+3++
3@@!+!++ 3++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@c+]
[+
2+@+@!!!!+ 2C+!+@@+]
[+!+++!++++!!@++ 3c+]
[++2!@@++@+++!@+@@+]
[++2+++!!+++@!!+!@+]
[++!@@@@@++++++!@+]
[++!+++ 3++++@+++!@+]
[++*!@+ 3++
3*+++++@++]
[+++!@c++ 3++++@++@+]
[++++!@@++ 3+!++!!@+]
[+++!+2!–++@@!!+!@+]
[+!C!++++ 3+@!++!@+c]
[+!+2++++3++@!++!@++]
[++!+@+ 3+@*@!++!!@+]
[+++2!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[+
2+2!@@++++ 3+3@!++ 2++3+]
,)
2)))3))))) 3))) 2))
2))3).
Diagram 19
(Move: 121)
The game was reversed when Black blocked at –. Let’s count and see how big Black’s lead was.
Black:
Right side: 48, lower side through to center: 25, and the top: 4.
Total: 77 points.
White:
Left side: 54, upper side: 6, lower side: 10, and komi 7.5.
Total: 77.5 points.
The game still looks very close, but Black has more potential in the center and can expect to earn
more points than White in the endgame. This is because Black’s stones are stronger overall and this
works in Black’s favor to grant him invisible points.
In other words, Black can threaten and harass White more than White can harass him. So these
invisible points will materialize as actual points in the endgame.
If this isn’t completely clear right now, don’t worry. We will observe how Black bullies White through-
out the remainder of the game, to see how thickness works its magic in the endgame.
April 235
Take the Road Less Traveled, Especially When Behind
<((((((((((((!(@((>
[+!@!++++@@!+!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!+++!++++!!@++!+]
[++!@@++@+‰+!@+@@+]
[+++++!!ff+(@!!%!@+]
[++!@@@@@+&’+++!@+]
[++!+ffl+++*)@++fl!@+]
[++*!@ffi++fi++#++@++]
[+++!@!+ ++$@++@+]
[+++"!@@+++!++!!@+]
[+++!!!@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@!+ı+++@!++!@+!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@!+—++]
,)))))))))),)))))).
Diagram 20
(Moves: 122-144)
Lee reinforced with ‰, but he was already behind.
Black ataried at ı, and moving towards the center with was the right idea for White.
He chose to continue on into the center with fi and ffi. This path made the endgame more complicated.
When you’re behind, it pays to look for interesting variations, rather than easily anticipated sequences.
White isolated Black’s group at the top up to *, intending to gain some points by bullying it. However,
it wasn’t easy to do so, because White had to worry about his own weaknesses too.
<((((((((((((!(@((> Instead of ‰ in the game, White could also extend
[+!@!++++@@!+!++++] to ´.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+] The game is still very close, but it’s slightly better
[+!+++!++++!!@++!+] for Black.
[++!@@++@+++!@+@@+]
[+++++!!+++@!!+!@+]
[++!@@@@@++++++!@+]
[++!+++++++@+++!@+]
[++*!@+++*+++++@++]
[+++!@!++++++@++@+]
[++++!@@+++!++!!@+]
[+++!+!@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@!+´+++@!++!@+!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++++@!+!@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 93 for ‰
236 April
<((((((((((((!(@((> If White cuts with ´ and ˜, instead of stepping into
[+!@!++++@@!+!++++] Black’s center area with A (), Black will sacrifice
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+] in sente and build a huge territory in the center.
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!+++!+ˇ++!!@++!+] Black ˘ is a nice tesuji in the midst of this sequence.
[++!@@¨˝@˜!+!@+@@+] It makes ¯ and ˙ miai.
[++++˚!!´ˆ+@!!+!@+]
[++!@@@@@++++++!@+]
[++!+++++++@+++!@+]
[++*!@+++*+++++@++]
[+++!@!+++ A ˘+@++@+]
[++++!@@++˙!¯+!!@+]
[+++!+!@++@@!!+!@+]
Variation 94 for
<((((((((((((!(@((> If White saves his marked stones with ´, Black will
[+!@!++++@@!+!++++] defend the center area with ¨.
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+] This is still slightly better for Black. The difference
[+!+++!++++!!@++!+] is about 1.5 points.
[++!@@++@+!+!@+@@+]
[+++++!!@++@!!+t@+]
[++!@@@@@++++´+t@+]
[++!+++++++@++@t@+]
[++*!@+++!++ˆ++@++]
[+++!@!+¨+!+˜@++@+]
[++++!@@+++!++!!@+]
[+++!+!@++@@!!+!@+]
Variation 95 for ffi
<(((((((˘(˚˝ˇ!(@((> Locally speaking, Black’s eyespace at the top might
[+!@!@+´+@@!¨!++++] appear to be unsettled, but there’s aji in this position
[+!!+@@@@+!ˆ+!@@!+] which ensures that Black’s group is already alive.
[++@+@!!!!˜@+!+@@+]
[+!+++!++++!!@++!+] If White tries to attack with ´, cutting at ˆ is a
[++!@@++@+!+!@+@@+] lovely tesuji. Black ˚ becomes sente, so Black can
[+++++!!@+!@!!@!@+]
[++!@@@@@+!@+++!@+] easily make life up to ˘.
[++!+@+++!@@++@!@+]
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
Variation 96 for ,
<(((((((((¯¨(!(@((> If White tries to resist with ˜, Black can counter-
[+!@!@+´˘@@!˝!++++] attack and destroy White’s eye shape in sente up to
[+!!+@@@@¸!ˆ˜!@@!+]
[+ B @+@!!!!˙@+!+@@+] ›.
[+!“+‹!‚˛›+!!@++!+] Black still won’t face any problems living, because
[++!@@˚ˇ@+!+!@+@@+] ‹ makes half an eye in sente.
[+++++!!@+!@!!@!@+]
[++!@@@@@ A !@+++!@+] After “, A and B are miai for Black and White is in
[++!+@+++!@@++@!@+] serious trouble.
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
Variation 97 for ,
April 237
Even Dead Stones Still Have Value
<((((((((((((!(@((>
[+!@!@+1+@@!+!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!.++!++++!!@++!+]
[++!@@/0@+!+!@+@@+]
[+++++!!@+!@!!@!@+]
[++!@@@@@+!@+++!@+]
[++!+@+++!@@++@!@+]
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
[+++!!@@+++!++!!@+]
[+++!@+@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@!+@+++@!++!@9! A]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++5-@!+!@++]
,))))))))32!4)867).
Diagram 21
(Moves: 145-157)
White . invalidated the previous variation, so Black had to live up to 1. Defending at 9 was
necessary too, because !
A still had some life in it. This meant that 6 and 8 were sente.
<((((((((((((!(@((> If Black doesn’t defend the lower right corner, instead
[+!@!@+@+@@!+!++++] playing at ´ or elsewhere, White can mobilize ! A
[+!!+@@@@+!++!@@!+] with ˆ, ¨ and ˚.
[++@+@!!!!+@+!+@@+]
[+!!++!++++!!@++!+] The sequence up to ˛ demonstrates good technique
[++!@@@!@+!+!@+@@+] for reducing Black’s liberties in the corner, and ‹
[+++++!!@+!@!!@!@+]
[++!@@@@@+!@+++!@+] (at ˘) is a tesuji which makes miai of ˙ and B.
[++!+@+++!@@++@!@+] Black’s whole corner is captured up to ‹, so Black
[++*!@!++!++@++@++] would have to compromise after ˆ.
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
[+++!!@@+++!++!!@+]
[+++!@+@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@!+@+++@!++!@¨! A]
[+!+++++++@!++!@˝˚ B
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@˛¯
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@ˇ˙
[++!@@+++@@@!+!@˜ˆ˘
,))´)))))@!!!)!!@¸‚
Variation 98 for 9
‹ at ˘
238 April
Bully Weak Groups and Steal Their Lunch Money
<((((((((((G(!(@((>
[+!@!@+@+@@!+!++++]
[+!!+@@@@+!H+!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!D@@+]
[+!!++!ICF+!!@<E!+]
[++!@@@s@+!+!@=@@+]
[+++++ss@+!@!!@!@+]
[++!@@@@@+!@+:;!@+]
[++!+@+++!@@++@!@+]
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
[+++!!@@+++!++!!@+]
[+++!@+@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@!+@+++@!++!@@!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!A@++@*@!++!!@+]
[++B!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[+
3+3!@@+++@@@!+!@++]
,)
3)3@>?)))@!!!)!!@).
Diagram 22
(Moves: 158-173)
The hane at > was a big reverse sente endgame move, worth five points. White gained the four marked
points inside his territory (by preventing Black’s sente hane at @) and Black lost one point at ?.
As a rule of thumb, reverse sente moves have the same value as the sente move they prevent.
Black bullied White with C. Lee couldn’t save his three stones and had to defend at F instead.
White H was also unavoidable, and Black stole White’s lunch money with I (the squared stones).
From C to I we can clearly see the power of thickness in the endgame. Observe how White’s territory
inevitably gave way to Black’s relentless bullying, backed by thickness. The game was practically over.
<((((((((((((!(@((> If White plays at ˜ instead, the hane at ¨ will be
[+!@!@+@+@@!+!++++] annoying for White.
[+!!+@@@@+!˜+!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!´@@+] Falling back to ˝ is the proper move, but Black has
[+!!++!++++!!@!ˆ!+] reduced White’s corner greatly in sente.
[++!@@@!@+!+!@@@@+]
[+++++!!@+!@!!@+@+] Up to ¯, we can see the justification for the marked
[++!@@@@@+!@+!@+@+] points in the diagram above. White’s territory is four
[++!+@+++!@@++@+@+] points smaller and Black’s is one point bigger in this
[++*!@!++!++@++@++] variation.
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
[+++!!@@+++!++!!@+] Black is clearly winning the game after ˚.
[+++!@+@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@!+@+++@!++!@@!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+++!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[¯˝!@@+++@@@!+!@++]
,ˇ˚¨˘))))@!!!)!!@).
Variation 99 for >
April 239
<((((((((((((!(@((> If White hanes at ˝ and doesn’t want to fight a ko,
[+!@!@+@+@@!+!++++] Black can live in the corner with ˚ to ˛.
[+!!+@@@@+!˜+!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!´@@+] Since Black’s territory at the bottom isn’t large and
[+!!++!++++!!@!ˆ!+] is quite thick, White gets the worse end of this deal.
[++!@@@!@+!+!@@@@+]
[+++++!!@+!@!!@+@+] White can only expect to exchange A for B in sente
[++!@@@@@+!@+!@+@+] later, and White won’t be able to capture anything
[++!+@+++!@@++@+@+] with C.
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+] If the bottom area were a large and valuable territory,
[+++!!@@+++!++!!@+] and answering A at B wasn’t possible, then trading
[+++!@+@++@@!!+!@+] like this might be acceptable for White.
[+!@!+@+++@!++!@@!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++] Instead of ¸, if White plays at D; Black at ¸, White
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+] E, Black A, White at ˘ and Black F crushes White.
[ F ˙¸!@+++++@!+!@@+]
˛ D ˚!@@ C ++@@@!+!@++]
E ˘˝¨ˇ A B ))@!!!)!!@).
Variation 100 for >
¯ at ¨
<((((((((((((!(@((> White can resist at ¯ and start a ko, but this is a
[+!@!@+@+@@!+!++++] picnic ko for Black.
[+!!+@@@@+!˜+!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!+@+!´@@+]
[+!!++!++++!!@!ˆ!+]
[++!@@@!@+!+!@@@@+]
[+++++!!@+!@!!@+@+]
[++!@@@@@+!@+!@+@+]
[++!+@+++!@@++@+@+]
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
[+++!!@@+++!++!!@+]
[+++!@+@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@!+@+++@!++!@@!]
[+!+++++++@!++!@++]
[++!+@++@*@!++!!@+]
[+¯+!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[+˚!@@+++@@@!+!@++]
,˘˝¨ˇ))))@!!!)!!@).
Variation 101 for >
˙ at ¨
240 April
<((((((((((¨(!(@((> Instead of F in the game, if White saves his the three
[+!@!@+@+@@!˝!++++] stones with ´, Black will squeeze up to ¯ in sente.
[+!!+@@@@+!ˆ B !@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!˜T A !!@@+] White will still have to capture the two marked cut-
[+!!++!´@˚˘!!@!@!+] ting stones later (at A and B), so his territory will
[++!@@@!@+!¯!@@@@+] collapse like a paper bag.
[+++++!!@+!@!!@+@+]
[++!@@@@@ˇ!@+!@+@+] Black is winning by about 2.5 points at this stage.
[++!+@+++!@@++@+@+]
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
[+++!!@@+++!++!!@+]
[+++!@+@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@!˛@+++@!++!@@!]
[+!¸˙+++++@!++!@++]
[++!@@++@*@!++!!@+]
[++!!@+++++@!+!@@+]
[++!@@+++@@@!+!@++]
,))!!@)))@!!!)!!@).
Variation 102 for F
<((((((((((@ A (t(@((> After @
A (G), if White tries to save his three stones
[+!@!@+@+@@t˜t++++] with ´, Black will play ˆ and ¨ in sente, before
[+!!+@@@@˝tˆ+t@@!+] cutting at ˚.
[++@+@tttt¨@+tt@@+]
[+!!++t´@t+tt@t@!+] White’s marked group only has one eye, so the game
[++!@@@t@+t+t@@@@+] is over.
[+++++tt@+t@tt@+@+]
[++!@@@@@˚t@+t@+@+]
[++!+@+++!@@++@+@+]
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
Variation 103 for H
<((((((((((@(!(@((> Even if White connects at ˝, Black will simply cap-
[+!@!@+@+@@!˜!++++] ture a stone with ˚.
[+!!+@@@@˚!ˆ+!@@!+]
[++@+@!!!!¨@ B !!@@+] White can’t save all his stones because A and B are
[+!!++!´@! A !!@!@!+] miai for Black.
[++!@@@!@+!+!@@@@+]
[+++++!!@+!@!!@+@+]
[++!@@@@@˝!@+!@+@+]
[++!+@+++!@@++@+@+]
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@!+!+!+!@++@+]
Variation 104 for H
April 241
Gu Li Evens the Score
<((N(((((((@(!(@((>
[+!@!@+@+@@ F !+!++++]
[+!!K@@@@+!!+!@@!+]
[++@J@!!!!+@+!!@@+]
[+!!LM!@@!+!!@!@!+]
[++!@@@!@+!+!@@@@+]
[+++++!!@+!@!!@+@+]
[++!@@@@@+!@+!@+@+]
[++!+@+++!@@++@+@+]
[++*!@!++!++@++@++]
[+++!@ G !+!+!+!@++@+]
[+++!!@@+++!++!!@+]
D
[+++!@+@++@@!!+!@+]
[+!@
E !+@+++@!++!@@!]
[+!+O+++++@!++!@++]
[++!@@++@ A *@!++!!@+]
[++!!@+++++@!+!@@+]
C
[++!@@+++@@@ B !+!@++]
,))!!@)))@!!!)!!@).
Diagram 23
(Moves: 174-179)
179 moves: Black won by resignation.
Black was winning by 3.5 points at this stage, so Lee resigned. The overall score for the Jubango now
stood at 2–2, and Gu Li was on a winning streak.
This game was quite peaceful as far as games between Gu Li and Lee Sedol go, but if you look carefully
you’ll see that there were many subtle conflicts beneath the surface. They went unplayed because both
players read deeply, but you’ll discover many interesting variations when you study the game carefully.
The players started with a new pattern up to ff (@
A ), and the game was well balanced up to K (@
B ).
Lee played some overly cautious moves with L (!
C ) and R (!
D ), and Gu took the initiative with S
(@
E ) and U (@F ).
Black ‚ (@
G ) was the winning move and Gu didn’t give Lee any chances to catch up afterwards.
It was a game that was uncharacteristic of Lee and Gu. Firstly, there was no all out fighting. Secondly,
the opening was playable for both and Lee thought he was ahead in the middle game (when he played
!C and !D ). Thirdly, Gu pulled ahead near the finish line and his endgame play was excellent.
Lee is usually behind after the opening and catches up again in the endgame against Gu, but Gu didn’t
allow that to happen this time.
This was Lee’s fourth consecutive loss against Gu (including the games from other events). There
had never been four consecutive wins between these two players before, so the next game was very
important. If Lee couldn’t turn the tide of the match soon, the situation would become desperate.
After the game, the players reviewed together for nearly an hour. They also talked and drank a lot at
the dinner party afterwards; becoming good friends again over beer.
Both players were doing their best throughout each game, but they still got on well together once play
concluded. They’re very lucky to be such good friends, as well as rivals.
Chapter 5
May
May 25, 2014, Shangri-La, Yunnan, China: Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++Z4˛‚++.+0fl+*¯(]
[+ ‘Y˘3fl+++fi„ˇ#:+˚]
[ffl+ˆ_MHN+%¸‰«—"´”ˇ˘
[+&++OCBˆ+˙ffiıIJ21“]
[+¸"$+5´ ,-7!$ffiLfi+]
[›L#FA+++++)c/K+++]
Q‹UT‚G+@;Db96+«+„+]
[›RS++++<8]\+’+++]
[+¯*›++++¨E–„&»—]
[++++I+++ff˝»”«‹–˝‰]
[A˙++GH+P%VZ+—“++ı˙
”+»++EF+?RUT\+++ff+¸
“?’(4CD>O¨WSX[++++]
–0+)*9B=‘=Q_Y˝+‚++]
@-,¨/18M+‹a^˛]JK++]
!.652˚3;>ˇbc`++˜++]
V++7+<:N+˘ˆ´˜+++++]
,)))))))))P))))))).
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-223)
ffl at -, at 0, W at @, X ^ ` ˚ ˛ at R,
[ a ˜ ¯ at U
243
244 May
Shangri-La
The fifth game of the Jubango was played on May 25, 2014, in Shangri-La, Yunnan, China. Lee Sedol
played black.
The character of the match changed dramatically when Gu Li defeated Lee Sedol in four consecutive
games—including in games three and four of this match—and the overall score was tied at 2–2.
This game was very important for Lee, because another loss would make it difficult for him to overcome
the psychological damage of losing five games in a row, while also being behind in the match.
From time to time, we see a long winning streak between two professionals of similar strength. The
longer the streak goes on, the more the confidence of the losing player is crushed, and it requires
immense willpower to break free of such a situation.
So, even though the score was objectively tied, the match was more difficult for Lee Sedol at this
point. As Go players know, move order is important, on the board as well as in the metagame of a
long match.
Shangri-La is a famous city in the Chinese highlands, on the Tibetan Plateau. The city—formerly
named Zhongdian, but renamed in 2001 to promote tourism—was named after the fictional land of
Shangri-La in James Hilton’s novel, Lost Horizon. The book itself is said to have been inspired by
early accounts of the Tibetan borderlands, including Zhongdian, so there is a roundabout logic to it.
The venue for the match was more than 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. In retrospect, it
wasn’t the best choice of location.
The organizers presumably chose Shangri-La for its picturesque scenery of soaring mountain tops,
dusted with snow and thickly iced with white clouds; and it really was spectacular.
Unfortunately, both players suffered from altitude sickness to varying extents as the game progressed,
which made game five as much a physical challenge as a mental one. Go being what it is, we will be
able to spot the moments where the players’ concentration began to fray just by looking at the game
record.
On one level, this was disappointing for the Go community. It felt like a passer-by had clumsily
spilled paint on an unfinished masterpiece. However, for the purposes of this book it also gives us an
opportunity, because we’re able to see how the players dealt with one another’s mistakes.
Professionals’ games are sometimes too perfect, which can make it harder to learn certain skills when
studying them. For example, we rarely see a one-sided attack. In this game, we’ll be able to analyze
some more serious mistakes and see what the consequences were. That’s the silver lining inside those
white, fluffy, oxygen-deprived clouds.
May 245
The Star Point Enclosure
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++˘+++++++ˇ++++]
[++ˆ+++++*+++++´ C +]
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++˝+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ A +]
[++¨+++++*+++++*++]
[++++˚+++++++++˜++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 1-8)
Once again, Lee Sedol started the game with the Chinese Opening of ´, ˜ and ˝ (explored in
Chapter 3), and Gu Li responded with the enclosure at ˚, which is his favorite move in this opening.
Enclosing the star point corners with a knight’s move at ˚, ˇ and ˘ may look strange to some
readers, but doing so has become quite common in recent years and retains the full value of a move.
In times gone by, star point based corner enclosures weren’t played very often in the early opening,
because the best players of the day thought that such enclosures were inferior to corner enclosures
founded on the 3-4 point.
This conception was based on the idea that the 3-4 point corner enclosure (which could be formed in
this game by ˜ and A) ‘completely’ claimed the territory in the corner. In contrast, Black’s enclosure
in the top right (with ´ and ˇ) doesn’t completely control the corner and Black will have to add
another move at B later if he wants to turn the whole corner into territory.
Because of this, star point enclosures were considered to be taboo for hundreds of years and most books
at the time of writing still say that they shouldn’t be played. However, contemporary players consider
the star point enclosure to be almost as good as a 3-4 enclosure, with the difference being microscopic.
While Black’s knight’s enclosure in the top right doesn’t grasp the corner territory as tightly, it has
similar potential towards the right and slightly more power towards the top and the center. Compared
to the 3-4 enclosure, it’s harder for White to press the star point enclosure down and it’s also more
difficult to probe the corner and tenuki at C, because doing so erases other aji and helps Black.
This means the star point enclosure is wider and puts more pressure on White to do something in the
top right soon.
Modern Go focuses more on creating balance across the whole board, and less on creating formations
that are locally ideal. You should view the star point enclosure from that perspective.
246 May
<(((((((((((((((((> Black can also consider approaching at ´, and de-
[+++++++++++++++++] fending the corner with ˆ is standard.
[++++´+ B ++++˜+++++]
[++!++++ A *+++++@++] There are many options for Black next and ˜ is one
[+++++ C +++++++++++] possible choice.
[+ˆ+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ˜ tries to establish balance between the posi-
[+++++++++++++++++] tions at the top and on the right side. Locally, White
[+++++++++++++++++] can continue with A, B or C later.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 1 for ˇ
<(((((((((((((((((> Approaching at ´ and sliding to ˜ is also common.
[++˜++++++++++++++]
[+¯++´+˚++˘ A +¨++ B +] White ¨ is a probe which is particularly effective in
[++!+++++*+++++@++] this opening. As we saw in Chapter 3, pincering at
[++++ˇ++++++++++++] A in response to ¨ doesn’t work well after deploying
[+ˆ++++++++++++˝++] a Chinese formation on the right (White B trades).
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White can play both at the top and on the left side
[+˙+++++++++++++++] up to ˙, but Black will make territory in the corner
[++*+++++*+++++*++] and take sente.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 2 for ˇ The result up to ˙ is playable for both.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black uses ˇ to take the corner immediately (in-
[++˜++++++++++++++] stead of jumping to A), White will connect around
[+ˇ+¯´+˚+++++¨++++] the outside with ˘ to ˙.
[++!+˘˙++*+++++@++]
[++++ A ++++++++++++] Black’s group is confined to the corner and White’s
[+ˆ++++++++++++˝++] opening is becoming wide.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This is what White wants.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 3 for ˇ
<(((((((((((((((((> Black might consider inserting the hane at ¯, leaving
[++˜ B ¸++++++++++++] behind some aji in the cutting stone, but White will
[+ˇ+ A ´˙˚+++++¨++++] be content to have omitted the exchange of A for B.
[++!+˘¯++*+++++@++]
[++++˛ C +++++++++++] Normally, in the joseki, White plays ˘ at A, Black
[+ˆ++++++++++++˝++] B, ˘, ¯, ˙, ¸ and White plays C or ˛ (depending
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] on whether the ladder works for White).
[+++++++++++++++++] However, White prefers to avoid exchanging A for B,
[++*+++++*+++++*++] because this variation leaves him with more endgame
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 4 for ˇ potential in the corner. White doesn’t mind extend-
ing to ˛ when he already has support at ¨.
May 247
<(((((((((((((((((> White ´ to ¯ is a strategy for developing a large
[+++++++++++++++++] moyo at the bottom. This line of play was quite
[++++˙+++++++@++++] popular from 2010 to 2012.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] It may seem that ´ is too close to Black’s corner
[+++++++++++++++++] enclosure after ˆ, but because @A is already on the
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] board White’s strategy is to force with ˜ and ˝,
[+++++++++++++++++] before extending to ¯.
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Black sneaks in the forcing exchange of ˚ for ˇ,
[+++++++++++++++@ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++] before defending at ˘. This quick-witted move calls
[++++++++++++++˘++] to mind the Go proverb “Force before defending.”
[++++++++++++˝++++]
[+++++++++++˚ˇ+ˆ++] Black develops the fertile land at the top and it’s
[++!+++++¯+++´+*++] another game after ˙.
[++++!++++++++˜@++]
[++++++++++++++¨++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 5 for ˘
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black doesn’t reinforce the right side, White can
[+˚*+++++*+++++*++] invade at ˇ.
[+++++++++++++++@ C +]
[++++++++++++ E B ¯˙+] The result up to › is troublesome for Black, because
[++++++++++++ D ˛˘ˇ›] › makes miai of A and B.
[++++++++++++˝‚¸‹+]
[++++++++++++++ˆ A +] When you have a giant knight’s extension along
[++!+++++*+++´+*++] the side—like the shape formed by ˆ and @ C —you
[++++!++++++++˜@++] should be wary of moves in the vicinity of ˝, D, E
[++++++++++++++¨++] and so on. This is a simple but useful tip.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 6 for ˘
[+++++++++++++++++] There are some players who like to play the counter-
[+˚*+++++*+++++*++] atari at ˛ and connect under at every opportunity.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++¯˙+] This technique can be effective at times, but there
[+++++++++++++‚˘ˇ‹] are limits to its application.
[++++++++++++˝„¸˛–]
[+++++++++++++«ˆ›+] White will counter with › and ”, squeezing Black
[++!+++++*+++´+” A ] into a dumpling, and capture the corner up to .
[++++!++++++++˜@++]
[++++++++++++++¨++] Instead of „, if Black extends to « White will re-
,))))))))))))))))). capture the ko at ˇ. We can expect Black at – and
Variation 7 for ˘ White A to follow.
“ at ˘, » at ¸, — at ˇ
248 May
[+++++++++++++++++] Repeating the counter-atari at » may seem like it
[+˚*+++++*+++++*++] preserves Black’s territory, but Black’s position has
[+++++++++++++++@+] been reduced in sente and White has become mag-
[+++++++++++++¯˙+]
[+++++++++++++‚˘ˇ‹] nificently powerful in the center.
[++++++++++++˝„¸˛+] White uses sente to play and the result is excellent
[+++++++++++++«ˆ›—]
[++!+++++*+++´+”»+] for White.
[++++!++++++++˜@++] There’s a double ko shape on the right side and
[++++++++++++++¨++] White’s shape is light and flexible. If Black captures
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 8 for ˘ at ˆ, White can recapture at ˇ.
“ at ˘ –
, at ¸
<(((((((((((((((((> Black’s enclosure at @
A makes miai of ´ and ˆ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++ˆ+++++++@ A ++++] If White plows the left side, with ´, Black will stake
[++!++++¨*+++++@˘˚] a claim to the top with ˆ and ¨.
[+++++++++++++++ˇ˝]
[++˜++++++++++++++] White ˝ to ¯ is a common tactic when invading
[++++++++++++++˙+‚] this formation (we’ll come back to this), but ˙ is an
[+++++++++++++++++] asking move which is difficult to answer in this case.
[+++++++++++++¸+¯+]
[+´*+++++*+++++*++] The opening up to ‹ is another game, but the result
[+++++++++++++˛+@+] is slightly better for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++‹+*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 9 for ˘
<(((((((((((((((((> Locally speaking, White would like to connect his
[+++++++++++++++++] stones with ¸.
[++++ˆ+++++++@++++]
[++!++++¨*+++++@˘˚] The problem is that doing so will allow Black to ex-
[+++++++++++++++ˇ˝] change ˛ for ‚ in sente, before enclosing White
[++˜++++++++++++++] with ‹.
[++++++++++++++˙¸+]
[++++++++++++++˛‚+] Do you remember what the fourth principle of attack
[+++++++++++++++¯+] and defense is? Avoid being surrounded.
[+´*+++++*++++‹*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] Black develops a wide position up to ‹ and White
[+++++++++++++++++] isn’t yet alive on the right side.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 10 for ˘
May 249
Make Miai When Splitting
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++@ C ++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+¸+++++++++++++++]
[+ A +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+¯*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+˙+++++++++++++++]
[+ B +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 9-11)
Black split the left side with ¯. This prevented White from playing at ¯ himself, and the value of
the move was similar to a move which takes the key point between black and white corner enclosures.
When you make a splitting play like ¯, you should think about the space on both sides before placing
your stone. Generally, you want to have at least enough space to make miai of A and B.
Extending from the bottom left with ˙ followed the direction of play, because the bottom promises
White more potential for development later. As you can see, @
C limits White’s potential at the top.
Approaching with ¸, instead of extending to A, was an active way of playing.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black can also consider the tighter extension at ´.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+˜++!+++++++@++++] Both moves have advantages and disadvantages.
[++!+++++*+++++@++] Black ´ is more solid, but can be checked by ˆ,
[+ˆ+++++++++++++++] whereas A is thin, but more flexible.
[+ A +++++++++++++++]
[+´+++++++++++++++] In Go, as in life, there is no technique or strategy that
[+++++++++++++++++] works all the time. Everything depends on context.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*+++++*+++++*++] For example, tight moves are stronger and more de-
[+++++++++++++++@+] pendable, yet they sometimes lead to heavy play. On
[+!+++++++++++++++] the other hand, thin moves leave behind weaknesses,
[+++++++++++++++++] but they can also be light and flexible.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++˝+++] Park Junghwan 9 dan (Black) played the opening up
[++!+++++*+++¨+*++] to ˝ against Gu Li 9 dan in game two of the 2012
[++++!+++++++++@++] Samsung Cup semifinal. Gu Li won by resignation.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 11 for ¸
250 May
Kill Two Birds with One Stone
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++! C +++++++@ B ++++]
[++!+++++ +++++@++]
A
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++ E ++++++++++++++]
[+ D +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*›++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++‚++]
[++!+++++‹++˛++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 4
(Moves: 12-15)
Playing at the bottom with ˛ was wider and more valuable than extending to A at the top. Both
players had already closed their doors with @
B and !
C , and the top became small in the process.
Black › killed two birds with one stone. It reinforced Black’s left side group while reducing White’s
lower left indirectly. If White invades at D later, Black will fight back with E.
Lee’s typical style of play is thick and powerful. He usually doesn’t rush, especially in very important
matches. He prefers a territorial yet thick game, and Black’s jump at › exemplified that style of play.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White invades at ´, Black will respond with ˆ to
[+++++++++++++++++] ˘. In the midst of this sequence, ˚ is an interesting
[+˘++!+++++++@++++] move which makes ˇ and ˘ miai.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] There are plenty of other paths for White and invad-
[˚@+++++++++++++++] ing isn’t urgent, but we can imagine that the moves
[˜¨+++++++++++++++]
D ˆ´ E ++++++++++++++] up to ˇ could form part of a large moyo after ex-
[˝ˇ F ++++++++++++++] changing White A, Black B and White C. So reading
[ G @*+++++*+++++*++] up to here reveals one possible strategy.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] The sequence up to ˘ isn’t played very often any-
[+++++++++++++++++] more, because White has some sharper and more in-
[+++++++++++++++++] teresting tactics available. We’ll see those shortly.
[++++++++++++++ B ++]
[++!+++++ C ++ A ++*++] Instead of ˇ, if White captures at D, Black can force
[++++!+++++++++@++] with Black E, ˇ, Black F and White G, before taking
[+++++++++++++++++] the corner at ˘. The result is better for Black.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 12 for ˛
May 251
<(((((((((((((((((> White can also think about the hane at ˜.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++@++++] Sacrificing with ˛ is reminiscent of a 3-4 point joseki,
[++!+++++*+++++@++] and makes A or B sente for Black later. The problem
[+›”++++++++++++++] is that White’s profit with a star point corner is large.
˛˙@¯“+++++++++++++]
‚˝ˇ˘ D +++++++++++++] Black might consider playing like this if he were sig-
¸ˆ´˚++++++++++++++] nificantly outnumbered and the ladder at C favored
[˜¨ C ++++++++++++++] White, but this tactic is usually reserved for the three
B ‹@*+++++*+++++*++]
A +++++++++++++++@+] space extension from the smaller the 3-4 point corner.
Variation 13 for ˛ Black still has weaknesses at C and D to worry about.
<(((((((((((((((((> Since White gained too much profit in the previous
[+++++++++++++++++] variation, the attachment at ˛ is a better idea when
[+‹++!+++++++@++++] dealing with a star point corner.
[+˛!+++++*+++++@++]
[++‚++++++++++++++] This move refuses to allow White to take the corner
[˙@¯++++++++++++++] so easily, making miai of ‚ and ‹.
[˝ˇ˘++++++++++++++]
¸ˆ´˚++++++++++++++] Connecting at ‚ is standard, and Black can easily
[˜¨+++++++++++++++] live in the corner up to ‹.
[›@*“++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] The result after “ favors Black.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 14 for ˛
<(((((((((((((((((> Given the previous variations, one interesting strat-
[+++++++++++++++++] egy is to exchange ´ for ˆ before invading at ˜.
[+“++!+++++++@++++]
[+‹!+++++*+++++@++] White ´ makes miai of ˜ and A, and ˆ is a great
[++›++++++++++++++] response locally, but the point of ´ is that it’s a
C ˛@¸++++++++++++++]
ladder breaker.
[ˇ¯˙++++++++++++++]
‚¨˜˘++++++++++++++] If Black blindly continues with the standard moves
[˝˚”++++++++++++++] up to “, cutting at ” (instead of B) is severe. Black
[ B @*+++++*+++++*++] has fallen into White’s snare and is in serious trouble.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] Because of this, Black will need to come up with
[+++++++++++++++++] another ploy in the top left.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ A +] Instead of ‹, Black could consider giving White a
[++!+++++*+´+++*++] large corner (with C) as in Variation 13, but the re-
[++++!+++++++ˆ+@++] sult is still better for White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Let’s consider how else Black might deal with ´.
Variation 15 for ˛
252 May
<(((((((((((((((((> White’s approach at ´ is very loose, so it’s easier for
[+++++++++++++++++] Black to tenuki and fix the problem in the top left
[++++!+++++++@++++] with ˆ.
[ˆ+!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Continuing with ˜ is natural and White can settle
[+@+++++++++++++++] his group in the corner with the sequence to ¸.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ D +++++++++++++++] Instead of ˘, if Black pushes at ¯, White can simply
[+++++++++++++++++] connect at B. We can expect Black C and White A
[+@*+++++*+++++*++] to follow.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] Instead of ˙, if Black ataris at ¸, White will break
[+++++++++++++++ A +] through at ˙ and the result is good for White.
[++++++++++++˛++++]
[+++++++++++++ C +˜+] This is a good strategy for players who want to break
[++!+++++*+´+˚˝¯ B +] Black’s Chinese opening. After ˛, White A is quite
[++++!+++++++¨˙@ˇ¸] big next, but it’s also possible for White to tenuki
[+++++++++++++++˘ E ]
,))))))))))))))))). and invade at D (regarding A and E as miai).
Variation 16 for ˛
<(((((((((((((((((> If White invades at ˜ after ˆ, Black will jump to
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨, making miai of ˝ and ˚.
[+˚++!++ˇ++++@++++]
[ˆ+!+++++*+++++@++] Up to ˇ, it’s another game. However, continuing in
[+++++++++++++++++] the bottom right with ˜ at A or B is more active
[+@+¨+++++++++++++] and shows fighting spirit.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+˜+++++++++++++++]
[++˝++++++++++++++]
[+@*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ B A +]
[++!+++++*+´+++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 17 for ˛
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black plays elsewhere after ‹ in the game (at ´
[+++++++++++++++++] for example), White plans to attack with ˆ and ¨.
[++++!+++++++@++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++] Attaching at ˝ is the simplest way keep Black’s
[+ˆ+++++++++++++´+] stones connected, but it also allows White to carve
[ D @˜++++++++++++++] out his base with ˚ to ˙.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[ C ¨˝ B +++++++++++++] Sometimes enclosing White with ˝ as the diagonal
[+˚ˇ++++++++++++++] move at ˇ can be a rigorous counter to White’s in-
[˘@¯+++++*+++++*++] vasion at ¨, but in this case it will be met by White
[˙++++++++++++++@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] at ˝, Black B, White C; leaving D and ˘ as miai.
Variation 18 for ›
May 253
<(((((((((((((((((> Attaching underneath with ˝ is a better tactic, and
[+++++++++++++++++] the continuation to ˛ can be expected.
[+”+‹!+++„+++@++++]
[+ C !‚ B +++*+++++@++] Black’s group isn’t in trouble (locally), because ›
[+ˆ›++++++++++++´+] makes miai of A and ”, but “ is also a very good
[ˇ@˜++++++++++++++] move in this opening.
[˚++++++++++++++++]
[˝¨¯++++++++++++++] White develops a deep moyo at the bottom with “,
[˘˙¸++++++++++++++] and can respond to ” at „. White B is sente, so
[+@˛“++++*+++++*++] White prefers to make the three space extension to
[++ A ++++++++++++@+]
[+t+++++++++++++++] „ (if Black ignores B then C next).
[+++++++++++++++++] Since White has ladder breakers at the bottom, he
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++] can also choose to play as in Variation 15, but the
[++t+++++t++t++*++] moves in this variation are more forceful and decisive.
[++++t+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 19 for ›
<(((((((((((((((((> If White defends at “, Black will counter with ”
[+++++++++++++++++] and «. Cutting at A doesn’t work for White, be-
[+++‹!+++++++@++++] cause White’s cutting stone will be captured in the
[+“!‚++++*+++++@++]
[+ˆ›++++++++++++´+] sequence from A to F.
[ˇ@˜ E F ++++++++++++] This variation reveals the meaning behind ‚ and ›.
[˚ C A B +++++++++++++]
[˝¨¯ D +++++++++++++] Usually such moves would be criticized as crass, but
[˘˙¸++++++++++++++] in this case they’re strong because they cast furtive
[+@˛„++++*+++++*++] glances in two directions at once.
[+«”++++++++++++@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] If Black doesn’t exchange ‚ and › in sente, and
Variation 20 for › plays ” to « immediately, he won’t be able to han-
dle White’s cut at A.
Black’s jump to „ (› in the actual game) warded
off this situation.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black descends to ˜, ¨ and ˚ comprise an inter-
[+++++++++++++++++] esting combination. After ˇ, White has good con-
[++++!+++++++@++++] tinuations at A and B.
[++!+++++*+++++@++]
[+ˆ+++++++++++++´+] In this game, B helps to create a large moyo.
[˜@ A ++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Lee Changho 9 dan invented ¨ and ˚. He also
[ˇ+˚++++++++++++++] opened our minds to the tactical advantages of the
[˝¨+++++++++++++++] kick at ˆ when White already has a stone at !C.
[+@ B +++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+!
C +++++++++++++++]
Variation 21 for ›
254 May
Deploy a Submarine Against the Star Point Enclosure
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++T++ B +]
[++!+++++*+++++T” E ]
[++++++++++++++++“]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*+++++* D +]
[+++++++++++++++@ C +]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 5
(Moves: 16-17)
The submarine approach at “ is the most common technique for dealing with a star point enclosure
(i.e. Black’s marked stones). At a fundamental level, White will raise his periscope at either A or B,
depending on Black’s response. If @C weren’t on the board, “ could split at D instead.
White “ as the attachment at ” also used to be a regular occurrence, but it has rarely been played
in recent years and we’ll see why in a moment.
Protecting the corner with ” is one of the standard responses in this shape, but it was somewhat
questionable in this opening. Attaching at E would have been better for Black.
<(((((((((((((((((> White can complete the corner territory in sente by
[+++++++++++++++++] sacrificing a stone at ´, but Black’s group will also
[++++!+++++++@++++] become thicker in the process.
[˜+!+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This exposes White’s thinness around A and Black
[+@C +++++++++++++++]
will be able to invade there later on.
[++ˆ++++++++++++++]
[+´¨++++++++++++++] When Black makes the three space extension as on
[+++++++++++++++++] the left side (from @B to @C ), one of his aims is often
[+@B *@++++*+++++*++]
to become thick like this if the opportunity presents
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] itself, with the goal of invading at A later.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ A +++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 22 for “
May 255
<(((((((((((((((((> The submarine approach at ! A can be tricky to deal
[+++++++++++++++++] with, so let’s explore some possible tactics for Black.
[++++t+++++++@++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@˜´] Attaching at ´ is the simplest and most common
[+++++++++++++++ˆ! A] response, and the game is still even up to ˘.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++˝+˘] We saw the same pattern earlier, in Variation 9, and
[+++++++++++++++++] concluded that it was better for Black.
[+++++++++++++˚+¨+]
[+@*@++++*+++++*++] If you compare both variations, however, you’ll see
[+++++++++++++ˇ+@+] that once the marked stones are in place Black’s po-
[+!+++++++++++++++] tential at the top and bottom is more limited.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This means that ! A and the moves that follow are
[++++++++++++++T++] playable at this stage in the game.
[++!+++++t++t++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++] Once again we see that timing is the critical issue
[+++++++++++++++++] when entering our opponent’s sphere of influence.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 23 for ”
<(((((((((((((((((> Wedging at ˆ was quite popular until the early
[++++++++++++++++¸] 2000s, but the result through to — is now thought
[++++!+++++++@+˘¨˝] to be better for Black.
[++!+++++*++++¯@ˆ´]
[+++++++++++++«˚˜! A] Black’s corner is quite big, and he also has sente, so
[+@++++++++++“›‚ˇ˙] this variation has rarely been seen in recent years.
[+++++++++++++‹”˛+]
[++++++++++++++„—»] If White follows the obsolete joseki up to —, Black
[+++++++++++++++–+] will take sente and invade at .
[+@*@++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] This variation also shows why White’s immediate at-
[+!+++++++++++++++] tachment at ˆ (instead of !A ) has fallen out of favor;
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++] ˆ, ˜, ! A , ´, ¨ and ˝ transpose to give the same
[++++++++++++++@++] result as this variation.
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 24 for ”
<(((((((((((((((((> White ˆ is a trick play.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++@˜¯˝ˇ] White wants Black to defend passively at ˜, so he
[++!+++++*++++ˆ@¨´] can force up to ˘ and establish a firmer footing on
[++++++++++++++˘˚!] the right side with ˙
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˙+]
[+@*@++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 25 for ”
256 May
<(((((((((((((( F H ( D Black’s best counter is ˜, which makes miai of A
[+++++++++++‚˛‹+ G ˙ C and B for Black.
[++++!++++++›@ A ˘˚ˇ“
[++!+++++*+++ B ˆ@¨´ E If White still wedges at ¨, Black can cut from behind
[+++++++++++++˜¯˝!” and resist with ˝ and ˇ. Up to ”, White still isn’t
[+@++++++++++++++¸] completely settled in the corner and Black’s position
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] on the outside has become very thick.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White doesn’t defend the corner, Black can start
[+@*@++++*+++++*++] a ko at any time with the moves from C to G.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 26 for ” If White plays F at H, Black will capture at C and
the result is still ko.
<(((((((((((((((((> When White approaches at ! A , the diagonal attach-
[++++++++++˛¯˘++++] ment at ´ is an interesting tactic.
[++++!++++++˙@˚¨‚+]
[++!+++++*+++¸ˇ@+ˆ] If White falls back to ˜, Black will be pleased to
[+++++++++++++++´! A] block at ˆ, so fighting spirit usually demands ˆ.
[+@+++++++++++++˝˜]
[+++++++++++++++++] Attaching at ¨ is a stylish way to settle in the corner
[+++++++++++++++++] and the result up to ‚ is playable for both.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 27 for ”
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black exchanges ¯ for ˙ and double hanes with
[+++++++++++¸˘++˙+] ¸, White will cut at ˛ and live in the corner.
[++++!+++++++@˚¨¯+]
[++!+++++*++++ˇ@˛ˆ] It’s yet another game.
[+++++++++++++++´!]
[+@+++++++++++++˝˜]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 28 for ”
<(((((((((((((((((> If White cuts at ¨ first, Black can play ˝ and ˇ
[++++++++++++++¸++] to form a robust connection with @A.
[++++!+++++++@‚˘¯+]
[++!+++++*+++++@˙ˆ] If White continues with ˘ and ˙, Black can play the
[++++++++++++++˛´!] moves up to ‚ to attack White’s group as a whole.
[+@++++++++++++˚¨˜]
[+++++++++++++++˝+] White’s group is heavy and doesn’t even have a single
[++++++++++++++++ˇ] eye yet. This is what Black wants.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*+++++*++] Since White is invading Black’s sphere of influence,
[+++++++++++++++@ A +] he shouldn’t expect too much in the top right, but
Variation 29 for ” we can do better than this.
May 257
<(((((((((((((((((> When the ladder that continues with Black A favors
[+++++++++++++‚¸˙+] White (as it does in this game), the counter-hane at
[++++!+++++++@˛˘¯+]
[++!+++++*++++‹@+ˆ] ˙ is a delectable tesuji which helps White to avoid
[+++++++++++++ A +´!] the heavy shape in the previous variation.
[+@++++++++++++˚¨˜] Black wouldn’t usually play ¸ and ‚ unless the
[+++++++++++++++˝+]
[++++++++++++++++ˇ] ladder worked for him.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 30 for ”
<(((((((((((((((”fifl Black ¸ is a strong way to resist White’s counter-
[++++++++++++ffl„‚˙›— hane at ˙. A complicated variation follows, but the
[++++!+!+++++@‹˘¯˛] result up to ! is even.
[++!+++++*+++ff“@¸ˆ]
[+++++++++++++«»´!] Black can’t answer White’s ko threat at ffi by con-
[+@+++++++++++˚¨˜] necting at , because he won’t have a large ko threat
[+++++++++++++ı‰˝ ]
[++++++++++++++ffiˇ] of his own after White recaptures the ko at fi.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black must atari at and ı before White plays ,
[+@*@++++*+++++*++] otherwise White achieves a better result.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
Variation 31 for ”
– at ˙
<(((((((((((((fi(”‰ı Blocking immediately at is a mistake. White can
[++++++++++++ff„‚˙›— start the ko right away, and he now has a bigger ko
[++++!+++++++@‹˘¯˛fl threat at .
[++!+++++*+++“@¸ˆ]
[++++++++++++ffi«»´!] The result up to ffi is better for White.
[+@+++++++++++˚¨˜]
[+++++++++++++++˝+] Once again, Black can’t answer White’s ko threat
[++++++++++++++++ˇ] because he doesn’t have a sufficiently large ko threat
[+++++++++++++++++] of his own.
[+@*@++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] The tongue in cheek Go proverb, “There are no ko
Variation 32 for ” threats in the opening,” is usually reliable.
– at ˙
<(((((((((((((((((> Black might connect solidly at ˇ, to deny White
[++++++++++++++¸ B +] the ko threat we saw in Variation 31, but this leaves
[++++!+++++++@‚˘¯+] behind a thinner connection between ˇ and @ A.
[++!+++++*›++++@˙ˆ]
[++++++++++++++˛´!] White won’t counter-hane at B unless he has both a
[+@++++++++++‹+˚¨˜] favorable ladder and a ko threat. Instead, White will
[+++++++++++++++˝ˇ]
[+++++++++++++“+++] be satisfied to expose Black’s thinness up to “.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can’t complete his moyo in the lower right in
[+@*@++++*+++++* C +] a single move, so ˇ doesn’t suit this opening. If @
A
[+++++++++++++++@ A +]
Variation 33 for ” were at C, however, ˇ would be a strong move.
258 May
Aim for More than Just Life
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+++++++@+++ B ]
[++!+++++*+++++@@ A ]
[++++++++++++++++!]
[+@+++++++++++++ C +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++«+„+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*+++++»++]
[+++++++++++++++T+]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 6
(Moves: 18-20)
White omitted the exchange of A for B (which is common) and extended immediately to „, tentatively
putting down roots.
White’s thinking was that if he reinforced around C later, he’d be able to jump into the corner at B
at some point. Exchanging A for B also feels a little heavy for White in this situation.
After Black capped at «, the shoulder hit at » was a flexible technique. Not only did it begin to
move White’s group into the center, it also separated « and the marked stone.
If Black plays « at A, White will just jump to « and the result will be satisfactory for White.
<(((((((((((((((((> Trying to make two eyes by sliding to ´ is generally
[+++++++++++++++++] a bad idea, unless your escape routes into the center
[++++!+++++++@++++] are already thoroughly restricted.
[++!+++++*+++++@@+]
[++++++++++++++++!] The exchanges from ´ to ¨ make Black’s posi-
[+@+++++++++++++++] tion on the outside stronger, while White gains little.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] Moreover, it’s possible for Black to block severely at
[+++++++++++++˚˝++] ˚ in this position and White’s shape is becoming
[+@*@++++*+++++¨˜´] pathetic. Cutting at A doesn’t work well for White.
[++++++++++++++ A @ˆ]
[+!+++++++++++++++] The shoulder hit at » in the diagram above should
[+++++++++++++++++] be your first instinct in this kind of position.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++] It’s not that White won’t settle his group if the op-
[++!+++++!++!++*++] portunity presents itself, but that » is better tech-
[++++!+++++++++@++] nique and avoids being browbeaten the way White is
[+++++++++++++++++] in this variation.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 34 for »
May 259
Guard Your Vital Points
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++!+fl+++++@++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@@ A B]
[++++++++++++++++!]
[+@+++++++++++ffi+fi+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++!—]
[++++++++++++++–T‰]
[+!++++++++++++++ı]
[+++++++++++++++ff+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++T++]
[++!+++++s++s++*++]
[++++!+++++++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 7
(Moves: 21-30)
Pushing up at – was good move order and — was a skillful counter which guarded White’s vital point
while making miai of and ‰. Black’s marked stones were slightly over-concentrated up to ff.
The result up to fi was slightly better for White, and since Black didn’t make any obvious mistakes
we reach the conclusion that @
A was questionable. As we discussed earlier, B was the proper move.
White ffi and claiming the area at the top were miai, so when Black played fl, White jumped to ffi.
You can see that White established an unquestionably more comfortable base up to fi than he did in
the previous variation. It’s not unusual that aiming to either move into the center with good shape or
settle your group bears more fruit than focusing solely on making two eyes or running away.
Note that White’s marked stones help to erase Black’s influence in the bottom right. If those exchanges
weren’t on the board, White would have chosen another path.
<(((((((((((((((((> Pushing first at ´ isn’t usually the right move order
[+++++++++++++++++] in the context of the marked stones, because if Black
[++++!+++++++@++++] turns at ˜ next White will be able to jump to ¨
[++!+++++*+++++@@+]
[++++++++++++++++!] (making ˝ and ˚ miai).
[+@++++++++++++ B ++] Pushing up at ˜ first makes it more difficult for
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++˚T+t+] White to make shape and we’ll come back to this
[++++++++++++++ˆ A +] point in a moment.
[+@*@++++*+++¨+t´+] Instead of ˆ, blocking at A is also conceivable and
[+++++++++++++˝˜T+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] if Black cuts at ˆ next, White makes shape with B.
Variation 35 for –
260 May
<(((((((((((((((((> Black can gouge out White’s eyespace with ˜ and
[+++++++++++++++++] ˝, but it’s a bit early in the game to be playing such
[++++!+++++++@+++ A ] moves.
[++!+++++*+++++@@+]
[++++++++++++++++!] White can still move smoothly into the center up to
[+@+++++++++++++˚+] ˙, and the game is playable for White.
[+++++++++++++++¨˜]
[++++++++++++˙@+!˝] Because of the exchanges from ˜ to ˚, White will
[++++++++++++++ˆ++] be able to jump into the corner at A later, without
[+@*@++++*+++˘+!´+] any trouble.
[+++++++++++++¯ˇ@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] Instead of ˇ, if Black plays the knight’s move at ˘,
[+++++++++++++++++] White can push at ˇ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 36 for –
<(((((((((((((((((> Capturing !A with ˜ to ¯ is another technique, but
[+++++++++++++++++] usually these sorts of tactics are reserved for the mid-
[++++!+++++++@++++] dle game or early endgame.
[++!+++++*+++++@@¯]
[+++++++++++++++ˇ! A] At the very least, this tactic requires a little more
[+@+++++++++++++˚˝] strategic preparation to be genuinely effective.
[+++++++++++++++¨˜]
[+++++++++++++@+!˘] Even though Black takes away White’s base and
[++++++++++++++ˆ++] gains some territory up to ¯, White’s shape becomes
[+@*@++++*+++˙+!´+] solid and he can easily develop his group with ˙.
[+++++++++++++++T+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] This variation weakens Black’s marked stones and
[+++++++++++++++ C +] White is aiming to attack them with B or C later.
[++++++++++++++ B ++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 37 for –
<(((((((((((((((((> If White simply extends to ´, instead of playing at
[+++++++++++++++++] ˆ (— in the game), Black at ˆ steals the vital point
[++++!+++++++@++++] with glee.
[++!+++++*+++++@@+]
[++++++++++++++++!] The reason why ˆ is the vital point is that it turns
[+@+++++++++++++++] @
A into an eye stealing tesuji. The combination of ˆ
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@ A +!+] and @
A makes White’s potential eye at B a false eye.
[+++++++++++++ C B ++] White would like to make shape at @ A next, but he
[+@*@++++*++++´!ˆ+] can’t because there’s already a stone there. Whether
[++++++++++++++@@+]
[+!+++++++++++++++] he forms an empty triangle at B next, or plays ´ at
Variation 38 for — C instead, he will end up with an inefficient shape.
May 261
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black doesn’t reinforce the right side with the
[+++++++++++++++++] hanging connection at A (ff), White can break out
[++++!+++++++@++++] into the center with ˆ to ˘.
[++!+++++*+++++@@+]
[++++++++++++++++!] This leaves Black’s outside position in tatters.
[+@+++++++++++++´+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Once you decide to enclose a group and take influ-
[+++++++++++++@+!+] ence on the outside, connecting moves like A become
[++++++++++++˘˚+++] important because they preserve the power you’ve
[+@*@++++*+++ˇ@!!!] already invested many stones into building.
[+++++++++++++¨@@!]
[+!++++++++++++˝ˆ@]
[+++++++++++++++ A ˜]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 39 for ff
<(((((((((((((((((> Enclosing White with ´ feels good, but it’s slack
[+++++++++++++++++] because ˆ reduces Black’s influence.
[++++!++ˆ++++@++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@@+] The second principle of attack and defense is sur-
[++++++++++++++++!] round your opponent, but the fifth is know your next
[+@+++++++++++´+!+] moves.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] Since White already has a stable position on the right
[+++++++++++++++++] side, he doesn’t need to flail his tentacles like an oc-
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] topus and sealing him in lacks power. Black ´ isn’t
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] that bad, but there’s no continuation, no next move.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 40 for fl
<(((((((((((((((((> If White secures the corner with ´, instead of jump-
[+++++++++++++++++] ing to ˆ (ffi) in the game, Black can play ˆ and
[++++!+T+++++T++++] develop a large framework.
[´+!+++++*+++++@@+]
[++++++++++++++++!] Even though ˆ doesn’t threaten White’s group on
[+@+++++++++++ˆ+!+] the right side, it’s still a key point which makes the
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++T+!+] marked stones work together efficiently.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ˆ also reduces the importance of Black’s cut-
[+@*@++++*++++T!!!] ting point at A, because Black’s stones on the right
[+++++++++++++ A @@!]
Variation 41 for ffi side are all strong in this variation.
262 May
The Star Point Enclosure Is Stronger than It Looks
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ ++!+@ B +++++@++++]
[ffl+!+++++*+++++@@+]
[++++++++++++++++!]
[+@ A +++++++++!+! C +!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 8
(Moves: 31-33)
Sliding to ffl was the proper move, but ! was a mistake. When Black double approaches the star
point enclosure, at @
A and @B , White at ffl is standard. This ensures a large and stable corner.
However, there’s no urgent need to defend, so you can also tenuki to play an important move (like !
C ).
<(((((((((((((((((> Invading at ´ looks severe and is also conceivable,
[+++ˇ¯ A +++++++++++] but it can’t be recommended in this game.
[˝´+˘!¸@ D +++++@++++]
[˜ˆ! B C +++*+++++@@+] Black can take the corner up to ˇ, but ˘ is a steady
[¨˚++++++++++++++!] move and ˙ makes miai of ˛ and A.
[+@
E ˙++++++++++!+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Usually White can answer ˇ at ¯, but in this case
[+˛+++++++++++@+!+] Black would counter with Black at ˘, White B and
[+++++++++++++++++] Black C—making full use of @D and @E.
[+T*T++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] Black’s marked stones become weaker after White
Variation 42 for ffl stabilizes his group with ˛.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black blocks at ˇ, White can switch directions
[+++++++++++++++++] with ˘.
[˝´˘+!+@A +++++@++++]
[˜ˆ!+++++*+++++@@+] After the moves to ˛, @ A is weak and there’s also a
¯¨˚++++++++++++++!] cutting point at B to look forward to.
[ˇ@˙˛+++++++++! C +!+]
[+ ¸++++++++++++++]
B This is acceptable for White because he already
[+++++++++++++@+!+] tenukied once to take the key point at !
C.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 43 for ffl
May 263
<(((((((((((((((((> In light of the two previous variations, Black should
[++ B ++++++++++++++] consider the vigorous combination of ˇ and ¯.
[˝´ˇ˘!+@ C ++++@++++]
[˜ˆ! A +‹˛‚*+++++@@+] This aggressive tactic seeks to unsettle White’s
˙¨˚++++++++++++++!] group, while exposing a cutting point at A.
[¯@¸++++++++++!+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Nevertheless, attaching at ˛ is an elastic response,
[+++++++++++++@+!+] which helps White to stabilize his position.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] After ‹, capturing the corner with B and settling
[++++++++++++++@@!] White’s group with C are miai for White.
Variation 44 for ffl
<(((»(((((((((((((> Quietly falling back with ‚ doesn’t help Black.
ff+«‹++++++++++++++]
[˝´ˇ˘!+T‚++++@++++] White can attack the corner with ‹ and, if Black
˜ˆ!›”—˛+*++fi++@@+] cuts at ›, White can capture Black’s cutting stones
˙¨˚–“‰„++++++++++!] in a net up to „ (the net still works if ‚ is at ›).
[¯@¸++++++++++!+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can live small with « to ff, but this isn’t a
[+++++++++++++@+!+] problem for White because extending stoutly at ‚
[+++++++++++++++++] has made Black’s marked stones heavy.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] White can lightly counter-attack with fi, and the
Variation 45 for ffl position is still good for White.
ı at ›, at ”
<(((((((((((((((((> Since it appears that White can dodge Black’s punch
[+++´ˆ++++++++++++] in the previous variations, exchanging ´ for ˆ first
[ˇ˜+¯!+@+++++@++++] is an artifice which Black might consider.
[˝¨!˙¸+++*+++++@@+]
[˚˘++++++++++++++!] If White obediently complies with ˆ, Black can con-
[+@+++++++++++!+!+] tinue with ˜ to ¯ and the shape reverts to ‘joseki’.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] The only problem is that White has responded to
[+++++++++++++++++] ´ at ˆ, instead of playing ˆ at ¯, as we saw in
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] Variation 42.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 46 for ffl Cutting at ¸ is severe and White is in trouble.
<((( D (((((((((((((> Bearing all this in mind, it becomes clear that ˆ is
[ E +˜´˚++++++++++++] the correct answer when Black plays ´.
[¯ˇ+ˆ! A @+++++@++++]
[˘+!+++++*+++++@@+] If Black plays ˜ at ˇ, the position will transpose to
[ B ¨++++++++++++++!] Variation 42. Similarly, if ˜ is at ˚, White settles
[˙@˝++++++++++!+!+] after White at ˜, Black A and White B.
[+ C +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] Both of those choices make things too simple for
[+++++++++++++++++] White, so ˜ is the toughest response.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] However, ¨ negotiates shrewdly, making miai of ˝
Variation 47 for ffl and ˚, and ˙ makes miai of C and D. Black should
live at E next, but White will settle with C.
264 May
<(((((((((((((((((> After exchanging @ A for !
B , pushing at ´ is another
[ˆ¨˜+ˇ++++++++++++] tactic for attacking White’s corner.
[´!B +˝!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!˚++++*+++++@@+]
A Blocking at ˆ is an unimaginative response which
[++++++++++++++++!] turns ´ into a good move. Firstly, because it makes
[+@+++++++++++!+!+] ´ for ˆ a profitable sente exchange and, secondly,
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] because it leaves a vital point exposed at ˜.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White connects at ¨, ˝ and ˇ leave him with
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] nothing but the shirt on his back. White faces a
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 48 for ! painful future, begging for life in the center.
<˚ E G F (((((((((((((> Attaching at ¨ is an astute counter and ˚ is a splen-
[ˆ˝˜¨ D ++++++++++++] did tesuji which is stronger than it initially seems.
[´!ˇ¸!+T+++++T++++]
[@˘!¯‚+++*+++++@@+] The trade from ˇ to › is natural, but Black comes
[‹ B ˙˛›+++++++++++!] out ahead in this game because his marked stones
[+@ A ++++++++++!+!+] are working well.
[++ C ++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] White ¨ relies on a favorable ladder. If the ladder
[+++++++++++++++++] favored Black, he would play ¸ at ˛, White A and
[+@*T++++*++++@!!!] Black B, making miai of ¸ and a ladder at C.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 49 for ! If ‚ is at B, White at ‚ and D to G crushes Black.
<(((((((((((((((((> Often, the best way to deal with Black’s marauding
[‹++++˛˙¸+++++++++] is a calm and unembellished leaning strategy at ˆ.
[´! B +!+@+‚+++@++++]
[@ A !+++++*+++++@@+] Black will maintain the pressure with ˝, but ex-
[ˇ˚++++˝+++++++++!] changing ˚ to ¯ now leaves live embers at ˘ while
[¯@ˆ¨+++++++++!+!+] rendering ˚ light. After ¯, White answers A at B.
[+˘˜++++++++++++++]
[+ C ›++++++++++@+!+] White is now free to solidify a comfortable base and
[+++++++++++++++++] make peace with ˙ to ‹. Black has to backtrack at
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] › to prevent White C.
Variation 50 for ! White takes sente and uses it to consolidate his lead.
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of A (! in the game) Black should jump to
[+++++++++++++++++] ´, making miai of A and B.
[ B !++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++*+++++@@ D +] This move prevents White’s attachment at C and
[++++++++++++++++!] increases the pressure on his corner after Black B.
[+@ C ´+++++++ A +!+!+] For example, Variation 49 no longer works after ´.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] The game will still be close if Black jumps here,
[+++++++++++++++++] though White is already slightly ahead because Black
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] played @
D earlier.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 51 for !
May 265
Feint to the East, Attack the West
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@ A +++++@++++]
[@+!+++++%+++++@@+]
[+&++++++++++++++!]
[+@"$+++++++@+!+!+]
[++#++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+’+++++++++++++++]
[+ B ++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 9
(Moves: 34-39)
White feinted to the left with ", but he was actually eyeing @
A indirectly. Black, of course, knew what
White’s plan was and defended at %, but & was White’s compensation.
White could also play & at B (preventing ’). Either way, White was ahead up to ’.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black defends the left side with ´, White will press
[++++++++++¯++++++] @A down with ˆ and reduce Black’s area at the top.
[+t++t+@A ˜ˇ+++@++++]
[@+t+++˝ˆ¨˘++++@@+] Pressing with ˆ is a flexible alternative to invad-
[++++++˚+++++++++!] ing around ˇ. The sequence up to ˙ exploits the
[+@tt+++˙+++@ B +!+!+]
strength of the marked stones, while avoiding drain-
[+´@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] ing them of their power in a protracted battle.
[+++++++++++++++++] Up to ˙, Black’s potential at the top has been erased
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] and @B is practically a wasted move. At the same
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 52 for % time, White’s marked stones have become stronger.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black can’t easily cut and fight with moves like ˇ,
[++++++++˛++++++++] because White’s position is stronger than Black’s in
[+!++!+T˜˙+++@++++] this part of the board.
[@+!+++˝ˆ¨+++++@@+]
[++++++˚ˇ¯¸++++++!] Up to ˛, Black’s marked stones are more or less cap-
[+@!!++˘++++@+!+!+] tured, and Black has gained little in compensation.
[+´@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
Variation 53 for %
266 May
<“((((((((((((((((> Pushing up at ˜ may seem intimidating, but White
[˛›‚‹+++++++++++++] is always one step ahead of Black from ¨ to ˙.
[¸!” B !+@+++++@++++]
[@„!« A +˜ˆ*+++++@@+] Even though Black isolates White’s top left group, he
[+++»++˝¨++++++++!] can’t bring his power to bear in any practical way,
[+@!!++ˇ˚+++@+!+!+] and ˜ to ¯ end up occupying dame.
[+´@+++¯˘+++++++++]
[+++++++˙+++++@+!+] For example, ‚ comes to naught after ‹ to » makes
[+++++++++++++++++] A and B miai. Variation 49 shows why Black B fails.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] Instead of ¨, White at ˝ is also possible and leads
Variation 54 for % to another game with many complicated variations.
<(((((((((((((((((> Jumping out at ´ (instead of the knight’s move at
[++++++ B ++++++++++] %) seems normal, but Lee didn’t play there.
[+!++!+@+ A ++ C @++++]
[@+!+++++*+++++@@+] It appears that he was worried about White’s poten-
[+ˆ++++´+ D +++++++!] tial invasion at A later on.
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++] White will respond at ˆ for now, which increases the
[+++++++++++++@+!+] power of White’s top left group and gives him more
[+++++++++++++++++] scope for invading and fighting later.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] After invading at A, White has good continuations
[+!++++++++++++++@] at B, C and D, for example.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 55 for %
<(((((((((((((((((> In the game, Black left his top left group in a precar-
[+++++++++++++++++] ious position and invaded at A (’).
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] In the local sense, ´ is the move, but White will
[+!B ++++++++++++++!] gladly secure the corner with ˆ and has managed to
[´@!!+++++++@+!+!+] play both !B and ˆ.
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] White is well ahead in this variation and is solid
[+++++++++++++++++] everywhere, so we can see that strategy trumped
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] tactics—demanding Black’s immediate invasion at A.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+ A +++++++++++++++]
[+ˆ++++++++++++@++]
[++!+++++!++!++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 56 for ’
May 267
Do the Unexpected, Attack the Unprepared
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+t++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+@
A (++++++++++++++]
[0+)*++++++++++@++]
[-,t/++++!++!++*++]
[.+++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 10
(Moves: 40-48)
Black’s sudden invasion at @
A (’) and his severe play up to / were well suited to the situation.
When you’re behind, in particular, you should constantly be searching for a way to change the state
of affairs in your favor. If you overplay though, you’ll be crushed, so you need to bide your time.
As we’ve seen already, the giant knight’s move (marked) and Black’s invasion at @
A occur often, and (
to * is the best response in most cases. Blocking off the corner with , was an appropriate decision in
this game, because the corner was valuable and there wasn’t much potential for White in the center.
Lee chose to complicate the position with - and / because he was behind. Cutting at 0 was the
strongest and best response for White.
You need to be patient, but you cannot just play normally when you’re behind. If you continue to do
so for too long, you’ll lose.
“Do the unexpected, attack the unprepared,” is a strategic proverb from ancient China. It is used by
Zhuge Liang in the loosely historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but likely predates him.
[+++++++++++++++++] White can also consider playing ´ to ˇ, but then
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] Black will bully White at the bottom too, starting
[++++++++++++++@@!] with ˘ and ˙.
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[+ˇ¨++++++++++++@+] In general, giving up the stone at !
A isn’t a good idea,
[˝@!
A ˚+++++++++++++]
because this sequence exchanges center influence for
[+´@ˆ++++++++++@++]
[+˜!++++˘!++!++*++] a small territory on the edge, and Black takes sente.
[++++!+˙¯++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 57 for *
268 May
[+++++++++++++++++] Extending at ´ is wrong in this situation.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] Black can easily live in the corner up to ˚, and
[+!++++++++++++++@] White still needs to make another move to prevent
[++´++++++++++++@+] Black from cutting at A.
[+@! A +++++++++++++]
[+@@!++++++++++@++]
[+ˆ!+++++!++!++*++]
[¨˜˝+!+++++++++@++]
[˚++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 58 for ,
[+++++++++++++++++] Normally, Black is satisfied with ´ and ˜, but here
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] they allow White to close off the bottom and simplify
[++++++++++++++@@!] the game with ˚ to ˙. This result is good for White.
[+!˝+++++++++++++@]
[+˜´¨+++++++++++@+] It’s worth noting ˚—an endgame technique for com-
[+@!ˆ+++++++++++++] pleting White’s territory at the bottom—which is
[+@@!++++++++++@++]
[+!!+++++!++!+˘¯++] more advanced than simply playing at A.
[++++!+++++++ A ˙@+ G ] If Black doesn’t defend at ˇ, White can reduce
[++++++++++++˚ˇ B C +] Black’s corner in sente with White B, Black C, ˙,
,)))))))))))))) F D E .
Variation 59 for - ¯, and D to G.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White connects at ´, Black will break through at
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] the bottom with ˆ and ¨.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[ D !++++++++++++++@] Black can either squeeze the corner at A later, or
[+++++++++++++++@+] save his marked stones with B to D.
[ B T!´+++++++++++++]
[˜TT!++++++++++@++]
C @!!@¨+++!++!++*++]
[! A +ˆ!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 60 for 0
[+++++++++++++++++] If White simply captures the cutting stone with ´,
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] Black will be happy to double atari at ˆ and capture
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] !A with ¨.
[++¨++++++++++++@+] Connecting at B will also be sente for Black later,
[+@! A ˆ+++++++++++++]
because he can aim to cut at C next.
[ B @@!˜+++++++++@++]
[@!!@´+++!++!++*++] This gives Black a better result than Variation 59.
[! C ++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 61 for 0
May 269
The Conservation of Stones
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+@!4+++++++++++++]
[!@@!++++++++++@++]
[@!!@1+++!++!++*++]
[!+52!3++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 11
(Moves: 49-53)
Extending to 1 was the only move and connecting at 4 was sensible. Black 5 was another sacrifice.
Don’t worry about sacrificing stones in Go. With proper play, their energy is usually conserved, because
they are transformed into sente moves or ko threats elsewhere (though this is not a physical law!).
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black exchanges the atari at ´ and double ataris
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] with ˜, the result is very different to the previous
[++++++++++++++@@!] variation.
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[++˝++++++++++++@+] White has played at A instead of B, and that makes a
[´@!˜˚++++++++++++] huge difference in terms of efficiency, because White
[!
A @@!¨+++++++++@++]
ˆ@!!@ B +++!++!++*++] saves one move.
[!+++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 62 for 1
[+++++++++++++++++] Descending to ´ doesn’t work, because White can
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] shut Black in with ˆ.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] After White connects at ˚ (@
a ), Black collapses.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+@!++++++++++++++]
[!@@!++++++++++@++]
¨@a !!@ˆ+++!++!++*++]
[!˜˝´!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 63 for 1
˚ at @
a
270 May
[+++++++++++++++++] Cutting at ´ and inducing ˜ is often better tech-
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] nique, but it doesn’t work in this case.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] Black ¨ is a clever haengma (which is very similar to
[++˙++++++++++++@+] ´). It sets up a double ladder and ˙ traps White’s
[+@t˜˚˘+++++++++++] marked cutting stones.
[!@@tˆ˝++++++++@++]
[@!!@@´¨+!++!++*++] Black is overjoyed with the result up to ˙.
[!++!!@ˇ+++++++@++]
[+++++¯+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 64 for 4
[+++++++++++++++++] Turning at ˇ looks better, but the result is about
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] the same after Black hanes at ˘.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] Black won’t have any problems capturing White’s
[++˙++++++++++++@+] stones in a ladder, because he can squeeze with A to
[+@!˜˚ C A ++++++++++] C in sente if need be.
[!@@!ˆ˝ˇ˘++++++@++]
[@!!@@´¨¯!++!++*++]
[!++!!@ B +++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 65 for 4
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˇ is another way to resist a double ladder.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] Black will play to restore the double ladder with ˙,
[+!+++˛¸+++++++++@] but ¸ is a brilliant double ladder breaker.
[++++ˇ˙+++++++++@+]
[‚@!˜˚˘++++++++++] This tesuji (¸) is called zhen shen tou in Chinese,
[!@@!ˆ˝¯—++++++@++] which means ‘pressing down the divine head’.
[@!!@@´¨‰t++t++*++]
[!›‹!!@„+++++++@++] Despite White’s brilliant tesuji, the result up to ‰ is
[+–“«+”»++++++++++] good for Black. White’s marked stones have become
,))))))))))))))))). weak and isolated and his center stones are heavy.
Variation 66 for 4
Strategy trumps tactics, so White can’t play ¸.
[+++++++++++++++++] Connecting at ´ is slack because it gives White time
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] to capture with ˆ
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] This nullifies Black’s aji in the cutting point at A,
[+++++++++++++++@+] while simultaneously capturing the marked stones.
[+T!!+++++++++++++] White will now answer A at B, rather than C.
[!TT!++++++++++@++]
ˆ@!!@@+´+!++!++*++] Once Black loses his leverage against White’s lower
[! C A !!@++++++++@++] left group, his stones at the bottom become heavy
[++ B ++++++++++++++] and inflexible.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 67 for 5
May 271
Enlarge the Sacrifice
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+@!!+++++++++++++]
[!@@!9+++++++++@++]
[@!!@@8++!++!++*++]
[!6@!!@;+++++++@++]
[++7+<:+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 12
(Moves: 54-60)
Black added another stone to his sacrifice with 7. He knew that both stones would be captured but
he wanted to provoke White into thrashing around up to <, to strengthen his center stones.
The solid connection at < was an important move and is worth noting.
[+++++++++++++++++] The empty triangle at ´ is the normal technique,
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] because it reduces Black’s liberties faster and maxi-
[++++++++++++++@@!] mizes White’s territory in the corner.
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[++++˝++++++++++@+] However, it’s wrong in this situation because it re-
[+@!!¨++++++++++++] duces White’s liberties too.
[!@@!@+˚+++++++@++]
[@!!@@!
A ++!++!++*++] Now Black can block at ˆ in sente, and the difference
[!!@!!@@+++++++@++] is significant. Black can capture !
A with good shape
[+˜@´+!ˆ++++++++++] up to ˚.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 68 for <
[+++++++++++++++++] White would like to ruin Black’s shape with ˜ before
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] defending at the bottom.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] If Black ataris at A next, White will squeeze in sente
[+++++++++++++++@+] with B to E, but ¨ is a simple way to resist. Black
[+@!! D ˜+++++++++++] wins the capturing race up to ˚, so ˜ is an overplay.
[!@@!@ A B +++++++@++]
[@!!@@! E C +!++!++*++] As we’ll see shortly, this wouldn’t have happened if
[!!@!!@@+++++++@++] White had only connected with ´ at ˝ (as in the
[++@´˝!ˆ++++++++++] actual game).
,)))¨)˚))))))))))).
Variation 69 for <
272 May
Don’t Stop Reading at the First Sign of Trouble
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+@!!+++++++++++++]
[!@@!@ A =+++++++@++]
[@!!@@t B +!++!++*++]
[!!@!!@@>++++++@++]
[++@+!! C ++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 13
(Moves: 61-62)
Feigning a net with = was a delicate haengma which occupied the vital point. Even though it doesn’t
appear to work, it was more effective than playing atari at A or B. White > made miai of B and C.
Don’t stop reading at the first sign of trouble. You need to persevere to discover the truth.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black doesn’t have time to block at ´, because
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] White can squeeze with ˆ to ˇ (at !
a ).
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] This is possible because the marked stones have one
[+++++++++++++++@+] more liberty than they did in the previous variation.
[+@!!˚ˆ˙++++++++++]
[!@@!@˜¨¯++++++@++] Up to ˛, Black’s group is heavy and is under at-
[@!!@@! a ˝¸!++!++*++] tack. Even though Black drilled through White’s
[!!@tt@@+˛+++++@++] shape with ¯ and ¸, Black also made bad shape
[+˘@+tt´++++++++++] for himself in the process, so it’s tit for tat.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 70 for =
ˇ at !
a
[+++++++++++++++++] Moving the marked stone out with ´ and ˜ is pos-
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] sible, but heavy.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[+!++++++++++++++@] Black now has time to exchange ˚ for ˇ in sente,
[++++¨++++++++++@+] and can connect solidly at ˘.
[˝@!!ˆ˜+++++++++++]
[!@@!@´@+++++++@++] It’s hard for White to manage his three cutting
[@!!@@t˘+!++!++*++] stones in the center and, unlike the previous vari-
[!!@!!@@+++++++@++] ation, White has two weak groups once again (as in
[+ˇ@+!!˚++++++++++] Variation 66).
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 71 for >
May 273
Keep Your Options Open
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[A!++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[?@!!+++++++++++++]
[!@@!@B@+++++++@++]
@@!!@@! A +!++!++*++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 14
(Moves: 63-66)
Lee chose to omit playing at B or A for the time being and connected under with A. This kept Black’s
options open for later, so that he could see how things developed before choosing between B and A.
Since Black played A, B became a reasonable move for subtle reasons. We’ll see why in a moment.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black exchanges ´ for ˆ, before playing ˜, White
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] will make shape with ¨.
[ A B ++++++++++++@@!]
E ˜! F ¨++++++++++++@] White can move into the center or start a ko with A
[ C D G ++++++++++++@+] to G next.
[@@!!+++++++++++++]
[!@@!@´@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!++!++!++*++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!ˆ++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 72 for A
[+++++++++++++++++] Capturing the cutting stone with ´ is a little heavy.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++++++++++++@@!] White can atari at ¨ and attack with ˚ next. Lee
[˜!++++++++++++++@] didn’t like this prospect.
[++++++˚++++++++@+]
[@@!!¨++++++++++++]
[!@@!@˝@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!´+!++!++*++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!ˆ++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 73 for A
274 May
[+++++++++++++++++] If White plays the knight’s move at ´ (after @
A ),
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] Black will have more information about the game
[++++++++++++++@@!] after seeing ´, so he will choose ˆ and ¨.
[@
A !++++++++++++++@]
[+++++´ D ++++++++@+] Since White has already spent a move at ´, allowing
[@@!! B ++++++++++++] White a sente move at B isn’t as significant anymore.
[!@@!@ C @+¨+++++@++]
!+!!@@!ˆ+!++!++*++] If ´ is at B instead, Black C makes ˜ and D miai.
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!˜++++++++++] Up to ¨, White’s development is slower than in the
,))))))))))))))))). previous variation.
Variation 74 for B
[+++++++++++++++++] If White tries to fight with ´, Black can exchange
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] ˆ for ˜ in sente, before moving out up to ˚.
[´ C ++++++++++++@@!]
[@t˚+++++++++++++@] After ˚, if White ataris at A, Black connects at B.
[ A B ¨˝+++++++++++@+] If White cuts at B, Black C captures.
[@@tt+++++++++++++]
[!@@t@ˆ@+++++++@++] White’s marked stones are in trouble, so this varia-
!+!!@@!++!++!++*++] tion isn’t good for White.
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!˜++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 75 for B
[+++++++++++++++++] Since White has decided to sacrifice his marked
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] stones (with B in the game), he might consider try-
[ˇ+++++++++++++@@!] ing to create some ko aji with ´ first.
¯@!˘˛++++++++++++@]
[´¨˝¸+++++++++++@+] Unfortunately for White, this won’t go as planned.
˚@@tt˙++++++++++++]
[!@@t@ˆ@+++++++@++] Black can resist by exchanging ˆ for ˜ in sente.
!+!!@@!++!++!++*++] Next, Black takes the vital point with ˚, which
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++] makes miai of ˇ and ˘. With ˛, White’s cutting
[++@+!!˜++++++++++] stones are captured in a ladder.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 76 for B
[+++++++++++++++++] If White ataris at ˜, Black can break through
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] White’s shape in sente with ¨.
[++++++++++++++@@!]
[@!++++++++++++++@] After White defends at ˇ, ˘ is a severe blow to the
[´˜+++++++++++++@+] vital point and White’s marked stones are floating
[@@!!+++++++++++++] up to ˙.
[!@@!@ˆ@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!++t¯+t++*++] This variation favors Black.
[!!@!!@@t+˘˙+++@++]
[+˝@+!!¨++++++++++]
,))ˇ))˚))))))))))).
Variation 77 for B
May 275
Execute Your Plan Decisively
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+L@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++I+++++++++@@!]
[@t++GH++++++++++@]
[++++EF+++++++++@+]
[@@ttCD+++++++++++]
[!@@t@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!++!++!+JK++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 15
(Moves: 67-76)
Once Gu chose to give up the marked stones, pushing up to H was inevitable and ensured that he
squeezed as much as possible out of the sacrifice. You cannot change your mind once the die is cast.
White wanted to cut at L, so his plan was to resolve the situation in the bottom left in sente, and
then cut. White’s play in this diagram was decisive, and L was worth more than 25 points.
Lee’s play in the bottom left corner had been quite exquisite, and the game was even again up to L.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black doesn’t defend at A, and turns to ´ for
[+++++++++++++++++] example, ˆ is a tesuji.
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] After ˆ, A and B are miai, so Black’s position on
[+!++++++++++++++!] the left side crumbles.
[´@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++] Pinching with Black C may look tough, but it
[+++++++++++++@+!+] achieves nothing because White D preserves A and
[+++++++++++++++++] E as miai for White.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++ A +++++++++@@!]
[@! D +@!++++++++++@]
[ B C ˆ+@!+++++++++@+]
E @@!!@!+++++++++++]
[!@@!@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!++!++!++*++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 78 for I
276 May
[+++++++++++++++++] Some readers’ eyes might still be drawn to ´, but ˆ
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] is a strong response which makes miai of A and B.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!++++++++++@] Rather than losing points with this exchange, White
[´ A B +@!+++++++++@+] should save this aji for later and hane at ˆ in the
ˆ@@!!@!+++++++++++] endgame.
[!@@!@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!++!++!++*++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 79 for J
<(((((((((((((((((> White’s position at the bottom becomes very thick
[+++++++++++++++++] and strong after ´, but it’s somewhat slow.
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] Black takes sente and uses it to defend at ˆ, which
[+!++++++++++++++!] as we know is huge.
[ˆ@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!++++++++++@]
[++++@!+++++++++@+]
[@@!!@!+++++++++++]
[!@@!@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!´+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 80 for L
<(((((((((((((((((> White can also consider capturing the marked stones
[+++++++++++++++++] on a large scale with ´.
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] Black will still defend the left side with ˆ, and can
[+!++++++++++++++!] aim to reduce White’s lower side with A or B later.
[ˆ@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+ A ++++++++@]
[++++@!++´++++++@+]
[@@!!@!+++ B +++++++]
[!@@!@!T+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!++!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!TT!++++++@++]
[++@+!!+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 81 for L
May 277
Assess Strength and Weakness Objectively
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!
A @++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!++++++++++@]
[++++@!+++++++++@+]
[@@!!@!+ B +++++++++]
[!@@!@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!M+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!N++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 16
(Moves: 77-78)
To exaggerate the capabilities of one’s forces is just as dangerous as to underestimate the
strength of the enemy.
—Georgi Zhukov, Marshal Zhukov’s Greatest Battles
Since White took !
A , Black set his stones in motion with M. Defending at N was unavoidable, because
White wasn’t strong enough to attack at B. It’s important that you don’t overestimate your strength.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White tries to capture Black with ´, Black will
[+++++++++++++++++] play ˆ to ˛.
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] To state the conclusion first, White’s in trouble, be-
[+!++++++++++++++!] cause it’s incredibly difficult to capture the marked
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+] stones.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] Proving that will require many diagrams, but we will
[+++++++++++++++++] attempt to satisfy the curiosity of readers below.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+¸+++++++@@!] This will be a long (but tesuji rich) digression, so you
[@!++@!¯˙˛+++++++@] can skip to the next heading if you trust the authors
[++++@!˘ˇ+++++++@+] and want to get back to the game!
[@@!!@!˚´+++++++++]
[!@@!@!T+++++++@++] Gu Li spent a long time reading before playing N,
!+!!@@!T+!++!+!@++] and the variations that follow will give you a glimpse
[!!@!!TT!˝+++++@++] of what the players see below the tip of the iceberg.
[+˜@+!!ˆ¨+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 82 for N
278 May
<(((((((((((((((((> The first move to consider is ‚.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++] Black’s jump at ‹ presses hard against White’s
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] marked cutting stones and this technique can at
[+!++++++++++++++!] times be regarded as an advanced form of net.
[+@!!+ffi+++++@+!+!+]
[+!@+flff++++++++++] Black has five liberties at the bottom, so he needs to
[++++‰ı—fi+++++@+!+] hold White to four.
[+++++–“«+++++++++]
[+@*@+›‹»++++@!!!] After ‰, White’s group is trapped and he doesn’t
[++++@+t”„+++++@@!] have enough liberties to win a capturing race.
[@!++@tt@@+++++++@]
[++++@t@!+‚+++++@+] The moves up to ffi show that trying to escape is
[@@!!@t@!+++++++++] futile.
[!@@!@t@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@t@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!!+++++@++]
[+!@+!!@@+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 83 for N
[+++++”“++++++++++] If White hanes at ”, Black can simply cut at „ and
[+@*@+„›‹*++++@!!!] White’s stones are captured.
[++++@+!+++++++@@!]
[@!++@!!@@+++++++@]
[++++@!@!+‚+++++@+]
[@@!!@!@!+++++++++]
[!@@!@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!!+++++@++]
[+!@+!!@@+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 84 for N
<(((((((((((((((((> Since White’s jump at A didn’t work, grinding with
[+++++++++++++++++] ‚ is worth considering.
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] This is an ugly technique, but the empty triangle
[+!++++++++++++++!] reduces Black’s liberties and prevents the previous
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+] variation from working. It’s also a blind spot for
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[++ffi+fi‰++++++@+!+] many players.
[++"flff—++++++++++] Even though ‚ is sometimes powerful, it doesn’t
[+@*@+ı–»*++++@!!!] work here.
[++++@+! ++++++@@!]
[@!++@!!@@+++++++@] Black can extend his liberties in sente with ‹ and
[++++@!@!‚ A +++++@+]
[@@!!@!@!+++++++++] “, and „ is an interesting asking move.
[!@@!@!@«„+++++@++] If White cuts at «, Black A will be sente, so Black
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++] can press at » again despite ‚ reducing his liberties.
[!!@!!@@!!ffl›+++@++]
[+!@+!!@@‹“”++++++] White’s group will be captured up to ffi. You can
,)))))))))!))))))). see that White loses the capturing race after ".
Variation 85 for N
May 279
<(((((((((((((((((> White can actually escape up to #, but only at the
[+++++++++++++++++] expense of his marked stones at the bottom.
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] Since White was trying to capture Black, this can be
[+!++++++++++++++!] regarded as a failure for White.
[ A @!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++] After $, White’s lower right group is very weak and
[++ffi+fi‰++++++@+!+] his center group is still in trouble.
[+++flff—#+++++++++]
[+@*@+ı–»!++++@!!!] Meanwhile, Black has no serious weaknesses and can
[++++@+!ffl +++++@@!] look forward to taking the big point at A, after first
[@!++@!!@@+++++++@] harassing White’s weak groups.
[++++@!@t‚"+++++@+]
[@@!!@!@t+++++++++] Black $ is an important liberty, so Black mustn’t
[!@@!@!@«„+++++@++] play " too early, lest he provoke White at $. That’s
!+!!@@!@$!++!+!@++] why Black trades in this variation.
[!!@!!@@!!+›+++@++]
[+!@+!!@@‹“”++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 86 for N
<(((((((((((((((((> White might try to resist and set up a ladder with
[+++++++++++++++++] # (the ladder starts with White at A).
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] Black can defend against the ladder indirectly with
[+!++++++++++++++!] $ and &, so White’s tactic doesn’t work.
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++] Up to (, White is still captured.
[++ffi+fi‰++++++@+!+]
[+++flff—(+++++++++]
[+@*@+ı–»!++++@!!!]
[++++@+!ffl A ++++@@!]
[@!++@!!@@+++++++@]
[++++@!@!‚"+++++@+]
[@@!!@!@!%#&++++++]
[!@@!@!@«„’++++@++]
!+!!@@!@$!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!!+›+++@++]
[+!@+!!@@‹“”++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 87 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] The diagonal move at « doesn’t work either.
[+@*@+++–*++++@!!!]
[++++@+!+++++++@@!] Black » hits the vital point and White must move
[@!++@!!@@»++++++@] out with – to avoid being captured by Black at –.
[++++@!@!‚+ff++++@+]
[@@!!@!@!+« A ++++] After —, White’s shape is too weak to continue the
[!@@!@!@+„—‰ı++@++] attack.
!+!!@@!@+t++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@ttfi›+++@++] The moves up to fi are a one-way street and A and B
[+!@+!!@@‹“”++++++] are miai for Black. This variation is good for Black.
,))))))))) B ))))))).
Variation 88 for N
280 May
[+++++++++++++++++] If White tries to capture Black with fl, Black will
[+@*@+++!*++++@!!!] counter-attack with ffi and .
[++++@+!+++++++@@!]
[@!++@!!@@@ffl A ++++@] White needs to push up at ffl, otherwise Black will
[++++@!@!!+!+ B ++@+] capture his stones with ffl (the net at A works
[@@!!@!@!+!!@ffi++++] too). However, there’s no way for White to save the
[!@@!@!@+@@@t++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++t+t@++] marked stones.
[!!@!!@@!!@t+++@++] Up to , White is the one who is captured.
[+!@+!!@@@@t+ ++++]
,)))))))))fl))))))). Instead of fl, forming a net at B is essential.
Variation 89 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] If White doesn’t answer “, Black can create a ko at
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] the bottom up to ‰.
[++++@+!+ B +++++@@!]
[@!++@!!@@”++++++@] White can’t win this ko, because Black has so many
[++++@!@!‚++++++@+] ko threats in this area (starting with A and B, for
[@@!!@!@!+++++++++] example).
[!@@!@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!!+›++@++]
[+!@+!!@@‹“–„«»+++]
,))))) A ))))—)‰)))).
Variation 90 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] If White hanes at ›, instead of jumping to ” as in
[+@*@+++«*++++@!!!] the previous variation, Black will throw in the cut at
[++++@+!+++++++@@!]
[@!++@!!@@„++++++@] “ and extend at „.
[++++@!@t‚ı++++@+] Black „ makes miai of « and », so the position is
[@@!!@!@t+‰ff++++++] already quite simple for Black.
[!@@!@!@fi»–++++@++]
!+!!@@!@—!+!+!@++] If White defends at «, » to ‰ captures the marked
[!!@!!@@!!“”+++@++] stones smoothly. If White insists on fighting up to
[+!@+!!@@‹›+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). ff, he is captured in a snapback after fi.
Variation 91 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] If White takes care of his center group with ‚ (after
[+@*@+++‚*++++@!!!] Black extends with @A ), Black can move out with ‹.
[++++@+!+++++++@@!]
[@!++@!!@@ A +++++++@] After „, there’s no way for White to hold Black in
[++++@!@!”›+++++@+] and White’s marked stones are under attack.
[@@!!@!@!+“+++++++]
[!@@!@!@‹„+++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+t++t+t@++]
[!!@!!@@tt+++++@++]
[+!@+!!@@+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 92 for N
May 281
[+++++++++++++++++] Walking out in front with › doesn’t work either.
[+@*@+++‚*++++@!!!]
[++++@+!+++++++@@!] Up to », White’s marked stones have been captured
[@!++@!!@@+++++++@] and White’s center stones are still very weak.
[++++@!@!+++++++@+]
[@@!!@!@!›”«++++++]
[!@@!@!@‹“„++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+t++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@tt+»+++@++]
[+!@+!!@@+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 93 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] If White blocks immediately at ˇ, pushing at ˘ is
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] well timed.
[++++@˛++++++++@@!]
[@!++@! A B ++++++++@] White’s stones are captured in a ladder up to ˛ (if
[++++@!ˇ˙+++++++@+] White plays at A, Black B is a ladder).
[@@!!@!˚´¸++++++++]
[!@@!@!@˘¯+++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!˝+++++@++]
[+˜@+!!ˆ¨+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 94 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] If White extends at ¯, Black can still push through
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] and cut with ˛.
[++++@ A ++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+„++++++++@] White is still in deep trouble up to „, because A and
[++++@!ˇ“” B +++++@+] B are miai.
[@@!!@!˚´¯‹+++++++]
[!@@!@!@˘˙¸›+++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!˛+!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!˝‚++++@++]
[+˜@+!!ˆ¨+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 95 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] If White connects at ‚, Black can capture White’s
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] marked stones with ‹ and “.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!++++++++++@]
[++++@!ˇ++++++++@+]
[@@!!@!˚´¯‚+++++++]
[!@@!@!@˘˙¸++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+t˛+!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@t˝‹++++@++]
[+˜@+!!ˆ¨›“+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 96 for N
282 May
[+++++++++++++++++] If White blocks at ˝ after Black pushes at ¨, Black
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] can exchange the moves up to ¸ in sente.
[++++@+¸+++++++@@!]
[@!++@!¯˙++++++++@] Cutting across the knight’s move with ˛ is a power-
[++++@!˘ˇ B ++++++@+] ful tesuji, and ‚ doesn’t work because A and B are
[@@!!@!˚´+++++++++] miai for Black after ‹.
[!@@!@!@‚˛+++++@++]
!+!!@@!@‹!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@! A +++++@++]
[+˜@+!!ˆ¨˝++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 97 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] White ‚ appears to be a sharp haengma, but it still
[+@*@++–+*++++@!!!] doesn’t work.
[++++@+¸»++++++@@!]
[@!++@!¯˙ı A ++++++@] Peeping at ‹ is a timely exchange, and White can’t
[++++@!˘ˇ‰+++++@+] save all his stones up to .
[@@!!@!˚´—‚+++++++]
[!@@!@!@“˛”+++@++] The atari at A is sente for Black at any time.
!+!!@@!@+!„+!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!›‹++++@++]
[+˜@+!!ˆ¨˝«+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 98 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] If White connects at «, » captures White’s four
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] stones once again.
[++++@+¸+++++++@@!]
[@!++@!¯˙++++++++@] The move order is quite different, but this result is
[++++@!˘ˇ+++++++@+] very similar to Variation 96.
[@@!!@!˚´«‚+++++++]
[!@@!@!@“˛”++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+t„+!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@t›‹++++@++]
[+˜@+!!ˆ¨˝»+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 99 for N
[+++++++++++++++++] If White resists Black’s peep with ›, Black can
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] calmly capture ˝ and live.
[++++@+¸+++++++@@!]
[@!++@!¯˙++++++++@] A and B are miai for Black next, so Black already
[++++@!˘ˇ+++++++@+] has two eyes at the bottom.
[@@!!@!˚´+‚+++++++]
[!@@!@!@+˛+++++@++] As we can see from the myriad variations above, at-
!+!!@@!@ A !›+!+!@++] tempting to capture Black with ´ is an overplay.
[!!@!!@@!“‹”+++@++]
[+˜@+!!ˆ¨˝„+++++++] Phew!
,)))))))) B )))))))).
Variation 100 for N
May 283
Attack Tight Stones Loosely
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+P++++++++@]
[++++@!+++++++++@+]
[@@!!@!+O+++++++++]
[!@@!@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 17
(Moves: 79-80)
Up to White N, the players concealed their iron fists within velvet gloves, but O hit the board with a
clang. This move was dull, and slightly heavy; quite uncharacteristic of Lee’s typical speed and power.
This was the first sign of altitude sickness in Lee’s play, and White’s loose attack at P felt perfect.
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of O in the game, ´ and ˜ form a beautiful
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] combination which treats the marked stones lightly.
[++++@+++++++++@@!] White ¨ and ˝ are miai next.
[@!++@!++++++++++@]
[++++@!+´+++++++@+] Flying lightly to ´ is more flexible than playing the
[@@!!@!ˆ A +++++++++] kosumi at A, and Black’s profit in the center is suffi-
[!@@!@!T¨++˜¯++@++]
!+!!@@!T+!+˝!+!@++] cient.
[!!@!!TT!+ˇ˚+++@++] Black should have played like this in the game.
[++@+!!!+++˘++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 101 for O
[+++++++++++++++++] If White defends at ¨, Black can save his cutting
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] stones with ˝ to ¯.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!++++¸+++++@] Pulling off this tactic and flying out to attack with
[++++@!+´˙++++++@+] ¸ feels exhilarating, because White’s center group is
[@@!!@!ˆ˚˘¯+++++++] suddenly heavy and under siege.
[!@@!@!@˝ˇ+˜+++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!+¨!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 102 for O
284 May
[+++++++++++++++++] Black must prepare the ground before saving his cut-
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] ting stones with ˜.
[++++@+”+++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+++“++++++@] If he doesn’t, White will enclose his group with ˘.
[++++@!+´›˛‚++++@+]
[@@!!@!ˆ¨˚¸˘‹+++++] After the sequence to „, Black’s marked stones are
[!@@!@!T˜˝ˇ¯˙++@++] captured.
!+!!@@!T+!+„!+!@++]
[!!@!!TT!+ A ++++@++] Instead of ¸, if Black jumps to A, calmly connecting
[++@+!!!++++++++++] with White at ¸ captures Black’s stones regardless.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 103 for O
<(((((((((((((((((> Enclosing Black with ´ attacks too tightly, and
[+++++++++++++++++] Black can grind his way out with ˆ to ˘.
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] Even though Black’s play in this diagram is bad style
[+!++++++++++++++!] (i.e. pushing from behind), there’s no other way out.
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++] Sometimes you just have to do what’s necessary, so
[+++++++++++++@+!+] remember not to obsess over shape.
[+++++¯+++++++++++]
[+@*@+ˇ˘+*++++@!!!] White’s two center stones are in trouble after ˙.
[++++@˜˚+++++++@@!] Playing ˆ at ˙ appears superficially to be better
[@!++@!ˆ+˝+++++++@]
[++++@!+¨´++++++@+] style, but White will block at ¨ in good form and
[@@!!@!+@+++++++++] aim to pinch at A next.
[!@@!@!@ A +˙++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 104 for P
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black tries to cut and fight directly, with ˆ and
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨, White will parry up to ˇ.
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+] Black might feel some momentary elation about forc-
[+!++++++++++++++!] ing White into bad shape with ˝ and ˇ, but he’ll
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+] soon realize how much trouble he’s in and will be
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] dragged back down to earth.
[+++++++++++++++++] Jumping to ˘ is the haengma that Black would like
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] to play, but ¯ makes miai of A and ¸, so Black’s
[++++@˚+˝++++++@@!]
[@!++@!ˇ˜¨+++++++@] cutting stones are captured. Black ˘ at A is the only
[++++@!+ˆ´˙+++++@+] choice, but this variation is bad for Black regardless.
[@@!!@!¸@ A ˘+++++++]
[!@@!@!@¯++++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 105 for P
May 285
Attack Loose Stones Tightly
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!++++++++@]
[++++@!++RUT++++@+]
[@@!!@!+@++S++++++]
[!@@!@!@++Q++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 18
(Moves: 81-85)
The knight’s move at Q looked sharp, but R clamped down tightly on Black’s loose connection.
Attaching at T maintained the pressure and wedging at U was the strongest defense. Lee seemed to
recover from his momentary daze and the masters exchanged a series of subtle moves in the fallout.
[+++++++++++++++++] The kosumi at ´ looks passive, because it moves
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] out slowly and helps White to become stronger in
[++++@+++++++++@@!] the center, but it’s the proper move in this situation.
[@!++@!+!ˆ+++++++@]
[++++@!++´+˜++++@+] Since ´ appears to be the vital point, Black had best
[@@!!@!+@+++++++++] play there himself and then skip away with ˜.
[!@@!@!@+++++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 106 for Q
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black attaches at ´, White can simply capture
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] the cutting stones with ˆ and ¨.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!´+++++++@] If Black ataris at A next, White B sets up a snapback.
[++++@!+ˆ˜++++++@+]
[@@!!@! B @+++++++++]
[!@@!@!T¨ A +++++@++]
!+!!@@!T+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!TT!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 107 for Q
286 May
[+++++++++++++++++] The moves up to ˚ are what Lee wanted.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@++˝˜˚++++@@!] After exchanging @A for ´, Black can move out more
[@!++@!+!ˆ+++++++@] actively with the attachment at ˆ.
[++++@!+ B ¨++++++@+]
[@@!!@! D @ E ++++++++] Bumping with ˜ at B (as in the previous variation)
[!@@!@!@ C F @ A ++++@++] doesn’t work anymore. Black will respond at ¨ and,
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++] after White pinches at C, he can connect at D.
[!!@!!@@!++´+++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++] The cut at E is now protected by a ladder at F,
,))))))))))))))))). thanks to @
A.
Variation 108 for R
[+++++++++++++++++] Attacking with the knight’s move at ´ also looks
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] severe, but ˆ is a good way to defend and Black
[++++@+++++++++@@!] breathes a sigh of relief up to ¨.
[@!++@!+!++++++++@]
[++++@!++ A ´˜++++@+] White’s tight kosumi at A puts more pressure on
[@@!!@!+@+ˆ+++++++] Black’s loose shape than ´ does.
[!@@!@!@++@+¨++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 109 for R
[+++++++++++++++++] Even if White skips to ˜, Black can break into the
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] center with ¨ to ˘.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!˘ˇ++++++@]
[++++@!++˚´¨++++@+]
[@@!!@!+@+ˆ˝˜+++++]
[!@@!@!@++@++++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 110 for R
[+++++++++++++++++] If White tries to attack Black’s shape with ˜ and
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] ˝, Black can deflect with ˚.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!++++++++@] A and B are miai for Black next.
[++++@!++˝´+++++@+]
[@@!!@!¨@+ˆ+++++++]
[!@@!@!@˜+@+ B ++@++]
!+!!@@!@˚!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@! A +++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 111 for R
May 287
[+++++++++++++++++] Given the results of the last three variations, White
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] might decide that ˜ is the vital point and pull back
[++++@+++++++++@@!] there immediately. This makes miai of A and ˝.
[@!++@!+!++++++++@]
[++++@!++˜´+++++@+] White can capture Black’s marked stones with ˝,
[@@!!@!+@+ˆ+ A +++++] but Black can counter-attack with ˚ to ‹ and
[!@@!@!T˝+@+¨++@++]
!+!!@@!T+!˘ˇs‚s@++] White’s marked stones are in trouble.
[!!@!!TT!¸¯˚˛‹+@++] In conclusion, we can see that ˜ is the key point
[++@+!!!++˙+++++++] and that White should get there quickly, rather than
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 112 for R exchanging ´ for ˆ first.
[+++++++++++++++++] Jumping to ´ doesn’t apply enough pressure to
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] Black’s shape, and he moves out smoothly up to ¨.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+´++++++@] An ancient Go proverb tells us to attack tight stones
[++++@!+++++++++@+] loosely and loose stones tightly.
[@@!!@!+@+++++++++]
[!@@!@!@++@¨ˆ++@++] It means that against a solid, heavy group we should
!+!!@@!@+!+˜!+!@++] keep our distance, outflank, and avoid a contact fight.
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++] Against thin positions, however, we should hit vital
,))))))))))))))))). points severely, to exploit weaknesses or make groups
Variation 113 for R heavy. White ´ attacks a loose group loosely...
[+++++++++++++++++] After !
A points a dagger at Black’s throat, trying to
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] stay connected with ´ is naive.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!++++++++@] White can completely surround Black with ˆ, and
[++++@!++! A ++++++@+] there’s no way to escape.
[@@!!@!+@++ˆ++++++]
[!@@!@!@+´@++++@++] There’s little point staying connected if you don’t
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++] avoid being surrounded!
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 114 for S
[+++++++++++++++++] After @
A , defending at ´ (instead of attaching at B)
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] allows Black more leeway up to ¨.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@t+t++++++++@] After this, White’s attack runs out of steam and his
[++++@t++t˜ B ++++@+] marked center stones are weaker than they were in
[@@!!@t+@ˆ+@ A ++++++]
the game.
[!@@!@t@++@+¨++@++]
!+!!@@t@+!´+!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 115 for T
288 May
[+++++++++++++++++] Grasping for the marked stones without enough
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] preparation allows Black to trade with ˆ.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!++++++++@] White succeeds in capturing the triangled stones, but
[++++@!++!++++++@+] only at the expense of his squared stones.
[@@!!@! A @ B +@++++++]
[!@@!@!T´ C @++++@++] The result up to ˘ favors Black. If White doesn’t
!+!!@@!T D !¨˜s+s@++] reinforce, Black’s stones can wriggle free with A later
[!!@!!TT!ˇ˝ˆ˘++@++] (if White B, Black C makes D and E miai), because
[++@+!!! E +˚+++++++] exchanging ˚ for ˇ leaves White short of liberties.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 116 for T
[+++++++++++++++++] Pinching at ´ is very severe, and allows White to
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] capture the marked stones.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!++++++++@] However, White will lose more points than he gains
[++++@!++!¨+++++@+] up to ˚, because White’s marked stones are also
[@@!!@!+T˝´@++++++] captured.
[!@@!@!T+˜@++++@++]
!+!!@@!T+!+ˆs+s@++]
[!!@!!TT!++˚+++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 117 for T
[+++++++++++++++++] When White attaches at ! A (T in the game), Black
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] must be careful not to hane carelessly at ´.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!++++++++@] If he does so, White will be able to pinch at ˆ.
[++++@!++!+! A ´+++@+]
[@@!!@!+T+ˆ@++++++] Even if Black captures the marked stones with B, he
[!@@!@!T+¨@˜+++@++] no longer receives enough compensation for his own
!+!!@@!T+!˚ˇs B s@++] marked stones, so it’s not a fair trade.
[!!@!!TT!+˝˘¯++@++]
[++@+!!!+++˙++++++] Compare this with the previous variation.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 118 for U
[+++++ˇ˘++++++++++] Extending carefully to ´ is too slow.
[+@*@+˝˚+*++++@!!!]
[++++@¨++++++++@@!] White will reinforce the lower side with ˆ and the
[@!++@!+!++++++++@] weaknesses we’ve seen in the previous variations re-
[++++@!++!+!++++@+] main in Black’s shape.
[@@!!@!+@++@´+++++]
[!@@!@!@+˜@++++@++] If Black patches up his thin shape with ˜, White
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++] moves into the center up to ˘ and is satisfied with
[!!@!!@@!++ˆ+++@++] the result.
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 119 for U
May 289
Form Follows Function
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+V++++++@]
[++++@!++!@!++++@+]
[@@!!@!+@+W@X+++++]
[!@@!@!@++@+Y++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 19
(Moves: 86-89)
Black’s shape up to W was ugly, but it couldn’t be helped. Practical lines of play are more important
than shape. What makes a shape good is the effect it has. When a shape is effective most of the time
we call it ‘good shape’, but good shape without purpose is empty. The results are what’s important.
As Deng Xiaoping said, “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is white or black, as long as it catches mice.”
[+++++++++++++++++] Wedging with Y in the game was good style.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!] Thrashing around ´ and ˜ is what White wants.
[@!++@!+!+!ˆ+++++@] You should generally avoid playing a series of ataris
[++++@!++!@!´+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@+@@!¨++++] like this unless there’s no other way to escape.
[!@@!@!T˘+@ˇ˜˝+@++] White can force at ˚ in sente and capture the
!+!!@@!T+!+˚!+!@++]
[!!@!!TT!++++++@++] marked cutting stones with ˘.
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 120 for Y
[+++++++++++++++++] Even if Black plays to capture White’s three cutting
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] stones with ˇ and ¯, White will gratefully capture
[++++@+++++++++@@!] Black’s marked stones with ˙.
[@!++@!+!+!ˆ+++++@]
[++++@!++!@!´ˇ++@+]
[@@!!@!+@+@@!¨˘+++]
[!@@!@!T˙+@+˜˝¯@++]
!+!!@@!T+!+˚!+!@++]
[!!@!!TT!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 121 for Y
290 May
Cut Off the Tail Once the Head Escapes
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++!+@+++++@++++]
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!Z+++++@]
[++++@!++!@!\+++@+]
[@@!!@! B @¨@@![++++]
[!@@!@!T‘ A @_@˝+@++]
!+!!@@!T+!a^!]!@++]
[!!@!!TT!+bc`++@++]
[++@+!!!++ˆ´˜+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 20
(Moves: 90-105)
Once Black’s small dragon broke free, White cut off the tail with ‘ (if Black A, B is snapback). White
could have captured the marked stones earlier, but attacking the whole group first was more efficient.
The marked stones weren’t completely captured yet, so Black sought compensation with a to ˝ (˝).
[+++++++++++++++++] Connecting at ´ leaves a cutting point behind at A,
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] and this will become a burden for White.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+! A +++++@] White’s connection at A (Z) in the game was better.
[++++@!++!@!´+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@+@@!+++++] If ´ ataris at ˆ instead, Black double ataris at ´.
[!@@!@!@++@+@ˆ+@++]
!+!!@@!@+!++!+!@++]
[!!@!!@@!++++++@++]
[++@+!!!++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 122 for Z
[+++++++++++++++++] Exchanging the atari at ´ before snipping off the
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] tail with ˜ doesn’t help White.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@] Black can connect at ˙ after exchanging ¨ to ¯,
[++++@!++!@!!+++@+] and insisting on cutting with ¸ and ‚ leads White
[@@!!@!˙@¸@@!@++++] to disaster up to ‹ (A and B are miai for Black).
[!@@!@!@˜˛@@@ˆ+@++]
!+!!@@!@‚!¨!!@!@++] This happened because White exchanged ´ for ˆ.
[!!@!!@@! A ˝˚ˇ´+@++] If not for ˆ, Black wouldn’t be able to cut at ˛
[++@+!!!‹+¯˘++++++] because it would be self-atari.
,))))))))) B ))))))).
Variation 123 for ‘
May 291
<(((((((((((((((((> If White realizes that Black can escape and goes back
[+++++++++++++++++] to defend at ¯, Black will show no mercy with ˙
[+!++!+@+++++@++++] and ˛.
[@+!+++++@+++++@@+]
[+!++++++++++++++!] White’s marked stones are all captured and Black
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+] has gained more profit than in the game.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
[++++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!¯@+@@!@++++]
[!@@!@!@˜+@@@ˆ+@++]
!+!!@@!@+!¨tt@t@++]
[!!@!!@@!¸˝˚ˇ´+@++]
[++@+!!!+˙˛˘++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 124 for ‘
[+++++++++++++++++] Even if White blocks on the other side with ´, Black
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] can still capture the marked stones with ¨ after
[++++@+++++++++@@!] playing atari at ˆ.
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
[++++@!++!@!!+++@+] If White pushes at A, Black can block at B and White
[@@!!@!+@+@@!@++++] is too short of liberties to atari at C.
[!@@!@!@!+@@@++@++]
!+!!@@!@+!@tt@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!˜!@t¨ C @++]
[++@+!!!++ˆ@´ A B +++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 125 for ˆ
<(((((((((((((((((> Connecting at ˝ in the game (˜ in this variation)
[+++++++++++++++++] looked strange, but it was the most efficient move
[+!++!+@+++++@++++] (preparing a strong response to A later).
[@+!+++++@+++++@@´]
[+!++++++++++++++!] If Black plays elsewhere—at ´ for example—White
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+] will revive his dead stones with ˆ and ¨.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++@+!+] Blocking at ´ is quite large, but ˆ is even more
[+++++++++++++++++] valuable.
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
[++++@!++!@!! A ++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
[!@@!@!@!+@@@˜+@++]
!+!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!ˆ+@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@¨++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 126 for ˝
292 May
If You Cannot Succeed, Die Gloriously
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++˛‚++++++++¯+]
[+!++!+@+++++@+++˚]
[@+!+++++@¸++++@@ˇ˘
[+!+++++++˙++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[‹++++++++++++@+!+]
[›++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
”++++@!++!@!!+++@+]
“@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
[!@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!+!!@@!@A +!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 21
(Moves: 106-117)
The moves from @A to ” saw White’s situation improve. White was ahead, but the game was close.
Gu Li’s endgame from ˚ to ˛ was sharp, and defending at ‚ was unavoidable for Black.
The hane at “ was a sente endgame move and if White didn’t play there, Black’s descent at “ would
also be sente later. Black ”, however, was very risky.
Lee must have felt that he was behind, so he tried to make the game complicated. This was actually
an overplay, but if you don’t punish this sort of overplay swiftly, it can easily turn into a good move.
We’ve already talked about how the player who is behind needs to play unexpected moves and look
for ways to turn the tide. In Korean, this is called ‘shaking’ the game, and Lee Sedol is a master of it.
However, Lee’s judgment seems to have been affected by the altitude once again. He wasn’t as far
behind as he thought and it was too early for such desperate measures.
If you overplay, you give your opponent an opportunity to land a knockout punch. It’s much better
and more effective (though more difficult) to gradually complicate the game, while dancing just out of
reach. If you really believe you cannot succeed, then die gloriously, but save that as the last resort.
<((((((( B (((((((((> If Black doesn’t defend his territory at the top, ¨
[+++++!¨˝˚++++++@+] and ˚ are annoying for Black.
[+!++!+@ A ++++@+++!]
[@+!+++++@@++++@@@! A and B are miai next, and the loss is too big for
[+!+++++++!++++++!] Black to tolerate.
[ˆ@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[˜´+++++++++++@+!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
Variation 127 for ‚
May 293
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of “ in the game (¯ in this diagram), the
[+++++!@++++++++@+] atari at ´ is another possible tactic for White.
[+!++!+@+++++@+++!]
[@+!+++++@@++++@@@! If Black ignores ´ (to play ˆ for example), White’s
[+!+++++++!++++++!] aji around ˜ is rekindled, and White can aim to play
[+@!!+++ˆ+++@+!+!+] ˜ to ¯ later.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!+´++++++++++@+!+] White has a comfortable lead up to ¯, so ´ is sente
[@++++++++++++++++] on the left side.
[˚@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[˜˝++@+++++++++@@!]
ˇ@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
[¨+˘+@!++!@!!+++@+]
¯@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
[!@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!+!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 128 for “
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black connects solidly at ´, which is the right
[+++++!@++++++++@+] move, it will still be a very close game.
[+!++!+@+++++@+++!]
[@+!+++++@@++++@@@! White is slightly ahead up to ¨.
[+!+++++++!¨+++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[ˆ˜++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
[´+++@!++!@!!+++@+]
!@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
[!@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!+!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 129 for ”
294 May
Prepare Ko Threats Before Committing to Ko
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++!@++++++++@+]
[+!++!+@++++„@+++!]
[@+!+++++@@++++@@@!
[+!+++++++!++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
@++++@!++!@!!+++@+]
!@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
A !@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!+!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 22
(Move: 118)
White’s attachment at „ was razor sharp. When this move was played, it felt like the game was about
to become very difficult for Black, and that Black would be forced to resign soon.
The purpose of „ was to prepare some large ko threats before starting the ko fight at A. When you
have time to do so, it’s much better to consider what sort of ko threats you have before starting a ko.
If you don’t have enough ko threats of a sufficient size, look for a way to create some in sente.
<(((((( 2(( 3(((((((( 3(> If White connects passively at ´, Black ˆ will save
[+++++2!@+ 3+++++++ 3@+] a few precious points. Can White play like this?
[+!++!+@+++++@++ 3+!]
[C+!+2++++ 3@@+ 3+3++ 3@@@! Black:
[+!++2+++++!++++++!] 2
[+C!!+++++++@+!+!+] Bottom right: 40, left side: 21, and top: 19.
2+
[ 2!@++++++++++++++ 2] Total: 80 points.
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
3@+++++++++++++++
[ 2+] White:
[+@*3@++++*++++@!!!]
[ˆ+++@+++++++++@@!] 2 Bottom left to center: 35, top left: 26, right side: 8,
[@c++@!+ 2!+!!+++++@] 3 and komi 7.5.
@
A ++++@!++!@!!++ 3+3@+]
!@@cc@!+ 2C!@@!@++++] Total: 76.5 points.
´!@@c@!C!+@@@@+@++] It’s White’s turn, and White has more center poten-
!+1!!@@!C+!@cc@c@++]
[!!C!!CC!+!@c++@++] tial, but we can’t say he has a certain lead.
[++C+!!!++ 2!@@+++++] We can also see after counting that insisting on @ A
,))))))))) 2)) 3)))))). was logical, even though it was too much in this case.
Variation 130 for „
May 295
Even a Good Marksman May Miss
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++!@++++++++@+]
[+!++!+@++++! A @+++!]
[@+!+++++@@+«—+@@@!
[+!+++++++!++++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
@+»++@!++!@!!+++@+]
!@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
–!@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 23
(Moves: 119-123)
The crosscut at — was a severe threat, but it wasn’t the best move. Gu Li’s focus had begun to waver.
White missed a chance to wrap up the game here, and everything became more complicated after .
[@++++++++++++++++] The sequence from ´ to ˇ (at !
a ) is the surest path
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] to victory.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
˜@!++@!+!+!!+++++@] Black captures White’s three stones, but connecting
@´!¨˚@!++!@!!+++@+] under and reducing Black’s territory dissolves the ko,
˝@@tt@!+@!@@!@++++] and is good enough to win.
@!a @@t@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!ˆ!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++] In the midst of this variation, ˜ is a brilliant tesuji
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++] which both players overlooked.
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 131 for —
ˇ at !
a
[@++++++++++++++++] Capturing at ˚ doesn’t work either, because White
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] captures the marked stones with ˇ at !a.
[++++@+++++++++@@!]
˜@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
@´!¨+@!++!@!!+++@+]
˝TT!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@!a TT!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!ˆ!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
˚!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 132 for —
ˇ at !
a
296 May
<(((((((((((((((((> There are no sufficiently large ko threats for Black.
[+++++!@++++++++@+]
[+!++!+@++++!@+++!] Black ˚ and ˘ don’t gain enough compensation and
[@+!+++++@@+@++@@@! Black’s marked stones become very weak when White
[+!+++++++!++++++!] captures at !
a (ˇ).
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++] Taking White’s stone at ˘ is gote and White attacks
[!++++++++++++@+!+] the marked stones with ¯.
[T++++++++++++++++]
[+T*T++¯+*++++@!!!] Instead of ¨, if Black captures at A White will take
A ++++T+++++++++@@!] the other ko with !a . We can expect ˚, ˝, ˘ and
˜@!++T!+!+!!+++++@] ¯ to follow, and the result will be practically the
@´!++T!++!@!!+++@+] same as this variation.
˝@@!!T!+@!@@!@++++]
@!a @@!T!@!˚@@@@+@++] White has a winning position after ¯.
!ˆ!!TT!@˘!@!!@!@++]
¨!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 133 for —
ˇ at !
a
<(((((((((((((((((> Trading with ˚ and ˘ isn’t big enough either.
[+++++!@++++++++@+]
[+!++!+@++++!@+++!] White can still save his group by playing A to C
[@+!+++++@@+@++@@@! later, and ¯ attacks Black’s weak group even more
[+!+++++++!+++++˚! B severely than in the previous variation.
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!˘]
[+!@+++++++++++++ A ] White can play more aggressively with ¯ here, be-
[!++++++++++++@ C !+] cause Black D and E haven’t made White’s stones at
[T++++¯+++++++++++] the bottom weaker in this variation.
[+T*T++++*++++@!!!]
[++++T+++++++++@@!]
˜@!++T!+!+!!+++++@]
@´!++T!++!@!!+++@+]
˝@@!!T!+@!@@!@++++]
@!a @@!T!@! D @@@@+@++]
!ˆ!!TT!@ E !@!!@!@++]
¨!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 134 for —
ˇ at !
a
May 297
<(((((((((((((((((> Black may think about helping his marked group
[+++++!@++++++++@+] with ˚ and ˘, but it’s still not good enough up
[+!++!+@++++!@+++!] to ¸.
[@+!+++++@@+@++@@@!
[¸!+++++++!++++++!]
[¯@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[˘! b @++++++++++++++]
[!˚+++++++++++@+!+]
[T++++++++++++++++]
[+T*T++++*++++@!!!]
[++++T+++++++++@@!]
˜@!++T!+!+!!+++++@]
@´!++T!++!@!!+++@+]
˝@@!!T!+@!@@!@++++]
@!a @@!T!@!+@@@@+@++]
!ˆ!!TT!@+!@!!@!@++]
¨!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 135 for —
ˇ at !
a , ˙ at !
b
<(((((((((((((((((> Answering White’s crosscut at ! A with ´ allows
[+++++!@++++++++@+] White to continue the ko fight with ˆ and ¨.
[+!++!+@++++!@+++!]
[@+!+++++@@˚@! A ˇ@@@! The trade up to ˛ is excellent for White.
[+!+++++++!++´++¯! C
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!¸] Remember that White can still live on the right side
[+!@+++++++++++++ B ] later with B to D.
[!++++++++++++@ D !+]
[@++++˛+++++++++++] If the players had followed any of the variations in
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] this section, the game would have been over and
[¨+++@+++++++++@@!] White would have won.
˙@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
@˜!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
ˆ@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@
a !@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!+!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 136 for
˝ at @ ˘
a , at ˆ
298 May
Force Your Opponent to Spend Ko Threats
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++!@++++++++@+]
[+!++!+@+++fi!@+++!]
[@+!+++++@@‰@!+@@@!
[+!+++++++!+ı++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++ff++++ D @@!]
[@!++@!+! B !!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
A @@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@@@!@!@! C @@@@+@++]
!@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 24
(Moves: 124-128)
It was a bit too early to connect at fi. White should have played at either A or B instead.
If White had taken the ko at A, Black would have been forced to play his next ko threat at C. Capturing
the ko doesn’t just use a ko threat, in many cases it also makes the opponent use up aji or lose points.
In this case, C fills Black’s liberties in a way which exposes the cutting point at D later.
<(((((((((((((((((> As we discussed above, White should have taken the
[+++++!@+++++˚++@+] ko at ´ first, forcing Black to exchange ˆ for ˜.
[+!++!+@+++˝!@+++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!+@@@! If Black eventually has to connect at ˘, White can
[+!+++++++!¯@++++!] save one move.
[+@!!+++¸+++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++] This can be difficult to understand, but if you com-
[!++++++++++++@+!+] pare this variation to the result in the actual game,
[@++++++++++++++++] you’ll see that if Black had a stone at ˘, it would
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!] have ended up as a wasted move in the end.
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!+!!+++++@]
@˘!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
´@@!!@!˜@!@@!@++++]
@
a !@@!@!@!ˆ@@@@+@++]
!+!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 137 for fi
¨˙ at @ ˇ at ´
a ,
May 299
<(((((((((((((((((> Simply closing the tiger’s mouth at ´ would have
[+++++!@+++++¨++@+] been playable too.
[+!++!+@+++˜!@˛++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!¸@@@! In this case, Black needs to exchange ˚ for ˇ again
[+!+++++++!¯@++++!] (as a ko threat), which exposes Black’s cutting point
[+@!!+++++++@‚!+!+] at A.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+] Continuing...
[@++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++@++++ A @@!]
[@!++@!+!´!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!ˇ@!@@!@++++]
@!a @@!@!@!˚@@@@+@++]
!ˆ!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
˙!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 138 for fi
˝ at !
a , ˘ at ˆ
<(((((((((((((((((> After Black loses a liberty at A, cutting at ” is pos-
[+++++!T+++++@++@‹] sible.
[+!++!+T+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++TT!T!!@@@! For example, if Black defends the top right corner
[+!+++++++!!T++++!] with ‹, White can exchange › for “, before cutting
[+@!!+++++++T!!+!+] at ”.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++++T+!+] Trying to capture with „ to — doesn’t work any-
[@++++++++++++++++] more, because is double atari.
[+@*@++++*++++T!!!]
[++++@+++T+++„”@@!] This variation should make the true cost of @
A clearer.
[@!++@!+!!!!+»«++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!–— C @+] If Black exchanges B for C next, White is strong
[@@!!@!!@!@@!@+++] almost everywhere, while Black’s marked stones are
@+@@!@!@!@ A @@@@ B @++] scattered pointlessly, like sand in the breeze.
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!›+@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@“++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 139 for fi
300 May
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black cuts at ¨ instead of descending at ˚, White
[+++++!@+++++˚ˇ+@+] can simply capture @ A with ˝ and ˇ.
[+!++!+@+++˜!@ A ˝++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!+@@@!
[+!+++++++!¨@++++!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!´!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@!@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!ˆ!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
[!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 140 for fi
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black ignores ˜ to eliminate the ko at ¨, White
[+++++!T+++++˚ˇ+@+] can capture @A in sente up to ˙.
[+!++!+T+++˜!@ A ˝++!]
[@+!+++++TT!@!¯@@@! This leaves behind a cutting point at B for later.
[+!++++++¸!+@˘˙ B +!]
[+@!!+++++++@+!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!´!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@!@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!ˆ!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
¨!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 141 for fi
May 301
Victory Cannot Be Forced
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++!@+++++fl++@(]
[+!++!+@+++!!@#++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!"@@@!
[+!+++++++!ffi@++++!]
[+@!!+++ +++@$!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[!++++++++++ C +@+!+]
[@++++++++++++’+++]
[+@*@++++*+++&@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!%!!+++++@]
@
A +!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@!B @@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
!ffl!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
!!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 25
(Moves: 129-140)
The skilled commanders of the past first made themselves invulnerable, then waited for the
enemy’s moment of vulnerability. Invulnerability depends on one’s own efforts, whereas victory
over the enemy depends on the latter’s negligence. . . . Therefore it is said that victory can be
anticipated, but it cannot be forced.
—Sun Zi, The Art of War
When Black played @ A , Gu missed a golden opportunity to settle the game. Lee had exposed his flank
for just a moment, but Gu had failed to strike decisively and now anything could happen.
The knight’s move at was too gentle. White should have exchanged a ko threat at " instead, and
then recaptured at !
B after #. Gu may have thought that he was already ahead, and he was, but the
position was gradually becoming chaotic and difficult to resolve.
In chaos, there is opportunity; especially for the player who is behind. However, as Sun Zi makes clear,
you cannot force matters against a player of equal skill. You can only ensure that your own positions
are strong and bide your time. This is how games are won in reality and it requires great patience.
Black was relieved when he won the ko with !. Compared to Variation 131, where White won the ko,
the difference was about 65 points, and ffi to $ didn’t provide adequate compensation.
In truth, Black’s risky move at @A had worked much better than it deserved to, and he could now
afford to wait for an opening in White’s position.
White & was a well timed probe, but ( was a mistake. White should have continued at C immediately.
In the thin mountaintop air, a mist of uncertainty was enveloping both players, clouding judgment.
302 May
<(((((((((((((((((> Squeezing with ´ is also conceivable, but White can
[+++++!@+++++@++@+] eventually strike at the vital point with ˙.
[+!++!+@+++!!@˝++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! Since we can anticipate ˙, it’s better for Black if he
[+!+++++++!!@ˆ´¨˘!] doesn’t fill his own liberties like this.
[+@!!+++!+++@˜!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++ˇ+++]
[!++++++++++˙+@+!+]
[@++++++++++++++++]
[+@*@++++*++++@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!¯!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 142 for #
˚ at ´
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of ( (at ˆ in this variation), White should
[+++++!@+++++@++@ˆ] have played in the center with ´.
[+!++!+@+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! Black ˆ and ˜ are miai next, and the game is still
[+!+++++++!!@++++!] favorable for Gu.
[+@!!+++!+++@!!+!+]
[+!@++++++++++++++] Remember that White can also aim to cut at A after
[!++++++++++´+@+!+] filling Black’s liberties with ˜.
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@++++ A @@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!˜@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 143 for (
May 303
Even a Brilliant Move Can Turn Sour
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++!@++.++@+*@!]
[+!++!+@+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@!
[+!+++++++!!@++++!]
[+@!!+++!,-+@!!+!+]
[+!@+++++++)++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 26
(Moves: 141-146)
The kosumi at ) was an excellent multi-purpose move and * was a sublime counter. However, Gu
didn’t follow up properly and . soured *. Without the right continuation, * was but a mirage.
<(((((((((((((‹(((> Black @
A peeks in both directions at once.
[+++++!@+++++@+˛@!]
[+!++!+@+++!!@@+‚!] If White reinforces at ´, Black can squeeze with ˆ
[@+!+++++@@!@!!TTT! to ˙ in sente.
[+!++++++´!!@˘¯ˇˆ!]
[+@!!+++!+++@!!¨!˜] After that, Black can live with ˛ and ‹ and White
[+!@+++++++@ A +˙˚˝++] will be despondent.
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++] Black’s marked stones have completed their work af-
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!] ter ¸ (at ¨), so they become light and dispensable.
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 144 for *
¸ at ¨
<(((((((((((˘(((((> If White tries to break into the center with ´, ˆ to
[+++++!@“˛˙˚ˇ@+ A @!] ˚ comprise a brilliant combination.
[+!++!+@‚¸¯!!@@+„!]
[@+!++++‹@@!@!!@@@! Black can miraculously save both of his groups at the
[+!++++++ˆ!!@++++!] top up to „, and ´ turns out to be small. If this
[+@!!+++!˜¨˝@!!+!+] happens, Black will have a clear path to victory.
[+!@++++++›@+´++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+] When it was played, A (*) appeared to be a brilliant
[@++++++++++++@+++] counter which prevented this sequence from working,
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!] but Gu followed another path.
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 145 for *
” at ¨
304 May
<(((((((((((¨(((‚‹› After playing at !
A , White can atari at ´.
[+++++!@˙˘˚ˆ˜@+! A @!]
[+!++!+@¯ˇ˝!!@@”˛!“ If Black still tries to save his top groups, with ˆ to
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! a ˛, his whole group will die up to fl.
[+!++++++@!!@++«–!„
[+@!!+++!!@´@!!+!» It’s worth noting the importance of ” in this se-
[+!@++++++¸@++++fl‰fi quence.
[!++++++++++++@+!ı
[@++++++++++++@+++ff Unfortunately, Gu appears to have overlooked this
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!] possibility in the game.
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 146 for .
— at !
a
<(((((((((((¨(((‚‹› Connecting at “ doesn’t help Black, because ”
[+++++!@˙˘˚ˆ˜@+!@!] makes an eye and Black can’t capture any of White’s
[+!++!+@¯ˇ˝!!@@“˛!” stones.
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@!
[+!++++++@!!@++++!]
[+@!!+++!!@´@!!+!+]
[+!@++++++¸@++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 147 for .
<(((((((((((¨(((‚(> Black ‹ doesn’t improve the situation either.
[+++++!@˙˘˚ˆ˜@+!@!]
[+!++!+@¯ˇ˝!!@@›˛!‹ Up to –, Black is crushed.
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! a
[+!++++++@!!@++”«!“
[+@!!+++!!@´@!!+!–„
[+!@++++++¸@++++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 148 for .
» at !
a
<(((((((((((((((((> Therefore, if White ataris at ´, Black will have to
[+++++!@+++˜+@+!@!] change tack.
[+!++!+@++ˆ!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! Black can block at ˆ in sente and develop with ˚
[+!++++++@!!@++++!] in this case, but this is still far better for White than
[+@!!+˚+!!@´@!!+!+] the actual game.
[+!@++++++¨@˝+++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 149 for .
May 305
Doubt Your Own Ability to Capture
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++4!T++!+0@+!@!]
[+!++!3T+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++TT!@!!@@@!
[+!++++++T!!@++21!]
[+@!!+5+!!@+@!! A ! B ]
[+!@+++++++@+/++++]
[!++++++++++6+@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 27
(Moves: 147-154)
Blocking at 0 was White’s best choice for attacking Black’s corner group, but bad aji remained in the
corner.
Neither 2 nor the solid connection at A could completely remove the corner aji, though both were
playable. Since Black could live small after cutting at B, he was ahead at this point.
You should always doubt your own ability to capture and triple check for loopholes, especially in a
complicated negotiation. If you accept a trade only to discover that you’re saddled with bad aji, there
is zero recourse in Go.
Living with B would have been gote, and was too small to play right now. Black moved his marked
group out with 3 to 5, planning to come back to B later.
The peep at 6 was another sharp move.
<(((((((((((((˘˝˜˚ˇ Instead of A (0), cutting at ´ doesn’t work.
[+++++!@++!+ A @¨t@!]
[+!++!+@+++!!@@´ˆ! B Black can capture the cutting stones up to ˘. If
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! White connects at ˚, Black B is snapback.
[+!++++++@!!@++++!]
[+@!!+++!!@+@!!+!+]
[+!@+++++++@+@++++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 150 for 0
306 May
<((((((((((”(˛((‚(> As mentioned above, defending at ´ is also conceiv-
[++++«!@+‹!+!@+!@!¯ able, but then ˛ is sente.
[+!++!„@+“›!!@@ˆ˜!˘
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! Because of that, Black can play ‹ to „ in sente too,
[+!++++++@!!@+++@!˝ before moving out with ».
[+@!!+»+!!@+@!!´!¨˙
[+!@+++++++@+@++ˇ˚] Black is content with this development.
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 151 for 2
¸ at ˘
<((((((((((((˛”‹›(> If White resists with ‚, Black can create a ko fight
[+++++!@+‚!+!@“!@!¯ up to ”.
[+!++!+@+++!!@@ˆ˜!˘
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! This is a picnic ko for Black and he has some ko
[+!++++++@!!@+++@!˝ threats around A.
[+@!!+++!!@+@!!´!¨˙
[+!@+++++++@+@++ˇ˚]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@! A @@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 152 for 2
¸ at ˘
<((((((((((((((((˙> If White tries to change the timing of ˜, Black can
[+++++!@+˜!+!@+!@!˛ still create a picnic ko in the corner up to ˛.
[+!++!+@+++!!@@ˆ˘!¸
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! White ¯ and ¸ can be transposed in this variation.
[+!++++++@!!@+++@!˝
[+@!!+++!!@+@!!´!¨]
[+!@+++++++@+@++ˇ˚]
[!++++++++++++@+!¯]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 153 for 2
May 307
<(((((((((((((((‹¯> Extending to ¯ doesn’t work either, because Black
[+++++!@+˜!+!@+!@!¸ can throw in at ˙ and win the capturing race at ‹.
[+!++!+@+++!!@@ˆ˘!˙
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@!
[+!++++++@!!@+++@!˝
[+@!!+++!!@+@!!´!¨˛
[+!@+++++++@+@++ˇ˚]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 154 for 2
‚ at ˙
<((((((((((((˝((((> Cutting at ˆ immediately is careless.
[+++++!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!++!+@+++!!@@˜+!˘ White can capture the whole Black group after cut-
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! ting at ˜ and attacking with ¯.
[+!++++++@!!@+++@!¨
[+@!!+++!!@+@!!´!ˆ]
[+!@+++++++@+@+++˚¯
[!++++++++++++@ˇ!˙¸
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 155 for 2
<(((((((((((((((((> If White just connects at ´, Black can capture
[+++++!@++!+!@+!@!] White’s marked stones in a snapback up to ˚.
[+!++!+@+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@tt@@@! If White captures ¨ at A, Black will play at ¨ again
[+!++++++@!!@ˆ˜ A @!] to recapture six stones.
[+@!!+++!!@+@tt¨!´]
[+!@+++++++@+@˚˝++]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 156 for 2
<(((((((((((((((((> After !
A (2 in the game), Black can live in the corner
[+++++!@++!+!@+!@!] through to ¯ whenever he wants.
[+!++!+@+++!!@@ˆ¨!˝
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! This is frustrating for White, because he has already
[+!++++++@!!@++! A @!˜ spent several moves reinforcing this area.
[+@!!+++!!@+@!!+!´]
[+!@+++++++@+@++˚ˇ¯
[!++++++++++++@+!˘]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 157 for 3
308 May
<((((((((((((˘ F D ˚ A B Even if White omits the atari at ˝, Black can still
[+++++!@++!+!@+!@! E live up to ¸ because defending at ˘ is necessary.
[+!++!+@+++!!@@ˆ˝!ˇ
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! C If White plays ˘ at ¯, Black A to E makes miai of
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!˜ A and F, so White ends up having to defend at ˘
[+@!!+++!!@+@!!+!´] anyway.
[+!@+++++++@+@++¨¯¸
[!++++++++++++@+!˙]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 158 for 3
<(((((((((((((((((> White can’t connect at ˆ, because Black can capture
[+++++!@++!+!@+!@!] the marked cutting stones up to ˇ.
[+!++!+@+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@tt@@@!
[+!++++++@!!@˜¨t@!ˆ
[+@!!+++!!@+@tt˚t´]
[+!@+++++++@+@˝+ˇ+]
[!++++++++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 159 for 3
<(((((((((((((((((> After Black jumps to @ A (5 in the game), White
[++++!!T++!+!@+!@!] might play to capture the marked stones with ´.
[+!++!TT+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++TT!@!!@@@! However, Black will be happy to sacrifice them in
[+!+++˝++T!!@++!@!] sente, and he can still go back and live with ˘ next.
[+@!!˜@A ˇ!!@+@!!+!˘]
[+!@+ˆ´¨+ B +@+@++++] Instead of ˘, B and C are also good continuations.
[!++++˚+++++++@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@! C @@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 160 for 6
May 309
Play Urgent Points Before Big Points
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++!!@++!+!T+!T!]
[+!++!@@+++!!TT:+!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!TTT!
[+!++++++@!!@++!T!]
[+@!!+@+!!@7@!!+!+]
[+!@+++++++@+@++++]
[!+++++++++9!+@+!+]
[@+++++++8++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!+@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 28
(Moves: 155-158)
Black 7 was another mistake. Lee wanted to fill White’s liberties, but this was too much. Gu had a
great chance to catch up again now, but he fumbled.
White’s cut at : was very big, because it completely captured Black’s marked stones, but continuing
in the center was urgent. White : eventually became the losing move.
The difference between urgent and big points usually hinges on the possibilities of attack and defense.
The top right is only a matter of territory at this stage, but the relative strength and weakness of
groups is yet to be resolved in the center. That means taking the initiative in the center is urgent.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black should just connect at ´. Then he won’t have
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!] to defend again at A later, and can play ˜ and ˝.
[+!++!@@+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! The game has already been reversed, and Black is
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!] winning. He doesn’t need to do anything fancy at
[+@!!+@+!!@+@!!+!+] this stage, he only needs to proceed steadily.
[+!@+++++++@´@++++]
[!+++++++++ A !+@+!+]
[@+++++++ˆ++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!+˝!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!¨@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!˜@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 161 for 7
310 May
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black pushes at ´ instead, White can atari at ˆ.
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!++!@@+++!!@@++!] A and B are miai next, so this variation is a failure
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! for Black.
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@ˆ@!!+!+]
[+!@++++++ B @ A @++++]
[!+++++++++´!+@+!+]
[@++++++++++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 162 for 7
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of capturing Black’s top right group, White
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!] should save the marked cutting stones with ´.
[+!++!@@+++!!@@¯+!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! White’s cutting stones are of vital importance in the
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!] center, because they affect the relative strength and
[+@!!+@˘!!@@@!!+!+] weakness of groups.
[+!@+++++++@+@++++]
[!++++++˜ˆ+@!+@+!+] If Black plays ˆ to ˘, White keeps sente and can
[@+++++˚¨!++++@+++] return to the top right with ¯.
[+@*@+++˝ˇ+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!] The game is very close after this variation.
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++t@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@t@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!´@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 163 for :
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting with ˆ doesn’t work, because White can
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!] break through with ˜ to ˇ.
[+!++!@@+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! This result is good enough for White.
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!+!+]
[+!@+++++++@+@++++]
[!+++++++++@!+@+!+]
[@+++++++!ˆ+++@+++]
[+@*@++++˜˝ˇ+!@!!!]
[++++@+++@¨˚+++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!´@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 164 for :
May 311
<(((((((((((((((((> Blocking at ¨ doesn’t work either.
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!++!@@+++!!@@++!] White ˇ captures Black’s cutting stones in a net.
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! Though the position make feel thin, you’ll find that
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!+!+] there’s no way for Black’s marked stones to escape
[+!@+++++++@+@++++] White’s net.
[!+++++++++@!+@+!+]
[@+++++++!ˆ+++@+++]
[+@*@++ˇ+˜¨++!@!!!]
[++++@++˚T˝++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!T!!+++++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!´@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 165 for :
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting with ˆ and ¨ isn’t any better than the
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!] previous variations.
[+!++!@@+++!!@@++!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! The cut and counter-atari of ˝ and ˇ tie Black in
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!] a knot, and White can live on the inside up to ‚.
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!+!+]
[+!@+++++++@˛@++++] This variation is a great success for White.
[!+++++++++@!+@+!+]
[@+++++++!˜¨¸+@+++]
[+@*@+++˙˘ˆ˝+!@!!!]
[++++@+++@ˇ˚¯++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+‚+++@]
@+!++@!++!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!+@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!´@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 166 for :
312 May
Play Thickly When Winning
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!++!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@!
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!+!+]
[+!@+++++++@+@++++]
[!+++++@;++@!+@+!+]
[@++++++<!++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*+++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!+?!@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!>@!@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!=@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 29
(Moves: 159-164)
Black felt euphoric when he captured the cutting stones with = and ?.
After this, Black’s groups were all strong and there were no weaknesses to worry about. Black had
finally charted a clear route to victory and set sail.
Defending in gote at @ was painful, but necessary. This was bad news for White.
<(((((((((((((((((> White can’t connect his center stones after Black be-
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!] comes thick and powerful in the center.
[+!++!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! White ´ and ˜ are his best attempt, but Black
[+!++++++@!!@++!@!] counters strongly with ˆ to ˘. After ˘, A and B
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!+!+] are miai (note that A is also sente, because it’s atari).
[+!@+++++++@+@++++]
[!++++++@ˆ+@!+@+!+] Instead of ˝, if White blocks at ˚, Black can double
[@++++++!! B +++@+++] atari with the throw-in at ˝ (White can’t capture
[+@*@++˜ A ˘´++!@!!!] at C because it’s snapback).
[++++@¨˚ˇ@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!˝!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@! C @+@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!!@+@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!@@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 167 for @
May 313
Make Threats from a Distance
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!++!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!+MHN+@@!@!!@@@!
[+!++OCB+@!!@IJ!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!L!+]
[+!@FA+++++@+@K+++]
Q!+++G+!@D+@t+@+!+]
[@R+++++tt++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*E++t@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@tt+++++@]
@+!++@!+@+@tt+++@+]
[@@!!@!!@+@@t@++++]
@+@@!@!@!@@@@@+@++]
[@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
[++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,)))))))))P))))))).
Diagram 30
(Moves: 165-182)
The kosumi at A threw a lifeline to Black’s group at the top, but its main aim was to attack White’s
marked stones. When a group cannot be captured, it’s more efficient to make threats from a distance.
Black completed his center territory with E, and after H Black was leading by 13–14 points on the
board. It was too late for White to reverse the game, because Black’s positions were thick everywhere.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White tries to save his center stones with ´, Black
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!] captures them anyway with ˆ and ¨.
[+!++!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!+++++@@!@!!@@@! This is why White defended at ˆ (D in the game).
[+!+++@!+@!!@++!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!+!+]
[+!@+@+˜+++@+@++++]
[!+++++!@ˆ+@t+@+!+]
[@+++++¨tt++++@+++]
[+@*@++++*´++t@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 168 for D
<(((((((((((((((((> If White answers @
A (Q) at ´, Black plays ˆ to ˚.
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!++!@@+++!!@@!+!] Black is now ahead by about 15 points on the board.
[@+!+@!!+@@!@!!@@@!
[+!++@@!+@!!@@!!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!!!+]
´˜!@!@+++++@+@@+++]
@
A !ˆ¨+@+!@!+@!+@+!+]
˝@++++++!!++++@+++]
˚+@*@++++*@++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 169 for R
314 May
Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They’re Hatched
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++Z!!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!‘Y!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!_@!!+@@!@!!@@@!
[+!++@@!+@!!@@!!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!!!+]
[+!@!@+++++@+@@+++]
@!UT+@+!@!+@!+@+!+]
[@!a S++++!!]\++@+++]
[+@*@++++*@++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!+@+@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!!@+@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!@@@@@+@++]
W@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
V++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,)))))))))!))))))).
Diagram 31
(Moves: 183-196)
X ^ at !
a , [ at U
Even though Black was winning, he couldn’t afford to relax yet. Just because the game is practically
over, doesn’t mean your opponent is going to take it easy. Pay attention! Black had to resist with U.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black can’t fall back to ´.
[++++!!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!++!@@+++!!@@!+!] White will counter-attack up to ˚ and Black’s
[@+!+T!!+@@!@!!@@@! marked stones will be captured.
[+!++TT!+@!!@@!!@!]
[+@!!+T+!!@@@!!!!+] This would be a tragic way for Black to lose the game.
[+!+!T+++++@+@@+++]
@!+!+T+!@!+@!+@+!+]
[@!@ˆ¨˝+!!++++@+++]
[´@˜@+˚++*@++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 170 for U
<(((((((((((((((((> If White tries to finish the ko with ´, ¨ makes miai
[+ A ˜!!!@++!+!@+!@!] of ˚ and A, and White’s corner is razed up to ˚.
[˝!ˆ@!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@¨!@@!!+@@!@!!@@@!
[+!˚+@@!+@!!@@!!@!]
[+@!!+@+!!@@@!!!!+]
[+!+!@+++++@+@@+++]
@!´!+@+!@!+@!+@+!+]
[@!@++++!!@!++@+++]
[+@*@++++*@++!@!!!]
[++++@+++@+++++@@!]
Variation 171 for ‘
May 315
Gasping for Breath
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++!!!@++!+!@+!@!]
[+!!@!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!@@!!+@@!@!!@@@!
[+!++@@!ˆ@!!@@!!@!]
[+@!!+@´!!@@@!!!!+]
[›!+!@+++++@c@@+++]
@!a!‚@+!@!b@!+@+!+]
[@! a @++++!!@!++@+++]
[+@*@++++¨@–„!@!!!]
[++++@+++@˝»”«‹@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+—“++@˙
@+!++@!+@+@!!+++@+¸
[@@!!@!!@+@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!@@@@@+@++]
@@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!ˇ!@!++@++]
!++@+!!!+˘!@@+++++]
,)))))))))!))))))).
Diagram 32
(Moves: 197-222)
` ˚ ˛ at !
a , ˜ ¯ at a
At this stage, Gu was looking for a place to resign. The white stones didn’t have any fight left in them,
and neither did Gu.
He already knew that the cut at ‹ (‹) wasn’t a ko threat, but he couldn’t win the ko regardless.
When professionals are going to resign, they often like to wait for a neat place to do so. This custom
tests the opponent’s reading and helps players to calm their minds, but is also for the edification of Go
players who may replay the game later. Think of it as the players answering an unresolved question.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black eliminates the ko with ´, instead of con-
[+++!!!@++!+!@+!@!] necting at ˆ (˝ in the game), White will reverse the
[+!!@!@@+++!!@@!+!] game with ˆ and ¨, capturing the marked stones.
[@+!@@!!+@@!@!!@@@!
[+!++@@!!@!!@@!!@!] This would be a disaster for Black.
[+@!!+@@!!@@@!!!!+]
[´!+!@+++++@@@@+++]
@!@!+@+!@!!@!+@+!+]
[@+@++++!!T!¨+@+++]
[+@*@++++!T˜+!@!!!]
[++++@+++@ˆ++++@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+++++@]
@+!++@!+@+@!!+++@+]
[@@!!@!!@+@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!@@@@@+@++]
@@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
!++@+!!!++!@@+++++]
,)))))))))!))))))).
Variation 172 for ˝
316 May
<(((((((((((((((((> Even if White throws in and squeezes up to ˇ, it
[+++!!!@++!+!@+!@!] still doesn’t work.
[+!!@!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!@@!!+@@!@!!@@@! After ¯, Black can cut with ˙ and win the captur-
[+!++@@!!@!!@@!!@!] ing race, so Gu resigned at in the game.
[+@!!+@@!!@@@!!!!+]
[@!+!@+++++@@@@+++] Instead of ˜, if White simply captures at ‚, Black
@!+!@@+!@!!@!+@+!+] can defend at ˝ and White can’t make two eyes.
[@!@++++!!@!ˆ“@+++]
[+@*@++++!@@!!@!!!]
[++++@+++@@!@ a@b !@@!˘
[@!++@!+!@!!‚´!¨˜@!
@+!++@!+@+@!!˛˙˝@+@
[@@!!@!!@+@@!@+¸ˇ¯]
@+@@!@!@!@@@@@+@++]
@@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
!++@+!!!+!!@@+++++]
,)))))))))!))))))).
Variation 173 for —
˚ at ˜, ‹ at @
a , › at @
b
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black defends at ˆ (instead of ˜), White can win
[+++!!!@++!+!@+!@!] the capturing race after connecting at ˜.
[+!!@!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!@@!!+@@!@!!@@@! Remember that one eye beats no eye (most of the
[+!++@@!!@!!@@!!@!] time).
[+@!!+@@!!@@@!!!!+]
[@!+!@++++ˇ@@@@¸++]
@!+!@@+!@!!@!˙@+!+]
[@!@++++!!@!˜+@¯++]
[+@*@++++!@@!!@!!!]
[++++@+++@@!@@!@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!˝´!˘+@!
@+!++@!+@+@!!¨˚ˆ@+@
[@@!!@!!@+@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!@@@@@+@++]
@@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
!++@+!!!+!!@@+++++]
,)))))))))!))))))).
Variation 174 for —
May 317
Lee Sedol Ends His Losing Streak
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++!!!@++!+!@+!@! F]
[+!A !@!@@+++!!@@!+!]
[@+!@@!!+@@!@!!@@@!
[+!B ++@@!!@!!@@!!@!]
[+@!!+@@!!@@@!!!!+]
[@!+!@+++++@ G @@@+++]
@!+!@@+!@!!@!+@+!+]
[@!@++++!!@!+@+++]
[+@*@++++!@@!!@!!!]
[++++@ C +++@@!@@!@@!]
[@!++@!+!@!!+!!++@!
@
E +!++@!+@+@!!+++@+@
[@@!!@!!@ D +@@!@++++]
@+@@!@!@!@@@@@+@++]
@@!!@@!@+!@!!@!@++]
@!!@!!@@!+!@!++@++]
!++@+!!!+!!@@+++++]
,)))))))))!))))))).
Diagram 33
(Move: 223)
223 moves: Black won by resignation.
This was a difficult game for both players, but for Gu it was tragic.
The opening up to (!
A ) flowed smoothly for both players and Gu took an early lead with & (!
B ).
He maintained his lead for a while with sharp play, but Black’s tactics in the bottom left were exquisite
and the game became even again up to I (@ C ).
Black O (@
D ) was dull, and we could see that Lee began to be affected by the altitude.
Black’s atari at ” (@E ) was a desperate overplay, even though the situation wasn’t bad enough to
warrant a do or die move. Gu had several golden opportunities after @
E , but he let them slip through
his fingers.
It looks like Gu Li’s concentration really faded around move ( (!F ), and he played a number of other
questionable moves. He clearly struggled with the high altitude in Shangri-La, which was such a pity.
Black ) (@ G ) was an excellent move, and Lee’s play in the second half of the game was tough and
powerful, despite the adverse conditions.
Lee must have felt a great deal of pressure going into this match, because he’d already lost four
consecutive games against Gu in the prior month. With this win, he took the lead again, with a score
of 3–2 for the match so far.
On the other hand, the result was very unfortunate for Gu. His early play in this game was incredible,
and he fought strongly until he started to make mistakes around the time of @ E.
It might be difficult to follow parts of this game. The stones didn’t flow as smoothly and clearly as
they usually do when Lee and Gu play together. Both players struggled with the physical challenges
of the location, but we can still learn many things by analyzing their mistakes.
Chapter 6
July
July 27, 2014, Lu’an, Anhui, China: Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
<9((((=(((((((((((>
:$#ff++;<+ffl++++++++]
[+fi¨flJ—‰ffiffl!+++¸˙+]
[+ıDK%’(– ++˘+´++]
[+»5H"&)+*+Iff+‚+”]
[+>76+4+0+2BG++¯˚+]
[++?83,./1AEF“+˛+«]
[++C@+-+LNM—ı+‹++]
[(+++H‚+”+»++„+ˇ›+]
[#& +‹–˛«*„S+++*[+]
[’FECGˆ`ca“+Q‰Vffi\Z]
[+@)>D˘¸b´RPMYUWX+]
[+++?˜¯ˇ˙˚O<K+N]++]
[+!+++++›+¨9:L+^T‘]
[++I+++++++;38+++_]
["JˆA+++,$fl124+*˜+]
[+++Bfi++*%.056˝+++]
[++++++-+/˝=7+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-178)
319
320 July
Lu’an
Game six of the Jubango was held in Lu’an, Anhui, China, on July 27, 2014. Gu Li held black.
The game was played in the Dabie Mountains, a national park and popular holiday destination on the
outskirts of Lu’an. Thankfully for both players, the altitude was nowhere near that of Shangri-La!
There was a two month break between games five and six, because of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Chinese people like football as much as Go, so the sponsor decided not to schedule a game in June.
No doubt Gu was grateful to be able to indulge in another one of his great passions.
Lee Sedol was winning the match 3–2, after a harrowing game in the mountains of Shangri-La.
Because Gu had just lost a ‘won’ game, he was under great pressure from the Chinese media and fans.
We saw earlier that Lee didn’t play very well in game four, which was the game played on Lee’s home
turf in Korea. The weight of expectations in Korea put Lee under significant pressure, because the
locals all expected Lee to win.
This game was more important for Gu, because winning it would tie the series at 3–3.
At the beginning of a long match, it’s obviously not ideal to lose but you can afford to drop one or two
games. As the contest nears its end, however, the situation becomes progressively fraught with each
additional loss. Psychologically speaking, there are fewer chances to recover so the stakes increase.
July 321
The Parallel Opening
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*++++ C B A +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++ E ++++++ G +]
[++ˆ+++++*+++++*˜ H ]
[++++++++ D ++++˝ F ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 1-5)
Gu chose to combine a star point at ´ with a corner enclosure at ˜ and ˝. This well balanced and
popular opening has stood the test of time; so much so that it’s simply called the ‘Parallel Opening’.
In Chapter 5, we talked about the star point enclosure, but we haven’t yet devoted much attention to
this standard enclosure, which hinges upon the 3-4 and 5-3 points (˜ and ˝).
Unlike the star point enclosure, the 3-4 point enclosure claims the corner territory in two moves.
This corner enclosure typically leads to a stable and territorial game. It’s less active than Chinese style
openings or Sanrensei, and when Black plays this opening he anticipates a longer, slower game.
When the standard enclosure is paired with the star point at ´, it combines the best aspects of both
formations; the flexibility of the star point and the stability of the corner enclosure. This is why we
describe the Parallel Opening as well balanced.
The primary direction of development for the standard enclosure is towards the right side (around A
or B) rather than the bottom. This is because the enclosure is ‘taller’ on the right side than it is at
the bottom.
You can see this by imagining a box sketched out by ˜, ˝, A and C. The resulting box is taller overall
than one sketched by ˜, ˝, D and E. This means Black has more potential on the right side in this
case, but if ˜ and ˝ were moved to F and G, the bottom would become the primary direction.
Even though this enclosure has more potential on the right side, it’s more powerful towards the bottom.
This is because the formation is solid and tight in its orientation towards the bottom.
Think of the enclosure as being like a sword. The tip points keenly towards the bottom while the
handle is at ˜. It’s dangerous to come to close to the tip and easier to make contact with the handle
around G or H. This analogy also applies to the star point enclosure.
This means the bottom becomes less interesting to White than the other three sides after ˝, because
it’s not good to play too close to power and the potential at the bottom is already limited by ˝.
322 July
Control the Options
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˚+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++* A +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Move: 6)
Many players regarded splitting the right side at A as practically the only move in this formation, until
around 2006. Surprisingly, this doctrine held sway for decades beforehand.
However, approaching at ˚ has become more common than A, since about 2008.
When White plays ˚, he seeks to retain the initiative and control Black’s options on the right side.
This leads to a more active and complicated opening for both players (compared to ˚ at A).
Black can choose any card he wants, but he is playing the hand White has dealt.
<(((((((((((((((((> Splitting the right side with ´ is still possible, and
[+++++++++++++++++] makes miai of extensions on either side.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] This leads to another game.
[++ˆ++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The reason why it has become less common to play
[+++++++++++++++ C +] at ´ is that Black can choose between moves like A,
[+++++++++++++++ A +] B and C later, depending on how the game develops.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*´+] For the time being, Black will approach around ˆ,
[+++++++++++++++++] planning to come back to the right side later, after
[+++++++++++++++ B +] seeing how White responds in the top left.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This idea will become clearer in the variations that
[+++++++++++++++++] follow.
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 1 for ˚
July 323
<(((((((((((((((((> For example, one option is to take the corner territory
[++ C ++++++++++++++] with ˜. This is a natural response in the top left,
[++!˚++++ A +++ D + E ++] but Black is planning to exchange the initial moves of
[+˝¨+++++*+++++@++]
[+˜@++++++++++++++] the avalanche joseki, from ¨ to ˇ, and then tenuki
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++] to pressure White with ˘.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˘+] Extending to ¯ is also natural, but pressing White
[++++++++++++++“++] down with ˙ and ˛ is a technique which Black has
[++*+++++*+++++˛!+] already planned to employ.
[++++++++++++„‹‚›+]
[+++++++++++++”˙¸+] The continuation up to „ can be expected and Black
[+++++++++++++ B +¯+] has good followups around A, B and C. White would
[+++++++++++++++++] like to continue at B, C, D or E, but he can only
[+++++++++++++++++] choose one move.
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++] Since Black has many options and a great deal of po-
[+++++++++++++++++] tential at the top through to the center, the position
,))))))))))))))))). is like a textbook definition of wide.
Variation 2 for ˚
More than wide though, this variation is simply bet-
ter for Black.
<(((((((((((((((((> Attaching at ¯ is an improvised solution, intending
[+++++++++++++++++] to counter Black’s strategy in the previous variation.
[++!˚+++++++++++++]
[+˝¨+++++*+++++@++] Black ˙ is a good way to resist, but White can still
[+˜@++++++++++++++] manage the situation up to ›.
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Since Black can still attach at A later—and respond
[+++++++++++++++˘+] to B with C to E—there’s a better sequence for White
[+++++++++++++++++] here.
[++*+++++*+++++*! E ]
[++++++++++++++ C A D ]
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[++++++++++++++›˙+]
[+++++++++++++++‚+]
[+++++++++++++++¯+]
[++!+++++*+++++¸@‹]
[+++++++++++++@˛++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 3 for ˚
324 July
<(((((((((((((((((> First, we should see how ‚ works.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!˚+++++++++++++] If Black extends solidly to ‹, White is aiming to cut
[+˝¨+++++*+++++@++] at ›. The result up to ” is better for White because
[+˜@++++++++++++++] the marked stones are captured.
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In other words, ‚ is a tesuji which makes miai of ‹
[+++++++++++++++˘+] and ›.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++‹˙+]
[+++++++++++++++‚+]
[+++++++++++++++¯+]
[++!+++++*+++++¸T“]
[+++++++++++++@˛›”]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 4 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> Attaching at ‚ is lighter, and is a more sophisticated
[+++++++++++++++++] expression of the ideas behind ‚ in the previous vari-
[++!˚+++++++++++++] ation.
[+˝¨+++++*+++++@++]
[+˜@++++++++++++++] If Black still descends at ‹, the result up to › is
[+ˇ+++++++++++++ E +] slightly better for White because the aji that we saw
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˘+] in Variation 3 isn’t present here.
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black continues with A to C, White will defend at
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] D and his group is stronger than before.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++ D +›+] Once White settles in the bottom right, Black’s thin-
[++++++++++++++‚˙+] ness around E is exposed.
[++++++++++++++ B A +]
[+++++++++++++++¯ C ]
[++!+++++*+++++¸@‹]
[+++++++++++++@˛++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 5 for ˚
July 325
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black knows what White’s plan is, he should resist
[+++++++++++++++++] with ‹ and force with “ in sente before defending
[++!˚+++++++++++++] the corner at „.
[+˝¨+++++*+++++@++]
[+˜@++++++++++++++] Up to «, the local result is even. This is an example
[+ˇ+++++++++++++ E +] of the evolution of joseki.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˘+] If Black plays A to C later, White can counter-atari
[+++++++++++++++++] at D and crush the incursion.
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[++++++++++++++ D A +] However, most professionals still prefer to approach
[++++++++++++++‹« C ] at E, as in Diagram 3, to avoid this situation entirely.
[+++++++++++++“‚˙ B ]
[++++++++++++++”›+]
[+++++++++++++++¯+]
[++!+++++*+++++¸@„]
[+++++++++++++@˛++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 6 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> Extending stoutly to ˙ is slack in this situation.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!˚+++++++++++++] White will be happy to make shape with ¸ and it’s
[+˝¨+++++*+++++@++] harder than before for Black to press him down.
[+˜@++++++++++++++]
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++] If Black hanes at A later, White will adopt a scorched
[+++++++++++++++++] earth policy from White B to Black E, after which
[++++++++++++++ I ˘+] he can play elsewhere.
[+++++++++++++++ H +]
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] You can consider this tactic when your opponent at-
[+++++++++++++++++] tacks light stones with premature moves like A.
[++++++++++++++++ G ]
[++++++++++++++¸ D F ] If Black ataris at F (after Black A to E and White’s
[+++++++++++++++ C B ] tenuki), fighting spirit demands that White further
[++++++++++++++ E ¯ A ] scorches the earth with G and tenukis once again.
[++!+++++*+++++˙@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++] Instead of F, Black G is a stronger followup, but
[+++++++++++++++++] White is ready to meet it flexibly with H. This makes
,))))))))))))))))). miai of F and I.
Variation 7 for ˚
326 July
<(((((((((((((((((> The hane and connection of ˙ and ˛ is also too soft
[+++++++++++++++++] on White.
[++!˚+++++++++++++]
[+˝¨+++++*+++++@++] Up to ‚, White settles with an ideal shape on the
[+˜@++++++++++++++] right side and is much thicker and more powerful
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++] than in the previous variations.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˘+] Because White’s group in the bottom right is thick,
[+++++++++++++++++] it will be harder for Black to manage his developing
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] framework at the top.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++‚++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++¸+]
[++++++++++++++˙¯+]
[++!+++++*+++++˛@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 8 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> Enclosing the top left corner with ´ leads to another
[+++++++++++++++++] game.
[++!+++++++++ˆ++++]
[++*+++++ B +++++@++] It used to be common for Black to develop the right
[+´+++++++++++++++] side around ˜ in this situation, but ˆ is more in
[++++++++++++++ A ++] keeping with the contemporary style of play.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black plays at ˜ (instead of ˆ), White can ap-
[+++++++++++++++++] proach from the wider side with ˆ; and if Black A
[++*+++++*+++++*˜+] and White B follow, White will build a position at
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] the top to challenge Black’s right side.
[+++++++++++++++++] This is another example of how the emphasis of play
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] has shifted to focus more on the whole board and
[++!+++++*+++++*@+] less on ideal local developments. We’ll discuss this
[+++++++++++++@+++] in more detail in Chapter 7.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Continuing...
Variation 9 for ˚
July 327
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black plays to develop the bottom right quadrant
[+++++++++++++++++] with ¨ to ˘, White will slide into the corner with
[++!+++++++++@++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@+¯] ¯ and settle comfortably.
[+!+++++++++++++++] It used to be very common for Black to approach
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s splitting play at A from the direction of his
[+++++++++++++++ˇ+]
[+++++++++++++++++] marked enclosure with ˚.
[+++++++++++++++++] This way of thinking seeks to develop the potential of
[++*+++++*+++++*! A +]
the corner enclosure, but it isn’t necessarily best be-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˚+] cause Black’s potential on the right side has already
[+++++++++++++++++] been reduced by ! A.
[+˝+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White is able to settle his stones on the right side
[++!+++++˘+++++*T+] while taking territory and undermining Black’s top
[++++¨+ B +++ C ++T+++] right group slightly with ¯.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black can’t easily complete his moyo at the bottom,
Variation 10 for ˚ because White can invade at either B or C later.
<(((((((((((((((((> Corner enclosures don’t just create potential, they
[+++++++++++++++++] also store power by establishing a tight and solid
[++!+++++++++@++++] base.
[++*++++˚*+++++@++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] When Black approaches at ¨, he’s thinking more
[+++++++++++++++++] about using the power stored in the marked stones
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++¨+] than developing their potential on the right side.
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˝ doesn’t threaten Black’s corner enclosure
[++*+++++*++++ˇ C !+] because it’s already strong, so Black will develop the
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ A B +] top right quadrant with ˚. Since Black aims to pres-
[+++++++++++++++˝+] sure White with A to C next, jumping to ˇ is nat-
[+++++++++++++++++] ural.
[+++++++++++++++ D +]
[++!+++++*+++++*T+] Compared to ¯ in the previous variation, ˇ in this
[+++++++++++++T+++] variation is smaller and more constrained. This is
[+++++++++++++++++] because the standard enclosure grips the corner more
,))))))))))))))))). tightly than the star point enclosure (both stones are
Variation 11 for ˚
on the third line), so it’s hard for White to settle
comfortably on the right side.
Instead of ˝, White should attach at D, but the
direction of play nevertheless requires ¨ from Black.
328 July
Star Points Like to Pincer Firmly
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++++++ A ++ D +]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++! E +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ C +]
[++++++++++++++ˇ B +]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 4
(Move: 7)
Gu chose the two space high pincer at ˇ. Black could also consider playing at A, B or C instead.
There are always many paths, especially in the opening, so it helps to develop a feeling for what the
stones would like to do when developing naturally.
The most important factor to consider is the whole board and what it asks of you. That is a deep
topic, but we touch on it many times throughout this book. The next most important factors are the
strengths, weaknesses and properties of the stones in the local position.
Star point stones are not as deeply rooted in the corner as 3-4 or 3-3 point stones. They float a little
more lightly towards the center and this is what gives them their flexibility and influence.
The tradeoff is that they don’t provide as firm a foundation for attacking with a pincer. Locally
speaking, your opponent always has the option of trading with White D, as we saw in Chapter 2.
Because of these weaknesses, what the star point likes most of all is responding to the approach at ! E
with the corner enclosure at A. This gives the star point a stronger base and prepares to attack a little
later (rather than immediately with a pincer). It’s another example of controlling the options.
If you decide to pincer for broader strategic reasons, the star point prefers that you play a firm pincer—
one or two spaces away from ! E —instead of a loose three space pincer. This is because the star point
itself is already a bit loose, and three space pincers typically allow the opponent more tactical leeway.
The preference for a firmer pincer when playing the star point is yet another example of controlling the
options. If you give White too much leeway, he will be able to take the initiative with clever tactics.
This is by no means a hard and fast rule, and there will be many exceptions, but if you remember that
star points like to enclose the corner or pincer firmly, it will serve you well.
These concepts are sometimes hard to grasp, so let’s have a look at some practical examples.
July 329
<(((((((((((((((((> Enclosing the corner with ´ is the most common
[+++++++++++++++++] move in this opening, and the joseki up to ¸ can be
[++!A + C +++++++´++¨+]
anticipated.
[++ B ++ D ++*+++++@+ˆ]
[+++++++++++++++˝˚] However, it’s less desirable when White’s top left cor-
[++++++++++++++ˇ!˙] ner stone is placed at !A (rather than B).
[+++++++++++++¸˘¯+]
[+++++++++++++++˜+] That’s because White can establish a Chinese style
[+˛++++++++++++ E ++] formation on the left side (with ˛) in this opening.
[++*+++++*+++++‚++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This position is more efficient for White than if he’d
[+++++++++++++++++] started with a two star opening (! A at B), because
[+++++++++++++++++] White will end up with better shape if Black ap-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] proaches around C or D to expand his moyo.
[++!+++++*+++++*@+] Gu Li pincered at E (ˇ) in the game because of this.
[++++‹++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If !
A were at B, Black might play an asking move at
,))))))))))))))))). C (instead of ˜).
Variation 12 for ˇ
<(((((((((((((((((> The two space low pincer and the joseki that follows
[+++++++++++++++++] (from ´ to ”) were popular between 2008–2009.
[++!C +++++++++++˝¨+]
[++ D +++++ F +++ˆ+@ B ›] White ˆ, ¨ and ˚ are flexible tactics which aim to
[+++++++++++++”¯ˇ‹] deform Black’s shape and resist his pincer at ´.
[++++++++++++‚˘˜!+]
[++++++++++++ A ¸˚+˙] Pushing at “ is the key move, making miai of ”
[++++++++++++++˛++] and ». If Black plays ” at », White can extend at
[++++++++++++++“´+] ” and the ladder at A and cut at B will be miai.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++»+] Lee (Black) and Gu played the moves up to » in the
[+++++++++++++++++] 13th LG Cup final, in 2009 (see Chapter 25).
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White !C was placed at D, but the moves on the right
[+++++++++++++++ E +] side were the same.
[++!+++++*+++++*@„]
[+++++++++++++@+«+] In that game, White played „ and ». At the time,
[+++++++++++++++++] Gu’s probe at „ was a new move in this opening.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 13 for ˇ After », E and F were miai, and professionals con-
cluded that the opening up to „ is better for White.
330 July
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black responds to White’s probe with «, White
[+++++++++++++++++] will play at the top with », because the right side
[++!+++++++++++˝¨+] has become smaller for both players.
[++*+++++»+++ˆ+@+›]
[+++++++++++++”¯ˇ‹] Black will move out with – and , but White will
[++++++++++++‚˘˜!+] be satisfied to move into the center up to ‰.
[+++++++++++++¸˚+˙]
[++++++++++++++˛++] White can still come back and live inside the corner
[+++++++++++‰++“´+] with A to E later. That’s why White plays „ before
[++*+++++*+++++*–+] deciding whether to tenuki.
[+++++++++++++—+++]
[++++++++++++++++] White shouldn’t rush to live in the corner with A,
[+++++++++++++++++] however, because the corner is small in the grand
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++« D ] scheme of things and spending another move there is
[++!+++++*+++++*@„] gote for either player.
[+++++++++++++@ B A + E We would expect A to come much later in the game.
[+++++++++++++++ C +]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 14 for ˇ
<(((((((((((((((((> Attempting to rescue the cutting stone with “ is an
[++++++++++++— B ++] overplay.
[++!++++++++++ A ˝¨+]
[++*+++++*++–ˆ»@+›] Black will attack with « and –, after exchanging
[++++++++++++«“¯ˇ‹] ” for „ in sente.
[++++++++++++‚˘˜!+]
[+++++++++++++¸˚+˙] Black’s attachment at is a useful tesuji and
[+++++++++++++”˛++] White’s four stones are paralyzed, because A and
[++++++++++++++„´+] B are miai.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This is why White offers to trade at „ instead of
Variation 15 for ˇ playing “, as in Variation 13.
<(((((((((((((((((> Extending at ˇ is also possible.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++++++++˝¨+] White is aiming to connect ! A and ¨ with ˘, and
[++*+++++‹+++ˆ+@˘+] cutting at ¯ is the right continuation for Black.
[++++++++++++++¸˙+]
[+++++++++++++ˇ˜! A +] The result up to ‹ is even.
[++++++++++++++˚¯˛]
[+++++++++++++++‚+]
[+++++++++++++++´+]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 16 for ˇ
July 331
<(((((((((((((((((> The wedge at ¯ doesn’t coordinate properly with
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s low pincer at ´.
[++!+++++++++++˝¨+]
[++*+++++*+++ˆ+@˘+] As you can see, Black can’t seal White in and Black’s
[++++++++++++++¸¯˙] stones (´ and ‚) have been split in two by ‹.
[+++++++++++++ˇ˜!+]
[+++++++++++++‚˚+˛] If ´ is at A, the moves up to ‚ are playable, be-
[+++++++++++++ B ‹++] cause after ‹ Black can block at B and A becomes
[++++++++++++++ A ´+] a powerful hane.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 17 for ˇ
<(((((((((((((((((> The one space low pincer used to be the most com-
[+++++++++++++++++] mon move for Black in this opening and is still
[++!+++++++++˙+¨ˆ˘] playable.
[++*+++++*++++˝@˜˚]
[+++++++++++++++¯ˇ] However, most professionals don’t like ´ in this
[+++++++++++++++! A +]
opening anymore, because White can trade for the
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++«”´+] corner territory up to ˙ and later reduce the right
[++++++++++++„+‹›+] side at ‹.
[++*+++++*+++++“++] For example, if Black enlarges his moyo with ¸ and
[+++++++++++»+++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] ‚, it’s a good time for White to reduce at ‹.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black pushes with › and ” to prevent White from
[+˛+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] playing at those points and utilizing !
A.
[++!+++++‚+++++*@+] After „, « is the vital point and White can skip
[++++¸++++++++@+++] away lightly with ». White doesn’t need to save all
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). his stones when reducing like this. He only needs to
Variation 18 for ˇ maintain a viable group in this area.
<(((((((((((((((((> White sometimes used to resist Black’s pincer by
[+++++++++++++++++] jumping to ˆ and pressing at ¨.
[++!++++++++++++ A +]
[++*+++++*+++˜+@++] When White does this, his plan is to stop Black from
[++¯++++++++++++˝+] developing the right side into a large moyo, but trad-
[+++++++++++++ˆ+!ˇ] ing at A as in the previous variation is better for
[+++++++++++++++˘+]
[+++++++++++++++´+] White and most players don’t like to play ˆ and ¨
[++++++++++++++¨˚+] anymore, except in special circumstances.
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Black is developing a large corner up to ˇ, and can
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] take sente with ¯, so he’s quite satisfied.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 19 for ˇ
332 July
<(((((((((((((((((> When you play a firm pincer like ´, attaching at ˜
[+++++++++++++++++] and sealing in !
A is generally the best response to a
[++!+++++++++ˆ++++] counter-pincer like ˆ.
[++*+++++*+++ B +@ C ++]
[+++++++++++++++++] There’s a Go proverb which advises us to, “Attach
[++++++++++++++˜! A +]
to the stronger stone,” which would mean attaching
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++´+] to ˆ at B in this case—the idea being to accumulate
[+++++++++++++++++] power in order to attack !
A , but that’s not best here.
[++*+++++*+++++*++] Fundamentally, connecting ´ and @ C around the
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 20 for ˇ outside with ˜, and enclosing !
A , is more important.
Surround your opponent, and stay connected.
<(((((((((((((((((> The three space low pincer at ´ looks efficient in
[+++++++++++++++++] terms of developing Black’s marked corner enclosure.
[++!+++++++++ˆ+¯ˇ+]
[++*+++++*+++++@˚+] However, as we discussed earlier, three space pincers
[++++++++++++++ B ˘+] like ´ don’t apply enough pressure to White when
[+++++++++++++˝˜!+] combined with the star point.
[++++++++++++++¨++]
[+++++++++++++++˙+] White can harass Black’s corner with strong-arm tac-
[+++++++++++++++++] tics and ˜ isn’t good because Black can’t connect to
[++*+++++*+++++ A ´+]
[+++++++++++++++++] ´, and White becomes stronger up to ˙.
[+++++++++++++++++] Furthermore, Black can’t easily capture ˆ and
[+++++++++++++++++] there’s still a cutting point at B. White can also play
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] like this when ´ is at A.
[++!+++++*+++++*T+] In special circumstances ´ might still be best. For
[+++++++++++++T+++] example, if the position at the top of the board is al-
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). ready settled, and is small. However, those situations
Variation 21 for ˇ are rare and generally this pincer is too loose.
<(((((((((((((((((> Because ´ is far away, it isn’t really possible for
[+++++++++++˛+˙+++] Black to connect @
A and ´ by attaching at B.
[++!+++++++++ˆ¯˘˚+]
[++*+++++*+‹¨˜¸@ A ˇ+] Because of that, aiming to attack ! C with the lean-
[+++++++++++‚˝++++] ing attack at ˜ is a better strategy than trying to
[+++++++++›++++ B ! C +]
connect with B (feint to the east, attack the west).
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Entering the corner at ˚ makes miai of ˇ and ˘, so
[++++++++++++++“++] it’s the easiest continuation for White. Blocking at
[++*+++++*++++ D *´+]
[+++++++++++++++++] ˇ works well in handicap games, but in even games
[+++++++++++++++++] it’s slack because White gains too much territory.
[+++++++++++++++++] Turning at ‚ and flying to › are both important
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] moves which occupy the pivot points for influence.
[++!+++++*+++++*@+] However, it’s difficult for Black to use this wall effec-
[+++++++++++++@+++] tively, and White can even play at “ immediately.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). If Black plays ‚ or › at D, White will immediately
Variation 22 for ˇ seize the pivot point at ‚ or › respectively.
July 333
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of blocking at ˘ (ˇ in the previous varia-
[+++++++++++++++++] tion), forming a tiger’s mouth with ˇ is better style.
[++!++++++++¯ˆˇ+˚+] This makes ˘ and ¯ miai.
[++*+++++*++¨˜+@˘+]
[++++++++++++˝+++ B ] Connecting with ˘ is natural and Black can settle
[+++++++++++++++!+] his group with ¯.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ A +] White takes sente and ´ ends up in the wrong place.
[+++++++++++++++++] It would be better if ´ were at A (aiming at B next).
[++*+++++*+++++*´+]
[+++++++++++++++++] This means the result up to ¯ is slightly better for
Variation 23 for ˇ White. He also has a more severe option for ˘...
<(((((((((((((((((> The previous variation was good for White, but
[+++++++++++++‹+++] connecting at ˘ is energetic and fighting oriented.
[++!++++++++˘ˆˇ+˚˛] White aims to connect at ¯ or ‹ next.
[++*+++++*++¨˜+@¯˙]
[+++++++++++›˝++‚¸] If Black blocks at ¯, White will trade with ˙ to ‹.
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black › is the pivot point for influence, but White
[+++++++++++++++++] has built a large corner territory in sente and can
[+++++++++++++++++] play at the bottom now.
[++*+++++*+++++*´+]
[+++++++++++++++++] This result is marginally better for White.
Variation 24 for ˇ
<(((((((((((((((((> Resisting with ¸ is active.
[++++++++++»‚¸+++˛]
[++!++++++‹”˘ˆˇ+˚+] Connecting with ˛ is a stylish response and ‚ is an
[++*+++++“›„¨˜+@¯˙] important continuation.
[+++++++++«–+˝+++ A ]
[+++++++++++++++!+] If White makes shape with ‹, › hits the vital point
[+++++++++++++++++] and ” is an excellent tesuji for squeezing White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s group in the center becomes powerful and
[++*+++++*+++++*´+] can’t easily be attacked. This result is a little better
[+++++++++++++++++] for Black because ‹ wasn’t the best move.
Variation 25 for ˇ
If White plays ˛ at ‚, Black will hane at A.
<(((((((((((((((((> After ‚, White’s vital point is actually at ‹, so
[+++++++++++‚¸+++˛] White should play there without delay.
[++!++++ F D B ›˘ˆˇ+˚+]
[++*+++ G E C ‹ A ¨˜+@¯˙] The simple looking hane at › is a surprisingly good
[++++++++++++˝++++] move, which aims to make White heavy. If White
[+++++++++++++++!+] connects at A, Black will settle with B to G in sente.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White doesn’t want to lose sente in the opening, so
[+++++++++++++++++] he should tenuki to play at the bottom now.
[++*+++++*+++++*´+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Joseki books recommend › at B, but then White can
Variation 26 for ˇ sacrifice lightly with D, › and White C. Black › is
more interesting, but White is still slightly better.
334 July
<(((((((((((((((((> When Black has a pincer at ´, he needs to search
[++++++++++++ E A B ‚¸] for a path that makes it work efficiently.
[++!++++++++˘ˆˇ C ˚˛]
[++*+++++*++¨˜ D @¯˙] Peeping at ¸ is an interesting tesuji and Black can
[+++++++++++‹˝+++ F ] connect and settle with ‚, even though it looks thin.
[++++++++++++›++!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White tries to cut with A to C, Black D makes
[+++++++++++++++“+] miai of E and F.
[+++++++++++++++ G +]
[++*+++++*+++++*´+] After “, ´ is checking White’s group nicely and the
[+++++++++++++++++] result is even. Both groups are stable for now.
Variation 27 for ˇ
If there were no pincer at ´, White would play “
at G and the result would be better for White.
<(((((((((((((((((> The kosumi at ˜ is usually regarded as slack, except
[+++++++++++++++++] when it’s used to take sente after ¨.
[++!+++++++ C +ˆ+˚¨ F ]
[++*+++++*+ B ++˘@˝ D ] However, taking sente after ¨ doesn’t make sense
[+++++++++++ˇ+˜¯+ E ] when Black has pincered at ´, because Black’s orig-
[+++++++++++++++! A +]
inal plan was to attack !
A.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s corner is already alive up to ˘, so White
[+++++++++++++++++] doesn’t need to play at B unless the potential at the
[++*+++++*+++++*´+] top is very large.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White can take sente after ¯, and ˙ is a big point
[+++++++++++++++++] in this opening. This move reduces Black’s moyo on
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] the right side while developing the bottom left.
[++!+++++˙+++++*@+] After ˙, if Black plays at C, White can hane and
[+++++++++++++@+++] connect with D to F. If Black plays at D, White can
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). develop with B. These points are miai for White.
Variation 28 for ˇ
<(((((((((((((((((> Black ˇ makes a stronger attempt at pressing White
[+++++++++++++++++] down.
[++!++++++++ A ˆ+˚¨˛]
[++*+++++*+ B ˇ+˘T˝˙] White shouldn’t exchange A for B (and so on), be-
[++++++++++++ C ˜¯ E ¸] cause this gives Black the power he wants to develop.
[+++++++++++++++! F ]
[++++++++++++++ D ++] If the ladder after White C favors Black, White can
[+++++++++++++++++] hane and connect with ˙ and ˛ instead.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*´+] Next, Black has to choose between D and E. Black
[+++++++++++++++++] D protects the cutting point at C (with a net), but
Variation 29 for ˇ leaves White with a big endgame move at F.
Black E is territorially tighter, but leaves bad aji at
C. Professionals don’t like this variation for Black,
because ˝ and the marked stone become useless.
July 335
<(((((((((((((((((> When the ladder favors White, he can also hane and
[+++++++++++++++++] fight with ˙.
[++!+++++++++ˆ˛˚¨+]
[++*+++++*++ˇ¸˘@˝“] Pressing with ‚ and extending to ‹ is natural.
[++++++++++›+˙˜¯+„] Black plays at › to prevent White from pressing
[++++++++++++‹++!+] there.
[+++++++++++«+”‚++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s hane at “ looks innocent, but it’s a danger-
[+++++++++++++++++] ous move which aims to ensnare Black in a capturing
[++*+++++*+++++*´+] race.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Making shape with ” and capturing the cutting
[+++++++++++++++++] stones with « is correct, but White is nevertheless
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] satisfied with „ and ».
[++!+++++»+++++*@+] Black is short of territory and White’s corner is
[+++++++++++++@+++] rather large. Capturing White’s two stones isn’t usu-
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). ally good enough in the early opening, but it’s a plau-
Variation 30 for ˇ sible strategy in a cosmic style or handicap game.
<((((((((((((((((ffl> Black would like to block at ”, but it’s an overplay.
[++++++++++++++ffifl+ White controls the options with „ and Black is in
[++!+++++++++ˆ˛˚¨«– serious trouble.
[++*+++++*++ˇ¸˘@˝“»
[++++++++++›+˙˜¯—” Descending at » initiates the tombstone squeeze,
[++++++++++++‹„!fi] and throwing in at ‰ (“) is an important touch.
[++++++++++++++‚++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Up to Black is crushed and his corner stones are
[+++++++++++++++++] dead.
[++*+++++*+++++*´+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 31 for ˇ
‰ ff at “ ı at »
,
<(((((((((((((((((> The three space high pincer at ´ is also a little loose
[+++++++++++++++++] when combined with a star point corner. It can,
[++!+++++++++ˆ++++] however, be effective if reducing White’s right side
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] potential is the most important factor.
[+++++++++++++++! B +]
The variations are similar to those we’ve reviewed
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] for the three space low pincer at A, and we saw this
[+++++++++++++++++] pincer in Chapter 3, so we won’t go over it again.
[++*+++++*+++++´ A +] As you may appreciate from the last four pages,
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 32 for ˇ Black doesn’t usually tenuki or play a loose pincer
(e.g. ´) when White approaches the star point at
!B , because counter-pincering at ˆ is quite forceful.
336 July
Attach to the Weaker Stone?
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++++++++¸˙+]
[++*+++++*+++˘+@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++¯!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 5
(Moves: 8-11)
Usually, “Attach to the stronger stone,” is the right principle for attacking, but in this case White’s
stones were both weak, and local tactical considerations were more important (so ¯ was reasonable).
If White spends many moves to prevent Black from connecting, Black will gain more profit elsewhere.
<(((((((((((((((((> Counter-pincering at ´ is also possible, and if White
[+++++++++++++++++] concentrates on separating ˆ and @ A , Black will gain
[++!+++++++++´+˘˚+] the impetus to press at ˙.
[++*+++++*++˙++@˝+]
[+++++++++++++++ˇ+] The variation to ¸ is playable for both, but the con-
[+++++++++++++¨ˆ!+] tinuation is quite complicated.
[+++++++++++++¯˜++]
[+++++++++++++++¸+] If you think this variation looks too unstable for
[++++++++++++++@ A ++] Black, you can play ˚ as the wedge at ˇ and follow
[++*+++++*+++++*++] the moves in the next variation instead.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 33 for ˘
<(((((((((((((((((> Wedging at ˚ is an old fashioned joseki which allows
[+++++++++++++ B +++] Black to connect up to ˛.
[++!+++++++++´”›˙«]
[++*+++++‚+++++@˝¸] The atari at ‹ is thick and if White connects at “,
[++++++++++++++˘˚ˇ] Black will jump to A. The exchange will be favorable
[+++++++++++++¨ˆ!„] for Black after White is forced to cut at ›.
[+++++++++++++˛˜“¯]
[++++++++++++++‹++] Black captures at “ because he wants to force White
[++++++++++++++@+ A ] to connect at „ before playing ” and B, but White
[++*+++++*+++++*++] resists again by connecting at ”.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 34 for ˘ Locally the result is a little better for White, but
Black takes sente and the game is well balanced.
July 337
<(((((((((((((((((> Exchanging ˜ for ¨, before ˝, isn’t a good idea.
[++++++++++++ C B +++]
[++!+++++++ A +´ D ˇ˝+] The pattern up to ˘ is an obsolete joseki and even
[++*+++++*+++++@++] though we saw these moves in Variation 25 of Chap-
[+++++++++++++++˚+] ter 3, those were special circumstances.
[+++++++++++++¨ˆ!˘]
[++++++++++++++˜++] After ˘, ˜ and ¨ turn into a bad exchange for
[+++++++++++++++++] White, because Black A threatens to strike at B next.
[++++++++++++++@++] If ¨ weren’t on the board, White could answer B
[++*+++++*+++++*++] with C, but since it is C and D are miai after B.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 35 for ˘ White usually prefers to play ˜ at ˝ to see how
Black answers.
<(((((((((((((((((> Trading with ´ is also possible, and is generally
[+++++++++++++++++] playable provided that Black’s right side doesn’t be-
[++!+++++++++¯+˜´ˇ] come too overwhelming after ˘.
[++*+++++*++++¨@ˆ˝]
[+++++++++++++++˘˚] The opening up to ˛ is active and lively for Black,
[+++++++++++++ D +! A B but White still has aji around A later.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++++ C ] For example, if Black answers White A with B, White
[++++++++++++++@++] can jump lightly to C. This makes miai of D and E.
[++*+++++*+++++* E +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+¸+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++˛+++++*@+]
[++++˙++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 36 for ˘
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black wants to follow the proverb, “Attach to the
[+++++++++++++++++] stronger stone,” then ´ would seem to be indicated.
[++!++++++++++˘˚¨ F ]
[++*+++++*++˙!ˇ@˝ D ] However, White will exchange ˆ for ˜ (to leave
[+++++++++++ˆ´˜+ G E ] behind some aji), before entering the corner at ¨.
[+++++++++++¯+++! A +]
[++++++++++++¸++++] Building a wall from ˝ to ¸ attacks ! A single-
[+++++++++++++++++] mindedly, but the result is already better for White.
[++++++++++++++@ C +]
[++*+++++*+++++*++] White can harass at B later and, if Black defends
[+++++++++++++++ B +] around C, he can exchange D to G later still. Black’s
Variation 37 for ¯ territory ends up being smaller than he expected.
338 July
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting at ˝ is stronger than blocking at ˚.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++¨+] Even though White connects to ! A with ˚, Black
[++*+++++*+ˇ˝!+@˚+] can extend to ˇ and the position becomes wide.
[+++++++++++ˆ´˜+++]
[+++++++++++++++! A +] This variation is even, but the game is more difficult
[+++++++++++++++++] for Black to manage. Because of that, most profes-
[+++++++++++++++++] sionals prefer not to play this pattern as Black.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 38 for ¯
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of entering the corner at A (˙ in the game),
[+++++++++++++++++] the hane at ´ is also conceivable.
[++!+++++++++ C ++ A ˝]
[++*+++++*+++! B ¨@++] When White extends to ˜, which is a vital point,
[+++++++++++++++˜+] Black has to connect with the bamboo joint at ¨.
[+++++++++++++ˆ@!+] This allows White to slide into the corner with ˝.
[+++++++++++++˚´++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Nevertheless, Black’s position after turning at ˚ is
[++++++++++++++@++] quite solid and powerful.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This result is favorable for Black. It’s worth compar-
Variation 39 for ˙ ing it with Variation 35, where ! B was at C.
<(((((((((((((((((> When White plays the high counter-pincer at ! A,
[+++++++++++++++˛+] Black should form the bamboo joint at ˇ (as above).
[++!+++++++++ B ++ C ˙]
[++*+++++*+++! A ˇ@¨¯] If Black blocks at ¨, White can cut with ˝ and ˇ.
[+++++++++++“+˚˝˜¸] Note that if !
A were at B, Black could dodge ˝ with
[+++++++++++++ˆ@!+] Black at ˇ, White at ˚ and Black at ! A.
[+++++++++++++›´˘‹]
[+++++++++++++++‚”] Cutting at ˘ is tit for tat, but ¯ is an understated
[++++++++++++++@++] move which makes miai of ˛ and ‚.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ˛, if Black descends at ‹, White at ˛
Variation 40 for ˙ is a tesuji which wraps up the corner with good aji
(cutting at C instead is good enough for White too).
<(((((((((((((((((> After White plays at !
A , Black can also suppress !
B
[+++++++++++++++++] with ´.
[++!+++++++++++ˆ! A +]
[++*+++++*+++!+@++] If Black plans to spend another move at C next, his
[+++++++++++++++´ E ] shape will become over-concentrated and his devel-
[++++++++++++++@! B +]
opment will be too slow at this stage in the opening.
[++++++++++++++ D C +]
[+++++++++++++++ F +] Black should only play ´ when he plans to take sente
[++++++++++++++@++] after ˆ, otherwise he won’t get a fair result.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] It’s another game, but White will be able to exchange
Variation 41 for ¸ C to F later. Some players dislike that prospect.
July 339
Flowing Water Doesn’t Fight What Lies Ahead
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++++++++@! B ]
[++*+++++*+++!+@+ C ]
[++++++++++++++‚+ A ]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++“+˛++]
[++++++++++++++‹++]
[++++++++++++++@›+]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 6
(Moves: 12-16)
Takagawa Kaku 9 dan’s credo was, “Flowing water doesn’t fight what lies ahead.” The stones only go
where they can go; flowing downhill, unassumingly, away from strength, engulfing weakness.
White omitted the exchange of A for B because he was aiming to play C later, but it was too ambitious.
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of ˛ above, connecting the corner stone with
[+++++++++++++++++] ´ is also conceivable, but Black can develop rapidly
[++!+++++++++++@!+] with ˆ to ˚, and ! A is lonely.
[++*+++++˚+++! A +@´+]
[++++++++++++++ˆ B C ] Black ˆ and the tesuji at ¨ avoid exchanging B for
[++++++++++++++@!˝] C, because that would reduce Black’s liberties and
[+++++++++++++++¨˜]
[+++++++++++++++++] waste a ko threat.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 42 for ˛
<(((((((((((((((((> When White hanes at !A (˛ in the game), extending
[+++++++++++++++++] with ´ isn’t good enough in this situation.
[++!+++++++++++@!+]
[++*+++++˘+++!+@ˆ+] White will be happy to take sente and play at the
[++++++++++++++˝˜¨] top with ˘.
[+++++++++++++´@!+]
[+++++++++++++ˇ! A +˚] Constructing a wall and connecting with ˇ isn’t as
[+++++++++++++++++] valuable if White is able to take the key point at ˘.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 43 for ‚
340 July
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting at ˜ is an example of poor technique, be-
[+++++++++++++++++] cause it has a bad relationship with @
A.
[++!+++++++++++@!+]
[++*+++++*+++!+@ˆ+] If Black extends to B, White’s connection at C dam-
[++++++++++++++˝¨+] ages @A , and White can answer D with E.
[+++++++++++++´@!+]
[++++++++++++++!˜ B ] In contrast, if @
A is placed at E instead, then Black
[++++++++++++++ C ˚ D ] can choose this variation. In that case, ˚ would be
[++++++++++++++@ A E +] met by Black B (making C and D miai).
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 44 for ‚
<(((((((((((((((((> Blocking at ´ isn’t a good idea either when Black
[+++++++++++++++++] has played the two space high pincer at @
A.
[++!+++++++++++@!+]
[++*+++++*+++!+@++] If @
A were at B, Black would be able to connect under
[++++++++++++++˜´+] with C, but it’s not possible for Black to do so in this
[+++++++++++++ˆ@!+] position.
[+++++++++++++¨!+ C ]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@ A B +]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 45 for ‚
<(((((((((((((((((> Extending at ´ is slightly better for White than
[+++++++++++++ C B + D ] bumping at A (‹ in the game).
[++!+++++++++++@!+]
[++*+++++*+++!+@++] If Black cuts at ˆ, which can be expected, ˝ is a
[++˘+++++++++++@++] tesuji which makes miai of ˚ and ˇ, and the con-
[++++++++++++++@!˚] tinuation up to ˇ flows naturally.
[+++++++++++++´!ˆ¨]
[++++++++++++++ A ˜+] Black will take sente and approach the top left corner
[++++++++++++++T˝+] with ˘, but this is better for White than the game.
[++*+++++*+++++ˇ++]
[+++++++++++++++++] There’s still aji for White in the top right later, such
Variation 46 for ‹ as B to D, and the marked stone has been smothered.
<(((((((((((((((((> Before jumping to ˜, the kosumi at ´ is natural.
[++++++++++++ C B +++] Black should defend the corner by clamping at ˆ.
[++!+++++++++++@!ˆ]
[++*+++++*+++!+@+ A ] It appears that Lee didn’t want Black to jump to ¨
[++++++++++++++@+´] and develop the right side. Furthermore, he wanted
[++++++++++++++@!+] to play at A in the corner later, so he avoided the
[++++++++++++˜+!++]
[++++++++++++++!++] exchange of ´ for ˆ.
[++++++++++++¨+@@+] White can continue at B or C, and this variation is
[++*+++++*+++++*++] also slightly better for White than the actual game.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 47 for “
July 341
Make a Fist Before Striking
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++++++++@!+]
[++*+++++–+++t+@++]
[+»++++++++++++@+”]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++t+t+«]
[++++++++++++++t++]
[++++++++++++„+@@+]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 7
(Moves: 17-21)
Black ” was a vital point and „ was the pivot point for influence, but Black was happy to connect
under with «. These moves may seem small, but connecting his groups with ” and « stored power.
Enclosing the corner at » was questionable, because – prepared to strike the marked stones forcefully.
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of enclosing the corner, developing the top
[++++++++++++´ˆ+++] with ´ and ˜ seems more natural.
[++!+++++++++++@!+]
[++*++++˜*+++t+@++] White’s marked influence is still a little thin, but it’s
[++++++++++++++@+@] hard for Black to exploit its weaknesses after ˜, and
[++++++++++++++@!+] the marked stones could form a powerful wall later.
[++++++++++++t+!+@]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++++++++++++t+@@+]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 48 for »
<(((((((((((((((((> Splitting at ´ is also conceivable, but then White
[++++++++++++¨˝+++] can fight back with ˆ, ¨ and ˚.
[++!++ˆ++++++++@!+]
[++*++++´ A +˜+!+@++] This variation isn’t as good for Black as the actual
[+!+++++++++˚++@+@] game.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] Black’s play in the game showed that A was the key
[++++++++++++++!++] point in this opening.
[++++++++++++!+@@+]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 49 for –
342 July
Diffuse What You Can’t Absorb
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++—+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@ A +++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++++@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++++++++++++!+@@+]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++‰++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 8
(Moves: 22-24)
Counter-pincering @ A with — was natural, and very large, but was a powerful blow. White didn’t
have an effective way to respond to directly, so he diffused Black’s attack across the center with ‰.
Sometimes your position is too weak to absorb a direct blow, and stubbornly trying to do so incurs
serious damage. In such cases, you should dodge and spread the attacking force over a wider area.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White tries to fight back directly, with the hane at
[+++++++++++++++++] ´, he’ll face the full force of Black’s power with the
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] cut at ¨.
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++´@+@+@] White can try to make shape with ˝ and ˇ, but ˘
[+++++++++++˜ˆ+@!+] to ˛ is commanding.
[+++++++‚¸¯˝¨t+t+@]
[++++++++˛˙˘˚ˇ+t++] White’s marked stones are in trouble up to ‹.
[++++++++++++t+@@+]
[++*+++++*++‹++*++] Normally fighting back with ´ would be fine, but
[+++++++++++++++++] Black is too thick and can develop an imposing moyo
Variation 50 for ‰ in this case, so another strategy is called for.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White reinforces his weakness at ˇ, Black can still
[+++++++++++++++++] develop power with ˘ to ˛, before returning to ‹.
[++!+++!++++ D ++@!+]
[++*+++++@ C +++!+@++] After ‹, White’s marked stones are in a hopeless
[+!+++++++++´@+@+@] position, because A and B are miai.
[+++++++++ˇ+˜ˆ+@!+]
[++++++++++˝¨t+t+@] Meanwhile, @C still has some potential. For example,
[+++++++‚¸¯˘˚ A +t++] Black D is a sharp move, aiming to connect or live.
[+++++++ E ˛˙++t+@@+]
[++*+++++*+‹ B ++*++] If Black plays ‹ at B, turning at E becomes very
[+++++++++++++++++] powerful for White.
Variation 51 for ‰
July 343
<(((((((((((((((((> White jumped to A (‰) in the game, but the shoul-
[+++++++++++++++++] der hit at ´ is another technique for diffusing the
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] force of Black’s attack.
[++*+++++@ˆ˝+!+@++]
[+!++++++˚´+˜@+@+@] If Black pushes with ˆ, White will be able to hane
[+++++++++ˇ++¨+@!+] at ˜ and fight.
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[++++++++++++++!++] The variation up to ˇ is playable for both sides, and
[++++++++++++!+@@+] is more active than White’s choice in the game.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++ A ++++]
Variation 52 for ‰
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black pushes out with ˚, trading with ˇ and ¯
[+++++++++++++++++] is also possible.
[++!+++!+++ C B ++@!+]
[++*+++++@ A ˆ˝+!+@++] White’s marked stones have already served their pur-
[+!++++++¯´+˜@+@+@] pose (and are not completely captured), while @
A and
[++++++++++ˇ˚¨+@!+] ˆ are still important because the top is quite large.
[+++++++++++˘t+t+@]
[++++++++++++++t++] Compared to Variation 51, White can now answer B
[++++++++++++t+@@+] at C, so Black’s stones at the top are less flexible.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Because of that, the trade up to ¯ favors White and
Variation 53 for ‰ White’s stones are flowing very smoothly.
<(((((((((((((((((> Blocking at ˝ looks natural, but it isn’t the proper
[+++++++++++++++++] move because Black can connect his stones with ˚,
[++!+++!+++ F ˚ C +@!+] and a cutting point remains at A.
[++*+++++@ˆ E B ! G +@++]
[+!+++++++´+˜@+@+@] Black ˚ is a tesuji for connecting which is very sim-
[+++++++++++˝¨+@!+] ilar to @
D . After ˚, B and C are miai.
[+++++++++++ A !+!+@ D]
[++++++++++++++!++] Most of the time, it’s not a good idea to peep where
[++++++++++++!+@@+] you can cut, but when the cut doesn’t work well
[++*+++++*+++++*++] peeping is reasonable. If Black uses ˚ to cut at
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 54 for ‰ B, White E, ˚ and White F will lightly sacrifice !
G.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black extends to ˆ, the trade up to ˜ is also
[+++++++++++++++++] playable.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@ B ˜++! A +@++] Both !
A and @ B are damaged in this variation, but
[+!+++++++´+ˆ@+@+@] @
B is more valuable because the top is large.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++++++++++++!+@@+]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 55 for ‰
344 July
When the Dust Settles, Take a Big Point
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++ff@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++ A !+!+@]
[++++++++++ B ı+!++]
[++++++++++++!+@@+]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++!++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*@+]
[++++fi++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 9
(Moves: 25-28)
Black’s peep at ı was well timed and connecting at was unavoidable. If White had resisted at A,
Black would still have played at ff, and then White would have had to spend another move at B.
As we’ve come to expect, Gu took an early lead in the game up to ff. Black had more territory than
White and didn’t have any weak groups.
White calmly enclosed his other corner with fi. This was the last big point of the opening.
Lee is almost always behind in the opening when he plays against Gu, and he didn’t appear to be too
worried about it in this game. As we’ve said, it’s important to be patient and not rush when behind.
With ff, the fighting in the top right came to a natural pause. It’s quite important to develop your
feeling for this kind of situation, so that you know when to lift your head and survey the whole board.
When you sense this kind of moment, you should think about who’s ahead and review your overall
strategy for the game. If there’s nothing urgent happening, you can take a big point.
[++++++++++++!+@@+] Instead of enclosing the corner at fi in the game,
[++*+++++*+++++*++] extending at ´ is also possible and approaching from
[+ B ++++++++++!++++] the wider side with ˆ is natural.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White just defends at ˜, Black will slide to ¨,
[+ˆ+++++++++++++++] making A and B miai.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[¨+!+˜+++*+++++*@+] It’s another game, but White may not like Black slid-
[+ A ++++++´++++@+++] ing into the corner with ¨, so he can consider other
[+++++++++++++++++] options.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 56 for fi For example...
July 345
<(((((((((((((((((> Kicking at ˜ is also conceivable, and the moves up
[++++++++ C ++++++++] to ¸ show another effective way of playing.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] The exchange of ˜ for ¨ goes against classical Go
[+! D +++++++++@@+@+@] theory, because Black becomes stronger with ¨ and
[++++++++++++++@!+] can extend further along the left side with ˚.
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++] However, White can disrupt Black’s formation with
[++++++++++++!+@@+] ˇ and promptly sacrifice this stone with ¯ and ¸.
[+˚*+++++*+++++*++] Classical theory primarily considers the efficiency of
[++++++++++++!++++]
[ A ˇ˘++++++++++++++] local positions, but strategy trumps tactics.
[˙++++++++++++++++] White consolidates the corner territory with ¸ and
[¯ˆ¨++++++++++++++]
[¸˜+++++++++++++++] Black should defend at A next. Moreover, B and C
[++!+˝+++*+++++*@+] are miai, but B is slightly bigger. This means White
[++++++++´++ B +@+++] can play B, and take sente again after Black C.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). White has already established a solid position in the
Variation 57 for fi top left by enclosing the corner with ! D , so he isn’t
worried about Black’s thickness on the left side and
Black’s potential there is already limited.
<(((((((((((((((((> Sliding at ´ is very big locally, but it’s a bit slack.
[++++++++´++++++++] Black will be excited to develop the bottom with ˆ
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] and ¨.
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] White’s marked stones aren’t completely settled, but
[++++++++++++++@!+] they’re not that weak either, because there’s no clear
[++++++++++++t+t+@]
[+++++++++++@t+t++] way to profit from attacking them directly.
[++++++++++++t+@@+] In this kind of situation, it’s often a good strategy to
[++ A +++++*+++++*++] create a large moyo nearby, as with ˆ and ¨.
[++++++++++++t++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] These moves are indirectly related to the marked
[++++++++++++ B ++++] stones, because White’s movement is limited by his
[+˜+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] center group, which Black is aiming to attack soon.
[++!+++++¨+++++*@+] After ¨, if White plays around A, attacking at B
[++++ˆ+ C +++ D ++@+++] develops the bottom and right sides. If White invades
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). at C or D instead, Black will engineer a double attack
Variation 58 for fi against the invaders and the marked center group.
346 July
Act Indirectly
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++ffl++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++]
[++++++++++++!+@@+]
[#+ +++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++!+ffi++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++ A ++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+ C +++++++++++++++]
["+!+++++$fl++++*@+]
[++++! B ++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 10
(Moves: 29-36)
Extending to fl made the situation similar to the previous variation, so White temporarily averted an
attack at A by playing at ffi, which also reduced Black’s right side.
Completing Black’s territory with ffl was worth about 25 points. White was similarly large, but ffl
gave Black cash in the bank, which means Black’s finished territory was more certain.
Approaching at ! was an unusual strategy, but Gu seems to like approaching here; even when White
already has a pincer and an enclosure nearby ( and ! B respectively). He played a similar move in
game two of the Jubango and it appears to be one of the idiosyncrasies of his style of play.
This sort of approach is generally bad, because White can attack ! immediately. White’s stones at
!
B and will help White to attack this stone more severely, so we can’t recommend !.
Instead of ", kicking at C is the standard way to attack in this formation, but " is an interesting
alternative. Compared to C, " is a slower and firmer way of taking profit while attacking. Lee didn’t
want to help Black to find a rhythm and move his group out, so he quietly completed the corner.
Leaning against fl with $ was wonderful, and it appears that White was already planning to play $
when he jumped down to ". In playing $, White wasn’t primarily interested in the situation at the
bottom and was actually attacking Black’s two stones on the left side indirectly.
As you improve at Go, you’ll face opponents who are increasingly skilled in defense and sabaki. Direct
attacks rarely bear fruit against skilled players, so you must practice the art of acting indirectly.
As B. H. Liddell Hart contends in The Strategy of Indirect Approach, “In strategy the longest way
round is apt to be the shortest way home. . . . To move along the line of natural expectation
consolidates the opponent’s equilibrium, and, by stiffening it, augments his resisting power.”
“. . . an examination of military history . . . [shows] that in almost all the decisive campaigns the
dislocation of the enemy’s psychological and physical balance has been the vital prelude to a successful
attempt at his overthrow. This dislocation has been produced by a strategic indirect approach.”
July 347
<(((((((((((((((((> Peeping and cutting from ´ to ˝ is not as easy as it
[+++++++++++++++++] may seem, because cutting across the knight’s move
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] with ˚ is a dexterous tesuji which White has already
[++*+++++@+++!+@+ D ]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] prepared.
[++++++++++++++@!˙] Instead of ¯, if Black connects at ˙, White can
[++++++++++++!+!˘@]
[+++++++++++@!+!ˇ˚ C capture Black’s stones in a ladder with A, Black B
[++++++++++++! A @@¯] and White at ¯.
[++*+++++*+++ˆ´ B ++] If Black captures at C after ˙, White will clamp at
[++++++++++++!˜!++]
[++++++++++++˝¨+++] D and Black’s position at the top starts to become
[+++++++++++++++++] thin and vulnerable.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black might consider ´ to ˝ as a way of developing
[++!+++++*@++++*@+] a large territory in the bottom right, but it’s hard for
[++++!++++++++@+++] Black to consolidate the area with so much bad aji.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). If Black plays ˇ at ¯, White will push at ˙ and
Variation 59 for ffl the result will be very similar to this variation.
<(((((((((((((((((> Extending at ´ is also big. Black ˜ is a strong fol-
[++++++++@++++++++] lowup, applying pressure to White’s marked group.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] It’s hard for White to invade at the bottom, because
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] he still has a weakness at A.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++t+t+@] Approaching White’s corner enclosure at ´ prepares
[+++++++++++@t+t++] to rappel into the corner around B or C. This is be-
[++++++++++++t+@@+] cause it gently pressures White’s corner, while creat-
[++!+++++*++++ A *++] ing the possibility of connecting to ´ after invading.
[++++++++++++t+t++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In other words, reinforcing the corner with ˆ is im-
[++++++++++++˜++++] portant, but ´ also aims to attack at ˜ next.
[+ C +++++++++++++++]
[ B ˆ+++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*@++++*@+]
[++++!+´++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 60 for !
[++++++++++++!+@@+] The submarine approach at ´ is the most common
[++!+˘+++*+++++*++] technique for confronting the star point enclosure.
[+˚++++++++++!+!++]
[+˝ˇ++++++++++++++] We’ve already seen this technique several times and
[+++++++++++++++++] you made it your own when we reviewed it in detail,
[+++++++++++++++++] in Chapter 5.
[´˜+++++++++++++++]
[ˆ¨t+++++*@++++*@+] White will attack the invaders with ˚ and ˘, but
[++++t++++++++@+++] this variation is still playable for both sides.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 61 for !
348 July
[++++++++++++!+@@+] Kicking at ´ is the textbook response when White
[++!+++++*+++++*++] already has a stone at !
A.
[++++++++++++!+!++]
[++˜++++++++++++++] The sequence to ˝ leads to another game, but Lee
[+++++++++++++++++] preferred jumping to B (").
[+@ˆ++++++++++++++]
[+´++¨++++++++++++] As we said above, Lee probably wanted to avoid help-
[ B +!+++++ C @++++*@+] ing Black to move out with ˆ and ¨, and had al-
[++++! A +˝++++++@+++] ready planned to attach at C.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 62 for "
[++++++++++++!+@@+] The one space extension at ´ is the most common
[++!+++++*+++++*++] continuation in this shape, but White will kick with
[+ˆ++¨+++++++!+!++]
[+´+˜+++++++++++++] ˆ and the result up to ˚ is satisfactory for White.
[+++++˝+++++++++++] Black’s four stones on the left side are still floating.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[!+!++++˚*@++++*@+]
[++++!++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 63 for #
<(((((((((((((((((> After Black slides to @
A , bumping at ´ is a technique
[++++++++@++++++++] which makes miai of ˆ and ˜.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Wedging at ˙ is a nice tesuji, and Black can sacrifice
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] his two stones on the left side up to –. Connecting at
[++–+++++++++++@!+] B is sente for Black, so his influence is quite powerful.
[+++«++++++++!+!+@]
[++++»++++++@!+!++] White’s territory in the top left quadrant is large, but
[ˆ+”›„+++++++!+@@+] it’s only slightly bigger than Black’s territory in the
[@
A ´!‹“+++*+++++*++]
top right. Meanwhile, Black’s bottom right territory
[˜¨˚ˇ++++++++!+!++]
[˝ B +++++++++++++++] is bigger than White’s bottom left.
[+˘+++++++++++++++] Since Black has more power in the center and White
[+@+++++++++++++++]
¯+˛++—++++++++++++] has a weak group, we can feel that Black is ahead.
[!˙!+++++*@++++*@+] This is why Lee didn’t choose ´ in the game.
[+¸++!++++++++@+++] In the opening and early middle game, you don’t nec-
[‚++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). essarily need to count accurately. You can compare
Variation 64 for $ the relative power and territories for both sides and
hone your intuition for who is ahead.
July 349
[ˆ+++++++++++!+@@+] The atari at ¸ is an overplay, and ˛ and ‹ are
[@´! C ++++*+++++*++] strong moves.
[˜¨˚ˇ++++++++!+!++]
”˝++++++++++++++++] White is in trouble after „. He needs to atari at A
˛‚˘+++++++++++++++] but then Black will start a burdensome ko with B
›‹@+++++++++++++++] and exploit the cut at C for ko threats.
¯“¸„++++++++++++++]
[!˙!+++++*@++++*@+]
[ B A ++!++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 65 for $
<(((((((((((((((((> If White jumps at ˜, Black can easily settle his
[++++++++@++++++++] group on the left side with ¨ to ˛.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] This variation is successful for Black.
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+˛++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++]
[ˆ+++++++++++!+@@+]
[@´!+++++*+++++*++]
[¨˚ˇ+++++++++!+!++]
[˝˜˘˙+++++++++++++]
[+¸¯++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[!+!+++++*@++++*@+]
[++++!++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 66 for $
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting with the diagonal move at ´ is sometimes
[++++++++@++++++++] the strongest tactic when Black slides to @
A with the
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] three space extension, but it doesn’t always apply
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] enough pressure.
[++++++++++++++@!+] In this case, Black will try to settle on the left side
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+˙+++++++++@!+!++] up to ˙ and it isn’t easy for White to continue his
[++++++++++++!+@@+] attack.
[@
A +!
B +++++*+++++*++]
The kosumi formed by ´ and ! B is brittle, and White
[ˆ´++++++++++!+!++]
[˜¨˚++++++++++++++] doesn’t have enough support for a large scale attack.
[¯˝˘++++++++++++++]
[ˇ@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[!+!+++++*@++++*@+]
[++++!++++++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 67 for $
350 July
Consider Your Weaknesses Before Attacking
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++]
[(+++++++++++!+@@+]
[T&!+++++*+++++*++]
[’ B ++++++++++!+!++]
[+ C )++++++++++++++]
[ D ++++++++++++++++]
[+T+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[!+!++++,! A @++++*@+]
[++++!++*% E +++@+++]
[++++++-++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 11
(Moves: 37-45)
After &, Black had to fall back to ’, because extending to ( involved a ladder. As we’ll see shortly,
part of the thinking behind !
A was to prepare a favorable ladder for White.
Black ) was a swift haengma and White continued his indirect attack on Black’s marked stones at *.
Even though ) left White with a tesuji combination from B to D, to steal Black’s base later, moving
out quickly with ) was much more important than making a tight but heavy shape with C.
The double hane at + was questionable, and , was a natural response. Black could have connected
at E, but he followed through with an overplay at -.
Playing powerful moves like - feels good, but you need to be mindful of your own weaknesses when
playing aggressively like this.
When you pressure your opponent severely, you force them to look for a way to fight back, which
means you have to be confident about the strength of your position first.
Black had a cutting point at E and his marked group on the left side wasn’t completely settled yet.
Because of this, he should have been more cautious about extending to -.
[++++++++++++!+@@+] If Black takes care of the left side with ´, after White
[@+!+++++*+++++*++] attaches at !A , White will be happy to follow through
[++++++++++++!+!++] with the hane at ˆ.
[+´+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Being able to play two moves in a row like this feels
[+@+++++++++++++++] great! If this happens, White will consider his indi-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[!+!+++++! A@B ++++*@+] rect attack at !A to be a success, because the poten-
[++++!++++ˆ+++@+++] tial of @
B has been depleted and it has turned into a
[+++++++++++++++++] bad move.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 68 for %
July 351
[´+++++++++++!+@@+] Extending to ´ doesn’t work, because the ladder
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] starting at ¨ favors White.
[ˆ˜++++++++++!+!++]
[+¨+++++++++++++++] As you can see, White has already prepared for this
[+++++++++++++++++] possibility with !
A.
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[!+!+++++! A @++++*@+]
[++++!+++@++++@+++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 69 for ’
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] Fighting with ´ and ˜ focuses only on attacking
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] and doesn’t take Black’s weaknesses into account.
[@+++++++++++!+!++]
[++@++++++++++++++] Black is in trouble after White pushes at ˘.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++ F +++++++++] If Black blocks at A next, White can cut at B, and
[++++++ G E ˆ++++++++] it’s difficult for Black to manage the situation.
[!+!++ H D ´!@++++*@+]
[++++!+˜!@ˇ B C +@+++] If Black jumps to C instead, White still has the cut
[++++++˝¨˚˘ A ++++++] at D up his sleeve and we can expect E to H to fol-
,))))))))))))))))). low. Black ˜ and ˝ will be captured in the latter
Variation 70 for + variation.
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] Extending at ´ is too passive and leads to bad shape.
[@!!+++++*+++++*++]
[@+++++++++++!+!++] You should expect Black to force with the atari at ˆ
[++@++++++++++++++] and, after ˜, ´ becomes part of an empty triangle.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++ˆ++++++++]
[!+!++++˜!@++++*@+]
[++++!+´!@¨+++@+++]
[+++++++@+++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 71 for ,
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] The modest connection at ´ was the key point.
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] Black should have played ´ instead of the double
[@+++++++++++!+!++] hane at @
A (+ in the game).
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] After White connected at ! B , Black had another
[+@+++++++˜+++++++] chance to simplify the game by connecting at ´.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[!+!++++! B !@++++*@+] The exchange of A for ˆ is a negative for Black, but
[++++!++!@´+++@+++] it isn’t too bad.
[++++++ˆ@ A +++++++++]
However, it’s embarrassing to retreat like this af-
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 72 for - ter playing the hane at A, and Gu might have felt
ashamed, even though this is better than the game.
352 July
Adapt to Changing Circumstances
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++s+s+@]
[+++++++++++@s+s++]
[!+++++++++++s+@@+]
[T!!+++++*+++++*++]
[T+++++++++++s+s++]
[++T++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++<++++++]
[+T++++++++9:+++++]
[++++++++++;38++++]
[!+!++++!!@124+*@+]
[++++!++!@.056@ A +++]
[++++++@C @/+=7 B ++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 12
(Moves: 46-61)
Moreover, I believe that he will prosper most whose mode of acting best adapts itself to the
character of the times.
—Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince
White’s counter-attack from . and 4 was to be expected. Black maintained the pressure with 1 and
3, but these moves felt strained. If 3 were at 5, White at ; would ladder Black’s cutting stones.
Cutting at 5 is usually bad style because Black’s corner will be damaged after 6, 7 and White B,
but Black had to connect his weak groups. After @C (-) to 7, White had to reassess his strategy.
It was a choice between isolating Black’s corner with B, and continuing his indirect attack on Black’s
marked group with 8 to <. He chose the latter, bolstering his own marked stones at the same time.
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] Extending to ´ is the normal technique for this
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] shape, and the shoulder hit at ˆ is a standard
[@+++++++++++!+!++] haengma for moving a weak group into the center.
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] It appears to be a busy fight, with weak groups for
[+@+++++˚+++++++++] both players, but the natural flow through to ˘ leads
[+++++++++´++¨++++]
[!+!++˝+!!T++ˆ˜*@+] to an easy game for White.
[++++!ˇ+!@!!++@+++] It’s difficult for Black to save the marked cutting
[++++˘+@@@++++++++] stones, because he already has a weak group on the
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 73 for 1 left side and another at the bottom. If he pulls the
marked stones out he will have three weak groups.
July 353
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] If Black plays the hanging connection at ´ instead
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] of cutting at A, ˆ is a powerful empty triangle which
[@+++++++++++!+!++] protects the cutting point while putting pressure on
[++@++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black.
[+@++++++++´++˜+++] Black needs to seal White in with ˜, so that White
[+++++++++++T D ++++]
[!+!++++!!TT!! B *@+] doesn’t run out and isolate his marked stones, but ¨
[++++!++!@!! A ˆ@¨++] is a sharp continuation which shows the effectiveness
[++++++@@@++++ C +++] of ˆ in this position.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 74 for 5 After ¨, B and C are miai. If Black plays ˜ at B
instead, White will casually walk out with D.
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] Blocking at ´ is usually an excellent move, because
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] it drills straight through Black’s shape at the bottom
[@+++++++++++!+!++] and leaves the marked stones vulnerable.
[++@+¨++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ A +] However, Black will take sente to reinforce his left
[+@+++++++++++++++] side group with ¨ and White can’t capture the
[+++++++++++@˜++++]
[!+!++++!!@@!!+*T+] marked stones.
[++++!++!@!!@!T+++] A and B are miai for Black in the bottom right, so
[++++++@@@+ˆ@´ B +++] White doesn’t have a severe attack in the corner.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 75 for 8
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] If Black immediately takes a liberty at ´, White will
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] tenuki and play ˆ while aiming to atari at A later.
[@+++++++++++!+!++]
[++@ˆ+++++++++++++] This variation is similar to the actual game, but not
[+++++++++++ C +++++] as good for Black because White had cutting points
[+@+++++++++ A B ++++] around B and C in the game diagram above (and the
[+++++++++++@!++++]
[!+!++++!!@@!!+*@+] variation below).
[++++!++!@!!@!@+++] All other things being equal, if there are cutting
[++++++@@@+´@+++++] points for Black to aim at, that is better than if there
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 76 for 9 are no weaknesses in White’s position.
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] If Black extends at ´, all of White’s marked stones
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] become beneficial forcing moves and Black’s shape
[@+++++++++++!+!++] has been crumpled.
[++@ˆ+++++++++++++]
[+++++++++ B t++++++] White will tenuki and attack Black with ˆ for now,
[+@++++++ C ´@t+++++] and can still choose between sente exchanges at A or
[++++++++++@@t++++]
[!+!++++!!@@!!+*@+] B later.
[++++!++!@!!@!@+++] If White has an opportunity to capture Black on the
[++++++@@@++@ A ++++] left side, he may even attach at C instead of A or
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 77 for = B (but that is an extreme tactic, to be used only in
moments of great need, or when the path is certain).
354 July
Catch Rain Where Rain Falls
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++s+!+@]
[+++++++++++@s+!++]
[!+++H+++++++s+@@+]
[T!!+++++*+++++*++]
[TFECG+++++++s+!++]
[ C @@>D++++++++++++]
[+ B A ?++++++s++++++]
[+@++++++++@!+++++]
[++++++++++@@!++++]
[!+!A+++ss@@!!+*@+]
[+++B!++s@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@ E@D @+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 13
(Moves: 62-72)
Attaching to weak stones, as White did with >, is generally discouraged because it makes the oppo-
nent’s stones stronger. However, Lee’s moves were practical and efficient in this game.
White’s marked center influence wasn’t strong enough to attack the entire Black group severely, so Lee
used it to take profit with the tesuji combination of > and @ instead. Black’s center stones were still
unsettled up to H. This is another example of attacking loose stones tightly.
Principles of play are incredibly useful, but they can only take you so far and they are not laws.
Eventually two principles overlap or contradict one another, and you need to rely on your experience
and reading ability to determine what is really happening. Catch rain where rain falls, rather than
clinging to idealized theories.
Black’s forcing exchange at A was cute, because it protected the cutting point at A indirectly. This
move avoided exchanging B for C, so it also efficiently preserved the aji of the marked stones.
The game became slightly better for White here. This was because of Black’s overplays at @
D and @
E
(+ and - in the game).
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] Reinforcing White’s weaknesses with ´ and ˜ is a
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] good continuation locally, but it’s slack in this situ-
[@+++++++++++!+!++] ation.
[++@+¨++++++++++++]
[++++++++++!˜+++++] Black is pleased to take care of his weak group with
[+@+++++++´@!+++++] ¨ and White has missed his opportunity to attack.
[++++++++++@@!++++]
[!+!++++!!@@!!+*@+] The possibility of playing ´ in sente is quite useful
[++++!++!@!!@!@+++] in terms of attacking Black’s group on the left side,
[++++++@@@ˆ@@+++++] but it’s too early to make this exchange now.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 78 for >
July 355
<(((((((((((((((((> The conventional wisdom is that White should attack
[++++++++@++++++++] with a non-contact move, and the knight’s move at
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] ´ seems to fit the bill.
[+!++++˚++++@@+@+@] The only problem is that it doesn’t work properly in
[++++++++++++++@!+] this game.
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++] Black can settle his group easily with the expedient
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] of ˆ and ¨, and take sente to cap at ˚.
[@!!+++++*+++++*++]
[@+++´˝++++++!+!++] It’s hard to attack Black’s left side group further, and
[++@+ˆ˜+++++++++++] the game is comfortable for Black.
[++++¨+++++!++++++]
[+@++++++++@!+++++]
[++++++++++@@!++++]
[!+!++++!!@@!!+*@+]
[++++!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 79 for >
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] After !A and @ B , extending at ´ is the usual tech-
[@!!˜++++*+++++*++] nique, but it’s not good enough in this situation.
[@+ˆ+++++++++!+!++]
[++@!
A ´++++++++++++] It’s once again easy for Black to settle his group up
[+++@
B ¨˝++++!++++++] to ˚, and White doesn’t profit from the attack.
[+@++++++++@!+++++]
[++++˚+++++@@!++++] The principle which warns against using contact
[!+!++++!!@@!!+*@+] moves to attack refers to precisely this kind of sit-
[++++!++!@!!@!@+++] uation. If you attach and then play a normal contin-
[++++++@@@+@@+++++] uation, you will make your opponent stronger.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 80 for @ Only break principles when you have a clear plan.
<(((((((((((((((((> After White attaches at !A , probing with the cut at
[++++++++@++++++++] ´ is a great tactical resource for Black, but White
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] can simplify the game with the continuation to ¯.
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++˙+++@@+@+@] Pressing at ˙ becomes an excellent move and the
[++++++++++++++@!+] game is better for White.
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[ D ˆ+++++++++@!+!++] It has become difficult for Black to invade White’s
[!B ´˘+++++++++!+@@+] top left area so Black can’t use ´, however tempting
[T!! C ++++*+++++*++] it may seem.
[T˝˚˜++++++++!+!++]
[¯! A @!¨++++++++++++] Instead of ´, if Black tries to cut immediately with
[++ˇ@++++++!++++++]
[+@++++++++@!+++++] ˝, his marked stones will be captured after ˚, ˇ
[++++++++++@@!++++] and White at ¯.
[!+!++++!!@@!!+*@+] After Black exchanges ´ for ˆ; ˇ makes miai of
[++++!++!@!!@!@+++] the atari at ¯, and capturing !
B with Black at ˘,
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))). White C and Black D. That’s why Black probes at
Variation 81 for A ´ first in this variation.
356 July
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] The atari and connection, at ´ and ˜, is also pos-
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] sible.
[@++ˆ++++++++!+!++]
[+!@!´++++++++++++] If Gu had thought the game still favored Black, he
[+++@˜+++++!++++++] probably would have played like this. He didn’t
[+@++++++++@!+++++] choose this variation, because the position wasn’t
[++++++++++@@!++++]
[!+!++++!!@@!!+*@+] good for him anymore.
[++++!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 82 for A
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] If Black doesn’t exchange A for B, he needs to ex-
[T!!+++++*+++++*++] change ˝ for ˚ instead (to protect the cutting point
[T¨˜´ˇ+++++++!+!++] at C).
[˚!@!ˆ++++++++++++]
[+˝ C @++++++!++++++] However, Gu didn’t want to make that exchange, be-
[+@++++++++@!+++++] cause it smothers Black’s marked stones. He chose
[++++++++++@@!++++]
[!+! A +++!!@@!!+*@+] to play A in the actual game to avoid this.
[+++ B !++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 83 for A
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting at ´ doesn’t work after Black’s attachment
[++++++++@++++++++] at @
A.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Black ¨ and ˚ are the key moves in this splen-
[+!+++++++++@ B @+@+@] did continuation, and White’s cutting stones are cap-
[++++++++++++++@!+] tured in a ladder up to ˙.
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@ C !+!++] Note the role that @B plays in ensuring this ladder
[!+++++++++++!+@@+] works for Black. Interestingly, even if @
B were re-
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] moved from the board, the ladder would still work
[@!@@@+++++++!+!++]
[+!@!!++++++++++++] as long as Black had remembered to make the forc-
[+ˆ´@ a ˇ˙++++!++++++] ing exchange at @C.
[+@˜˝˚+++++@!+++++]
[++¨˘++++++@@!++++] Reading out the ladder is left as an exercise for the
[!+!@ A +++!!@@!!+*@+] reader.
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 84 for H
¯ at @
a
July 357
Timing is Everything
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!++++ A ++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++]
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+]
[@!!+++++*+S+++*++]
[@!@@@++++++Q!+!++]
[+!@!!++++RPM+++++]
[+++@+++++O!K+N+++]
[+@++++++++@!L++T+]
[++I+++++++@@!++++]
[!J!@+++!!@@!!+*T+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!T+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 14
(Moves: 73-84)
Black took sente up to J, and attacked White on the right side with the cut at K.
However, reducing White’s top left area with A was urgent at this point, so K arrived a little too early.
Nevertheless, the atari and extension of O and Q were nice haengma and reinforcing White’s right side
group with T was necessary. Black’s marked corner stones were further weakened by this sequence.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black focuses on attacking White’s marked stones
[++++++++@++++++++] with ´ and ˜, White will discard them and resume
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] his attack on Black’s left side group with ¨.
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] When you want to attack, you should first check
[++++++++++++++@!+] whether you have any weaknesses of your own, and
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++] then make sure that what you attack is large enough
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] to retain the initiative. Otherwise, your opponent
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] may counter-attack or sacrifice (or do both).
[@!TTT+++++++!+!++]
[+!T!!++++++++++++] The atari at A is always sente for White, and there’s
[+++T¨+++++!ˆ+++++] bad aji at B later.
[+T+++++++ A @!´˜+++]
[++T+++++++@@s+ B ++] This variation is good for White.
[!!!T+++!!@@ss+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@s@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 85 for K
358 July
<(((((((((((((((((> Capping at ´ was urgent.
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+ B +!+++++++@!+] It’s not easy for White to attack Black’s left side
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] group severely after ´, because the presence of ´
[+!++++´++++@@+@+@] and White’s thinness around A leaves Black with sev-
[++++++++++++++@!+] eral escape routes.
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++] If White defends around B, Black can go back and
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] cut at A later.
[@!!+++++*+++++*++]
[@!TTT+++++++!+!++] This would be better for Black than the actual game.
[+!T!!++++++++++++]
[+++T++++++! A +++++]
[+T++++++++@!+++++]
[++T+++++++@@!++++]
[!!!T+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 86 for K
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Extending at A in the game was good style. Black’s
[@!!+++++*+++++*++] atari at @
B was played to induce Black A and make
[@!@@@++++¨´ A !+!++] the marked stones heavy.
[+!@!!+++˜ˆt@+++++]
[+++@+++++@ B t@+!+++] However, Black shouldn’t continue to atari with ´
[+@++++++++@!!++++] and ˜, because the ladder doesn’t work and it leaves
[++@+++++++@@!++++]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+] behind too many cutting points.
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 87 for Q
<(((((((((((((((((> White would like to atari at ´ and aim to attack
[++++++++@++++++++] Black’s marked stones further if possible.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] However, Black will cut White’s marked groups in
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] two with a razor sharp combination from ˆ to ˚,
[++++++++++++++@!+] and White will be in serious trouble.
[++++++++++++c+c+@]
[+++++++++++@c+c++]
[!+++!+++++++c+@@+]
[@!!+++++*+@+˝¨*++]
[@!TTT++++++@c˚s++]
[+!T!!++++!!@+ˆ˜++]
[+++T++++´@!@+s+++]
[+T++++++++@ss++++]
[++T+++++++@@s++++]
[!!!T+++!!@@ss+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@s@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 88 for T
July 359
The Better Part of Valor Is Discretion
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++]
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+]
[@!!+++++*+@+++*[+]
[@!@@@+++a++@!V!\Z]
[+!@!!++++!!@YUWX+]
[+++@+++++@!@+!]++]
[+@++++++++@!!+^! A ‘]
[++@+++++++@@!+++_]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 15
(Moves: 85-97)
Connecting at V was necessary, to prevent Black from cutting as in the previous variation, and !A
(T) was well placed to maintain White’s connection. This was White’s plan when he played ! A . Lee
defended patiently from X to ‘, because there wasn’t a good way to resist and Black was making
himself too busy anyway. He knew that there would be an opportunity to attack in the near future.
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Cutting at ´ would be an overplay.
[@!!+++++*+@+++*++]
[@!@@@++++++@!!!˝ A ] Black ˚ and ˘ form a delicate combination, and A
[+!@!!++++!!@´@@¨ C ] and B are miai to rescue Black’s cutting stones.
[+++@+++++@!@ˆ!˜+˘]
[+@++++++++@!!˚+! B ] If Black doesn’t exchange ˚ for ˇ before playing at
[++@+++++++@@!ˇ+++] ˘, White will be able to atari at C and trap Black’s
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+] stones against the edge of the board.
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 89 for X
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] The atari at ¯ doesn’t work after @
A.
[@!!+++++*+@+++*++]
[@!@@@++++++@!!!!˛] White is in deep trouble up to ˛.
[+!@!!++++!!@!@@@¯]
[+++@+++++@!@@!!˙@]
[+@++++++++@!!@ A ¸!+]
[++@+++++++@@!!+++]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 90 for X
360 July
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Playing atari at ˇ is the proper move after ˚, but
[@!!+++++*+@+++*++] Black will be very happy to capture White’s marked
[@!@@@++++++@!!!˝+] stones with ˘.
[+!@!!++++!!@´@@¨ˇ]
[+++@+++++@!@ˆ!˜++] These stones are very important, because they sepa-
[+@++++++++@tt˚+!+] rate several of Black’s groups, so White can’t afford
[++@+++++++@@t˘+++]
[!!!@+++!!@@tt+*@+] to lose them.
[+++!!++!@!!@t@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 91 for X
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] If White ataris at ˜, Black can once again capture
[@!!+++++*+@+++*++] White’s marked stones up to ˚.
[@!@@@++++++@!!!++]
[+!@!!++++!!@´@@˜+] As we’ve just discussed, White shouldn’t sacrifice
[+++@+++++@!@ˆ!˝++] these stones.
[+@++++++++@tt¨+!+]
[++@+++++++@@t˚+++]
[!!!@+++!!@@tt+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@t@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 92 for X
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black doesn’t exchange A for B, White can attach
[++++++++@++++++++] at ˆ and capture Black’s marked stones up to ˚.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] It’s too late to peep at A now, because White will
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] connect at C instead of B.
[++++++++++++++@!˝]
[++++++++++++!+!¨@]
[+++++++++++@!+!˜ˆ]
[!+++!+++++++!+TT˚]
[@!!+++++*+@+++* A C ]
[@!@@@+++´++@!!! B !]
[+!@!!++++!!@@@@!+]
[+++@+++++@!@+!+++]
Variation 93 for [
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Looking after the corner stones with ´ is slack.
[@!!+++++ˆ+@+++*@+]
[@!@@@++++++@!!!!!] White will be happy to take the initiative in the cen-
[+!@!!++++!!@@@@!+] ter with ˆ, and now Black has two weak groups.
[+++@+++++@!@+!@++]
[+@+++++++ A @!!+!!!] White’s shape looks a little unusual after ˆ, but
[++@+++++++@@!+++@] White can play the double atari at A at any time, so
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+] ˆ is stronger than it looks.
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+´+++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 94 for a
July 361
Divide Your Opponent’s Forces
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++]
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+]
[@!!++ B ++*+S+++*@+]
[@!TTTˆ`cS++S!!!!!]
[+!T!!++b´!!SSSS!+]
[+++T D +++ C @!@ A +!S++]
[+T++++++++@!!+!!!]
[++T+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!T+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 16
(Moves: 98-102)
Black’s lower right corner wasn’t easy to capture, so White didn’t touch it for the time being. The
shape in the corner would be resolved in the endgame.
Jumping to b was an exquisite haengma, which aimed to separate Black’s marked groups.
White had managed his weak group on the right side very smoothly, and Black didn’t gain any profit
from cutting at A.
Pushing at c was inflexible. Black should have played at B instead.
Black couldn’t find a better move after `, so he pushed at ´ (´), but switching to ˆ was superb.
If Black continues with C, White can block at D and Black’s lower left group will be trapped.
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] If White attacks the corner with ´, ˆ and ¨ are
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+] flexible responses, and Black can still live in the cor-
[@!@@@+++@++@!!!!!] ner up to ˘.
[+!@!!++++!!@@@@!+]
[+++@+++++@!@+!@++] This could be a good sente endgame sequence for
[+@++++++++@!!+!!!] White later, but it’s too early to settle the position
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+˜@+] now because there are other possibilities too.
[+++!!++!@!!@!@˝¨+] White’s moves in this variation might also make good
[++++++@@@+@@+ˆˇ´˚] ko threats if needed.
,))))))))))))))))˘.
Variation 95 for b
362 July
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Attaching at ´ doesn’t work either. Black can live
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+] in the corner up to ¨.
[@!@@@+++@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!++++!!@@@@!+] Locally speaking, Black’s corner shape is unsettled,
[+++@+++++@!@+!@++] but it’s alive here because Black can clamp at A.
[+@++++++++@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@] If White already has a stone at A, he can capture
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+ E @+] the corner with B to D. However, playing at A isn’t
[+++!!++!@!!@!@´ˆ+] a good endgame move for White, because Black will
[++++++@@@+@@+ A ˜¨+ D be able to harass him at E before living with D.
,))))))))))))))) B C .
Variation 96 for b
<(((((((((((((((((> Stepping out with at ´ is gentle and flexible.
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] If White pushes through and cuts with ˆ and ¨,
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Black can simply extend at ˝.
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] If White pushes at A next Black can hane at B, so it
[++++++++++++!+!+@] won’t be difficult for Black to manage the center.
[++++++++ B ++@!+!++]
[!+++!++˝ A +++!+@@+] Instead of ´, pushing at C is careless. Black needs
[@!!++´+˜¨+@+++*@+] to remember that the double atari at D is always
[@!@@@++ˆ@++@!!!!!] sente for White.
[+!@!!++! C !!@@@@!+]
[+++@+++++@!@+!@++]
[+@+++++++ D @!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 97 for c
<(((((((((((((((((> After !
A (` in the game), the hane at ´ doesn’t
[++++++++@++++++++] work. White can break into the center after exchang-
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] ing ˚ to ˙.
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] Black can’t stop White from breaking through with
[++++++++++++++@!+] ˛ to “, and Black’s marked stones are captured
[++++++¸+++++!+!+@]
[++++++¯˙”„+@!+!++] after „.
[!+++!+ˇ˘›“++!+@@+]
[@!!++ˆ´˚‚‹T+++*@+]
[@!@@@˜!A @@˛+T!!!!!]
[+!@!!˝¨!+!!TTTT!+]
[+++@+++++@!T+!T++]
[+@++++++++@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 98 for ´
July 363
[!+++!˚++++++!+@@+] If White connects at ´, Black will capture White’s
[@!!++¨˝+*+@+++*@+] three stones in the center with ˆ.
[@!@@@+!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!+´!@tt@@@@!+] Even if White tries to attack Black’s left side group
[+++@˜+++ˆ@t@+!@++] severely, with ˜, Black can still move out up to ˚
[+@++++++++@!!+!!!] and it’s not easy for White to capture the whole
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+] group.
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++] Continuing...
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 99 for ˆ
[!+++!@++++++!+@@+] White can cut with ˇ and ¯, but Black’s stones are
[@!!++@!+*+@+++*@+] difficult to capture after ˙ and ˛.
[@!@@@+!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!+!!@!!@@@@!+] If White continues with ‚, Black can connect with
[+¯ˇ@!+›‹@@!@+!@++] the sequence to „.
[+@+˘++˛‚++@!!+!!!]
[++@++ B “„++@@!+++@] Instead of ¸, if White pushes at A Black can extend
[!!!@ A ˙+!!@@!!+*@+] to B and even if there’s a ko, it’s small (meaning
[+++!!¸”!@!!@!@+++] Black doesn’t risk much).
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 100 for ˆ
[!+++!@++++++!+@@+] White ‚ and › look like sharp moves, but Black
[@!!++@!+*+@+++*@+] can manage the situation with the cut at “ and the
[@!@@@+!@@++@!!!!!] calm connection at „.
[+!@!!+!!@!!@@@@!+]
[+¯ˇ@!++ A @@!@+!@++] After „, A and B are miai.
[+@+˘+‚˛›++@!!+!!!]
[++@++‹„ B ++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+˙”!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!¸“!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@+@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 101 for ˆ
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Black wants White to attempt to save the marked
[@!!+‹˘˚+*+@+++*@+] stones with ´ and ˜.
[@!@@@ˇ!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!¯¨!@tt@@@@!+] In response, Black can squeeze White’s center stones
[+++@˛˙¸˝˜@t@+!@++] in sente from ¨ to ˛.
[+@+++++++´@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@] Black will be very happy with the result after ‹.
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@ˆ@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 102 for ˆ
‚ at ¨
364 July
Sometimes the Empty Triangle Is Powerful
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++]
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+]
[@!!++ B ˛+*+S+++*@+]
[@!TTT!!@@ C +S!!!!!]
[+!T!!˘¸!@!!SSSS!+]
[+++T˜¯ˇ˙˚@!S+!S++]
[+T++++ A ++¨@!!+!!!]
[++T+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!T+ D +!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++]
[++++++@@@˝@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 17
(Moves: 103-112)
It was too early to save White’s three stones with the atari at ¨. White should have just connected
at ˘ instead. Jumping to ˇ was very sharp, and it punished White’s mistakes at ¨ and ˚.
Connecting at ˘ is usually a good idea, because it saves two stones while threatening to cut at ¯ and
makes good shape up to ¸. However, after exchanging ¨ to ˇ, ˘ should have been at ˙. Black
was given an opportunity to catch up with ¯ at A. Unfortunately, he squandered his chance with ¯.
The empty triangle at ˛ was a brilliant move which reverberated around the board, and Black’s
marked groups were left bobbing in the wake. White ˛ prevented the ladder starting at B, while
simultaneously making miai of C and D.
In the opening, making good shape is usually more important in terms of efficiency, but in the middle
game the most important question is whether a move works or not. If careful reading reveals a key
point where different sequences overlap, you should play there in spite of any aesthetic sensitivities.
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Instead of ¨ in the game (at ˜ in this variation),
[@!!+++++*+S+++*@+] White should have just connected at ´.
[@!TTT!!@@++S!!!!!]
[+!T!!´+!@!!SSSS!+] Black doesn’t have anything better than ˆ, because
[++ˆTT+++˝@!S+!S++] his group has become inflexible.
[+T+++++++˜@!!+!!!]
[++T+++++++@@!+++@] If White continues with ˜ and ˝, it’s not especially
[!!!T+ A +!!@@!!+*@+] hard for Black to save his triangled group with A,
[+++!!++!@!!@!@+++] but Black’s center group (squared) will still be weak
[++++++@@@¨@@+++++] afterwards.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 103 for ¨ Continuing...
July 365
<(((((((((((((((((> Pushing at ˇ is severe and if Black blocks at ˘, he’ll
[++++++++@++++++++] have his hands full with ¸ to „.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] White’s clamp at « captures Black’s marked stones,
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] which gives White a firm lead.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++„”+++!+!+@] If Black cuts at A, White will counter-atari with B.
[+++++++“›+«@!+!++]
[!+++!++‹‚+++!+@@+]
[@!!++++˛¸˘S+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@ˇ+S!!!!!]
[+!@!!!+!@!!SSSS!+]
[++@@@++ A !+!S+!S++]
[+@+++++ B +!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@˙˚+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!¯+!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 104 for ¨
<(((((((((((((((((> Falling back to ˘ is a more balanced response. Both
[++++++++@++++++++] players want to take sente to play around A, but
[++!+–+!+++++++@!+] Black isn’t completely alive after ¸.
[++*+++++@+++!+@++]
[+!++++„ A +++@@+@+@] Black can live with ˛ at », which makes B and C
[++++++++++++++@!+] miai, but White will take sente and press at A.
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+”+++++++˘+@!+!++] Black’s combination from ˛ to “ involves a sacrifice
[!++˛!›++++++!+@@+] tesuji to take sente. White should cut with ‚ and
[@!!‚‹+++¸+@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@ˇ+@!!!!!] ›, but Black eventually manages to cap at „.
[“!@!!!+!@!!@@@@!+] White takes compensation with « and Black needs
[«+@@@+++!+!@+!@++] to live with ». Up to –, the result is slightly better
[+@+++ F E D +!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++ C +++@@!+++@] for White.
[!!!@˙˚ B !!@@!!+*@+] If White cuts at B, Black can live with C to E. How-
[+++!!¯»!@++@!@+++] ever, if Black neglects to defend with », White will
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))). strike at F and capture Black’s group.
Variation 105 for ¨
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Instead of ˇ in the game, cutting at ´ is also con-
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+] ceivable, but White can resist with the hane at ˆ.
[@!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!˜¨!@!!@@@@!+] If Black continues with ˜ and ˝, he’ll find himself
[+++@@ˆ˝´!+!@+!@++] in deep trouble after ˚.
[+@+++˚+++!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 106 for ˇ
366 July
<(((((((((((((((((> Resisting with ˜ to ˇ is also conceivable, but start-
[++++++++@++++++++] ing a ko with ˛ is a stern defense.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Black needs to answer at ›, but the ko is still a big
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] burden for Black.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] White has a ko threat factory in the lower right
[+++++++++++@!+!++] corner, because he can threaten to capture Black’s
[!+++!+˙+++++!+@@+] marked stones. Black is still in big trouble.
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!] Instead of ›, if Black ends the ko by connecting at
[+!@!!˚˝! a @!!@@@@!+]
˘, White will extend at › and capture Black’s lower
[++«@@ˆ¨´!+!@+!@++] left group.
[+@+„‹˜ˇ˘‚!@!!+!!!]
[++@+›+”¸˛+@@!+++T]
[!!!@+»+!!@@!!+*T+]
[+++!!++!@++@!T+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 107 for ˇ
¯ at !
a , “ at ˘
[!+++!+ C +++++!+@@+] White should connect at ´ instead of ˜ (˘ in the
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+] game), and Black will cut at ˆ.
[@!@@@!!TT++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!˜ˆ!T!!@@@@!+] However, connecting at ˜ is an overplay, because ¨
[+++@@+@´!+!@+!@++] makes miai of A and B, and things become difficult.
[+@++++¨ D +!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++ A +@@!+++@] If White jumps at C next, Black will take a liberty
[!!!@+ B +!!@@!!+*@+] with D, helping his marked stones indirectly.
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 108 for ˘
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of rescuing the marked stones, as in the pre-
[++++++++@++++++++] vious variation, White should simplify the game with
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] ˜ and ˝.
[+!+++++ˇ+++@@+@+@] Black can capture at ¨, but the overall game is still
[++++++++++++++@!+] good for White, because Black didn’t gain anything
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++++++++@!+!++] after cutting at A.
[!+++!+˝+˚+++!+@@+]
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@tt¨ˆ!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@+@´!+!@ A +!@++]
[+@+++++++!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+˜+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 109 for ˘
July 367
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Rather than connecting solidly at A (¯ in the game),
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+] extending outwards with ´ is more flexible.
[@!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!˜!@!!@@@@!+] If White tries to resist at ˆ and ¨, Black can
[++‹@@ A @ˆ!+!@+!@++] counter-attack with ˝.
[+@++¯+´¨+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+›˚˘+‚+@@!+++@] As you can see, White will lose the capturing race up
[!!!@ˇ˝˛!!@@!!+*@+] to ›. Therefore, ˆ and ¨ are overplays.
[+++!!˙¸!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 110 for ¯
[!+++!++˝++++!+@@+] If White pushes and cuts with ˚ and ˘, reinforcing
[@!!+++¨+*+@+++*@+] at ¸ is the right move, and Black comes out better
[@!TTT!!@@++@!!!!!] when trading the marked stones.
[+!T!!!˜s@ss@@@@!+]
[++˛TT˚@ˆs+s@+!@++] Instead of ¸, if Black connects at ˛, White will cut
[+@+˙˘ˇ´++s@!!+!!!] at A. That makes ¸ and B miai, so Black’s whole
[++@‚¯ A B +++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+¸+ss@@!!+*@+] group will die.
[+++!!++s@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 111 for ¯
[!+++!++˝++++!+@@+] The knight’s move at ˚ is also conceivable. If Black
[@!!+++¨+*+@+++*@+] just pushes at ˇ, White can cut with ˙ and ˛.
[@!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!˜!@!!@@@@!+] Pushing at ‚ is better than cutting at ‹, but the
[+++@@˙@ˆ!+!@+!@++] result up to ‹ favors White. Black can do better
[+@++˛¸´ A +!@!!+!!!] than this.
[++@+‹˚ˇ+¯+@@!+++@]
[!!!@+˘‚!!@@!!+*@+] Black may consider turning at A instead of ˇ, but
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++] White will still cut with ˙ to ˛ and the result will
[++++++@@@@@@+++++] be similar.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 112 for ¯
[!+++!++˝++++!+@@+] Attaching at ˇ is a shrewd tesuji which helps to tide
[@!!+++¨+*+@+++*@+] Black over.
[@!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!˜!@!!@@@@!+] Black will be happy to weather the storm and live
[++‚@@+@ˆ!+!@+!@++] comfortably up to ‚.
[+@++++´˙+!@!!+!!!]
[++@++˚¯+++@@!+++@]
[!!!@¸ˇ+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!˘˛!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 113 for ¯
368 July
<(((((((((((((((((> If White ataris at ˙, the hane at ¸ is the right
[++++++++@++++++++] response.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] White can still capture Black’s six stones up to „,
[+!++++«++++@@+@+@] but he’s already lost seven stones in the center.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] Furthermore, Black has sente to play at «, so the
[+++++++++++@!+!++] result is very disappointing for White.
[!+++!++˝++++!+@@+]
[@!!+++¨+*+@+++*@+]
[@!TTT!!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!T!!!˜s@ss@@@@!+]
[++„TT˛@ˆs+s@+!@++]
[+@+“‹‚´++s@!!+!!!]
[++@”›˚¯+¸+@@!+++@]
[!!!@˙ˇ+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!˘+!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 114 for ¯
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] Connecting calmly at ¨ is also possible.
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!] However, Black can capture White’s marked cutting
[+!@!!!˜s@!!@@@@!+] stones with ˝ and ˇ, and White’s attack runs out
[+++@@+@ˆs+!@+!@++] of steam without gaining anything.
[+@++++´˝ˇ!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++˚+@@!+++@]
[!!!@+¨+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 115 for ¯
[!+++!+++++++!+@@+] If White attaches at ˆ, Black can isolate White’s
[@!!+++++*+@+++*@+] marked stones with ˜ and ˝.
[@!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!+!@ss@@@@!+] This variation is also good for Black.
[+++@@+@+s+s@+!@++]
[+@++++´++s@!!+!!!]
[++@++˜ˆ+˝+@@!+++@]
[!!!@+¨+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 116 for ¯
July 369
<(((((((((((((((((> White’s best response is to connect at ˆ first, before
[++++++++@++++++++] connecting at ¨.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Cutting with ˘ and ˙ arranges to trade the marked
[+!++++—++++@@+@+@] groups, and ¸ is necessary to avoid being caught in
[++++++++++++++@! F ] a ladder.
[++++++++++++!+! E @]
[+++++++++++@!+! D C ] White can squeeze Black in sente with ˛ to », and
[!+++!++ˇ++++! A @@+] then take a big point with —.
[@!!+++˚+*+@+++*@+]
[@!TTT!!@@++@!!!!!] The game is slightly better for White up to —, but
[+!T!!!˝s@ss@@@@!+] Black is satisfied with the negotiations.
[+»„@@‹@¨s+s@+!@++]
[+@+«”›´˘–s@!!+!!!] After Black captures White’s marked stones he be-
[++@+“¸˙¯˜‚@@!+++@] comes quite thick and powerful in the center, which
[!!!@+ˆ˛!!@@!!+*@+] means he’ll be able to attack White at A soon.
[+++!!++!@++@!@ B ++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++] White will endure the attack, because he can still
,))))))))))))))))). attach at B in the corner, but Black will profit.
Variation 117 for ¯
If White wants to strengthen his right side group
after –, he can exchange C to F in sente, and then
play A. However, White A isn’t quite sente, so Black
will play at —. Jumping at — is better than C.
[++++++++++++!+!+@] Jumping to ´ forms a more pleasing shape than the
[+++++++++++@!+!++] empty triangle at A (˛ in the game).
[!+++!+´¯ˇ+++!+@@+]
[@!!+++ A ˚˝¨@+++*@+] If Black connects at ˆ, White will still be able to
[@!@@@!!@@˜+@!!!!!] cut and capture with ˜ to ¯ and the game will be
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+] practically over.
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++˘+!@!!+!!!] However, ˆ is a mistake and Black can do better...
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+ˆ+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 118 for ˛
[++++++++++++!+!+@] Black ˆ and ¨ constitute a powerful counter, and
[+++++++++++@!+!++] White’s marked center stones are captured up to ˙.
[!+++!+´+¯+++!+@@+]
[@!!++++˘ˇ˚@+++*@+] After ˙, A and B are miai.
[@!@@@!!@@˝+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@s@ss@@@@!+] This variation shows why White didn’t make shape
[+++@@@@ss A s@+!@++] with ´ in the game.
[+@+++++ˆ˙s@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++˜ B @@!+++@]
[!!!@+¨+ss@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++s@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 119 for ˛
370 July
Winners Can Be Generous
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!++! C ‰++++++@!+]
[++*+ +++@+++!+@++]
D
[+!++++ B ++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[++++++++++—@!+!++]
[!+++!‚+”+»++!+@@+]
[@!!+‹–s«*„T+++*@+]
[@!@@@ss@@“+T!!!!!]
[+!@sss@!@!!TTTT!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!T+!T++]
[+@+++++›+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++ A +]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 18
(Moves: 113-124)
The attachment at ‚ was a well timed probe. Gu Li spent a long time thinking at this stage, and was
eventually able to minimize the damage with this move, but there was no way to completely resolve
the crisis.
Trading with ‹ was an excellent response, and › to » followed a one-way street. After », – and
— were miai, so Black was still in trouble.
The players exchanged the marked stones with – and —, but White gained much more than Black.
White didn’t just take profit with —, he also made his right side group powerful. It became easier for
him to bully Black’s bottom right corner with A. Remember that thickness still pays in the endgame.
Invading at was more aggressive than capping at B, but it was appropriate considering the circum-
stances. Black was behind, so he needed to complicate the game.
Peeping at ‰ was typical of Lee Sedol’s style of play. He doesn’t usually retreat or avoid fighting
unless the circumstances are dire.
However, in this case, he should have appraised the situation more calmly. White was winning by a
few points on the board (not counting komi) before , so he could afford to be generous.
When Lee Changho 9 dan was at the height of his powers, he was very good at wrapping up this sort of
‘won’ game. He used his great positional judgment and technique to simplify his games and maintain
the lead when he was ahead. He would gladly give up points to secure a certain victory.
Because of that, he almost never lost a game when he was ahead like this, and many of his opponents
gave up on their games quite easily, even if they were only slightly behind.
Lee Changho’s reputation was such that other players lost their fighting spirit when they were behind.
Instead of ‰, White should have sacrificed !
C by attaching at D, in exchange for a clearer game.
July 371
[!+++! A +˜˝+¯ˇ!+@@+] The hane at ´ doesn’t work as well as the attach-
[@!!+++!+*¨@˚˘+*@+] ment at A (‚ in the game).
[@!@@@!!@@ˆ˙T!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!TTTT!+] White will push through with ˆ and ¨, and Black
[+++@@@@!!+!T+!T++] can’t afford to form a bamboo joint with ˝.
[+@+++++´+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@] Pinching at ˚ is a decisive tesuji, and Black can’t
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+] save his marked stones on the right after ˙.
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 120 for ‚
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black tries to save the marked stones with ¯, ˙
[++++++++@++++++++] makes miai of ¸ and ˛.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] White can move out with ˛ and ‹, and Black’s
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] center stones are in deep trouble.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++‹++‚!+!+@]
[+++++++++˛+@!+!++]
[!+++!++˜˝˙¸ˇ!+@@+]
[@!!+++!+*¨@˚˘+*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@ˆ¯T!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!TTTT!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!T+!T++]
[+@+++++´+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 121 for ‚
<(((((((((((((((((> Apparently Gu misread the continuation when he
[++++++++@++++++++] played at @
A (¯ in the game).
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Earlier on, he thought that White would move out
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] with ˚ and ˘, and that the fight would be playable
[++++++++++++++@!+] for Black up to ‚.
[+++++++‚+˛+¸!+!+@]
[+++++++++ˇ˙@!+!++] However, as we saw in the previous variation, White
[!+++!++˜˝˚˘¯!+@@+] can pinch at B instead of pushing at ˚. Once Gu
[@!!+++! C +*¨@ B ++*@+]
found that move (after !
C ), it was already too late.
[@!@@@!!@@ˆ+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@A @!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++´+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 122 for ‚
372 July
<(((((((((((((((((> The exchange of ˚ for ˇ fills White’s liberties, so
[++++++++@++++++++] he can’t pinch at ˘ anymore after ˇ.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] When liberties are short, you need to be very careful
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] about filling them without a good reason.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] Black wins the capturing race with ¸.
[+++++++++ˇ+@!+!++]
[!+++!++˜˝˚¯+!+@@+]
[@!!+++!+¸¨@˘++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@ˆ˙@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++´+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 123 for ‚
<(((((((((((((((((> Black can consider connecting at ˝.
[++++++++@++++++++]
[++!+++!+++++++@!+] The result up to ˘ will be a trade which is quite
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] similar to the actual game.
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] However, the sequence in the game was slightly bet-
[++++++++++++!+!+@] ter for Black, because the exchange of A for B bene-
[++++++++++˘@!+!++] fited Black.
[!+++!ˇ+˜+˚++!+@@+]
[@!!+ A B !˝*¨@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@ˆ+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++´+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 124 for ‚
[!+++!++´ A +++!+@@+] If Black just makes shape with ´ (or A, or B), White
[@!!+++!+*+@+++*@+] can connect his stones with ˆ.
[@!TTT!!@@ B +@!!!!!]
[+!T!!!T!@!!@@@@!+] Black’s marked group is in danger after ¨.
[+++TTTT!!+!@+!@++]
[+T+++++˜¨!@!!+!!!]
[++T+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!T+ˆ+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 125 for ‚
July 373
<(((((((((((((((((> When Black probes at @ A , pushing at ´ looks like a
[++++++++@++++++++] strong move, but it’s an overplay.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Black can reinforce his cutting point while attacking
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] with ˆ, and he can counter-attack with ¨ to ˘.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] White’s marked center stones are heavy and isolated.
[++++ˇ˘+++++@!+!++]
[!++¨!@A ´+ˆ+++!+@@+]
[@!!˝˚+t+*+@+++*@+]
[@!@@@tt@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@ttt@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++++!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+˜+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 126 for ‹
<(((((((((((((((((> If White extends at ˝, Black can connect at ˚, and
[++++++++@++++++++] the game will become complicated.
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Black can move @A out later, and he can also try to
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] connect the marked stones on the left side.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] Above all, White’s left side territory will probably be
[++++˝++++++@!+!++] damaged or destroyed, so this is an extremely risky
[!++¨!@A ´+ˆ+++!+@@+] way of playing.
[T!!˚++!+*+@+++*@+]
[T!@@@!!@@++@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++++!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+˜+!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 127 for ‹
374 July
<(((((((((((((((((> It would be greedy to save the marked stones with
[++++++++@++++++++] ´ instead of extending to ˆ (» in the game).
[++!+++!+++++++@!+]
[++*+++++@+++!+@++] Black ˆ and ¨ are stalwart moves which fill White’s
[+!+++++++++@@+@+@] liberties, and Black can reverse the game up to ˛.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] White can still save his center group by playing at
[+++++++++˝+@!+!++] A, but his loss in the center is already substantial.
[!+++!@+@˚ˆ˜˛!+@@+]
[@!!+!´t@¨!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@tt@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@ttt@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!! a ˙!@+!@++]
[+@+++++@˘!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++ˇ¯@@!+++@]
[!!!@+ A +!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 128 for »
¸ at !
a
<(((((((((((((((((> Considering White’s lead in the game, he should have
[++++++++@++++++++] sacrificed !
A by attaching at ´.
[++!+@¨! A +++++++@!+]
[++*˜´ˆ++@+++!+@++] The net result of the trade up to ¯ is a loss of approx-
[+!++ B ˝˚++++@@+@+@] imately 4–5 points for White, but White can sustain
[+++++¯++++++++@!+] this loss and still has a comfortable lead with komi.
[++++++++++++!+!+@]
[+++++ˇ++++!@!+!++] This is a safer and better way to win than getting
[!+++!@˘@+!++!+@@+] embroiled in a dangerous fist fight with Black.
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!] Instead of ´, capping at B leaves White a little thin.
Variation 129 for ‰ Even when sacrificing, you need to play firmly.
<(–»—(((((((((((((> Let’s evaluate the position after White sacrifices !
A.
[+¸˙+
3+++@++++++++]
[++!+@@! A +++++++@c+] Black:
[++*!!@++@+++c+@+ 3+] Top right: 55, bottom: 24, and center: 16.
[+!+++!@+++ 3"@@+ 3@+@]
[+++++! B ‰+3+!+++@! ] Total: 95 points.
[++++++ 2ı+++++ 2!+!ffl@]
[+++++!++++!C!+!++ 3] White:
[!+++
2!@@@+!++!+@@+ 3]
3 Left side: 59, right side: 33, and komi: 7.5.
[C!!+!@+ 1@*!C+++ 2*@+2]
2
[C!@@@+ 1+1@@!+C!!!!!] Total: 99.5 points.
[+!@+
1+11+@!@!!CCCC!+]
[«„+@@@@!!+ 1!C+!C++] It’s White’s turn, so White is winning quite comfort-
[‚@++++ 3+@+!@!!+!!!] 2 ably even after sacrificing.
[+
2+@+
3+3+++++@@!++ 2+@]
3
[!!!@+++!!@@!!flff@+] If you look around the board after !
B (¯ in the previ-
[+++!!++!@+ 1+1@!@fi+ffi] ous variation), you’ll see that White’s groups are all
[++”+++@@@@@@˛++++] strong and there isn’t anywhere for Black to make
,))›‹)“) 3)))))))))). trouble or catch up. White’s lead is solid.
Variation 130 for ‰
July 375
Settle the Shape to Ensure Your Lead
<(((((((((((((((((>
[$#ff+++++@++++++++]
[+fi!fl@+!!ffiffl!+++@!+]
[+ı++%’(@ ++!+@++]
[+!++"&)+*++@@+@+@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++,++++++!+!+@]
[+++++ A ++++!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[++ B @@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 19
(Moves: 125-144)
Black’s combination from ı to fl resisted by denying White the straightforward sacrifice strategy we
saw in the previous two variations. Black was behind, but he was beginning to make the game chaotic.
Capping at " flowed smoothly though, and the game was still good for White.
White & and ( were strong. Even though Black drilled through White’s shape, White was able to
capture at *. You don’t have to worry about matters of shape when you have a strong continuation.
Jumping at , was a mistake. If White had exchanged the atari at A first the game would still have
been easy for him to win, but he was reluctant to erase the atari at B because of its endgame value.
Strong players have a highly developed sense of aji and usually try to preserve it for as long as possible.
When you keep options alive you make your stones more flexible, but you also give your opponent
more options in many cases, so this instinct can sometimes be a hindrance when it comes to winding
up a clearly won game.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black just connects against the peep at ´, White
[++++++++@++++++++] has another opportunity to sacrifice with ˆ to ˙.
[++! A @˝!!´+++++@!+]
[++*¨ˆ˜++@+++!+@++] Gu was trying to catch up, so he prevented White
[+!+++˚ˇ++++@@+@+@] from choosing this variation in the game.
[+++++˙++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] Instead of ˜, if Black hanes on the other side at ¨,
[+++++˘++++!@!+!++] White will cut at A and the result will be even better
[!+++!@¯@+!++!+@@+] for White after Black ataris at ˜ and connects at ˝.
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 131 for ı
376 July
<(((((((((((((((((> The atari at ´ isn’t as good as capping at ˆ (" in
[++@+++++@++++++++] the game).
[+!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@+++++@!++!+@++] Black can easily jump out at ˆ, and it’s hard for
[+!++ˆ+++´++@@+@+@] White to attack this group.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++++++++++++!+!+@] In addition, it’s difficult for White to protect his left
[++++++++++!@!+!++] side territory now.
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+] Capping at ˆ (") in the game forced Black to walk
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!] a crooked path.
Variation 132 for "
<„(((((((( 3((((((((> White should have exchanged ´ for ˆ before play-
«!@@+++++@+ 3+++++++] ing at ˜ (,). White can connect his weak group
[+
2!!@@+!! A !@@+++@c+]
with ˝, and he still has a clear lead.
[+!@»+@@!* 1!++ 3c+@+ 3+]
[+!–+!!@+!+˚@@+ 3@+@] Black:
[++++
2+2+@++ˇ˝+++@!˙]
[+++++˜+¨++ 2++ 2!+!¯@] Top right: 33, bottom: 25, and center: 16.
[+++++2´++++!C!+!++ 3]
[!+++
2!@ˆ@+!++!+@@+ 3]
3 Total: 74 points.
[C!!+!@c@*!C+++ 2*@+2]
2 White:
[C!@@@cc@@!+C!!!!!]
[+!@ccc@!@!!CCCC!+] Left side: 45, right side: 31, and komi: 7.5.
[”“+@@@@!!+ 1!C+!C++ 2]2
[¸@++++ 3+@+!@!!+ 2!!!] Total: 83.5 points.
[+
2+@+
3+3+++++@@!+++@] 3 As you can see, White is winning by almost 10 points
[!!!@+++!!@@!!—* 3@+
3]
[+++!!++!@+ 1+1@!@+++] now, so Lee’s peep at !A in the game wasn’t a mis-
[++›+++@@@@@@˘++++] take, but ˜ (, in the game) was.
,))‚˛)‹) 3)))))))))). White is 4 points better off than last time we counted,
Variation 133 for ,
but paying 4 points to reduce risk and set up a certain
victory is reasonable when you’re this far ahead.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black attacks White’s top group with ¨ and ˚,
[!TT+++++@”„++++++] White can fight back with ˇ and ¸.
[+!!TT+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!T++TT!*!++!+@++] White will be happy to save his group up to ‚, and
[+!++!!T+!++@@+@+@] ‹ and ” are miai for White next.
[++++++T˙˝¨‚+++@!+]
[+++++˜+ˇ˚¸›+!+!+@] If Black cuts in the center with ‹ and “, exchang-
[+++++´+¯˘‹!@!+!++] ing ” for „ ensures that Black’s marked stones are
[!+++!@ˆ@˛s“+!+@@+] captured in sente—as we’ll see in more detail later.
[@!!+!@!@*s@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@s+@!!!!!] Black can capture White’s marked center stones and
[+!@!!!@s@ss@@@@!+] revive his right side group, but the overall trade is
[+++@@@@ss+s@+!@++] good for White.
[ı@+++++@+s@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++»+@@!+++@] White is still leading by more than five points on the
[!!!@+«+!!@@!!+*@+] board up to ı (not counting komi).
[+++!!++!@++@!@–—+]
[++++++@@@@@@++‰+]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 134 for ,
July 377
Sow the Wind, Reap the Whirlwind
<(((((((((((((((((>
[!TT+++++@++++++++]
[+!!TT+sss@@+++@!+]
[+!T++TTs*s++!+@++]
[+!5+!!T+s++@@+@+@]
[+++++4T0+2++++@!+]
[++++3!./1+++!+!+@]
[+++++-++++!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 20
(Moves: 145-153)
The game became complicated when Black played at -. This move looks innocent enough, but it was
actually the beginning of an indirect attack on White’s marked group.
Pushing out at . was necessary to assist White’s marked stones, but White’s shape became strained.
Stepping out with 2 was essential, because White couldn’t win a capturing race against Black’s marked
group at the top.
It looked like Black’s marked stones were in danger, but Gu found an excellent sequence from 3 to
5, which made the game even more chaotic. White had sown the wind and reaped the whirlwind.
The game had been hopeless for Black only 10 moves ago, but in this kind of all out fight the odds
were closer to fifty-fifty.
Here we see Gu Li’s power and his ability to catch up from behind. Lesser players would have panicked
in this kind of situation, but Lee kept his cool and soldiered on. White still had a small advantage.
<(((((((((((((((((> Falling back to ´ is the right shape locally, but it
[!@@˛¸‚+‹@++++++++] allows Black to attack White’s marked stones with
[+!!@@+ttt@@+++@!+]
[+!@++@@t*t++!+@++] ˆ and ¨.
[+!++!!@+t˚+@@+@+@] White doesn’t have enough liberties to win the cap-
[++++++@˙˜ˆ++++@!+] turing race and Black will capture White up to ‹.
[++++´!¯ˇ¨˝++!+!+@]
[+++++@++˘+!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 135 for .
378 July
<(((((((((((((((((> Playing the hane at ˝ first is slightly better for
[!@@˙¯¸+˛@++++++++] White, but Black can still win the capturing race
[+!!@@+ttt@@+++@!+] by one liberty up to ˛.
[+!@++@@t*t++!+@++]
[+!++!!@+t++@@+@+@]
[++++++@˘˜ˆ++++@!+]
[++++´!ˇ˝¨+++!+!+@]
[+++++@++˚+!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 136 for .
<((((((“(‚((((((((> White can also think about blocking at ¯, but the
[!@@++˙”¯@¸˛+—++++] kosumi at ˙ is the vital point for both players.
[+!!@@„ttt@@+++@!+]
[+!@++@@t*t+–t+@++] The continuation from ¸ to – is complicated, but
[+!++!!@»t«+@@+@+@] — is quietly powerful. It saves Black’s three stones
[++++++@˘˜ˆ++++@!+] at the top, leaving White’s marked stones in danger.
[++++´!ˇ˝¨++‹!+!+@]
[+++++@++˚+!@!+!++] Therefore, Lee couldn’t play at ´ in the game.
[!+++!@+@+!+›!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 137 for .
<(((((((((((((((((> If White removes bad aji with ´ instead of moving
[!@@˘ˇ¯+˙@++++++++] out at ˚ (2), Black can attack White’s group with
[+!!@@+ttt@@+++@!+]
[+!@++@@t*t++!+@++] ¨ and ˚.
[+!++!!@¨t++@@+@+@] White’s marked stones will be captured once again
[+++++´@t˝˚++++@!+] up to ˙.
[+++++!!@@++ˆ!+!+@]
[+++++@++++!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!+˜!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 138 for 2
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black attaches at ´, instead of pushing at A (5),
[!@@+++++@++++++++] White will be able to save his marked stones with ˆ
[+!!@@˜!!!@@+++@!+] and ¨.
[+!@¨ˆ@@!*!++!+@++]
[+! A ´tt@+!++@@+@+@] If ´ is at B, White can still pinch at ˆ and then
[+++ B +t@!+!++++@!+] atari at A.
[++++@tt@@+++!+!+@]
[+++++@++++!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 139 for 5
July 379
Keep Things Unsettled When Losing
<9((((((((((((((((>
[!@@+++++@++++++++]
[+!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@++@@!*!++!+@++]
[+!@+!!@+!++@@+@+@]
[+ A 76+!@!+!++++@!+]
[+++8@!!@@+++!+!+@]
[+++++@++++!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 21
(Moves: 154-157)
Act as the situation requires: concentrate or disperse, be strong or be weak, launch a sudden
attack or a routine attack, be quick or be slow, be numerous or be few, be rested or be tired.
—Sun Bin, The Art of War
Stepping out with the kosumi at 6 was the only way, and the game was approaching its climax.
Unfortunately, 9 struck the board cacophonously, and the music came to an abrupt stop.
The problem with 9 was that it helped White to make shape for his weak group in the corner. Black
should have blocked at A instead, and the game would have become incredibly complicated.
Earlier we talked about how it’s good to settle positions when you’re winning, to make things clearer
and more certain. When you’re losing, however, you want to do the exact opposite; keep everything
unsettled for as long as possible and make the game turbulent and uncertain.
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of the kosumi at ¨ (6 in the game), White
[!@@+++++@++++++++] can also think about pinching at ´.
[+!!@@ˆ!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@˝´@@!*!++!+@++] If Black connects naively at ˆ, White can save his
[+!@˚tt@+!++@@+@+@] marked stones with the hane at ˜.
[++˜¨+t@!+!++++@!+]
[+++ˇ@tt@@+++!+!+@] Even if Black resists with ¨, White can still capture
[+++++@++++!@!+!++] them with ˝ and ˇ.
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+] However...
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 140 for 6
380 July
<¸((((((((((((((((> Black will resist with ˆ instead and pressure White’s
[!@@+++++@++++++++] corner stones severely.
[ˇ!!@@˜!!!@@+++@!+]
˚˝!@¯´@@!*!++!+@++] White can save the corner with the tesuji at ¸, but
[¨!@+!!@+!++@@+@+@] Black gains momentum up to ˙ and can peep at ˛.
[+ˆ˙++!@!+!++++@!+]
[˘+++@!!@@+++!+!+@] White doesn’t even have time to connect at “ and
[+˛+++@++++!@!+!++] has to make a humiliating retreat with ‚ to ”, while
[!“++!@+@+!++!+@@+] Black lives in sente.
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!] White’s left side territory has been destroyed and
[”!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+] Black can come back to defend the lower right corner
[›‹+@@@@!!+!@+!@++] at „.
[‚@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@] This variation is very successful for Black, and the
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+] game becomes even again.
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@„++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 141 for 6
<(((((((((((((((((> The hane at ´ is also conceivable, but it doesn’t
[!@@+++++@++++++++] work.
[+!!@@˝!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@+˜@@!*!++!+@++] Black’s atari at ¨ is potent, and ˝ and ˚ are miai
[+!@+tt@+!++@@+@+@] for Black.
[+˚´ˆ+t@!+!++++@!+]
[++¨+@tt@@+++!+!+@] This is even worse for White than the previous vari-
[+++++@++++!@!+!++] ation.
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+] If White uses ˝ to connect at ˚, Black will connect
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!] at ˝ and White’s marked stones will be captured.
Variation 142 for 6
«»¸“((((((((((((((> If White plays at ˜ and ˝, Black can counter with
‹!A @@˛++++@++++++++]
˚ and ˘. Black can create a ko up to », which is
›¯!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+] an outstanding result for Black.
„ B !@¨+@@!*!++!+@++]
[˘!@˜!!@+!++@@+@+@] If White ataris at ˙ instead of connecting at ¯,
[˙˚´ˆ+!@!+!++++@!+] Black will counter-atari at ¯ and capture !
A after
[‚”ˇ˝@!!@@+++!+!+@]
[+++++@++++!@!+!++] squeezing at B.
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+] Instead of ›, the kosumi at „ is also conceivable for
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+] White, but Black will exchange B for › and then
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+] atari at “. No matter what White does now, the
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++] result is still a ko at best.
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 143 for 6
July 381
<(((((((((((((((((> Cutting at ˜ first appears to be skillful, but ˘ will
[!@@+++++@++++++++] capture White’s marked stones in snapback.
[+!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@˜˚@@!*!++!+@++]
[+!@¨tt@+!++@@+@+@]
[++´ˆ+t@!+!++++@!+]
[+++˝@tt@@+++!+!+@]
[++++ˇ@˘+++!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 144 for 6
D I E ( F H ((((((((((((> Instead of the hane at I (9 in the game), Black
C !CC G +ˇ˘+@˙¸++++++] should have blocked at ´.
B A !!CC+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!C++CC!*!++!+@++] White can live in the corner with ˆ and ¨, but the
[+!C+!!C+!++@@+@+@] position is not yet certain.
¨ˆ´C!+!C!+!˛‹“+@!+]
[˜++!@!!@@¯‚›!+!+@] Black isn’t alive in the top left, but exchanging ˇ
[+˝+++@++++s@!+!++] for ˘ makes his group resilient and leaves behind aji
[!˚++!@+@+s+”!+@@+] in the corner.
[@!!+!@!@*s@«„+*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@s+T!!!!!] Pushing at ¯ is a very important move, and an enor-
[+!@!!!@s@ssTTTT!+] mous trade takes place up to «. Eventually, the
[+++@@@@ss+sT+!T++] triangled stones escape and the squared stones fall.
[+@+++++@+s@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@] White still needs to finish capturing Black’s circled
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+] group at E, otherwise Black will entangle the corner
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++] in a ko with A to I.
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))). This variation leads to a very close game.
Variation 145 for 9
<ff B (!(ffl D E ((((((((> If White cuts at ‹ (instead of playing at —), Black
fi!@@+ C ˇ˘+@˙¸++++++] can hane at ›. This defends the marked stones in
[+!!@@–!!!@@+++@!+] sente, after ” and „.
+!@ A +@@!*!++!+@++]
[+!@fl!!@«!++@@+@+@] Black’s continuation with « and – is precise, and
¨ˆ´@!ffi!@!»!˛—++@!+] White is forced to connect at —.
ı˜+!@!!TT¯‚‹!+!+@]
[‰˝+›„@++++!@!+!++] Black allows Black to protect the cutting point at
[!˚++!@”@+!++!+@@+] A in sente with fl.
[@!!“!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!] Black eventually lives with ! and reverses the game.
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++] If White tries to capture Black with at B, Black
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!] exchanges ! for White C and connects under with
[++@+++++++@@!+++@] Black D, , Black E.
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 146 for 9
382 July
˛(((((((((((((((((> If White cuts at ˚, Black will be happy to return
¯sTT+++++@++++++++] the favor at ˇ. White might cut at ˘ next, but
˙‹ssTT+!!!@@+++@!+] attaching at ¯ is a well known tesuji and White
¸+s@˘+TT!*!++!+@++]
[‚s@+!!T+!++@@+@+@] can’t avoid a ko in the corner.
¨ˆ´@!+!T!+!++++@!+] If White ataris at ˙, Black can counter-atari with
›˜++!@!!@@+++!+!+@]
[+˝++˚@++++!@!+!++] the clamp at ¸ and capture White’s two stones up
[!ˇ++!@+@+!++!+@@+] to ›.
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+] After ›, we can still expect a ko between the marked
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 147 for 9 groups, but it’s a picnic ko for Black.
<˙((((((((((((((((> If White descends at ˙, jumping at ¸ still hits the
¯!@@+++++@++++++++] vital point.
“›!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+]
¸˛!@˘+@@!*!++!+@++] White ˛ is the only move, and exchanging ‚ for ‹
[‹!@+!!@+!++@@+@+@] before starting the ko shows impeccable technique.
¨ˆ´@!+!@!+!++++@!+]
‚˜++!@!!@@+++!+!+@] We can expect a big ko up to ›, and the sequence
[+˝—»˚@++++!@!+!++] from ” to — is a ko threat for Black. Black continues
[!ˇ„«!@–@+!++!+@@+] with « to — because otherwise White will have a
[@!!”!@!@*!@+++*@+] ko threat at «.
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 148 for 9 After Black recaptures with , White doesn’t have
at › any threats of sufficient value.
<(ˆ(˜( D (((((((((((> The hane at ˆ doesn’t help in this fight.
[!@@+ C ¯˙+@++++++++]
[+!!@@ A ttt@@+++@!+] Pushing with ¸ and ‚ is still powerful, and White
[+!@+ B @@t*t++!+@++] doesn’t have any special moves to manage the situa-
[+!@+!!@+t++@@+@+@] tion.
˚¨´@!+!@t+t˛«++@!+]
[˝++!@!!@@¸‚‹!+!+@] If White cuts at ‹, Black can isolate White’s top
[+ˇ+›„@++++!@!+!++] group with «, after exchanging › to „ in sente.
[!˘++!@”@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!“!@!@*!@+++*@+] There’s no way for White’s top group to live on the
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!] inside, and the capturing race favors Black.
Variation 149 for 9
Because of ˜, White can’t capture ¯ with A to D,
which means the exchange of ˆ for ˜ helps Black.
<(ˆ(˜(((((((((((((> If White lives in the corner with ˆ and ¨, Black
[!@@++¯˙+@++++++++] can exchange ˝ to ¯ in sente.
¨+!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+]
‹˛!@ A +@@!*!++!+@++] After that, Black can make an eye on the left side up
‚¸!@ B !!@+!++@@+@+@] to ›, and the game will become very close.
[+´@!+!@!+!++++@!+]
[›++!@!!@@+++!+!+@] Black doesn’t need to worry about being cut at A,
[+˝+˘ˇ@++++!@!+!++] because he can atari at B.
[!˚++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 150 for 9
July 383
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
<@
A ((((=(((((((((((>
:!@@++;<+@++++++++]
[+!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@++@@!*!++!+@++]
[+!@+!!@+!++@@+@+@]
[+>@!+!@!+!B+++@!+]
[++?!@!!@@A++!+!+@]
[++C@+@++++!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 22
(Moves: 158-167)
Extending at : was the best response to @
A (9), and the exchange of @
A for : backfired on Black.
The kosumi at ; was the right followup, but it was already very hard for Black to catch up.
Pushing at > was the finishing blow. The game was practically over once White played there.
Black was faced with a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea; between certain destruction or
wasting away in an uneventful endgame.
He tried to complicate the game with C, but it was too late for it to have any real chance of success.
<@((((((((((((((((> Instead of extending to A (:), connecting at ´ is
A !@@+++++@++++++++] clumsy.
[´!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@++@@!*!++!+@++] Black will be happy to block at ˆ, and White will
[+!@+!!@+!++@@+@+@] struggle to live in the corner so the result will be even
[+ˆ@!+!@!+!++++@!+] better for Black than the previous variations.
[+++!@!!@@+++!+!+@]
[+++++@++++!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 151 for :
384 July
<@A ((((((((((((((((> After Black has exchanged @ A for !
B , turning at ´
!!SS++ C ++@++++++++]
B isn’t particularly strong anymore.
[+!!SS+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!T˘+SS!*!++!+@++] If Black still plays ´ to ˝, White won’t connect at
[+!T+!!S+!++@@+@+@] ˇ, and will cut at ˚ instead.
¨ˆ´T!+!S!+!++++@!+]
[˜++!@!!@@+++!+!+@] If not for the exchange of @
A for !
B , Black could start
[+˝++˚@++++!@!+!++] a ko by attaching at B instead—as we saw in Varia-
D !ˇ++!@+@+!++!+@@+] tion 148.
[T!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[T!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!] One of Black’s marked groups will die, because C and
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+] D are miai, so the game is decided in White’s favor.
Variation 152 for ;
<@ B (‚(¸ A ((((((((((> If Black connects at ˇ, White can connect at ˘.
!!@@++¯˙+@˛‹++++++]
[+!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+] Even though Black can live on the inside up to ‚,
[+!@+ˇ@@!*!++!+@++] ˛ is a tesuji which aims to prevent Black from con-
[+!@+!!@+!++@@+@+@] necting at A in sente.
¨ˆ´@!+!@!+!++++@!+]
[˜++!@!!@@+++!+!+@] If Black ataris ˛ at ‹, White B will capture Black.
[+˝++˚@++++!@!+!++]
[!˘++!@+@+!++!+@@+] Exchanging ‚ for ‹ is unavoidable, but the damage
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+] to Black’s top right territory is too much to bear.
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 153 for ;
<@((((((((((((((((> Cutting with ˇ to ¸ doesn’t work after ˚, because
!!@@+++++@++++++++] White can wedge at ˛ and Black’s marked stones
[+!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+] are trapped.
[+!@++@@!*!++!+@++]
[+!@+!!@+!++@@+@+@] If Black ataris at A, White can connect at B, making
¨ˆ´@!+!@!+!˘¸++@!+] miai of C and D.
[˜++!@!!TTˇ¯˙!+!+@]
[+˝++˚@ B ˛ A +!@!+!++]
[!+++!@ D @ C !++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 154 for ;
<@((((@¯((((((((((> This variation is one of the best remaining options
!!@@++@!+@++++++++] for Black.
[+!!@@+!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@+ˇ@@!*!++!+@++] He manages to connect under with ¯, but White
[+!@+!!@+!++@@+@+@] maintains his lead and takes sente.
[+!@!+!@!+!!¨++@!+]
[++@!@!!@@@´ˆ!+!+@] Gu didn’t play like this because he knew that it
[+˚˝!+@++++!@!+!++] wasn’t good enough to win.
[!+˘+!@˜@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 155 for C
July 385
Black Looks for a Place to Resign
<@((((@(((((((((((>
!!@@++@!+@++++++++]
[+!!@@J!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@DK@@!*!++!+@++]
[+!@H!!@+!+I@@+@+@]
[+!@!+!@!+!!G++@!+]
[++@!@!!@@@EF!+!+@]
[++@!+@+L+M!@!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 23
(Moves: 168-177)
Cutting at D settled the game cleanly, and there was nothing Black could do now.
Black pushed at E, but it was already too late. Connecting at H made J and L miai for White.
<@((((@(((((((((((> White mustn’t connect at ´, because Black can play
!!@@++@!+@++++++++] at ˆ and ¨, making ˝ and ˚ miai next.
[+!!@@ B !!!@@+++@!+]
[+!T¯¸@@!*!++!+@++] As you can see, Black’s marked stones have one more
[+!T˙!!@+!++@@+@+@] liberty now. Instead of ´, if White connects at A,
[+!T!+!@!+!!˝++@!+] the result will be the same as the previous variation.
[++T!@!!@@@ˆ˜!+!+@]
[+ A T! C @˛+++!@!+!++] If White connects at ˝, he loses the capturing race
[!´˘ˇ!@¨@+!++!+@@+] up to ˛. If White plays ¯ at ¸, he still loses the
[@!!˚!@!@*!@+++*@+] capturing race after Black B, ¯ and Black C.
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 156 for D
<@(( D (@(((((((((((> The atari at ´ doesn’t work because ˆ is sente.
!!@@++@!+@˚ˇ++++++]
[+!!@@˝!!!@@+++@!+] If White doesn’t exchange ˆ for ˜, Black will cap-
[+!@!¨@@!*!++!+@++] ture White with A to C after he connects at ¨.
[+!@´!!@˘!+˛@@+@+@]
[+!@! B !@!+!!¸++@!+] White ˘ is a clever move which allows White to take
[++@!@!!@@@¯˙!+!+@] sente. After White makes two eyes with ˛, Black
[++@!+@ A +++!@!+!++] will have to go back and live with D.
[!++ C !@˜@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!ˆ!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
Variation 157 for E
386 July
<@((«(@(((((((((((> Instead of pushing at A, as in the previous variation,
!!@@++@!+@˚ˇ++++++] Black can squeeze White up to „ after cutting at ‚.
[+!!@@˝!!!@@+++@!+] He manages to save his marked stones and reduce
[+!@!¨@@!*!++!+@++]
[+!@´!!@˘!++@@+@+@] White’s territory in the process.
[+!@!˙!@!+!!+++@!+] However, Black still has to spend another move at
[++@!@!!@@@ A +!+!+@]
[+‹@!¯@¸+++!@!+!++] «, so White can take sente.
[!‚„˛!@˜@+!++!+@@+] White » is a big sente endgame move, and the game
[T!!ˆ!@!@*!@+++*@+] is still good for White.
[T!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!]
[›!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[”“+@@@@!!+!@+!@++]
[+@+++++@+!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@»++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 158 for E
<@((˚(@ˇ˘¸˛(((((((> After !
A (H) there’s no way to capture White’s
!!@@ B ˝@s¯@˙+++++++] marked stones at the top.
[+!!@@ˆsss@@+++@!+]
[+!@!˜@@s*s++!+@++] As we’ve seen, ´ prevents Black’s marked stones
[+!@!A !!@¨s+ C @@+@+@] from being disconnected, but ˆ and ¨ are strong.
[+!@!+!@s+ss@++@!+]
[++@!@!!TTTT!!+!+@] Even if Black connects at ˝, White can still capture
[++@!+@++++!@!+!++] up to ˛ (˘ and B are miai).
[!+++!@´@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+] If Black attacks from the outside with ˝ at C, Black
[@!@@@!!@@!+@!!!!!] will be short of liberties after White B, ˝ and ˚.
Variation 159 for I
<@((((@(((((((((((> Black ataried at ´ in the game, but ˆ was his cue
!!@@++@!+@++++++++] to resign.
[+!!@@!!!!@@+++@!+]
[+!@!@@@!*!++!+@++] If Black keeps playing, White can capture Black’s
[+!@!!!@+!+@@@+@+@] center group up to ˛, so Gu resigned after N (ˆ in
[+!@!+!@!¨!!@++@!+] this variation).
[++@!@!!@@@@!!+!+@]
[++@!+@ˇ!ˆ´! a @!+!++]
[!+++!@+@˘!˜˛!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@˚++*@+]
[@!@@@!!@@!¯@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@@!!+!@+!@˙+]
[+@+++++@¸!@!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@@@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 160 for M
˝ at !
a
July 387
A Runaway Freight Train
<@
I ((((@(((((((((((>
!!@@++@!+@++++++++]
[+!!@@!!! G !@@+++@!+]
[+!@!@@@!*!++!+@++]
[+!@!!!@+!+@@@+@+@]
[+!@!+!@!+!!@++@!+]
[++@!@!H !@@@@!!+!+@]
[++@!+@+!N@! F @!+!++]
[!+++!@+@+!++!+@@+]
[@!!+!@!@*!@+++*@+]
[@!@@@!C !@@!+@!!!!!]
[+!@!!!@!@!!@@@@!+]
[+++@@@E @!!+!@ B +!@++]
[+@+++++@+! D @!!+!!!]
[++@+++++++@@!+++@]
[!!!@+++!!@@!!+*@+]
[+++!!++!@++@!@+++]
[++++++@ A @@@@@+++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 24
(Move: 178)
178 moves: White won by resignation.
Lee Sedol won the sixth game, and the overall result now stood at 4–2 in Lee’s favor.
This game was an important opportunity for Gu Li to even the score, but he stumbled. He was under
a great deal of pressure, and seemed to struggle to find his best form in Lu’an.
Meanwhile, Lee was greatly relieved. He had also struggled with his form, when he lost four consecutive
games to Gu, but he managed to win this game and give himself some room to breathe. Now, having
restored his two game lead and needing only one more victory to ensure (at worst) a draw, Lee was
riding a runaway freight train.
Gu started the game with another successful opening, but extending at - (@
A ) was an overplay and
he lost his advantage.
The cut at K (@
B ) came a whisker too early, and the result up to ˆ (!
C ) was better for White.
Cutting at ¨ (!D ) was questionable, and this gave Black a chance to catch up. However, ¯ (@
E ) was
a mistake, and White had a solid lead after — (!F ).
White ‰ (! G ) was a little risky, and jumping at , (! H ) was a mistake. Black seized the opportunity
to complicate the game, but 9 (@ I ) was a blunder which became the losing move.
We hope that by studying this commentary you’ll feel the profundity and depth of both masters’
reading. The commentary in this book can only offer a glimpse of their strategies and plans, because
space is limited. One could write a whole book, just about this game.
Chapter 7
August
August 31, 2014, Lhasa, Tibet: Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
<˙(˘LMR((((((((ffififl$
¯˚¨„aPVIKJ+++++—ı ]
"˝˜¨‚QA[I+H+fi›‰‹›!]
[ˇ˛¸T>BC–*+++ffi+´+7]
[+˙¯„@][ZX“++»“++]
[#‹SHDˆ\++V›W–”?6+]
[+UFUEN++˛¸˘ff>;=+]
[+?GO;:„^¯‘ˇ+<8”+]
[ffl+++69+”˙Y+++19:´]
[++Q++–3_‹’! @+*“+]
[TRPO+ı2«˚#—ffl$+++‘]
[+5NS+‰7»&%+"++_=^]
L+KJM+48+b+c+/+fl<\]
CB˚E+5++%+`˝+-+c]ı]
F31/++++++(*,b ‰—]
D20ˆ)-%A˜G)+a"ˇ˜fl‚
[+++,˝$(´˘¨+»˛ffifffiX¸
[+4«*&’.ˆ+++.#!fflW0ff
,))))))))))))))ZY`
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-237)
‚ at ‘, « at F
389
390 August
Lhasa
The seventh game of the MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango was played in Lhasa, Tibet, on August 31, 2014.
Lee Sedol played black.
Lee Sedol was leading 4–2 going into this game, so it was very important for Gu Li to win. If he lost,
Lee would extend his lead to 5–2, meaning that a draw would be the best result Gu could hope for.
In game six, Gu had a good chance near the very end, after Lee allowed him to complicate the game.
Unfortunately, he failed to take full advantage of it and his prospects declined from a possible 3–3
score, to being two games behind.
Like Shangri-La, Lhasa is more than 3,000 meters above sea level, so the players were once again
subjected to extreme conditions. In an interview after the previous game, Lee was asked how he would
prepare for the high altitude. Buoyed by his win, Lee lightheartedly quipped that he would smoke less
in the lead up to the game.
Some journalists and Go fans were concerned that the players would suffer from altitude sickness
again, and questioned the choice of location, but both players learned from game five and traveled to
the venue several days earlier to acclimatize.
August 391
The High Enclosure
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+˚+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++ C ++++]
[++ˆ+++++*+++ B ˇ*˜+]
[++++˝++++++ D + A +++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 1-7)
Black exchanged ˝ for ˚, and formed a high corner enclosure with ˜ and ˇ. Compared to the
standard enclosure, when ˇ is at A, the high enclosure is thicker and more center-oriented.
When Black encloses with A instead, it’s possible for White to press the corner down with the shoulder
hit at B, but pressing ˇ at C gives Black more territory (after Black B) and is usually bad for White.
This enclosure focuses more power towards the right side—because the shape is tighter—and less power
towards the bottom, because the corner is open and White can approach at D. Black’s potential on
the right side is similar, but his potential at the bottom is larger after ˇ.
<(((((((((((((((((> Lee Sedol played the moves up to ‹ in the final of
[+++++++++++++++++] the 26th Asian TV Cup, against Kono Rin 9 dan.
[++!+++++++++¨+¸¯+] The game was about a two weeks before this one, on
[++*+++++*++‚++@˘+]
[+++++++++++++++˙+] August 19, 2014.
[+++++++++++++ˇ˝ˆ+] This is another game, but since Lee played like this as
[+++++++++++++˛˚++]
[+++++++++++++++‹+] White, Gu probably didn’t want to follow this path.
[++++++++++++++˜++] He would expect Lee to have researched this opening
[++*+++++*+++++*++] after the game and prepared some new moves.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] It appears that Lee thought that exchanging A for B
[+++++++++++++++++] before playing the moves in the top right was good
[+ B +++++++++++++++] for Black. He was probably worried that if he ap-
[+++++++++++++++++] proached at A later, White might pincer at C or D.
[++!+++++*++++´*@+]
[++++ A + C + D ++++++++] In Chapter 6, we criticized the pincer at D when
[+++++++++++++++++] combined with the star point, but this situation is
,))))))))))))))))). different because White primarily wants to split the
Variation 1 for ˝
bottom and reduce the potential of Black’s corner.
392 August
Loose Pincers Discourage Sacrifice
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[++¯++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!
A +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++T*T+]
[++++@B + C +˘++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 8-9)
White immediately reduced Black’s potential at the bottom with ˘. After making a fist with !A , the
loose pincer at ˘ actually put more pressure on Black than C would have, because it made it harder
to sacrifice @
B and reduced the potential of Black’s marked enclosure. If ˘ were at C, Black would
counter-pincer at ˘ and develop the potential of Black’s high enclosure on a larger scale.
[+++++++++++++++++] The three space high pincer at ´ also feels nice in
[++*+++++*+++++*++] this position.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ E +˙++++++++++++] Compared to the low pincer at A (˘ in the game),
[+++++++¯+++++++++] ´ is lighter and moves into the center more quickly.
[+!++˚++++++++++++]
[+++ˇ˘+++++ F ++++++] However, it doesn’t attack @
B as severely, and it’s
[++!+¨+˝+´++++@*@+] harder for White aim at moves like C or D later.
[+++˜@ B +++ A +ˆ D C ++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The sequence up to ˙ is natural, and E and F are
,))))))))))))))))). both good continuations for White.
Variation 2 for ˘
[+++++++++++++++++] After ´, sliding to ˆ is natural and this variation
[++*+++++*+++++*++] shows the most common continuation.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White defends the corner submissively at A, Black
[+++++++++++++++++] is planning to complete his base with B. This would
[+!+++++++++++++++] be good for Black because it makes ´ weak and out
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+ˇ+ B +´++++@*@+] of place.
[+ A ++@˜¯++++++++++] White ˜ and ˝ are tesuji which allow White to
[++ˆ˚˝¨+++++++++++] connect his stones while pressing Black down. The
,))))˘)))))))))))).
Variation 3 for ˘ result up to ¯ is acceptable for both players.
August 393
[+++++++++++++++++] Since the crosscut tesuji (˝) in the previous vari-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] ation helps Black to make eye shape, professionals
[+++++++++++++++++] started to experiment with ˝ in 2012.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This move was practically never played before, be-
[+!+++++++++++++++] cause in basic shape terms the exchange of ˜ for ¨
[++++¯‚+++++++++++]
[++!¸˘˝++´++++@*@+] becomes bad for White after Black extends to ˚.
[+ A +ˇ@˜+++++++++++] However, ˇ to ‚ comprise a strong continuation
[++ˆ˙˛¨˚+ B ++++++++] and the result is reasonable for both players.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 4 for ˘ White can play A (or in rare cases B) in sente later.
[+++++++++++++++++] Jiang Weijie 9 dan played ˝ against Lee Sedol in the
[++*+++++*+++++*++] 1st Bailing Cup, in 2012.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] At the time, Lee tried to resist by pushing up with
[++˛++++++++++++++] ˚, but ˇ and ¯ were strong.
[+!„”›++++++++++++]
[++«‹‚˙+++++++++++] Black ˛ was a creative and flexible looking move,
[++!“˚˝++´++++@*@+] but it proved to be too thin after White cut at ‚.
[+¯++@˜+¸+++++++++]
[++ˆ+˘¨ˇ++++++++++] When Jiang tried ˝ against Lee once again in June
,))))))))))))))))). 2014, Lee played as in the previous variation instead.
Variation 5 for ˘
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of the pincer at ˘ in the game, splitting at
[+++++++++++++++++] ´ is also possible. In response, Black will most likely
[++!++++++++++++++] play ˆ with an eye towards approaching at A later.
[++*+++++*+++++@++]
[++ˆ++++++++++++++] This opening strategy was discussed in detail in
[+++++++++++++++++] Chapter 6, so we won’t repeat it here.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*´+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 6 for ˘
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black counter-pincers at ´, White can kick at ˆ
[++*+++++*+++++*++] to make Black heavy, and the moves up to ˚ flow
[+++++++++++++++++] naturally. This leads to another game.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++˚+˝++++++++++++] Instead of ˆ, the iron pillar at A avoids helping
[+!+++++++++++++++] Black to move into the center and is also possible,
[++++++++¨++++++++]
[++!+˜ C + B *++++@*@+] but it gives Black time to play the shoulder hit at B.
[++ A ˆ@+++!+´++++++] Using ˆ to press at C is a little slack, especially
[+++++++++++++++++] when it isn’t easy to invade the bottom right later.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 7 for ¯
394 August
Develop Towards the Wider Side
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++ E ++++++++++++++]
[++!‚++++++++›++++]
[+˛¸+++++*+++++@ C ++]
[+˙@++++++++++++++]
[+‹+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++ D ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!
B +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++T*T+]
[++++@ A +++!++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 4
(Moves: 10-15)
White attached at ˙ to enlarge his territory in the corner, and starting the avalanche joseki with ¸
and ‚ followed the direction of play. This shape is named ‘avalanche’ because the colors were inverted
when it was first played, and ¸ and ‚ (when white stones) resemble snow rolling down the mountain.
The top is more valuable than the left side in this opening, because Black has already exchanged @
A
for the low enclosure at !B on the left, whereas the top is completely open and untouched. In other
words, there is greater potential at the top than on the left side.
The tenuki and enclosure at › were typical of the modern style of play. Black regarded his moves in
the top left as forcing exchanges and treated them lightly (for now), while making miai of D and E.
We discussed the merits of the star point corner enclosure (› and @
C ) in Chapter 5.
With respect to the right side, Black D (instead of ›) would form an ideal shape with the marked
stones. However, as we’ve already discussed, modern Go focuses more on creating balance across the
whole board.
We’ll investigate what happens if Black plays › at D below.
<(((((((((((((((((> Pincering at ´ (or A) appears to work well with
[++˘¸+++++++++++++] White’s bottom left corner, but it’s not particularly
[+˚!‚ˇ++++“+++++++] interesting for White.
[++˛++ˆ++*+++++@++]
[+˙@˜˝++++++++++++] The large knight’s press at ˆ is elastic, and ˜ to ˝
[++¯¨+++++++++++++] can be expected.
[+ A ‹++++++++++++++]
[++´›+++++++++++++] Attaching at ˚ is a flexible technique which aims to
[+++++++++++++++++] live in the corner and take sente.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Even though the result is even, Black is fleet of foot
Variation 8 for ˙ up to “ and his position feels more active.
August 395
<(((((((((((((((((> The counter-hane at ¯ is also conceivable, but cut-
[+˛˘++++++++++++++] ting at ¯ in the previous variation is generally
[+˚!¸ˇ++++“+++++++] thought to be better.
[+¯˙++ˆ++*+++++@++]
[+‹@˜˝++++++++++++] In the final analysis, White has exchanged ¯ for ˛,
[+›‚¨+++++++++++++] which is slightly better for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++´++++++++++++++] Black retains sente once again and takes the big point
[+++++++++++++++++] at “, so this opening favors Black.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 9 for ˙
<(((((((((((((((((> The hane at ´ isn’t ideal in this opening.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!D +¨++++++++++++] White has already closed off the left side with !
H , so
[+ˆ*+++++*+++++@ A ++] the potential on the left side is small.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
F E
[+´+++++++++++++++] However, ´ to ˝ are reasonable locally speaking
[++˜++++++++++++++] and the main issues are that Black isn’t developing
[+++++++++++++++++] his potential on the right side or making his unusual
[+++++++++++++++++] enclosure at @J work efficiently.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+˝+++++++++++++++] White can kick at ˚ and extend to ˘, which is an
[+++++++++++++++++] excellent move. White settles at the bottom and de-
[+++++++++++++++++] velops rapidly, while reducing Black’s potential in the
[+!
H +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] corner and on the right.
[++!B +ˇ+++*++++@ J *@C +] It’s as if the opening had been played as @
A, !
B, @
C,
[+++˚@ G +++! I ++˘+++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] !
D, @ E, ! F , ´, ˆ, @G, !
H , ˜, ¨, ˝, ! I and @
J. All
,))))))))))))))))). the moves in this sequence are good except for @
J,
Variation 10 for ¸ which becomes bad after ˚ to ˘.
<((((((((((((„(‹((> The key point at ´ is also playable, and ˆ follows.
[+++++++++++“‚˙¸˛+]
[++!@++++++˜+ˆ¯˚¨+] Even though Black’s position on the right side is
[+!@+++++*++”˘ˇ@˝+] ideal, there’s a vague feeling that he doesn’t have
[+!@+++++++++›++++] any particularly effective way to bring his force to
[+!+++++++++«+++++] bear on ˆ.
[+++++++++++++++ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++] Pincering with ˜ and dodging into the corner with
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨ are tactics we’re quite familiar with by now. When
[++*+++++*+++++´++] Black already has a stone at ´, he can develop to-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ B +] wards the wider side with ˝, but ˘ can be expected.
[+++++++++++++++++] We first discussed this shape in Chapter 3, and you
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] may recall that White takes the corner in sente, while
[++!+++++*++++@*@+] leaving defects in Black’s moyo around A and B.
[++++@+++!++»+++++] Extending to » is important, because it limits
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black’s right side moyo. White can wait until later
Variation 11 for › in the game to invade at A or B.
396 August
<((((((((((((!(!((> Let’s investigate White’s aji on the right side.
[+++++++++++!+!+!+]
[++!@++++++@+!@!! B ] White — hits the vital point and makes miai of ‰
[+!@+++++*++@!@@@‰ D and A. After , White unleashes a fierce tesuji com-
[+!@+++++++++@ C ffıffi bination from ‰ to fi.
[+!+++++++++@++!flfi]
[++++++++++++++ffl—+] White won’t play these moves at this stage in the
[+++++++++++++++++] game, because they make Black very thick, but this
[++++++++++++++++] tactic will be available later on.
[++*+++++*+++++@ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black plays ff at B, White will crush his resistance
[+++++++++++++++++] with C, Black D, White at ff, Black at ‰, and fi.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] Instead of fl, if Black descends to ffi, White will
[+++++++++++++++++] start a ko with !. In most cases the ko is too heavy
[++!+++++*++++@*@+] for Black to fight, so White can reduce the right side
[++++@+++!++!+++++] in sente with the moves in this variation.
[++–++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 12 for ›
at
<((((((((((((!(!((> If Black prevents White from connecting under, by
[+++++++++++!+!+!+] playing the kosumi at , White can sacrifice and
[++!@++++++@+!@!!+] settle on the right side with ‰ to fi.
[+!@+++++*++@!@@@+]
[+!@+++++++++@+++] Extending at in this variation makes miai of ff
[+!+++++++++@+++++] and fi, so White’s stones are flexible.
[+++++++++++++++—+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ffı+]
[++*+++++*+++++@‰+]
[++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++fi+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!++!+++++]
[++–++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 13 for ›
August 397
<((((((((((((!(!((> If Black’s position in the bottom right is too thick,
[+++++++++++!+!+!+] White can also crosscut at and propel himself into
[++!@++++++@ B +!@!!+]
the center by sacrificing ‰.
[+!@+++++*++@!@@@+]
[+!@+++++++++@ffl++] Black’s moyo on the right side has been dramatically
[+!+++++++++@+ffi+++] reduced up to , and there’s still a little aji in ‰.
[+++++++++++++++—+]
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s tesuji at — is quite effective and, as you can
[+++++++++++ +fiıff] see, these tactics are flexible and annoying for Black.
[++*+++++*+++++@ A ‰+]
[++++++++++++++fl++] This is why many professionals, including Lee Sedol,
[+++++++++++++++++] think twice about setting up this kind of formation
[+++++++++++++++++] with @A and @B (at the time of writing).
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!++!+++++]
[++–++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 14 for ›
<(((((((((((((((((> Answering ˆ at ˜ is also possible, but White will
[++˝ B E + F ++++++++++] be happy to take the key point at ¨.
[+˚!@ A +ˇ+˘+++ˆ++++]
[+!@+ C D ++¨+++++@++] Black cobbles together a makeshift position in the
[+!@+¯++++++++++++] top left with ˝ to ˇ, but ˘ is a calm move which
[+!++++++++++++˜++] closes the door to White’s eyespace and aims to at-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ G +] tach at A next.
[+++++++++++++++++] Reinforcing at ¯ prepares to resist White A with
[++*+++++*+++++´++] B to D. After ¯, White can peep at E, but Black
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ H +] will make shape with Black B, White F and Black
[+++++++++++++++++] A. Instead of ¯, C leaves a vital point at E exposed.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White takes sente and occupies the big point at ˙.
[++!+++++*++++@*@+] If you look at the whole board, White has potential
[++++@+++!++˙+++++] in several places, while Black is concentrated on the
[+++++++++++++++++] right side and White can still invade at G or H later.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 15 for ›
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black tries to make shape with ˝ to ˇ, ˘ hits
[++˝++++++++++++++] the vital point and Black’s group is a little heavy.
[+˚!@+˘++++++ˆ++++]
[+!@+ˇ+++¨+++++@++] If you review the example variations from the large
[+!@++++++++++++++] avalanche joseki (given below), you’ll be able to see
[+! A +++++++++++˜++] that ¨ will end up being a useful pincer if Black tries
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] to continue with those patterns.
[+++++++++++++++++] Therefore, continuing with ˝ at A, after White plays
[++*+++++*+++++´++] around ¨, isn’t a good idea either.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 16 for ›
398 August
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of A, continuing the large avalanche joseki
[¯˚¨˙“++++++++++++] with ´ isn’t interesting in this opening.
[˝˜!@›‰+++++ A ++++]
[‹!@++ı++*+++++@++] The result up to is slightly better for White, be-
[+!@+–++++++++++++] cause he can easily remove Black’s eye shape on the
[˛!´++++++++++++++] left with B to D.
[¸ˇˆ++++++++++++++]
[‚˘„+»++++++++++++] Because of that, Black doesn’t like to play the
[ C ”«—+++++++++++++] avalanche when White has a stone around E.
[ B +*+++++*+++++*++]
[+ D ++++++++++++++] This is another example of why you should consider
[+++++++++++++++++] all your stones and strive to make them work together
[+++++++++++++++++] efficiently, instead of just sleepwalking through a
[+! E +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] joseki.
[++!+++++*++++@*@+] In this sequence, Black started out developing to-
[++++@+++!++++++++] wards the wider side, but became preoccupied with
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). tactics and ended up playing on the narrow side with
Variation 17 for › ”, « and .
<(((((((((((((((((> The variation up to ‰ is also slightly better for
[¯˚¨˙+++++++++++++] White.
[˝˜!@„++++++++++++]
[‹!@+++++*+++++@++] Since !
A is already on the board, White can induce
[+!@+”+–++++++++++] ‰ by exchanging — for , and Black ends up with
[˛!´+«++++++++++++] two weak groups.
[¸ˇˆ“»+‰++++++++++]
[‚˘+++++++++++++++] The large avalanche joseki was very popular in the
[+›++++++++++++++] late 1990s and early 2000s, but its popularity has
[++*+++++*+++++*++] declined since then.
[+—+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] These sorts of large scale josekis cover too much of
[+++++++++++++++++] the board. It’s as if two elephants came and trampled
[+!
A +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] all over the left side; crushing the buds of the opening
[++!+++++*++++@*@+] before they had a chance to flower.
[++++@+++!++++++++] Contemporary players prefer wider and more flexible
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). openings, and dislike this kind of large, settled shape.
Variation 18 for ›
<(((((((((((((((((> Making shape with ´ and ˜ is also possible, and is
[++´++++++++++¸˙˛+] a good way to simplify the position in the top left.
[+ˆ!@+++ A +˝++¨‚ˇ˚+]
[+!@+˜+++*+++ B +@˘+] If White approaches at ¨, the pincer at ˝ is a well
[+!@+++++++++++¯++] balanced move and trading with ˚ is natural. It’s
[+!++++++++++++ C ‹+] another game up to ‹.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White plays ¨ at ˝; Black A, ¨, ‚, White B
[+++++++++++++++++] and Black C is another path. If ¨ pincers around A
[++*+++++*+++++*++] instead, Black counter-pincers around ˝ and fights.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 19 for › Black › in the game aimed to play ´ and ˜ next.
August 399
Split and Tenuki to Take a Huge Point
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++„++++++++++++++]
[++!@++++++++@ A ++++]
[+!@+++++*+++++@++]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++”+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++ B “+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!++++++++]
[++«++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 5
(Moves: 16-19)
As we discussed in the previous section, @
A aimed to play at either B or „ next.
Splitting the right side with “ was more important than playing at „ in this opening, but „ was
also large. White exchanged “ for ”, before going back to the top left to take the huge point at „.
After „, it was as if White had played “ at „, and the game had continued with ” and “. Black
” and “ are both bad moves in this transposition, but Black has failed to establish an ideal moyo at
B. This advanced strategy should only be used sparingly, as a way to take a huge point like „.
Lee chose to slide to « next, but this move was somewhat questionable.
<(((((((((((((((((> Descending at ´ is very big and important, but
[++´++++++++++++++] Black will be overjoyed to form an ideal moyo on
[++!@++++++++T++++] the right side with ˆ.
[+!@+++++*+++++T++]
[+!@++++++++++++++] Black ˆ unites the two marked enclosures and allows
[+!+++++++++++++++] their power to resonate across the right side. Instead
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] of ˆ, A is also an excellent move.
[+++++++++++++++++] Creating an ideal formation is only helpful if you
[++*+++++*+++++ˆ A +] know how to use it effectively.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] When Black sets up a large moyo with ˆ, his plan
[+++++++++++++++++] is provoke White into invading, and to then take the
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] initiative by attacking—converting his still indistinct
[++!+++++*++++T*T+] moyo into territory and reaping benefits elsewhere.
[++++@+++!++++++++] If White doesn’t invade, Black will eventually secure
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). a huge territory on the right.
Variation 20 for “ Let’s investigate some practical continuations...
400 August
<(((((((((((((((((> White ˜ is the easiest place to invade, and aims to
[++!++++++++++++++] form a base on the right side (with A or B) or head
[++!@++++++++@++++] into the corner (with C or D).
[+!@+++++*+++++@ C +]
[+!@++++++++++++˚ D ] Kicking with ¨ and tightening the vise with ˚ is
[+!+++++++++++++++] a pragmatic combination, frustrating both White’s
[+++++++++++‚+++++]
[+++++++++++++¸˝˜+] aims. Go books usually say that you shouldn’t kick
[++++++++++++ E +˙¨+] at ¨ unless you’re going to play at E or ¯ next.
[++*+++++*+++¯ˇ@ B A ] The reason why ¨ is discouraged is that attaching at
[+++++++++++++˘˛++]
[+++++++++++++++++] ˇ usually helps White to make shape while pressing
[+++++++++++++++++] Black down. This tactic can be effective when Black’s
[+!+++++++++++++++] position on the right side is already quite tight and
[+++++++++++++++++] small, or when it seals Black into the corner.
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!+‹++++++] However, in this variation it helps Black to consoli-
[+++++++++++++++++] date territory on the right side and leaves Black with
,))))))))))))))))). sente to take the big point at ‹.
Variation 21 for “
<(((((((((((((((((> Flying out with ˇ is more refined than the attach-
[++!++++++++++++++] ment at ˘ (previous variation).
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@+++++*++ F ++@++] This move preserves the possibility of invading at A
[+!@++++++++++++˚+] later, and keeps sente (helping to prevent ‹ above).
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++ E +¯+++++] Black ˘ is the vital point—you can see this by noting
[++++++++++++++˝˜+] that White can exchange B for C at any time.
[++++++++++ D +ˇ+ B ¨+]
[++*+++++*++++˘@ C +] After ˙, D and E are miai for White, and he can
[+++++++++++˙+++ A +] also develop his group by pressing at F. White is
[+++++++++++++++++] quite mobile and has time to take a big point like G.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!++ G +++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 22 for “
<(((((((((((((((((> The knight’s move at ˚ is still a good point, but
[++!+++++++++++–++] White will have a free hand to settle in the corner
[++!@++++++++@»«+¸] with ˇ and ¯.
[+!@+++++*+++++@ˇ›]
[+!@+++++++++—+˙˘¯‹ Black can cut with ˛ to „, but White will live in
[+!++++++++++++”‚˛] the corner in sente up to —.
[+++++++++++ C ++ A “ B ]
[++++++++++++++˝˜„] The result looks reasonable for both players at first,
[++++++++++++˚++¨+] but the problem for Black is that White can play A
[++*+++++*+++++@++] to C later on. This possibility is highly irritating.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 23 for “
August 401
<(((((((((((((((((> The iron pillar at ¨ is a tried and true way of at-
[++!++++++++++++++] tacking and is another path for Black.
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@+++++*+++++@˚ A ] White can slide to ˝, and ˚ is the best response
[+!@++++++++++++ B ˝] when White already has a stone at ˜. If Black at-
[+!+++++++++++++++] taches at A, White will wedge at ˚ and it will be
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++ˇ+˜+] hard for Black to cut at B, given the presence of ˜.
[+++++++++++++++++] Moving out with ˇ is natural and it’s another game.
[++*+++++*+++++@¨+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ˝, White can also attach at ˚ and employ
Variation 24 for “ the tactics we saw in the previous variation.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black pincers at ¨, sliding to ˝ is a good way to
[++!++++++++++++++] manage White’s group in this game, because Black’s
[++!@++++++++@++++] right side is quite open and large, and the center isn’t
[+!@+++++*+++++@++]
[+!@++++++++++++++] particularly interesting.
[+!+++++++++++++¨+] If Black plays on the right side, White can still jump
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++ A B ˜+] out with A later. On the other hand, if Black seals
[+++++++++++++++++] off the center at A or B, White can move further into
[++*+++++*+++++@+˝] the right side.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 25 for “ Playing ˝ at A is possible if the center is important.
<(((((((((((((((»flffi White can still consider the submarine approach at
[++!++++++++++–“‚„ff ˜, but Black’s stone at @ A makes Black’s position
[++!@++++++++@”¸˛› stronger and tighter than when we reviewed this tac-
[+!@+++++*+++fi«@‹˝]
[+!@+++++++++—¨˜] tic in Chapter 5 (@
A was at B in that game).
[+!+++++++++++ı¯ˇ˚ffl If White cuts at ˇ, Black can fight severely with ˛
[+++++++++++++++˘!]
[+++++++++++++++"˙] and ‹. White has to exchange ı for to prevent
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s ladder at ı.
[++*+++++*+++++@ A ++]
After White’s ko threat at ffl, Black can play and
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
Variation 26 for “ " . White’s group is heavy, with only half an eye.
‰ at ‚
<((((((((((( B (((((> This being the case, White should make peace with
[++!+++++++›˛¸++++] the tesuji at ˇ.
[++!@+++++++‚@¯ˇ“+]
[+!@+++++*++ A ‹˙@+˝] The trade up to “ is reasonable for both players.
[+!@++++++++++++¨˜] White can think about A or B (or tenuki) next.
[+!+++++++++++++˘˚]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s position on the right is solidifying, so he will
[+++++++++++++++++] be satisfied with this result.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++@++] You already made this pattern your own when we
[+++++++++++++++++] reviewed the submarine approach in Chapter 5.
Variation 27 for “
402 August
<(((((((((((((((((> In the game, White descended to ˆ (move „).
[++ˆ++++++++++++++]
[+˜!@++++++++@++++] If White extends at ´ instead, which is normal,
[+!@+¨+++*+++++@++] Black will develop the top with ˆ and ¨.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] This another game, but it appears that Gu thought
[+++++++++++++++++] that the actual game was better for White.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White doesn’t reinforce at A next, Black plans to
[++*+++++*++++ A D !+] continue with B to D. We studied this tactic in detail
[+++++++++++++++++] in Chapter 6.
[++++++++++++++ B C +]
[+++++++++++++++´+] From Black’s perspective, pressing with B to D and
[+!+++++++++++++++] counter-pincering at E are miai.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!+ E ++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 28 for „
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of sliding to A, Black should have used « in
[++*+++++*+++++*! B +] the game to pincer at ´. White will kick at ˆ next.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In Variation 7, we said White would answer ˜ at ˚.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++] The difference now is that White wants to attack
[+++++˝++˚++++++++] more severely and settle his group at the bottom,
[++!+˜+++*++++@*@+] instead of starting a running battle in which !
B could
[+++ˆ@+¨+!+´++++++] later become embroiled.
[++ A ++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black ˝ works well with ´ to maintain the pressure,
Variation 29 for « but Black is a little heavy and Lee didn’t like that.
<(((((((((((((((((> However, Black can also think about ignoring ˆ and
[++!++++++++++++++] playing at the top with ˜.
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++˜*+++++@++] If White extends at ¨, Black can develop the top
[+!@++++++++++++++] right area with ˝ and ˇ.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This is another game, and Black can still aim to come
[+++++++++++++++@+] back and stand at A later.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++ˇ!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++˝˚+]
[+++++++++++++++¨+]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+ A +++*++++@*@+]
[+++ˆ@+++!+´++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 30 for «
August 403
<(((((((((((((((((> Smothering @
A with ¨ is also very big, but it’s a bit
[++!++++++++++++++] too slow.
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++˜*+++++@++] Black will pincer at ˝, and the flow up to ¯ is active
[+!@++++++++++++++] for Black.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White is under attack and Black’s large framework
[+++++++++++++ˇ+@+] at the top will be converted into solid territory, while
[+++++++++++++++++] White struggles in the center.
[++*+++++*¯+˘+˚*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˝+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+¨+++*++++@*@+]
[+++ˆ@
A +++!+´++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 31 for «
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black tries to punish White’s tenuki by pincering
[++!++++++++++++++] immediately at ´, White will tenuki again and take
[++!@++++++¨+@++++] another big point with ˆ.
[+!@++++ˆ*+++++@ C +]
[+!@++++++++++++ E +] The loose capping play at ˜ is a good continuation,
[+!+++++++++++++˚+] and this makes it harder for White to sacrifice !B ef-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@ D ] ficiently. Compared to capping tightly at A, the idea
[+++++++++++++++++] is quite similar to loose pincers discourage sacrifice,
[++*+++++*+++˜ A *! B +] which we discussed a few pages ago.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++´+] However, ¨ is also big because it reduces Black’s
[+++++++++++++++++] moyo while dangling a lifeline which White can use
[+!+++++++++++++++] at ˚.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+] Since White still has aji around ˚ (e.g. C and D are
[++++@+++!+˝ F +++++] miai), this result is slightly better for White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Instead of ˝, if Black reinforces his corner at E,
Variation 32 for « White will reduce Black’s right side with F. Black’s
stones are over-concentrated, so he won’t be satisfied.
404 August
Know Your Enemy and Know Yourself
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++–*+++++@++]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++ E !+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ C D +]
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ F —]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!++»+++++]
[++@
A ++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 6
(Moves: 20-23)
When Black slid at @
A , he made his lower left group stronger, so extending to » was natural. White
» also weakened Black’s corner enclosure and set up a brilliant continuation at —.
If White had used — to extend to B, Black would still be aiming to press White down with C to E
later. By attaching at — instead, White short-circuited Black’s plan.
In The Art of War, Sun Zi says “Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred
battles without peril.” The word enemy is slightly excessive with respect to Go, but the point remains.
It’s very important in Go to consider what your opponent wants, as well as what you want. Having
this kind of empathy will help you to anticipate your opponent’s plans and play a more reasonable and
well balanced game. It will also help you to win more games.
Once you know what your opponent wants, you can think about whether you should allow it, or whether
you should resist. Neither always resisting, nor always giving ground is best. An appropriate strategy
can only be determined by understanding the current position. That’s part of knowing yourself.
The hane underneath at was very unusual, but Lee didn’t expect a good result after at F.
[+++++++++++++++++] Exchanging ´ for ˆ helps Black and weakens
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] White’s marked group.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White isn’t yet sure whether it will be better to play
[+++++++++++++++++] at ´ or A, so he should defer that decision until later
[+!+++++++++++++++] if possible.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[+´++@ A ˆ+t++˜+++++]
[++@++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 33 for »
August 405
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black extends on the right side at ´, instead of
[++!++++++++++++++] extending to – in the game, White will play at the
[++!T++++++++@++++] top with ˆ.
[+!T++++ˆ*+++++@++]
[+!T++++++++++++++] Black’s marked stones were light, but they begin to
[+!+++++++++++++++] feel heavy when White surrounds them on a large
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] scale, because the area is too large for Black to simply
[+++++++++++++++++] discard them.
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] Even light stones can become heavy if you surround
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++´+] them inside a large enough sphere of influence.
[+++++++++++++++++] The corollary of this is that managing weak stones
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] lightly isn’t just about playing clever tesuji, but is
[++!+++++*++++@*@+] also about whole board judgment and strategy.
[++++@+++!++!+++++]
[++@++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 34 for –
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of — in the actual game, extending to ´ is
[++*+++++*+++++ C !+] normal, but it’s too pedestrian.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ A B +] Black will be happy to secure the corner territory
[+++++++++++++++´+] with ˆ, and is still aiming to enclose White with A
[+!+++++++++++++++] to C later.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!++!+++++]
[++@+++++++++ˆ++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 35 for —
<(((((((((((((((((> Sliding to ´ heads in the wrong direction, because it
[++!++++++++++++++] provokes Black to pincer at ˆ while making a base.
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@++] The direction of play demands that White plays on
[+!@++++++++++++++] the right side at this time, rather than reinforcing an
[+!+++++++++++++++] already strong group.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ˆ+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+]
[++++@+++!++!+++++]
[++@++++++++++´+++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 36 for —
406 August
[+++++++++++++++++] After the hane at ´, descending to ˜ allows White
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] to turn forcefully at ¨.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black pushes back with ˝ to ¯, White will gouge
[++++++++++++˘˚+++] out the corner territory with ˙ and ˛.
[+!+++++++++¯ˇ˝¨ˆ+]
[++++++++++++ B +´!+] This result is hopeless for Black, so he should play
[++!+++++*++++@¸@˜] ˝ at A instead, but this allows White to block off
[++++@+++!++!+˛˙++] the center with B.
[++@+++++++++ A ++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 37 for
[+++++++++++++++++] As an alternative to the previous variation, White
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] can also slide with ¨.
[++++++++++++++ C E +]
[++++++++++++++ B ˝+] If Black invades at ˝, White will fight back with ˚.
[+++++++++++++ D +++]
[+!++++++++++ F A ˚ˆ+] This variation is also playable for White.
[++++++++++++++´!+] If Black continues with the hane at A, White will
[++!+++++*++++@*@˜]
[++++@+++!++!+++++] attach at B and meet Black C with the bulge at D.
[++@++++++++++¨+++] This makes miai of E and F.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 38 for
[+++++++++++++++++] After exchanging ´ for ˆ, attempting to defend the
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] corner with ˜ is pathetically uncoordinated.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White can exchange ¨ for ˝ is sente, and then turn
[+++++++++++++++++] at ˚.
[+!++++++++++++˚ˆ+]
[++++++++++++++´!+] Black’s corner is folding itself into a crumpled heap.
[++!+++++*++++@*@¨]
[++++@+++!++!+++˝+]
[++@+++++++++˜++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 39 for
[+++++++++++++++++] Adopting a more defensive stance with ˜ is also pos-
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] sible.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This shape defends the corner territory effectively,
[++++++++++++˘˚+++] but White can settle his group on the right in sente
[+!+++++++++¯ˇ˝¨ˆ+] up to ¯.
[++++++++++++++´!+]
[++!+++++*++++@*@+] Since Black becomes very thick and powerful in the
[++++@˙++t++t++˜++] bottom right, White will use sente to attach at ˙
[++@++++++++++++++] and help his marked stones.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 40 for White’s flow from ˆ to ˙ is seamless, and he will
be happy with this development.
August 407
Be like Water
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@++]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++++++++++++++ı]
[+++++++++++++ ‰!@]
[++!+++++*+++"@ A @fl]
[++++@+++!++!+ffifffi+]
[++@+++++++++#!ffl++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 7
(Moves: 24-35)
Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless—like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes
the cup; you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle; you put it in a teapot, it becomes the
teapot. Now water can flow—or it can crash. Be water, my friend.
—Bruce Lee, A Warrior’s Journey
The shape was very unusual, but ‰ was well suited to the situation and made miai of ı and .
Black’s extension at ı was unexpected, and the variation up to # had never been seen before in
professional Go.
Blocking at ff was natural, because it ensured that White’s stones were cut along with Black’s. This
helped Black to extract the maximum possible value from @ A.
Extending to # looked small, but it was important because it was the vital point for eye shape and
was also reverse sente. The stones flowed in a natural sequence composed of the best moves.
The cause and effect (and implications) of the fundamental principles and tactics of Go give the stones
a natural tendency to flow. Once you have a decent grasp of the basic principles and techniques, your
focus narrows to the possible rather than the impossible, and similar patterns repeat again and again.
Practically every local situation has one or more good continuations, and when a series of good moves
are strung together, to form a sequence, we call that the natural flow. The first step to finding your
flow is to pay attention to the progression of the stones as you play or replay games. The second is to
strive to harmonize the flow with the whole board, choosing appropriately amongst the many paths.
Complicated situations, which most players refer to as ‘fighting’, have their own flow, sense of balance
and beauty. Flowing naturally doesn’t imply always being gentle and peaceful, because sometimes the
natural thing to do is to cut, resist or capture. Always remember that water can flow—or it can crash.
408 August
[+++++++++++++++++] The hane at ´ doesn’t work, because Black can ex-
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] change ˆ for ˜ before connecting at ¨, and the
[+++++++++++++++++] ladder starting at A favors Black.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ A +] After White plays ´ at ˜ (‰ in the game), connect-
[+!+++++++++++++ˆ´] ing at B seems natural, but it allows White to settle
[++++++++++++++˜!@]
[++!+++++*++++@ B @¨] comfortably with ´, ¨ and White A. The door is
[++++@+++!++!+++++] open in the bottom right and White can slide to C
[++@++++++++++ C +++] at any time, so the corner territory is small.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 41 for ‰
[+++++++++++++++++] Falling back with ´ is too soft. White can establish
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] an excellent position at the bottom with ˆ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In terms of the fundamentals of shape, @
A is wasted,
[+++++++++++++++++] because ˆ and the marked stones drill straight
[+!++++++++++++++@] through @A ’s connection with ´ and @B.
[++++++++++++++t!@]
[++!+++++*++++@ A t@
B +] By blocking with ´ at ˆ (ff in the game), Black is
[++++@+++!++!++ˆ´+] able to cut White’s group into pieces and ensure that
[++@++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). @
A is working hard even if it is eventually captured.
Variation 42 for ff At the most fundamental level, Go is all about con-
necting your stones and separating your opponent’s.
[+++++++++++++++++] Blocking at ´ isn’t as good as the atari at A ( ),
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] because ˜ will have to go back and capture @B in a
[+++++++++++++++++] net.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This allows Black to take sente and play at ¨.
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[++++++++++++˜ A !!@] This variation also helps to illustrate the value of
[++!+++++*++++@ B !@@] blocking at @
C and ensuring that @ B still plays a role
[+¨++@+++!++!+!@ C !+] in the game (in contrast to the variation above).
[++@++++++++++´@ˆ+]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 43 for
[+++++++++++++++++] After in the game (!
A ), Black shouldn’t tenuki to
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] play at ´.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If he does, blocking at ˆ and squeezing up to ˘ is an
[+++++++++++++++++] exquisite combination which creates perfect thickness
[+!++++++++++++++@] in sente.
[+++++++++++++! A !!@]
[++!+++++*+++˚@!@@] Black’s bottom right corner is very low and flat, and
[+´++@+++!++!˝! a @!¯]
White’s thickness is magnificent. Black should avoid
[++@+++++++++¨˜@ˆˇ] this kind of result at all costs.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 44 for !
˘ at !
a
August 409
Ride the Wave While It Lasts
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@++]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[+++++++++++++!!!@]
[++!)+%++*+++!+!@@]
[+ B + D @$(+! C ++!+!@!+]
[++@+&’++++++@ A @@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 8
(Moves: 36-41)
White’s influence in the bottom right was difficult to use effectively after @
A , but Black’s corner territory
had been greatly reduced and White took sente, so the game became better for White.
Riding on the crest of a wave, White attached at $. This energetic tesuji aimed to utilize White’s
thickness at the bottom, and was more active than claiming the corner at B.
Black % was played to resist being pressed down. This avoided giving White more control over the
center. The counter-hane at & is rarely seen; but it’s natural after %, when White has a stone at !
C.
Cutting at ’ was the right response, because extending to D instead was what White wanted, and
Black’s tiger’s mouth at ) was an interesting haengma which intended to trade the corner for influence.
When you have momentum on your side, you should seek to gain as much as possible by caroming
from one attack to another. Seize successive opportunities—keeping your opponent off balance for as
long as you can—then consolidate your gains. Ride the wave while it lasts, but not until it breaks.
[+++++++++++++++++] If you evaluate White’s marked influence as being
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] quite strong, you might come up with ´ to push
[+++++++++++++++++] Black towards White’s power.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The problem is that White’s influence isn’t as pow-
[+!++++++++++++++@] erful as it looks after @
A , so ˆ weakens the marked
[+++++++++++++ttt@]
[++!+++++*+++t+!@@] stones and White lacks an effective continuation.
[+´++@ B ˆ+t++t+!@!+] In contrast, $ above (at B) aimed to compound
[++@+++++++++@ A @@++]
White’s influence in the center. Since Black resisted,
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 45 for $ White gained profit in the corner instead.
410 August
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black hanes underneath at ´, White will extend
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] at ˆ, as we saw earlier.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In this case, playing ˜ at A is risky because of the
[+++++++++++++++++] presence of ! B , so Black will move into the corner
[+!++++++++++++++@] with ˜ instead.
[+++++++++++++!!!@]
[++!+˚ˆ++*+++!+!@@] White can exchange ¨ to ˇ in sente, and then take
[+˜+¨@!++! B ++!+!@!+] a big point (to expand White’s moyo, for example).
[++@˝ˇ´ +++++@@@++]
A
,))))))))))))))))). The center is becoming very white, and this is what
Variation 46 for % White wants.
[+++++++++++++++++] Extending at ´ seems natural, but it’s slack in this
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] situation.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black will be happy to settle in the corner up to ˚.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+t++++++++++++++@] White isn’t stretching his marked stones to their
[+++++++++++++t!!@] maximum potential.
[+˝!++@++*+++t+!@@]
[+ˆ+¨@!´+t++t+!@!+]
[++@˚˜+++++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 47 for &
[+++++++++++++++++] Cutting at ˜ can be good when White wants to cre-
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] ate thickness, but since White loses sente Black has
[+++++++++++++++++] time to reduce White’s potential in the top left.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Moreover, White’s potential at the bottom is already
[+!++++++++++++++@] fairly limited, so cutting is a little slow in this game.
[++++˝++++++++!!!@]
[++!+˜@++*+++!+!@@] Compared to Variation 46 above, the key difference
[+ˆ++@!´+!++!+!@!+] is that White loses sente in this variation.
[++@+¨+++++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 48 for &
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black extends to ´ (instead of ’ in the game),
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] White will connect with the tiger’s mouth at ˆ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˆ is protecting ! A and Black’s corner group
[+++++++++++++++++] isn’t completely alive yet, so this is quite different to
[+!++++++++++++++@] Variation 47.
[+++++++++++++!!!@]
[+¨!++@˚+*+++!+!@@]
[+˜+´@!++!++!+!@!+]
[++@˝!
A +ˆ+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 49 for ’
August 411
Let Go of Unimportant Plans
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@++]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+5+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[31/++++++++++t!!@]
[20!@
C -@
B D +*+++t+!@@]
[+++,@!A !+!++t+!@!+]
[+4@*!@.+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 9
(Moves: 42-53)
We’ve just seen how White’s attachment at ! A aimed to develop the center and use the influence of
the marked stones. However, Black resisted with @
B and @
C and it became harder for White to do so.
If White had stuck with his original plan, his best choice would have been the mediocre turn at D
(which we’ll explore below). Not every plan you make, or stone you play, is important. Your plans
should ideally factor in multiple contingencies, rather than focusing on a fixed goal.
As Helmuth von Moltke argues in his essay, On Strategy, “Strategy is a system of expedients; it is more
than a mere scholarly discipline. It is the translation of knowledge to practical life, the improvement
of the original leading thought in accordance with continually changing situations.”
When your opponent resists one plan, he has to stretch his stones further in a particular direction, and
that often leaves behind a weakness at his flank. This is the weakness that you will exploit.
In these sorts of situations, the natural thing to do is to change course slightly, and switch from taking
influence to territory (for example). By staying detached, you becomes more flexible. Gu let go of his
plans in the center and took territory in the corner up to 4. White was still ahead.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White becomes too attached to the center, he will
[++*+++++*+++++*! C +] want to continue to develop it with ´.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] However, after @
A and @ B , the center is already too
[++++++++++++++˘++] small and White is over-concentrated up to ˝.
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[++ˆ˚+˝+++++++!!!@] Black can manage his group in sente from ˆ to ˚,
[+˜!@
B +@
A ´+*+++!+!@@] and reduce White’s small moyo while simultaneously
[ˇ+++@!!+!++!+!@!+] attacking !
C with ˘.
[++@¨!@++++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))). Additionally, White’s lower left group is quite thin.
Variation 50 for *
412 August
[+++++++++++++++++] Ignoring ˆ to atari at ˜ is even worse for White, but
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] this kind of thing can happen when you become too
[+++++++++++++++++] emotionally invested in a certain part of the board.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black takes over the corner with ¨ and White has
[+!++++++++++++++@] little to show for it.
[++ˆ++˜+++++++!!!@]
[+¨!@+@´+*+++!+!@@] These are the pitfalls of refusing to let go.
[++++@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[++@+!@++++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 51 for *
[+++++++++++++++++] If White ataris at ´ first, Black will break through
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] the left side with the moves to ˙, and the result after
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+˛+++++++++++++++] ˛ is exactly the same as the actual game.
[+++++++++++++++++] Playing at ˜ (*) before exchanging the atari with
[+!++++++++++++++@] ´ and ˆ demonstrated a more refined technique,
[˙˘˚++++++++++!!!@]
[¯ˇ!@ˆ@++*+++!+!@@] but both roads led to the same destination.
[ A B ¨´@!!+!++!+!@!+] White can’t take sente by playing ¯ at A, because
[+¸@˜!@˝+++++@@@++] after Black descends to ˙, White will still have to
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 52 for * defend at B or ¸.
[+++++++++++++++++] Blocking at ´ in order to connect at ¯ is too single-
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] minded.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The hane at ˜ seems nice, but White can save his
[++˙++++++++++++++] key stone (!
A ) with ˚ and ˘, and Black is floating.
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[˚˝˜ˇ+++++++++!!!@] When saving all of your stones leads to a bad result,
[+¨!
A @+@++*+++!+!@@] you are taking a loss either way, so it’s better to
[˘+¯´@!!+!++!+!@!+] sacrifice and receive something in compensation.
[++@!!@ˆ+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))). Sometimes you have to let go of your stones, espe-
Variation 53 for + cially when they represent unimportant plans.
[+++++++++++++++++] After Black bumps at @A , if White takes care of his
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] corner with ´, Black will push at ˆ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Even though White captures Black’s two stones at
[+++++++++++++++++] the bottom with ˇ, Black will be satisfied with the
[+!+˘++++++++++++@] forcing exchange at ¨ and will make shape up to ˘.
[+++++++++++++!!!@]
[+´!@+@¨+*+++!+!@@] Once again, White’s lower left group is thin.
[++@
A ˚@!!˝!++!+!@!+]
[++@!!@ˆ˜++++@@@++]
,))))))ˇ)))))))))).
Variation 54 for ,
August 413
<(((((((((((((((((> Rather than sacrificing Black’s corner stones with ˆ,
[++!++++++++++++++] Black can still live in the corner with ´.
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@++] This isn’t a good idea though, because the result up
[+!@++++++++++++++] to ˚ favors White and Black’s marked stones are
[+!+++++++++++++++] paralyzed.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] White’s influence over the center is overwhelmingly
[+++++++++++++++++] better than Black’s corner territory in this variation.
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] This variation shows once again why you should let
[+++++++++++++++++] go of unimportant stones.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++˚+++++++++++@]
[¨+ˆ++++++++++!!!@]
[˝´!TTT++*+++!+!@@]
[˜+@!T!!+!++!+!@!+]
[++@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 55 for /
<(((((((((((((((((> You might think that ´ is good in terms of shape,
[++!++++++++++++++] because it’s similar to the situation we discussed in
[++!@++++++++@++++] the bottom right earlier.
[+!@++++@*+++++@++]
[+!@++++++++++++++] That’s true, but it doesn’t work in practice here be-
[+!+++++++++++++++] cause Black can capture ´ with ˆ and ¨.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] Even if White aims to cut from behind with ˝, he’ll
[+++++++++++++»+++] eventually have to repay his loan in the corner at ¯.
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] This gives Black time to sacrifice in good style up to
[+++‹“„+++++++++++] „, and take sente to play ».
[+˛¸˙‚+”++++++++++]
[¨!˚ˇ›++«++++++++@] It’s natural for Black to sacrifice the marked stones
˘´@@˝+++++++++!!!@] too, because White is already strong at the bottom
[ˆ!!TTT++*+++!+!@@] and he only gains an extra 15 points up to «.
[¯˜@!T!!+!++!+!@!+]
[++@!!@!+++++@@@++] Meanwhile, Black’s group is incredibly thick and
,))))))))))))))))). White’s potential on the left has become Black’s ter-
Variation 56 for 2 ritory. This is an excellent result for Black.
[+++++++++++++++++] White can also consider jumping at ´, but then de-
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] scending at A will be sente for Black later because it
[+++++++++++++++++] aims to squeeze and capture with B to F.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] That’s why clamping at D (4 in the game) was best,
[+!++++++++++++++@] even though it leaves a big endgame move at F.
A @@@++++++++++!!!@]
F !!!@@@++*+++!+!@@]
E B C @!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[´ D @!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 57 for 4
414 August
Play Safely Against Strength
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+7]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++++++6+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++8@+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[@@@++++++++++!!!@]
[!!!@@@++*+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 10
(Moves: 54-56)
White’s invasion at 6 was well timed and Black fortified the corner with 7.
Since White was already ahead and 7 was low, White regarded 6 as a forcing move and immediately
sacrificed it with 8. You should play safely against strong positions to avoid severe attacks.
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black attaches at ´, White can easily connect
[++!++++++++++++++] under with ˚ and ˘.
[++!@+ B +++ A ++@++˝+]
[+!@++++@*+++++@¨+] Black’s influence isn’t especially useful, because it’s
[+!@+++++++++++˜ˆ+] hard to enlarge his moyo at the top.
[+!++++++++++++´!+]
[++++++++++++++ˇ˚+] White’s influence at the bottom limits Black’s poten-
[+++++++++++++++@˘] tial in the center, and White can also invade easily
[+++++++++++++++++] at A or B later.
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] If ´ is at ˇ, White trades for the corner with ˝.
Variation 58 for 7
<(((((((((((((((((> Blocking at ˜ is also conceivable, but White will be
[++!++++++++++++++] happy to swallow up @ A through to ˙.
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@˜+]
[+!@++++++++++˝¨ˆ+]
[+!+++++++++++ˇ´!+]
[+++++++++++++¯˚˘+]
[++++++++++++++˙@ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 59 for 7
August 415
<(((((((((((((((((> Jumping out with ´ isn’t a good idea.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@++++++++T++++] Black can follow White with ˆ and ¨, and White’s
[+!@++++T*+++++T+T] three stones end up floating in the center.
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!+++++++++˜+´+!+] White !
A will be isolated after Black plays at B, but
[++++++++++++++ D ++] White doesn’t have time to defend.
[+++++++++++¨+ˆ+@ C ]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White attaches at C at any time, Black can counter
[++*+++++*+++++*! A +] with D.
[+++++++++++++++++] Since Black has a strong position at the top
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ B ++] (marked), White should play safely and avoid start-
[+!++++++++++++++@] ing a running battle with ´.
[@@@++++++++++!!!@]
[!!!@@@++*+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 60 for 8
<(((((((((((((((((> Attaching underneath with ´ is more common than
[++!++++++++++++++] attaching on top (at ¨).
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@ A] This technique also aims to sacrifice a stone, by play-
[+!@++++++++++++++] ing on the less important side first, but Black can use
[+!+++++++++++++! B ] @A to resist with ˆ and ¨. This makes B and C miai.
[+++++++++++++++˜ˆ]
[++++++++++++++¨@´] White will end up with a heavy group no matter
[++++++++++++++++ C ] where he plays next.
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Tactics like this are possible when you have a stone
[+@+++++++++++++++] like @
A on the second line.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+!++++++++++++++@]
[@@@++++++++++!!!@]
[!!!@@@++*+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 61 for 8
<(((((((((((((((((> The atari at ¨ is what White wants, and it’s too
[++!++++++++++++++] passive in this situation.
[++!@++++++++T++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++T+T] White will be happy to play forcing moves at ˝ and
[+!@++++++++++++++] ˇ, while sacrificing ´.
[+!+++++++++++++!+]
[+++++++++++++++˜ˆ] By allowing White to play ˝, Black is placing too
[++++++++++++++˝@´] many stones on the second line and failing to make
[++++++++++++++ˇ˚¨] use of his nearby strength (marked).
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 62 for 8
416 August
Probe Your Opponent’s Weaknesses
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@++++++++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!++++++++++++?! A +]
[+++++++++++++>;=+]
[+++++++++++++<!@+]
[++++++++++++++9:+]
[++*+++++*+++@+*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
CB!
D E+ B C ++++++++++@]
F@@@++++++++++!!!@]
D!!!@@@A+G+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 11
(Moves: 57-71)
White sacrificed !
A with : to @. The trade was acceptable for both, and White maintained his lead.
Black took sente, but he used it to push at A, which was questionable. Reinforcing at B or C would
have been better.
White activated ! D with B at the opportune moment and, even though Black’s hane at C was the
right response, descending to the first line with D was an incredibly clever and unexpected jab.
Blocking at E was unavoidable and White consolidated his lead with F.
Black G reinforced Black’s weak group while reducing White’s potential at the bottom.
When White probed Black’s weaknesses with B and D, he mainly wanted to see how Black would
respond, but when Black resisted with E White seized the opportunity to take profit.
<(((((((((((((((((> The hane on the other side, at ´, doesn’t follow the
[++!++++++++++++++] direction of play.
[++!@+++++ A ++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@] Black can’t easily build territory on the right side,
[+!@++++++++++++++] because White has already played in the bottom right
[+!+++++++++++˚+!+] and Black’s bottom right corner stones are low.
[++++++++++++++´ˆ+]
[++++++++++++˘¨!@+] Once White’s center group becomes strong with ˚
[+++++++++++++ˇ˜˝+] and ˘, Black’s potential at the top is reduced and it
[++*+++++*+++++*!+] becomes easier for White to invade around A later.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 63 for 9
August 417
[++++++++++++++@!+] Cutting at ´ doesn’t work anymore after @
A.
[++*+++++*+++!+*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] White shouldn’t respond to @A with the bulge at B,
[+@+++++++++++++++] because Black will be very happy to enlarge his left
[+++++++ G +++++++++] side from C to G.
[+!+ˆ+¨+ E F +++++++@]
[@@@´˜++ C D ++++!!!@] As you can see, there is more potential on the left
[!!!@@@@A B *+++!+!@@] side than at the bottom.
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 64 for B
[++++++++++++++@!+] Falling back to ´ before exchanging A for B is too
[++*+++++*+++!+*!+] soft.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] White will be happy to connect under with ˆ, and
[++˜++++++++++++++] Black still needs to spend another move at ˜ to con-
A !!´+++++++++++++@]
nect his stones.
ˆ@@@++++++++++!!!@]
B !!!@@@@+*+++!+!@@] Black has gained nothing on the left side and has
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+] ended in gote, so this variation is bad for Black.
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))). Instead of ´, if Black hanes on the other side with
Variation 65 for C B, White will step out towards the center at ˜.
[++++++++++++++@!+] Moving the marked stones out with ´ and ˜ is a
[+ˇ˘+++++*+++!+*!+] little heavy.
[+˝˚++++++++++++++]
[˜@+++++++++++++++] Black will be satisfied with his strong wall up to ˘.
´+++++++++++++++++]
@tt¨+++++++++++++@] Black has large endgame moves at either A or B (de-
ˆ@@@++++++++++!!!@] pending on the situation), so descending to A with
A !!!@@@@+*+++!+!@@] D in the game was much better.
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[ B !@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 66 for D
[++++++++++++++@!+] If Black connects at ´ in response to !
A , White will
[++*+++++*+++!+*!+] cut at ˆ.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+@+++++++++++++++] Black eventually has to come back and defend at ˝,
[+++ C ˇ++++++++++++] because the ladder starting with ˝ at ˚ doesn’t
@!!˝˜˚˘++++++++++@] work and the net at ˘ will meet White’s atari at ˝.
´@@@ˆ¨++++++++!!!@]
!
A !!!TTT@ B +*+++!+!@@] White can save his cutting stones up to ˘, and
[++@!T!!+!++!+!@!+] Black’s marked stones are in trouble.
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black @ B is napping in this variation and White can
Variation 67 for E still cut at C. This is why @
B was questionable.
418 August
Secretly Cross at Chencang
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@+++I+H++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++++++++++++++]
[+!++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++*+++++*+++!+*!+]
[++ A O+++++++++++++]
[+@N++++++++++++++]
L+KJM+++++++++++++]
@!!@+++++++++++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@+@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 12
(Moves: 72-79)
One famous episode in Chinese history occurred when Liu Bang (later the founder of the Han Dynasty)
asked his general, Han Xin, to plan an attack on the Western Chu Kingdom, whose army was led by
Zhang Han.
Han Xin sent some men to make a show of repairing the road along the mountain pass, while secretly
preparing a detachment to sneak across at Chencang.
Zhang Han’s scouts spotted the workers repairing the road and, assuming that Liu Bang’s army was
eventually going to approach from that direction, he sent his forces to prepare a defense.
While he was distracted by this decoy, Han Xin and his troops crossed at Chencang and successfully
executed a surprise attack on Zhang Han’s divided forces, from an unexpected direction.
These events are said to have transpired in 206 BC, and the story later formed the basis of one of the
Thirty-six Stratagems; “Openly repair the road, but secretly cross at Chencang.”
To put it more succinctly, the strategy is to use a decoy to distract your adversary and divide his
attention, and then suddenly attack his weak point while his focus is elsewhere.
The iron pillar at I was a strong defense against White’s invasion at H, but H was a decoy.
The hane at J came swiftly, and the ladder starting at A didn’t work because H was a ladder breaker!
It was difficult for Black to defend cleanly, so he was forced to sacrifice two stones with O. This sacrifice
tactic allowed him to maintain his balance and was quite skillful, but White still gained ground with
his cunning stratagem at the top.
August 419
<(((((((((((((((((> Even if Black anticipates the ladder and attacks
[++!++++++++++++++] from above with ´ (which maintains Black’s lad-
[++!@ B ++‚+!+ˆ@++++] der), White can break out with the attachments at
[+!@++›+@˛˚˝¯˜+@+@]
[+!@++++‹˙´¨˘+++++] ˆ and ¨.
[+!+++++++¸ˇ+ A +@!+] Black ˇ and ¯ are stylish haengma, but White still
[+++++++“+++++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+] breaks into the center without any worries.
[++++++++++++++@!+] After “, A and B are miai for White, and the pos-
[++*+++++*+++!+*!+] sibility of the ladder has been rekindled.
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 68 for I This result is good enough for Gu, so he wasn’t par-
ticularly worried about Lee discovering his strategy.
<((((((((((((¸((((> If Black hanes at ˜, White can try to settle his group
[++!++++++++˝¨ˇ+++] with the counter-hane at ¨.
[++!@+++˘+!˚ˆ@++++]
[+!@+++¯@“+‚˜˙+@+@] Black might resist with ˝ and ˇ, but then White
[+!@+++++‹´˛++++++] can break out into the center with ˘ to “.
[+!+++++++›++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++!@@+] This result is also good for White, and capping at ´
[+++++++++++++!!@+] isn’t a good tactic.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++*+++++*+++!+*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 69 for I
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black plays the kosumi at ´, instead of the
[++!++++++++++++++] knight’s move in the previous variation, White can
[++!@+++++!+ˆ@++++] easily run into the center with ˆ and ¨.
[+!@++++@*+++˜+@+@]
[+!@+++++´+¨++++++]
[+!++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++!@@+]
[+++++++++++++!!@+]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[++*+++++*+++!+*!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
Variation 70 for I
[++++++++++++++@!+] Instead of sacrificing with O at A, extending at ´ is
[++˚+++++*+++!+*!+] heavy and Black will become embroiled in a difficult
[+´+ A +++++++++++++] fight.
[+T!ˆ¨++++++++++++]
!+T!@˜˝+++++++++++] White can push with ˆ and ¨ in sente, before press-
[!!@+++++++++++++@] ing Black’s marked stones with ˚.
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@+@+++!+!@@] Black is in trouble up to ˚ and once again we see the
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+] advantages of a sacrifice strategy, by juxtaposition
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++] with this failure.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 71 for O
420 August
Strengthen Yourself to Weaken Your Opponent
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+! E ++@++++]
[+!@++++@* F ++++@+@]
[+!@++][ZX++++++++]
[+!++++\++V+W++@!+]
[+++U+++++++++!@@+]
[+++++++^+‘+++!!@+]
[+++ C D ++++Y++++@!+]
[++Q A B ++_*+++!+*!+]
[TRP@+++++++++++++]
[+T!S+++++++++++++]
!+T!@+++++++++++++]
[!!@+++++++++++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@+@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 13
(Moves: 80-96)
Black sacrificed in sente from P to S, and lightly defended his cutting point with U, while also
connecting his groups at the top and the bottom. Black was planning to meet a cut at A with B to D.
Descending cleanly to T demonstrated good technique. Black’s left side potential was all gone, and
White profited from capturing Black’s marked stones.
This result was satisfactory for White, and White was still in the lead. The consolation for Black was
that, by sacrificing, he had made himself stronger in the center from M to U. This had the effect of
indirectly weakening ! E.
White moved out lightly with V, which was an appropriate haengma considering that Black was now
strong everywhere. When you sacrifice your weak stones, you end up with fewer weaknesses, even if
you lose territory. This means you can aim to recoup your losses later, by using your power to attack.
Black W aimed to cut at F, so the kosumi at X became necessary.
Black wasn’t thick enough to capture White, so he capped at Y to develop the center instead. White
raised a flag with ‘.
C A ˘++++++++++++@!+] White wants to break through into Black’s center,
B ˙ˇ@+++++*+++!+*!+] but ´ and ˜ are too greedy.
D ˚˝!@+++++++++++++]
[+@!˜¨++++++++++++] Black ¨ and ˚ form a beautiful combination, which
!+@!@¯++++++++++++] traps White in a spiral ladder.
[!!@´++++++++++++@]
!@@@ˆ+++++++++!!!@] Instead of ¯, if White continues towards the edge
!!!!@@@@+@+++!+!@@] with ˙, Black will block his path with A to C and,
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+] after he captures at ¯, squeeze with Black D.
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))). Instead of ´, if White pushes at ˜, it’s still a ladder
Variation 72 for R after ¨.
August 421
<(((((((((((((((((> Pushing at ´ is also conceivable, but then Black can
[++!++++++++++++++] exchange ˆ to ˇ in sente, while aiming indirectly
[++!@+++@+! A ++@++++]
at !
A.
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++++++++++++++] Black ˘ is a key place for developing Black’s moyo
[+!+++++++++˘++@!+] at the top, and !
A is in danger of being swallowed
[+++++++++++++!@@+]
[ˇ˚+++++++++++!!@+] whole.
[˝ˆ˜+++++++++++@!+]
[+´@¨++++*+++!+*!+]
[+!!@+++++++++++++]
[+@!@+++++++++++++]
!+@!@+++++++++++++]
[!!@+++++++++++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@+@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 73 for T
<(((((((((((((((((> Jumping out with ´ is too heavy in this situation.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!++@++++] Black will exchange the peep at ˆ in sente, to make
[+!@++++@*˜ˆ+++@+@] White even heavier, and then attack with ¨.
[+!@++++++´+++++++]
[+!++++++++¯¸+˛@!+] White can’t easily connect because ˛ threatens to
[+++@+++›ˇ˝¨˙+t@@+] save @A . So ‚ is necessary and Black can develop
[++++++++˘˚ B C +tt@+] the center while attacking up to “.
[++++++“+++‹++‚@ A !+]
[++@+++++*+++!+*!+] Instead of ‚, if White cuts at B, Black C, White at
[!!!@+++++++++++++] ‹ and Black at ‚ captures the marked stones.
Variation 74 for V
<(((((((((((((((((> Flying out with ´ is too thin.
[++!++++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!++@++++] Black can separate White’s stones with ˆ and ¨,
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@] and the context of this fight is highly favorable for
[+!@++@@!!++++++++] Black.
[+!++++!ˇ+!+@++@!+]
[+++@++˝¨˚++++!@@+] Black’s marked influence will be very helpful in any
[++++++˘˜ˆ++++!!@+] fight that starts in this part of the board.
[+++++++´+@++++@!+]
[++@+++++*+++!+*!+]
[!!!T+++++++++++++]
[+@!T+++++++++++++]
!+@!T+++++++++++++]
[!!T+++++++++++++@]
!@@T++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!TTTT+T+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 75 for ^
422 August
Protecting Begets Protecting Further
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!a+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++@@!!++++++++]
[+!++++!++!+@++@!+]
[+++@+++++++++!@@+]
[+++++++!+!+++!!@+]
[+++++++++@++++@!+]
[++@++++@*+++!+*!+]
[!!!@++++˚++++++++]
[+@!@+++++++++++++]
!+@!@++ A +b+c++++++]
[!!@++++++`˝+++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@˜@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!´!¨+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!ˆ++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 14
(Moves: 97-106)
Blocking at a was very big. It wasn’t just an endgame move, it also strengthened Black’s group at
the top and maintained Black’s thickness.
White b was an appropriate reduction, and Black couldn’t abide protecting his territory at A.
As Thucydides warns in The History of the Peloponnesian War, “. . . concessions to adversaries only
end in self-reproach, and the more strictly they are avoided the greater will be the chance of security.”
In Go terms, if you fall back and protect your territory once, your opponent will be able to reduce it
and play endgame moves on all sides in sente. This is because the more stones you commit to an area,
the less you can afford to give it up. So protecting begets protecting further.
Think of it as your territory becoming heavy. When you’ve only played a few stones in an area, you
can afford to trade and play flexibly, but once you’ve played many stones it’s difficult to allow them
to become worthless—so your whole body stiffens. In this respect, groups and territories are similar.
Resisting with c was natural, and even though Black’s center territory could now be destroyed, his
strategy was to exchange it for compensation elsewhere by attacking.
White moved out slowly but surely with `, and ´ (´) to ˜ prepared a leaning attack in combination
with ˝.
Moving away from Black’s power at the bottom with ˚, while reducing Black’s center area, was a
sensible strategy.
August 423
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black tries to develop the center up to ˇ, instead
[++! A +++++++++++++] of defending at A (a), White can attach at ˘ to de-
[++!@˘++@+!++@++++] stroy Black’s top left area and destabilize his group.
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++@@!!++++++++] The actual game was still slightly better for White—
[+!++++!++!+@++@!+] White had more territory, but Black had more power.
[+++@+++++++ˆ+!@@+]
[+++++++!+!+++!!@+] In this kind of game you need to preserve your power
[+++++++++@´+++@!+] and prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
[++@++++@*+++!+*!+] If White can attack Black with ˘, he’ll be able to
[!!!@+++++++++++++]
[+@!@+++++++++++++] take the initiative and the game will become too easy
!+@!@+++++ˇ+++++++] for him. It will be even more difficult for Black to
[!!@+++++++++++++@] catch up afterwards.
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@˝@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!˜!˚+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!¨++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 76 for a
<(((((((((((((((((> Protecting Black’s territory with ´ allows White to
[++!@+++++++++++++] bully Black with ˆ and ¨. Black ´ commits Black
[++!@+++@+!++@++++] to repeatedly protecting his territory with ˜ and ˝.
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++@@!!++++++++] After ˝, White can cut with ˚ and ˘, and Black’s
[+!++++!++!+@++@!+] marked group feels forsaken up to ˛.
[+++@+++++++˛+!@@+]
[+++++++!+!+++!!@+] Instead of ˝, pulling back at ¯ is often tougher, but
[+++++ N K ˘ˇT¸+++@!+] Black will still be in trouble after White at ˝, Black
[++@++ J ¯@˚˙ E +!+*!+] A, ˚, ˇ and ˘. To satisfy curious readers...
[!!!@ M A ˝¨ B F H ++++++]
[+@!@+ L ˜ˆ C G +++++++] After the above, Black may fight with Black B, ˙
!+@!@++´ D s I +++++++] and C to I; but White strikes back with J to N, cap-
[!!@+++++++++++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@] turing the cutting stones in a loose ladder. Even
!!!!@@@@+@+++!+!@@] though it looks precarious, you’ll find that there’s no
[++@!@!!+!++!+!@!+] way to capture White’s squared group, thanks to L.
[+!@!!@!+++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))). Neither sequence works for Black, so Black shouldn’t
Variation 77 for c passively protect his territory with ´.
[+++++++++@++++@!+] If White tries to escape with ´, Black will exchange
[++@++++@*+++!+*!+] ˆ for ˜, before breaking through White’s shape up
[!!!@+++++++++++++] to ˘.
[+@!@+++++++++++++]
!+@!@++++!+@+++ G ++] Black can play D in sente at any time, and he can
[!!@++++++!@+++++@] even play A to E to capture the marked stones, if
!@@@++++++´˝ˇ+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@¨˚+!+!@@] he’s prepared to fight a ko.
[+˜@!@tt@tt˘!+!@!+] If White blocks at D, Black can cut at F in sente and
[+!@!!@tt B A D F @@@++] go back to attacking White in the center with G
,)))))ˆ)) C ) E )))))).
Variation 78 for ˚
424 August
Wait for the Opportune Moment
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++@@!!“+++++++]
[+!++++!++!›@++@!+]
[+++@++++˛¸˘++!@@+]
[+++++++!¯! a ˇ++!!@+]
[+++++++”˙@++++@!+]
[++@++++@‹+++!+*!+]
[!!!@++++! A ++++++++]
[+@!@+++++++++++++]
!+@!@++++!+@++++++]
[!!@++++++!@+++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 15
(Moves: 107-117)
‚ at !
a
A direct response to !A (˚) didn’t seem promising, so ˇ shifted the field of battle to the top, waiting
for a better opportunity. Sun Zi’s Art of War directs you to, “Take action only if it is to your advantage.
Otherwise, do not. For an enraged man may regain his composure and a resentful person his happiness,
but a state which has perished cannot be restored, nor can the dead be brought back to life.”
White ˙ to ‹ was an evasive technique, which helped White to avoid the main thrust of the attack.
When Black cut at ›, the empty triangle at “ protected all of White’s weaknesses simultaneously.
<(((((((((((((((((> Responding at ´ seems normal, but that’s what
[++!@+++++++++++++] Black wants.
[++!@+++@+!++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@] White’s marked stones will be isolated up to ¨.
[+!@++@@!!++++++++]
[+!++++!++!+@++@!+] If White walks out with ˝, Black can exchange ˚
[+++@++++´+!˜+!@@+] and ˘ in sente, before coming back to cut with ˙.
[+++++++!@!@++!!@+]
[++++++++ˆ@++++@!+] White’s dragon in the bottom right will be harassed
[++@++++@*+++!ˇ¯!+] and he will lose his territory at the bottom up to ‹.
[!!!@++++t+¨++˚˘++] In this variation, Black takes the lead.
[+@!@+++++++++++++]
!+@!@++++t+@++++++]
[!!@++++++t@+++++@]
!@@@++++++˝¸‚+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@˙˛+!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!‹!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 79 for ˙
August 425
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of “ in the game (˝ here), White can also
[++!@+++++++++++++] consider saving his cutting stone with ´.
[++!@+++@+!++@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@] If Black fights back with ˆ to ˘, ¯ is a deadly tesuji
[+!@++@@!!˝++ H ++++] and Black’s marked stones are suddenly captured.
[+!++++!+¨!@@++@!+]
[+++@++˜ˆ!T!´+!@@+] Instead of ˘, if Black extends to A, White will ex-
[+++++ E D !TTTˇ+!!@+] change B for Black at ¯, and then connect at C.
[++++++ F C !T+ B ++@!+]
[++@++ G +@!+¯˚!+*!+] After White connects at C, Black can’t cut at D be-
[!!!@++++!++ A ˘++++] cause E to G creates a net. White is also aiming to
[+@!@+++++++++++++] net at H, so this variation is hopeless for Black.
Variation 80 for “
<(((((((((((((((((> Therefore, after White extends to ´, Black should
[++!@+++++++++++++] atari immediately at ˆ.
[++!@+++@+!++@++++]
[+!@++++@¨˚+˙++@+@] White can’t afford to connect at ¨, because allowing
[+!@++@@!!ˆ˝˘¯++++] Black to capture !A would make ´ worthless.
[+!++++!+˜! A @@ˇ+@!+]
[+++@++¸+!@!´+!@@+] The trade up to ˛ is slightly better for Black, so the
[+++++++!@@@++!!@+] game would become even again if this happened.
[+++++++ C !@++++@!+]
[++@++++@!+++!+*!+] It’s hard for White to capture the marked stones and
[!!!@++++!++++ B +++] Black has useful aji around B and C, so Gu didn’t
[+@!@+++++++++++++] choose this variation.
!+@!@++++!+T+++˛++]
[!!@++++++!T+++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 81 for “
<(((((((((((((((((> Connecting at ´ is slack.
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!++@++++] Black will become strong with ˆ to ¨ in sente, and
[+!@++++@˜+++++@+@] can take a big point at ˚.
[+!@++@@!!ˆ+++++++]
[+!++++!+¨!@@++@!+] The game would be reversed if this happened.
[+++@+++˝!@!++!@@+]
[+++++++!@@@++!!@+]
[+++++++´!@++++@!+]
[++@++++@!+++!+*!+]
[!!!@++++!++++++++]
[+@!@+++++++++++++]
!+@!@++++!+@+++˚++]
[!!@++++++!@+++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 82 for “
426 August
Strive to Defend Efficiently
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!+fi@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++]
[+!++++! B +!@@++@!+]
[+++@++++!@!ff!@@+]
[++++++„!@@@+!!@+]
[+++++++@!@+++ A @!+]
[++@++–+@!+++!+*!+]
[!!!@+ı+«!+—++++++]
[+@!@+‰+»+++++++++]
!+@!@++++!+T++++++]
[!!@++++++!T+++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 16
(Moves: 118-128)
White’s extension at „ was necessary, and pushing at « filled White’s liberties before jumping to –.
When you defend, you should strive to do so efficiently. For example, jumping at — isolated Black’s
marked stones while defending, and the game was still going smoothly for White.
Reinforcing at was interesting and efficient, and it made the bad exchange of for ff necessary in
order to keep sente. If White had ignored , Black would have saved his cutting stone with A.
Attaching at fi was also efficient, aiming to make life at the top instead of just living small with B.
<(((((((((((((((((> It’s a bit too late to save the cutting stone with ´,
[++!@+++++++++++++] because the attachments at ˆ and ˚ are strong
[++!@+++@+!++@++++] counters.
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++] Black can easily manage his center group with the
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+] moves to ˙, and A and B are miai.
[+++@++++!@!´ A !@@+]
[++++++!!@@@++!!@+]
[+++++++@!@++˘¯@!+]
[++@++@+@!¨+˙! B *!+]
[!!!@+++@!ˆ++˚ˇ+++]
[+@!@+++!˝++++++++]
!+@!@++++!+@++++++]
[!!@++++++!@+++++@]
!@@@++++++˜+++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 83 for —
August 427
<(((((((((((((((((> After White jumps to ! A , Black might think about
[++!@+++++++++++++] capturing White’s group at the top with ´. This is
[++!@+++@+s++@++++] a powerful move, but it’s too early to play this way.
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++@@sss+++++++] White’s attachments at ˆ and ¨ form a sharp tesuji
[+!++++!´+s@@++@!+] combination, and Black will be in trouble up to ˙.
[+++@++ B D s@!++!@@+]
[+++++¯!!@@@+@!!@+] It’s a ko, but Black doesn’t have enough sufficiently
[+++++˚˝@!@++++@!+] large ko threats and White takes the ko first with ˙.
[++@+ˆ@¨@!+++!+*!+]
[!!!T˜˘ˇ@!+!++++++] Black can still capture White’s marked stones with
[+@!T+!A C !+++++++++] B to D, but White will become incredibly powerful
!+@!T++++!+@++++++] in the process and Black’s marked stones will die.
[!!T++++++!@+++++@]
!TTT++++++++++!!!@] If you count the number of stones exchanged, you
!!!!TTTTTT+++!+!@@] can see that White clearly gets the better end of the
[++@!T!!T!!+!+!@!+] deal when trading the marked groups.
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 84 for ı
˙ at ¨
[+!++++!´+!@@++@!+] Extending at ˜ is also conceivable, but ˆ to ˘
[+++@++++!@!++!@@+] flow naturally and Black’s marked group will die once
[++˘++ˇ!!@@@+@!!@+] again.
[++++˚˜+@!@++++@!+]
[++T˝ˆ@+@!+++!+*!+] There’s no way for Black to escape or make two eyes
[!!!T¨++@!+!++++++] after ˘.
[+@!T+!+!+++++++++]
!+@!T++++!+@++++++]
[!!T++++++!@+++++@]
!TTT++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!TTTTTT+++!+!@@]
[++@!T!!T!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 85 for ı
<(((((((((((((((((> If White simply makes two eyes with ´, instead of
[++!@+++++++++++++] attaching at A (fi), Black will force with ˆ before
[++!@+++@+!+ A @++++] taking sente to play the knight’s move at B.
[+!@++++@*+++++@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++] White still lives in this variation, but it’s too passive
[+!++++!´+!@@++@!+] and slow.
[+++@+ˆ˜+!@+@!!@@+]
[++++++!!@@@+@!!@+] Black would catch up again if this happened, so
[+++++++@!@++++@!+] White should aim for more than just life.
[++@++@+@!+++!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!+!++++++]
[+@!@+!+!+++++++++]
!+@!@++++!+@+++ B ++]
[!!@++++++!@+++++@]
Variation 86 for fi
428 August
Fuse Speed with Secrecy
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!+! A @ C +++]
[+!@++++@*+++ffi+@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++]
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+]
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[++++++!!@@@+@!!@+]
[+++++++@!@++ B +@!+]
[++@++@+@!+++!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!+!ffl+++++]
[+@!@+!+!+++++++++]
!+@!@++++!+@+++fl++]
[!!@++++++!@+++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 17
(Moves: 129-131)
The knight’s move at fl was a good reduction. It looked innocent enough, but it concealed the
possibility of a razor sharp attack.
White’s hane at ffi also seemed natural, and may have been motivated by fighting spirit after Black
ignored !
A (fi), but it was a critical mistake which caused the flow of play to change course abruptly.
Black struck like lightning at ffl, and the game was reversed with a single blow. White was caught off
guard and everything became difficult for him from this point forward. Surprise attacks like ffl can be
overwhelmingly powerful, but opportunities to execute such maneuvers appear rarely and are fleeting.
Carl von Clausewitz suggests that, “The two factors that produce surprise are secrecy and speed,” and
emphasizes the effectiveness of surprise tactics. This implies that the key ingredients are an opponent
who is unaware of your plan and a swift reaction, to take advantage of their oversight.
However, Clausewitz also goes to great pains, in On War, to explain that while “. . . surprise lies at
the root of all operations without exception . . . it is equally true that by its very nature surprise
can rarely be outstandingly successful.” Therefore, you cannot rely on the element of surprise as a
fundamental part of your strategy. It is a ubiquitous force in all battles, but it cannot be tamed.
In other words, a devastating surprise is not generally planned, but rather seized in a moment of luck.
Your plans mustn’t depend on your opponent making a mistake. That is unreliable and dangerous.
In this game, Lee knew that ffl was a powerful continuation when he played fl, but he played fl
because it was a good move, not because he expected to cut at ffl. In fact, Lee expected Gu to defend
at B, and he was then planning to go back to the top to play at ffi.
Gu, of course, knew that Black could cut at ffl. His mistake wasn’t in overlooking this possibility, but
in underestimating its effectiveness.
When this kind of fleeting opportunity occurs in your games, you must plan carefully and then move
swiftly to seize the advantage. If you need to exchange some forcing moves to prepare, then do so, but
don’t delay your attack any longer than necessary.
August 429
If you delay your attack, your opponent might play moves which repair the weakness—sometimes
inadvertently, without even realizing the nature of the problem.
For example, if Black had protected his corner territory at C, White would have reinforced at B and
Black’s one chance would have evaporated.
White ffi became the losing move.
<(((((((((((((((((> Defending at ´ is essential, and Black also needs to
[++!@+++++++++++++] go back and defend at ˆ next.
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++ˆ+@+@] After that, White can take care of his weak group
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++] with ˜ and ˝. This variation is best for White,
[+!++¨˜!++!@@++@!+] and he maintains a small lead up to ˝.
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[++++˝+!!@@@+@!!@+] However, the exchange of @ A for ´ is still profitable
[+++++++@!@++´+@!+] for Black, so Black catches up little by little.
[++@++@+@!+++!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!+!++++++]
[+@!@+!+!+++++++++]
!+@!@++++!+@+++@ A ++]
[!!@++++++!@+++++@]
!@@@++++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 87 for ffi
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black squeezes with ´ to ˚, before cutting at
[++!@+++++++++++++] ˇ, it will be difficult for him to fight in the center
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++] afterwards.
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++] White will counter ˇ and ¯ with ˙ to ‹.
[+!++++!++!@@˝˜@!+]
[+++@++++!@”@!!@@+] Up to , Black’s marked cutting stones are cap-
[++++++!!@@@¨@ a !!@+] tured.
[+++++++@!@˙‚ˆ´@!+]
[++@++@+@!¸¯˘!+*!+] This is why Black cut immediately with ffl in the
[!!!@+@+@!˛!ˇ›„+++] game (ˇ in this variation).
[+@!@+!+!+++‹«»+++]
!+@!@++++!+Tı–—@++]
[!!@++++++!T+‰+++@]
!@@@++++++++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 88 for ffl
˚ at @, “ at ˙
a
430 August
Divide and Conquer
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++]
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+]
[+++@++++!@+@tt@@+]
[++++++!!@@@+@tt@+]
[+++++++@s@++++@t+]
[++@++@+@s’! t+*t+]
[!!!@+@+@s#t@$++++]
[+@!@+s+s&%+"+++++]
!+@!@++++s+@+++@++]
[!!@++++++s@+-+++@]
!@@@++++++(*,+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@)++!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++.@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 18
(Moves: 132-146)
When you attack a single group directly, it becomes relatively easy for your opponent to defend it,
because they can focus all their energy on doing so. Defending is generally much easier than attacking.
The real art of attacking is to play moves which make multiple simultaneous threats. These kinds of
moves are highly efficient, because your opponent can only defend in one place at a time.
We talked about indirect attacks earlier, but when a direct attack can be made against multiple groups
simultaneously, it’s called a splitting attack. In such cases, it may be possible to capture a group.
Black # to + attacked both marked groups. The game was practically over when Black struck at -.
<(((((((((((((((((> Extending at ´ doesn’t work either.
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++] Black can still cut with ˆ and ¨, and it’s impossible
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@] for White to manage both of his marked groups.
[+!@++@@!!!++ H I +++]
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+] If White plays at A next, Black can continue his split-
[+++@++++!@+@tt@@+] ting attack with B to F and the result will be quite
[++++++!!@@@˚@tt@+] similar to the actual game.
[+++++++@s@ G ˜¨˝@t+]
[++@++@+@s+´ˆt+*t+] Black’s center group is safe because connecting with
[!!!@+@+@s+s@ˇ++++] G or H is miai.
[+@!@+s+s+++˘+++++]
!+@!@++++s+@+++@++] If White plays at I next, pinching at H is fine for
[!!@++++++s@+ F +++@] Black.
!@@@++++++ A C E +!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@ B D +!+!@@] In general, you should try to avoid having two weak
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+] groups on the board at the same time, because of the
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++] awesome power of splitting attacks.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 89 for
August 431
<(((((((((((((((((> White’s best hope for survival is ´, because it pre-
[++!@+++++++++++++] vents Black from cutting from behind at ˝.
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*++ A !+@+@] Black ˆ and ˜ are natural, and forcing at ¨ before
[+!@++@@!!!+‚˛›+++] defending at ˚ is usually good technique. This is
[+!++++!++!@@¯+@!+] the right move order for this position.
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[++++++!!@@@„@!!@+] White can complicate the game with ˇ and ¯, but
[+++++++@t@ H ”“‹@t+] ˙ is a sturdy move which seeks to simplify it again.
[++@++@+@t D @tt–»t+]
[!!!@+@+@t˝t@ F E «—] Wedging at ˛ makes miai of A and ‹, and White
[+@!@+t+t¸¨´ˆ G ˇ I ‰+] is in trouble on the right side up to “.
!+@!@++++t˙@+˚˘@++]
[!!@+++++ B !@+++++@] White tries to fight back with ” to –, but White’s
!@@@++++++˜+++!!!@] marked stones are all captured up to ‰, because B
!!!!@@@@@@ C ++!+!@@] and C are miai for Black.
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++] If White ataris at D next, Black still captures every-
,))))))))))))))))). thing with E to I.
Variation 90 for "
Instead of ¸, if White connects at ‚, Black cuts at
¸ and is ahead by about 15 points on the board.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White connects at ”, Black will push through with
[++!@+++++++++++++] „ and ».
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@] Black — knocks the wind out of White; afterwards A
[+!@++@@!!!+‚˛›+++] and B are miai, and C and D are miai, so the marked
[+!++++!++!@@¯+@!+] stones are still captured.
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[++++++!!@@@+@!!@+] Instead of –, White can also consider playing at —,
[+++++++@t@++“‹@t+] but White will only have a false eye after Black at
[++@++@+@t+@tt+*t+]
[!!!@+@+@t˝t@+++++] –, White E, Black F and White B.
[+@!@+t+t¸¨´ˆ+ˇ+++] If White ataris at G at any time, Black will sacri-
!+@!@++++t˙@ F ˚˘@++] fice with H to J and the marked stones will still be
[!!@ G H ++”+t@ E —+++@]
!@@@ I J ++++˜«– C !!!@] captured.
!!!!@@@@@@„» B !+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!! A ! D !@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 91 for "
432 August
<(((((((((((((((((> Blocking at – is an interesting move, but Black will
[++!@+++++++++++++] push at — and White can’t connect.
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@] If White makes an eye with next, ‰ is well timed
[+!@++@@!!!+‚˛›+++] and A and are miai. White’s marked group is
[+!++++!++!@@¯+@!+] captured once again in this variation.
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[++++++!!@@@+@!!@+] If White plays ı at , he can save the marked
[+++++++@t@++“‹@!+] stones, but Black will atari at A and White’s stones
[++@++@+@t+@!!+*!+] at the bottom will be captured. When this happens,
[!!!@+@+@t˝t@+++++]
[+@!@+t+t¸¨´ˆ+ˇ+++] White’s territory will become Black’s territory, so
!+@!@+++t˙@+˚˘@++] this is a hopeless alternative for White.
[!!@++++”+t@+++++@]
!@@@++++++˜«++ttt@] Instead of ı, if White ataris at B, Black will still
!!!!@@@@@@„»–t+t@@] capture the marked stones with and will be able
[+ı@!@!!@!!—tt@!+] to double atari at C at any time.
[+!@!!@!! C +++@@@++]
,))) A )‰ B )))))))))).
Variation 92 for "
<(((((((((((((((((> As we’ve seen in the variations above, playing atari
[++!@+++++++++++++] at A isn’t promising, so White should consider ‚
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++] instead.
[+!@++++@*+›‹!“@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+ A ˛++++] However, ‹ is quite big and Black’s shape at the top
[+!++++!++!@@¯+@!+] becomes solid after “.
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[++++++!!@@@„@!!@+] The throw-in at ” is a clever tesuji, but „ is a calm
[+++++++@!@” B ‚»@!+] and determined response.
[++@++@+@!«@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!˝!@+++++] If Black plays „ at B, White will start a ko at „
[+@!@+!+!¸¨´ˆ+ˇ++ C ] and his weak groups will become more resilient.
!+@!@++++!˙@+˚˘@++]
[!!@+++++ E !@+++++@] Up to », Black has gained enough profit in the top
!@@@++++++˜+++!!!@] right to win the game. Black is about 15 points ahead
!!!!@@@@@@ D ++!+!@@] on the board.
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++] White can still save his center dragon with C, but
,))))))))))))))))). it’s meaningless.
Variation 93 for "
Instead of ”, if White captures at „, Black should
connect at ”, once again making miai of D and E.
August 433
<(((((((((((((((((> White can save his center stones by cutting at ¯,
[++!@+++++++++++++] but this leaves his marked group at Black’s mercy.
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@] Squeezing with ˙ to “ is tight, and „ to – leaves
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++] White with only one and a half eyes.
[+!++++!++!@@˛“@!+]
[+++@++++!@+@tt@@+] Attaching at — is a striking tesuji which makes miai
[++++++!!@@@‚@ a tt@+] of A and B. There are other ways to capture in this
[+++++++@!@++¸˙@t A ] case, but — is the cleanest technique.
[++@++@+@!‹@tt–«t—]
[!!!@+@+@!˝!@+»„ B ] Even if is threatening (it isn’t in this case), Black
[+@!@+!+!›¨´ˆ+ˇ+‰ C ] can just block at ‰ and A and B are still miai.
!+@!@++++!¯@+˚˘@++]
[!!@++++++!@+++++@] Compare — to playing at B. Both moves capture
!@@@++++++˜+++!!!@] White in this case, but Black will have to answer
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@] at C if he chooses the latter tactic.
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 94 for "
” at @
a
<(((((((((((((((((> If White ataris at ´ and moves out up to ˝, ˚ and
[++!@+++++++++++++] ˘ form a powerful combination.
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@] Black can squeeze White up to ”, and seal him in
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++] with „.
[+!++++!++!@@„+@!+]
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@»] White can save the right side group with « and –,
[++++++!!@@@+@!!@«] but his marked stones will die after —.
[+++++++@t@ˆ+++@!+–
[++@++@+@t´@!!ˇ‚!+] A and B are miai in the center, and C is sente, so
[!!!@+@+@t”t@¨˚˛++] there’s no way for White to continue.
[+@!@+t+t›˘˝˜¸“+++]
!+@!@++ B +t¯@˙‹+@++]
[!!@++++ A +t@+++++@]
!@@@++++++—+++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+ C +!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!++++@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 95 for "
[+++++++@!@++++@!+] Cutting from behind with # in the game was the
[++@++@+@!+@!!+*!+] best move (¯ in this variation).
[!!!@+@+@!¯t@´ˆ+++]
[+@!@+!+!+++t˜¨+˘+] Black shouldn’t save his cutting stone with ´, be-
!+@!@++++!+@+˝ˇ@++] cause White will extend to ˚ after exchanging ˆ to
[!!@++++++!@+++++@] ˝ in sente.
!@@@++++++˚+++!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@+++!+!@@] Black can connect at ˇ and capture the marked
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+] stones with ¯, but eventually White will block at
[+!@!!@!!+++˙@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))). ˙. White’s groups are already alive on both sides,
Variation 96 for # because he was able to play ˚ and ˘ in sente.
434 August
No Answer Is Also an Answer
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++]
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+]
[+++@++++!@+@tt@@+]
[++++;:!!@@@+@tt@+]
[++++69+@!@+++1@t+]
[++@++@3@!@@tt+*t+]
[!!!@+@2@!@t+t++++]
[+@!@+!7!!@+t+++++]
!+@!@+48+!+@+/+@++]
[!!@+5++++!@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@ A !+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@+0]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 19
(Moves: 147-159)
The bamboo joint at / made the situation clear—A and 1 were miai for Black. White 0 was a
crafty way to reinforce the weakness at A, but Black ignored it and stormed White’s marked group.
No answer is also an answer. Gu shook the tree with 2 to 6, but Black countered precisely up to ;.
[+++++++@t@++++@!+] If White looks after his right side group with ´,
[++@++@+@t@@!!+*!+] Black can cut and capture White’s big dragon with
[!!!@+@+@t@!+!++++]
[+@!@+t+tt@+!+++´+] ˆ and ¨.
!+@!@++++t+@+@+@++]
[!!@++++++t@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++ttt˜ttt@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@ˆt+t@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!¨t@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 97 for 0
[+++++++@!@++++@!+] After White’s kosumi at !
A , ´ and ˜ don’t work
[++@++@+@!@@!!+*!+] properly anymore.
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
[+@!@+!+!!@+!+++++] White will play at ¨ to attack the marked stones
!+@!@++++!+@+@+@++] and it will be a ko after Black plays B to D, but
[!!@++++++!@+@+++@] fighting a ko is an unnecessary risk for Black.
!@@@++++++!!!ˆ!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@´!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!˜!T!+]
[+!@!!@!!++ C !TTT¨! A D
,))))))))))) ))))). B
Variation 98 for 1
August 435
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black responds locally with ´ and ˜, White will
[++!@+++++++++++++] come back and defend with ˚ (which also reduces
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++] Black’s liberties).
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++] Black ˇ is still a powerful way to attack, but White
[+!++++!++!@@–«@!+] can offer to trade with ˘ and ˙.
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[++++++!!@@@»@ a !!@”] If Black defends his corner group, White can make
[+++++++@t@++„ˇ@!›] two eyes up to .
[++@++@+@t@@!!+*!“
[!!!@+@+@t@!+!+++‹] Black can cut at A and capture the marked stones
[+@!@+t+tt@‰!+‚¯˛] in the center, but they’re far smaller than the right
!+@!@++++tı@+@+@˘˙] side group.
[!!@+++++ A !@+@++¸@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!˚!@!ˆ]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@´!]
,))))))))))))))˝¨˜.
Variation 99 for 1
— at @
a
[+!++++!++!@@–«@!+] Trying to capture with ı doesn’t work, because
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+] makes miai of ff and fi.
[++++++!!@@@»@ a !!@”]
[+++++++@!@++„ˇ@!›] Black’s marked group dies up to ffi, and the game is
[++@++@+@!@@!!+*!“ reversed.
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!+++‹]
[+@!@+!+!!@‰!ı+‚¯˛] If Black connects at ¨, White will hane at A.
!+@!@++++!ff@+@+@˘˙]
[!!@++++++!@+@+¸Tffi
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!T]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!TTfl
[++@!@!!@!!+!˚!T!ˆ]
[+!@!!@!!+++!TTT´!fi
,)))))))))))) A )˝¨˜.
Variation 100 for 1
— at @
a
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+] Black ¸ accepts the trade White offers with ˙.
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[++++++!!@@@+@!!@+] Black can capture White’s marked group with ‚,
[+++++++@!@+++ˇ@t+] but White can sacrifice in sente up to “ and Black’s
[++@++@+@!@@tt+*t+] profit is becoming smaller.
[!!!@+@+@!@t+t+++”›
[+@!@+!+!!@+t++‚¯¸‹ White takes the marked stones in compensation, with
!+@!@++++!+@+@+@˘˙“ „, and once again the game is reversed.
[!!@++++++!@+@++˛S]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!S]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!SS]
[++@!@!!@!!+!˚!S!ˆ]
[+!@!!@!!+++!SSS´!„
,))))))))))))))˝¨˜.
Variation 101 for 1
436 August
[+!++++!++!@@¨ˆ@!+] White can’t save his group with ´ to ˝, because ˚
[+++@++++!@+@tt@@+] and ˘ are severe.
[++++++!!@@@˜@ a tt@+]
[+++++++@!@++´@@t A ] Up to ˛, A and B are miai and White’s marked
[++@++@+@!@@tt+ˇt˘] stones are dead.
[!!!@+@+@!@t+t+˚¯ B ]
[+@!@+!+!!@+t+++˙¸] This time, Black’s meticulous tesuji at ˘ is abso-
!+@!@++++!+@+@+@+˛] lutely necessary. Let’s see what happens if Black
[!!@++++++!@+@+++@] plays ˘ at B instead...
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@+!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 102 for 2
˝ at @
a
[+!++++!++!@@¨ˆ@!+] After ´ to ˘, White will push at ¯ and answer ˙
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+] with ¸ to ›.
[++++++!!@@@˜@ a !!@ D ]
[+++++++@!@++´@@!+] White lives with ›, because A and B are miai to
[++@++@+@!@@!!+ˇ! C ] form a second eye.
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!‚˚¯˘]
[+@!@+!+!!@ B !›˛¸‹˙] Instead of ˙, if Black blocks at ‹ as in the previous
!+@!@++++!+@+@ A @++] variation; White C, ˙ and White D makes life.
[!!@++++++!@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@] The advantage of playing ˘ at C is that it allows
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!@@] Black to answer ¯ with ‹ without any problems. It
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+] may look a little strange, but it’s a wonderful tesuji.
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@+!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 103 for 2
˝ at @
a
<(((((((((((((((((> Falling back at ´ ends in failure, because ˚ is a
[++!@+++++++++++++] tesuji which sets up a squeeze.
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@] White’s cutting stones will be captured up to ˙,
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++] because A and ˚ are miai.
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+]
[+++@¨˜++!@+@!!@@+]
[++˘ˇ´ˆ!!@@@+@!!@+]
[+ A ˝˚!@+@!@+++@@!+]
[++@¯˙@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
[+@!@+!@!!@+!+++++]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@+@++]
[!!@+@++++!@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@+!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 104 for :
August 437
Simplify the Game When Ahead
<(((LM((((((((((((>
[++!@ A +IKJ++++++++]
[++!@+A+@+!+!@++++]
[+!@+>BC@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@+@@@!!!+++++++]
[+!+HD+!++!@@++@!+]
[++F@E+++!@+@!!@@+]
[+?G+@!!!@@@+@!!@+]
[++++!@+@!@+++@@!+]
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
[+@!@+!@!!@+!+++=+]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@+@<+]
[!!@+@++++!@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@ B !]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 20
(Moves: 160-177)
White probed Black’s weaknesses with < and >, but Black dodged easily up to ?.
The moves from @ to L were the best that White could manage, but he couldn’t find any opportunities
to catch up.
Instead of M, falling back at A would have been safer and easier, but M was typical of Lee Sedol’s
uncompromising style.
It appears that Lee thought sacrificing as he did in the game was clearer than saving his stones with
A. In the game, he took sente to reinforce the bottom right corner at B.
Since he was winning, and he was concerned about the aji in the bottom right, M wasn’t a mistake.
Gu is extremely talented at making use of bad aji, so M was Lee’s way of playing safely.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White extends to ´, ˆ is a fantastic net!
[++!@+++++++++++++]
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++] White can’t cut at A after ˘, because it’s self-atari.
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++]
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+]
[++¨@˘+++!@+@!!@@+]
[+ˆ˜ˇ@!!!@@@+@!!@+]
[+˝˚´!@+@!@+++@@!+]
[++@ A +@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
[+@!@+!@!!@+!+++++]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@+@++]
Variation 105 for <
438 August
<(((((((((((((((((> White can pull his cutting stone out with ´ and ˜,
[++!@+++++++++++++] but Black can make two eyes up to ˛.
[++!@+++@+!+!@++++]
[+!@++++@*+++!+@+@] This isn’t good enough for White.
[+!@++@@!!!+++++++]
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+]
[++¯@ˆ+++!@+@!!@@+]
[+ˇ¨´@!!!@@@+@!!@+]
[+˚˜˝!@+@!@+++@@!+]
[++@˘˙@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
[+@!@˛!@!!@+!+++++]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@+@++]
[!!@+@++++!@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@+!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 106 for <
¸ at ¨
<(((((((((((((((((> Responding directly with ´ is what White wants.
[++!@++ˆ˜+++++++++]
[++!@+ B +@+!+!@++++] White ˆ and ¨ make miai of A and B, and this is
[+!@¨!++@*+++!+@+@] irritating for Black.
[+!@ A ´@@!!!+++++++]
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+] Black didn’t need to play so tightly, so he dodged to
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+] C (? in the game).
[+ C ++@!!!@@@+@!!@+]
[++++!@+@!@+++@@!+]
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
Variation 107 for ?
<(((((((((((((((((> After @A , if White continues with his plan in the top
[++!T+ D ˝++++++++++] left, Black will sacrifice the marked stones and take
[++!T B ´+@+!+!@˚+++] sente.
[+!@˜! C +@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@¨ˆ@@!!!+++++++] If White doesn’t play at ˝, Black will play B to D
[+!++++!++!@@++@!+] to capture.
[+++@++++!@+@!!@@+]
[+@
A ++@!!!@@@+@!!@+] Pulling back at ˚ or reinforcing the bottom right
[++++!@+@!@+++@@!+] corner is good enough for Black.
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
[+@!@+!@!!@+!+++@+]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@+@!+]
[!!@+@++++!@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@+!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 108 for @
August 439
Trade to Simplify the Game
<(((!@R(((((((((((>
[++!TPVTT!++++++++]
[+ A !TQT[T+!+!@++++]
[+s@T!!TT*+++!+@+@]
[+s@+!TT!!!+++++++]
[+sS!!+!++!@@++@!+]
[+U!@@N++!@+@!!@@+]
[+@@O@!!!@@@+@!!@+]
[++++!@+@!@+++@@!+]
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
[+@!@+!@!!@+!+++@+]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@+@!+]
[!!@+@++++!@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@ B !+!@@ E
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!X C
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@W!]
,)))))))))))))))ZY D
Diagram 21
(Moves: 178-191)
Cutting with S was the right move. Lee thought this was better and clearer than saving his group in
gote.
Even though White captured Black’s marked group, it wasn’t as big as it looked.
Firstly, Black took sente to ensure his advantage in the bottom right, and secondly, Black could cut
at A later to capture White’s marked stones (and reduce White’s corner territory).
Lee had plenty of time left on the clock, and he’d already read everything out in the top left and
bottom right, so he thought that W was the natural way to punish White for getting distracted in
the top left. This was nerve-wracking for spectators though, because it seemed like Lee was taking
unnecessary risks.
White’s response at X was necessary to maintain the connection of his center group (otherwise Black
can cut with B).
Black returned to the top with [, but playing C to E first would have been simpler.
<((¨!˜! B ((((((((((> If Black ataris at ´, White will cut at ˆ to reinforce
[++!@!´@@!++++++++] his cutting point at A.
[++!@@@+@+!+!@++++]
[+!Tˆ!!@@*+++!+@+@] Black still needs to play one more move at B to live,
[+!T+!@@!!!+++++++] which means Black gives up the marked stones for
[+! A !!+!++!@@++@!+] nothing.
[++!@@!++!@+@!!@@+]
[+@@@@!!!@@@+@!!@+]
[++++!@+@!@+++@@!+]
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
Variation 109 for S
440 August
<˘¯˙!‚!¸((((((((((> Black still has aji in the top left after ´.
‹ˇ¨!@!! a @@!++++++++]
˛˝˜!@@@´@+!+!@++++] If White tries to save the marked stones with ˚,
[˚t@!!!@@*+++!+@+@] Black can revive his group up to ›.
[+t@+!@@!!!+++++++]
[+t@!!ˆ!++!@@++@!+] However, after that, White will return to the lower
[+@+@@!++!@+@!!@@+] right with “. This is what Lee wanted to prevent in
[+@@@@!!!@@@+@!!@+] the game.
[++++!@+@!@+++@@!+]
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!++++]
[+@!@+!@!!@+!+++@+]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@+@!“]
[!!@+@++++!@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++!!!+!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@+!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!+!@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@+!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 110 for W
› at !
a
<(((!(!(((((((((((> If White removes the aji in the top left, with ´,
[++!@!!@@!++++++++] Black will wedge at ˆ.
[++!@@@´@+!+!@++++]
[+!@!!!@@*+++!+@+@] This makes miai of A and B, and White’s marked
[+!@+!@@!!!+++++++] stones will be captured.
[+!@!!+!++!@@++@!+]
[+@+@@!++!@+@!!@@+]
[+@@@@!!!@@@+@!!@+]
[++++!@+@t@+++@@!+]
[++@++@@@t@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@t@!+!++++]
[+@!@+t@tt@+!+++@+]
!+@!@+tt+t+@+@+@!+]
[!!@+@++++t@+@+++@]
!@@@++++++ttt B !!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@ˆ!+!@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+! A !@!+]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@@!]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 111 for X
August 441
Game Over
<˙(˘!(!(((((((((((>
¯˚¨!@!!@@!+++++—++]
[˝˜!@@@@@+!+!@‰‹›+]
[ˇ!@!!!@@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@„!@@!!!++»“++]
[+!@!!ˆ!++!@@–”@!+]
[+@«@@!++!@+@tt@@+]
[+@@@@!!!@@@+@tt@+]
[++++!@+@!@+++@@t´]
[++@++@@@!@@tt+*t+]
[!!!@+@+@!@t+t+++‘]
[+@!@+!@!!@+t++_@^]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@+@t\]
[!!@+@++++!@+@+c]@]
!@@@++++++!!!b!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@a!+!@@‚
[++@!@!!@!!+!˛!@!!¸
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@@!]
,)))))))))))))))!@`
Diagram 22
(Moves: 192-224)
Gu tried to make something happen on the right side, from \ (\) to `, but it was too late.
White’s marked stones were all dead after ´ (´). Next, Black took his compensation in the top left,
from ˜ to ˙.
The attachment at ‹ was a stylish endgame tesuji, but the game was already over.
<(((!(!(((((((((((> White can’t cut at ´ after c (at @ A ), because Black
[++!@!!@@!++++++++] can start a picnic ko for the life of White’s marked
[++!@@@@@+!+!@++++] dragon up to ˚ (at @ a ).
[+!@!!!@@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@+!@@!!!+++++++] This ko is huge and White doesn’t have many big ko
[+!@!!+!++!@@ B C @!+] threats, whereas Black has ko threats on the right
[+@+@@!++!@+@!!@@+]
[+@@@@!!!@@@+@!!@+] side, starting with B, C and D.
[++++!@+@t@++´@@! D ] This is a one-move approach ko for White.
[++@++@@@t@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@t@!+!+++!]
[+@!@+t@tt@+!++@@!]
!+@!@+tt+t+@+@+@!!]
[!!@+@++++t@+@+@ A @@]
!@@@++++++ttttttt@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@@t˝t@@]
[++@!@!!@!!+!ˆt@!!]
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@@!]
,))))))))))))))¨!@ a˜
Variation 112 for `
˚ at @
a
442 August
<(((!(!(((((((((((> White can’t start a capturing race with ´ to ¸ any-
[++!@!!@@!++++++++] more, because ˛ captures White’s triangled stones
[++!@@@@@+!+!@++++] firmly.
[+!@!!!@@*+++!+@+@]
[+!@+!@@!!!+++++++] White still doesn’t have two eyes on the right, so his
[+!@!!+!++!@@˚¨@!+] squared group is dead.
[+@+@@!++!@+@ss@@+]
[+@@@@!!!@@@˝@ a ss@ˆ]
[++++!@+@!@++˜@@s@]
[++@++@@@!@@ss+*s´˘
[!!!@+@+@!@s+s+++s]
[+@!@+!@!!@¯s˙+@@s]
!+@!@+!!+!¸@+@+@ss]
[!!@+@++++!@+@+@@@]
!@@@++++++!!!!!!!@]
!!!!@@@@@@@@@!+!@@‹
[++@!@!!@!!+!‚!@tt˛
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@@t]
,)))))))))))))))t)t
Variation 113 for ˆ
ˇ at @
a
<!(!!ˆ!´((((((((((> Black can’t win the capturing race in the corner with
@!!!T!!TT!++++++++] ´ to ˜.
˜@@!TTTTT˚!+!@++++]
[@!@!!!TT*+++!+@+@] White ¨ is a basic tesuji which fills Black’s liberties
[¨!@+!TT!!!+++++++] and effectively gains one more liberty for White.
[˝!@!!!!++!@@++@!+]
[+@+@@!++!@+@!!@@+] After ˚, the marked stones are captured.
[+@@@@!!!@@@+@!!@+]
[++++!@+@!@+++@@!@]
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!+++!]
Variation 114 for ¸
<!(!!(!((((((((˙((> White ‰ in the game may look strange, but if White
@!!!@!!@@!+++¯¸!˘+] plays at ´ instead the result is even worse.
[@@!@@@@@+!+!@˚!@+]
[@!@!!!@@*+˝ˆ!´@+@] Black’s cut at ˆ is an endgame tesuji, and Black can
[+!@!!@@!!!¨˜!!@++] squeeze in sente with the sequence to ˙.
[+!@!!!!++!@@@@@!+]
[+@@@@!++!@+@++@@+] Next, ˛ is the biggest move.
[+@@@@!!!@@@+@++@+]
[˛+++!@+@!@+++@@!@]
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@!+!+++!]
Variation 115 for ‰
ˇ at ˆ
August 443
Playing for a Draw
<!(!!(!((((((((ffififl$
@!!!@!!@@!+++++!ı ]
"@@!@@@@@+!+!@!!@!]
[@!@!!!@@*+++! A +@+@]
[+!@!!@@!!!++!!@++]
[#!@!!!!++!@@@@@!+]
[+@@@@!++!@+@++@@+]
[+@@@@!!!@@@+@++@+]
[ffl+++!@+@!@+++@@!@]
[++@++@@@!@@!!+*!+]
[!!!@+@+@!@! B !+++!]
[+@!@+!@!!@+!++@@!]
!+@!@+!!+!+@+@ C +@!!]
[!!@+@++%+!@+@+@@@]
!@@@++++++!!!!!!!@]
!
E !!!@@@@ D @@@@@!+!@@@
[++@!@!!@!!+!!!@!!@
[+!@!!@!!+++!@@@@!ff
,))))))))))))))!)!
Diagram 23
(Moves: 225-237)
237 moves: Black won by resignation.
White resigned after %, because Black was already comfortably ahead and White had exhausted all
possibilities for reversing the game.
This was another regretful game for Gu Li, because his play in the opening and early middle game had
the makings of a masterpiece, but it turned to ashes after a single mistake at ffi (!
A ).
Lee Sedol’s attachment at ffl (B) was devastating and his play afterwards was relentless.
From the professional perspective, the game was clearly over when Black defended at / (@ C ), but it
was too important, so Gu couldn’t resign so early. He needed to try his best to reverse the game in
order to clear his mind of regret.
On the other hand, Lee Sedol was slightly behind in the early part of the game, after defending
improperly at A (@
D ) and absorbing a blow at D (!
E )—an ingenious move on White’s part.
Lee didn’t overplay in a hasty attempt to catch up, but bided his time until an opportunity presented
itself.
After taking the lead with @
C , Lee’s play was fastidious—in stark contrast to game six—and Gu didn’t
have any chances to catch up.
Now that Lee Sedol was ahead 5–2, it was impossible for him to lose the Jubango. Meanwhile, Gu Li
was now playing for a draw, which must have sapped his fighting spirit.
Gu would face a kadoban (a match deciding game) for all three of the remaining games, so his prospects
were fading away.
Chapter 8
September
September 28, 2014, Chongqing, China: Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
<(POQ((((((Z(-ffifi((˛
[+RHGffl++++I[)(+,+*¸
[++FDˇ+)/¯H9+’&L$+X
[++¨E-(*+.0>?‚F´DBW
[+‰–7I,4NM›+K"¸%E
[—+˘VX1 —38˘-#A˛˙ZC
2–»ffC05,*9:/¯;6A3!]
˝"”„«B62$;<0”“5<?˜ˆ
Y1O«WNT3;=>2–@=/‹flC
[P„RQOU++?“›1.WV>›B
[++++++ffl‚‰«8„^\˝@fi’
[+++++%‹˛»ffiTfl]ff94(
[+M˝U+++ffi&10SJX! :]
[”Q¨R«‚’ı˘˙fiU[87.-
aK“+»›„¸ˆ˚ˇb`ıa‰‘˙"
‘IJˆ‰–˛`´!¯ıc_fi¯˘
[LT^]˚—aN_ffl^‘ıff˜ffi˝!
7Sc‹+LF˜]\#$HY˚´ˆˇ
.@6c`DAKE4%*GZb¨¸˜.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-350)
at J, ff at X, fl # ) / at ,
& , : » at ‰, 2 at \, 5 at ´, < at &,
= at ˛, G M S Y _ ´ ˇ ‚ ’ at %,
J P V \ b ¨ ˙ $ ) at 4, ˚ at –, ‹ at #,
“ at ", ” — at «, fl at ˛, ffl at (, " at ’,
# at N, % at ffi, & at 1, ( at c, + at ‘
445
446 September
Chongqing
Game eight of the MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango was played on September 28, 2014, in Chongqing, China.
Gu Li held black.
Chongqing, Gu’s hometown, was one of two locations chosen by the organizers for its personal connec-
tion to the players. The other was Jeung-do (Chapter 4).
As a local, Gu has played on Team Chongqing, in the Chinese A League, since the current format
began in 1999. Team Chongqing has dominated the league, winning nine times so far. No other team
has topped the league table more than three times.
Chongqing is a major economic hub near the center of China. The area is heavily industrialized, with a
large manufacturing base. The region has been growing and urbanizing rapidly since being designated
as one of China’s four ‘direct-controlled municipalities’ (a city which is equivalent to a province) in the
late 1990s.
The score going into this game was 5–2 in Lee Sedol’s favor, which meant that it was a kadoban and
that Gu had to win to stay in the match.
In game seven, Gu played a wonderful opening and managed the game very smoothly until the middle
game. Tragically, he made one careless move and Lee reversed the game with a single blow.
After Gu lost game seven, the atmosphere of the match changed substantially, and, regretfully, many
Chinese journalists and Go fans lost interest in the Jubango. That’s because even if Gu won all three
of the remaining games, the best result he could achieve was a tie.
Gu Li, however, was not intending to give up so easily.
September 447
The High Chinese Opening
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++ F ++++++++++++]
[++¨+++++ E +++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++++˝ A +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ C +]
[+ H +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++ˆ+++++ D + G +++*++]
[++++˚+++++++++˜++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 1-6)
Gu Li started with the High Chinese Opening of ´, ˜ and ˝ (‘high’ since ˝ is on the fourth line).
Lee Sedol met Black’s opening with a flexible two star formation at ˆ and ¨, and then played ‘Gu
Li style’ with the corner enclosure at ˚. We investigated this move together in Chapter 5.
If ˚ were around D instead, Black could expand the Chinese formation around E, F or G next. He
could also reduce White’s moyo around H. We explored the (low) Chinese Opening in Chapter 3, and
some continuations are similar. Below, we’ll look at some variations which weren’t covered earlier.
Presently, the High Chinese Opening is rarely seen in top professionals’ games, because the pattern is
less flexible and more difficult to manage than the standard Chinese formation (where ˝ is at A).
Placing three stones on the fourth line, with respect to the center, makes the High Chinese similar
to the Three Star Opening (Sanrensei), but the former is more finely balanced between territory and
influence. Compared to the standard Chinese Opening, it places more emphasis on the center.
The reason why the high formation is more difficult to manage is that placing ˝ on the fourth line
makes it harder to convert Black’s moyo into territory later on.
For example, if White invades around B or C at some point (not necessarily good moves right now),
Black will wish that ˝ were at A.
However, Black’s game plan is to create a deep moyo by extending around D or E, eventually provoking
Black into invading. When that happens, Black will attack.
By attacking White, Black hopes to hold the initiative and create territory naturally, while White
struggles to settle his invading stones.
This strategy plays to the strengths of Black’s opening, and he will strive to mask the weaknesses of
the High Chinese by playing a wide game and putting as much pressure as possible on White.
448 September
<(((((((((((((((((> We discussed ´ and ˜ in Chapter 3, and suggested
[++++++++++++++˜++] that Black might tenuki to play ¨ and ˚.
[++++++++++++´++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++] Once Black has developed a large framework on both
[+++++++++++++++++] sides, with @
A and ˚, the time is ripe for White
[++++++++++++++ˆ++] to approach at ˇ. This prevents Black from giving
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] body to his moyo by playing at ˇ himself.
[+++++++++++++++++] The knight’s move at ˘ is a typical continuation
[++*+++++*+++++*++] when playing the standard Chinese Opening, but it’s
[++++++++++++++@ A B +]
[+++++++++++++++++] a little slack when combined with the High Chinese.
[++++++++++++ C +‚++] That’s because ‚ makes miai of B and C, and Black
[+˝+++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ˇ++] doesn’t have any particularly effective continuation
[++!+++++˚+++˘+*¸+] afterwards.
[++++¨+++++ D +++@¯+] White can invade at D later, so this variation isn’t
[+++++++++++++++˙˛]
,))))))))))))))))). as good for Black as when he plays @
A at B.
Variation 1 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> When Black has a high stone at @
A , the kosumi at ˘
[++++++++++++++˜++] is more effective.
[++++++++++++´++++]
[++!+++++*+++++@++] If White blocks at B, Black will attack at ¯ and
[+++++++++++++++++] White will be too heavy. We saw a similar variation
[++++++++++++++ˆ++] in Chapter 3.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Because of that, ¯ is a clever move which aims to re-
[+++++++++++++++++] duce Black’s moyo lightly and avoid a severe attack.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++++@ A ++] Black ˙ to “ is natural, and demonstrates one pos-
[+++++++++++++++++] sible continuation. The result is even.
[+++++++++++‚+++++]
[+˝+++++++++ C + E +++] Defending the cutting point using a ladder, with ‚,
[++++++++++ D +›+ˇ B +] is light and flexible.
[++!+++++˚+“¸‹¯*˘+]
[++++¨+++++ F +˛˙@++] If White connects at C instead of ‚, Black will ex-
[+++++++++++++++++] change ‹ for › and peep with D and E before jump-
,))))))))))))))))). ing at F. White will become heavy in this case.
Variation 2 for ˚
[+++++++++++++++++] Extending to the key point at ´ is the simplest way
[++*+++++*+++++*++] to deal with Chinese openings.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+˜+++++++++++++++] Approaching at ˆ to curtail White’s budding moyo
[+++¯+++++++++++++] is natural, but pincering at ˜ isn’t a good idea.
[˘ˆ A ++++++++++++++]
[++ˇ++++++++++++++] White loses sente after ¯ and Black will reduce
[+˚!+++++´+˙+++*++] White’s potential at ˙, so Black is satisfied.
[+¨˝+++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] We discussed A instead of ˘ in Chapter 7, but since
,))))))))))))))))). Black can reduce with ˙ in this case, he doesn’t want
Variation 3 for ˚ to make White’s position thicker by pushing at A.
September 449
[+++++++++++++++ D +] If White really wants to pincer at ¯, he should ex-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] change ˜ to ˘ first.
[++++++++++++++@ B C +]
[+¯+++++++++++++++] Black attaches at ¨ instead of enclosing the corner
[+++›+++++++++++++] at A, because White already has a stone at ´ and
[‹ˆ++++++++++++˘++] this sequence makes him slightly over-concentrated.
[++‚++++++++ˇ˝+ A ++]
[+˛!+++++´++˜¨˚*++] Black @B doesn’t work as well as C to complete
[+˙¸+++++++++++@++] Black’s territory in the bottom right (White D will
[+++++++++++++++++] be annoying later), but it helps more to reduce the
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 4 for ˚ potential of White’s center moyo.
This is a well balanced opening for both players.
[+++++++++++++++++] The knight’s move at ˜ is calmer and more flexible.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+ A ++++++++++++@++] Sliding to ¨ is usually good, and extending around
[+ C +++++++++++++++] A or approaching the top left is also conceivable.
[+ D +++++++++++++++]
[+ˆ+++++++++++++++] In this case White already has an extension at ´, so
[+++++++++++++++++] he can tenuki if he wants to, but ¨ is still fine.
[¨+!+++++´+++++*++]
[+ B ++˜++++++ E ++@++] White can choose between continuations like B, C
[+++++++++++++++++] and D next, but he may prefer to defer his choice.
,))))))))))))))))). If Black plays at B after White tenukis, White will
Variation 5 for ˚
approach at E and aim to take sente again.
[+++++++++++++++++] Pincering at ˝ is a good continuation for White.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++++@++] Black will move into the corner with ˚, but White
[+˝+++++++++++++++] can enclose him with ˇ and ¯.
[+¸˙ B +++++++++++++]
[˛@¯‚+++++++++++++] The double hane at ˙ is a tesuji for leaving behind
[˘ˇ+++++++++++++++] a weakness, but White will simply extend at ‚.
[@+!+++++! A +++++*++]
[+˚++!+++++++++@++] Since White has an extension at ! A , his group at the
[+++++++++++++++++] bottom is already strong. Accordingly, he doesn’t
,))))))))))))))))). need to capture ˙ in a ladder with B—doing so
Variation 6 for ˚ would only allow Black to play a ladder breaker later.
[+++++++++++++++++] Resisting White’s enclosure with ˘ is also conceiv-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] able, but this tactic doesn’t usually bear fruit.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+˝+++++++++++++++] White should counter with ¯ and ¸, and if Black
[+‚+++++++++++++++] captures !
A in a net with ‹, › to « form a splendid
[¸@¯+«++++++++++++] combination for enclosing Black and connecting.
[+ˇ˘˙+++++++++++++]
[@˛!
A “›+++! B +++++*++] The order of › and ” is important. If › is at ”,
[+˚+‹!+++++++++@++] Black will bulge at ›, and « won’t work anymore.
[++„”+++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Playing ‹ at › is inadvisable here, because White
Variation 7 for ˚ will extend to ‹ and !
B will help him to fight.
450 September
[+++++++++++++++++] After ˘, connecting at ¸ falls into Black’s trap.
[+«*+++++*+++++*++]
[+”„+++++++++++@++] Black will connect under with ˛, and it becomes
[+˝“++++++++++++++] necessary to turn at ‚. Next, bumping at ‹ aims
[+‹+++++++++++++++] to extend at A, so cutting at › is sensible.
[ B @¯++++++++++++++]
[˛ˇ˘˙+++++++++++++] However, “ to » is powerful and White has to worry
[@¸!+»+++!+++++*++] about Black A, as well as a pincer on the left side.
[›˚‚ C !+++++++++@++]
[+ A +++++++++++++++] Instead of ‚, if White ataris at B, Black C is devas-
,))))))))))))))))). tating.
Variation 8 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> White needn’t worry about Black jumping to ˚, be-
[+++++++++++++++++] cause defending the corner with ˇ is good enough.
[++++ D ++++++++++++]
[++!+++++“+++++@++] Pressing at ˘ is natural after jumping to ˚, but
[+++++++++++++++++] White develops smoothly with ¯ to ›.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Usually Black can take sente after › (e.g. “), but
[+›+++++++++++++++] the problem here is that he has effectively exchanged
[++‹++++++++++++++] @A for ˇ, which makes his group inflexible and heavy.
[+‚˛+++++*+++++*++]
[+¸˘+++++++++++@++] Cutting with ” to – is powerful, and Black is in
[+˝¯˙»++++++++++++] trouble. In the absence of !
B , – can cut at C instead.
[++«”„++++++++++++]
[+T C ˚–++++++++++++] If Black hadn’t exchanged @ A for ˇ, he would be
[+++++++++++++++++] able to trade with Black at ˇ now, but in this case
[@
A +!+++++! B +++++*++] Black’s marked group is as good as dead.
[+ˇ++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black should use “ to reinforce at ”, but enclosing
,))))))))))))))))). the corner at D gives White a comfortable game.
Variation 9 for ˚
<(((((((((((((((((> Jumping at ˚ (after exchanging @ A for ˇ) is only
[+++++++++++++++++] worth considering when pincering at ˘ is a powerful
[+++++++++++++++++] move, but usually it isn’t.
[++! B +++++*+++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In this game, ˚ and ˘ turn out especially badly for
[+++++++++++++++++] Black, because !
B controls the top left corner.
[+ D +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] After ˘, ¯ is a patient haengma which moves out
[+++++++++++++++++] slowly while preventing Black from connecting at C.
[+˘*+++++*+++++*++]
[++¯+++++++++++@++] Black has two weak groups, while White has only
[ C ˝+++++++++++++++] one, so this fight will be difficult for Black. Attacking
[+++++++++++++++++] at D or E is miai for White next.
[+@+˚+ E +++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black has a strong position in the top left, around
[@A +!+++++!+++++*++]
!B , this variation might be conceivable because ˘
[+ˇ++!+++++++++@++] wouldn’t be particularly weak in that case.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). However, ˚ and ˘ are overplays in this position.
Variation 10 for ˚
September 451
[+++++++++++++++++] Attaching at ˝ is a sharp way of playing, but it fell
[++*+++++*+++++*++] out of fashion around 2012.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++] Black ˘ was rarely played in the past, because the
[¸˝˚++++++++++++++] accepted wisdom was that ! A would become an eye
[¯@˘++++++++++++++] stealing tesuji after ¯ and ¸.
C ˙++ B +++++++++++++]
[@”!A ‹»+++!+++++*++] However, ˛ and ‹ comprise a brilliant counter!
D «‚˛›!–++++++++@++]
[—„“++++++++++++++] After “, ” and „ are miai. Next, » makes miai of
,))))))))))))))))). – and —. As long as the ladder at B favors Black,
Variation 11 for ˚ ˘ is surprisingly powerful. If White C, D suffices.
[«++ A +++++++++++++] Because of the moves in the previous variation,
[ C ¸›+++++*+++++*++] White defends the corner at ¯ instead.
D ‚˛‹+++++++++++@++]
„“ˇ˙++++++++++++++] Simply pushing at ˙ is a strong way to take advan-
B ”˝˚++++++++++++++] tage of White’s tenuki on the left side, and if White
[»@˘++++++++++++++] jumps lightly to ¸, Black can settle with ˛ to ».
[+++++++++++++++++]
[@+!+++++!+++++*++] Instead of ›, if White crouches down with «, Black
[+¯++!+++++++++@++] will fly out to A and control the center. White’s
[+++++++++++++++++] position is very low in that case.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 12 for ˚ If « is at B: Black C, White D, Black at « captures.
[+„+++++++++++++++] Backing up with the hane at › is conceivable, but
[“¸»+++++*+++++*++] “ leaves White in a bind.
[‚˛‹+++++++++++@++]
[”ˇ˙++++++++++++++] Trading with ” and « is best, but Black is never-
[+˝˚++++++++++++++] theless satisfied to capture ¸ in a ladder.
[›@˘++++++++++++++]
[«++++++++++++++++] Capturing the ladder as soon as possible with » is
[@+!+++++!+++++*++] good style when you’re ahead.
[+¯++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This variation is better for Black, because Black’s
,))))))))))))))))). power in the center is magnificent.
Variation 13 for ˚
[++ A ++++++++++++++] If White wants to ruin Black’s eye shape with ¸, the
[++*“++++*+++++*++] best time to do so is after ˙.
[‹˛++++++++++++@++]
[+ˇ˙++++++++++++++] Black will, however, be unperturbed and will trade
[›˝˚++++++++++++++] with the hane at ˛.
[¸@˘++++++++++++++]
[‚++++++++++++++++] Compared to the previous variation, this one isn’t as
[@+!+++++!+++++*++] bad for White. It’s still regarded as being slightly
[+¯++!+++++++++@++] better for Black, but in the right game these moves
[+++++++++++++++++] could be playable for White.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 14 for ˚ Playing ¸ at ˛ is heavy; Black will press at A.
452 September
The Inside Can Still Be the Wider Side
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++ C ++++++++++++++]
[++++ˇ+++¯+++ D ++++]
[++!+++++ B +++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++˘++++++++++++˙+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++! A +++++++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 7-10)
After !
A reduced the potential at the bottom, ˇ developed Black’s High Chinese formation at the top.
White responded with the high enclosure at ˘, because he was conscious of the influence of Black’s
marked stones and wanted to contest the center.
The three space extension at ¯ was unusual (B and C are more common). This move was one of
Kobayashi Koichi 9 dan’s favorites during his heyday in Japan, but it has rarely been seen since.
White ˙ approached from the ‘inside’, but since Black already had extensions on both sides, ˙ was
also the wider side. D would be even more constrained and, after ¯, it was the time to play ˙.
<(((((((((((((((((> Black doesn’t need to worry about White’s invasion
[+++++++++++++++++] at ´, because it’s too early to play such small moves.
[+++˜@+´+@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++ B +@++] Reinforcing Black’s moyo with the high enclosure at
[++++++++ C ++++++++] ˆ is more valuable, and that’s why it was time for
[++!+++++++++++ˆ A +] White to approach at A in the game. Black plays ˆ
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] (not B) partly because he plans to expand at C later.
[+++++++++++++++++] In Chapter 3, we said that approaching from the in-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] side at A was bad for White, but the situation is
[+ E ++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] different once Black has developed the top.
[+++++++++++++++++] If White consolidates his profit at ˜, ¨ makes miai
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ F ++] of D and E next and Black’s moyo is becoming large
[++!+++++*+¨+++* G +] and firm.
[++++!+ D +++++++@++] It’s already difficult for White to invade around F,
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). because after ¨ Black will respond severely with G.
Variation 15 for ˙
September 453
Compress Stones Which Approach from the Inside
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++@+++@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++‚+@++]
[+++++++++++++++¸+]
[++!+++++++++++˛! B +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++“++++]
[+++++++++++++++‹ C ]
[++*+++++*+++++*+›]
[++++++++++++++@ A ++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++!+++++++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 4
(Moves: 11-16)
Since Black had a (very) loose pincer at @
A , we can regard !
B as an approach from the inside.
To make efficient use of @
A , kicking with ¸ and jumping to ‚ was the proper way to attack.
After White made a small base with ‹, the foot-sweep at › was a strong move. Black ¸ to › is a
textbook style attacking combination for when White enters Black’s High Chinese formation at !
B.
When stones approach from the inside, you should compress them from both sides like this.
The large knight’s move at “ was light and flexible. White avoided helping Black to consolidate his
moyo in the bottom right, by omitting moves like C.
<(((((((((((((((((> Pincering at ´ places too much emphasis on taking
[+++++++++++++++++] away White’s base and doesn’t use @
A efficiently.
[++++@+++@+++++˜ˆ+]
[++!+++¯+*+++++@¨+] As we’ve seen several times already, White can force
[+++++˘++++++++˝++] a trade which Black doesn’t want to accept with ˆ,
[++!+++++++++++ C !˚] and will live in the corner in sente up to ˇ.
[+++++++++++++ˇ+++]
[+++++++++++++++´+] White can then immediately reduce Black’s poten-
[+++++++++++++++++] tial at the top with ˘, and the result up to ˙ is
[+˙*+++++*+++++*++] satisfactory for White.
[++++++++++++++@ A ++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black @A seems out of place in this variation and
[+++++++++++++++++] Black would prefer for it to have been played around
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ B +] B instead.
[++!+++++*+++++*++] If Black neglects to connect with ˇ, pushing at C
[++++!+++++++++@++] will be a powerful move for White.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 16 for ¸
454 September
<(((((((((((((((((> As you know from previous chapters, blocking at ˜
[+++++++++++++++++] doesn’t improve the result for Black.
[++++@+++@ A +++˙+¨ˆ˘]
[++!+++++*++++˝@˜˚] Black @
A is poorly placed after ˙.
[+++++++++++++++¯ˇ]
[++!++++++++++++!+] If Black had already committed many stones to the
[+++++++++++++++++] bottom right and ´ completed his territory, or if
[+++++++++++++++´+] White already had a flat position at the top, this
[+++++++++++++++++] variation might be playable for Black.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++++@++] However, situations like that are quite unusual.
Variation 17 for ¸
<(((((((((((((((((> It’s too early to cap at ´, because White can slide
[+++++++++++++++++] to ˆ and establish a comfortable base up to ˘.
[++++@+++@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++@+@+ˇ] Black’s attack runs out of steam too quickly after
[+++++++++++++++@˚] White settles his group.
[++!+++++++++++!!˘]
[+++++++++++++++++] This means Black doesn’t have any future attacking
[+++++++++++++++++] possibilities to look forward to, and it’s not yet clear
[+++++++++++++´+!+] whether ´, ˜ and ˝ will be used efficiently.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[++++++++++++++@+ˆ] When you’re attacking, you want to do it slowly and
[+++++++++++++++˜¨] firmly, to keep your opponent’s stones unsettled for
[+++++++++++++++++] as long as possible.
[+++++++++++++++˝+]
[+++++++++++++++++] By doing so, you’ll create more possibilities for your-
[++!+++++*+++++*++] self later in the game. You’ll also constrain your op-
[++++!+++++++++@++] ponent’s choices later on, because they’ll have to live
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). in constant fear of a splitting attack.
Variation 18 for ›
<(((((((((((((((((> The iron pillar at ´ is also conceivable, but attacking
[+++++++++++++++++] with ´ and ˜ applies less pressure to White than
[++++@+++@++++++++] the foot-sweep at A does.
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[+++++++++++++++@+] White ˆ and ¨ are good haengma and White is
[++!+++++++++++!!+] almost alive already.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++¨+++++]
[+++++++++++++ˆ+!+]
[++*+++++*+++˜+*+ A ]
[++++++++++++++@´+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++++*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 19 for ›
September 455
<(((((((((((((((((> Kicking at ´ isn’t as good as the foot-sweep at A
[+++++++++++++++++] either, but it’s still playable.
[++++@+++@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] The progression to ¨ can be expected and Black can
[+++++++++++++++@+] reinforce his moyo with ˝.
[++!+++++++++++!!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White plays at B later, it will be somewhat irri-
[+++++++++++¨+++++] tating for Black, which is why most players prefer to
[++++++++++++++ˆ!+] play ´ at A instead.
[++*+++++*+++++*´ A ]
[++++++++++++˜+@++]
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++˝+*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 20 for ›
<(((((((((((((((((> After @
A (› in the game), blocking at ´ is a little
[+++++++++++++++++] slow.
[++++@+++@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] Black can exchange ˆ and ¨ in sente, and can de-
[+++++++++++++++@+] velop his bottom right corner up to ˚.
[++!+++++++++++!!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black will be satisfied with this result.
[+++++++++++˝+++++]
[+++++++++++++˜+!´] The bottom right moyo isn’t completed yet, but com-
[++*+++++*+++¨+*ˆ@ A] pared to the previous variation there’s no weakness
[++++++++++++++@++] around B, so it’s much firmer.
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++˚+*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 21 for “
<(((((((((((((((((> If White ignores ¨, Black can encircle him with ˚,
[+++++++++++++++++] creating good relationships between ¨, ˚ and @ A.
[++++@+++@++++ M +++]
[++!+++++*++ L @ A K @++] If White doesn’t break free, Black B will be sente.
[+++++++++++ H G ++@ B ]
[++!+++++++ J C D I !!+] White’s swift haengma at C escapes, and Black can’t
[+++++++++++ F E ++++] cut with D because E to K makes miai of L and M.
[+++++++++++˚+++++]
[+++++++++++++˜+!´] However, after White C, Black B is still sente because
[+˝*+++++*+++¨+*ˆ@] it aims to cut with I next. Therefore, ˚ magically
[++++++++++++++@++] makes Black’s corner large and secure either way.
Variation 22 for “
456 September
Approach High Positions from Below
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++T+++T++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[+ B ++++++++++++@+]
[— D !
C + E +++++++++!!+]
[–»+++++++++++++++]
[+”+«++++++++!++++]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+„*+++++*+++++*+@]
[+ A ++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++s+++++*+++++*++]
[++++s+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 5
(Moves: 17-23)
Black ” was the vital point for approaching White’s high enclosure. This move created continuations
like A, B or — next. In that respect, ” resembles a knight’s approach to the star point—Black can
either make a base with A, offer to trade with B, or slide to —, depending on White’s response.
In general, approaching high positions (fourth line positions) by playing on the third line is the most
flexible technique. If you approach on the fourth line your followups will be more limited, whereas
approaching on the second line gains little and is usually reserved for deep invasions.
Because of ”, White doesn’t usually jump at C, preferring the knight’s enclosure at D instead.
White pincered at „ to maximize the potential of his marked corner enclosure, and also because it
worked well with his planned continuation at ».
Black’s hane at – was a light move, which aimed to take sente to play at next. Jumping to was
better style than capping at E because it aimed more intently at White’s weakness around B, while
also creating a better relationship with Black’s marked stones at the top.
[+++++++++++++++!+] Enclosing the bottom right corner with ´ would be
[+ˆ*+++++*+++++*+@] a more stable approach to the opening.
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This strategy makes miai of ˆ and ˜.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If White plays at ˆ and allows Black to extend to ˜,
[+++++++++++++++++] Black’s position seems slightly better than White’s.
[++!+++++ A +++´+*++]
[++++!+++˜+++++@++] Because of this, White should play ˆ around A, but
[+++++++++++++++++] then Black can approach at ” (as in the actual game)
,))))))))))))))))). and the exchange of ´ for A is good for Black.
Variation 23 for ”
September 457
<(((((((((((((((((> The two space pincer at ´ is also conceivable, but
[+++++++++++++++++] White doesn’t usually play this way if he’s planning
[++++@+++@++++++++] to kick at ˜ next.
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[+ A B + G ++++++++++@+] That’s because the two space pincer gives Black
[++!+++++++++++!!+] enough leeway to play the flexible haengma at ¨.
[ C ˜+++++++++++++++]
[+@+ˆ++++++++!++++] This diagonal move creates stylish continuations for
[¨++++++++++++++!+] Black, like A to C, or D (aiming at E next).
[+ F *+++++*+++++*+@]
[ E ´++++++++++++@++] If ´ were at F, it would be on the vital point after
[+++++++++++++++++] ¨, so Black wouldn’t choose this shape.
[+ D +++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] In this opening, Black would probably still play C
[+++++++++++++++++] and G (as he did in the game), but ¨ is a shape
[++!+++++*+++++*++] worth learning for your own games.
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 24 for „
<(((((((((((((((((> Jumping out with ´ is also possible, but it’s a bit
[+++++++++++++++++] loose for White in this opening.
[+˜++@ H +++T++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++T+@++] Black can strengthen his group with ˆ and ¨ in
[+++++++++++++++@+] sente, and then move out with ˚.
[ˆ+!+´+++++++++!!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] Playing tightly with ˝ aims to cut with A to C later,
[+@I B @+˚++++++!++++] but jumping to ˚ reinforces the weakness indirectly.
[++ A C D ++++++++++!+] After ˚, Black can answer White A with B to D.
[+!*¨++++*+++++*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++] The bottom left still isn’t White’s territory, because
[+˝+++++++++++++++] Black can invade at E, F or G later.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ E +++++++++++++++] After Black has established a position at the top with
[+++++++++++++++++] the marked stones, ´ isn’t very interesting, because
[+ F !+++++*+++++*++] White’s prospects of attacking @H seem dim.
[+ G ++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ´ is better suited to situations where it con-
,))))))))))))))))). vincingly makes miai of attacking @H or @
I next.
Variation 25 for »
<(((((((((((((((((> Descending to ´ is a little heavy in this case.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++@+++@++++++++] White will jump with ˆ and Black will have to worry
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] about the cutting point at A.
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++!+++++++++++!!+] This is White’s plan when he plays the tight pincer
[+!
C +++++++++++++++] at !
B and kicks with !C.
[´@ A @++++++++!++++]
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+!
B *ˆ++++*+++++*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 26 for –
458 September
Reverse the Roles of Guest and Host
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++@+++@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[++++@++++++++++@+]
[!+!+++++++++++!!+]
[@!+++++++++++++++]
[+@
A +@++++++++!++++]
[+++++++++++++++!fl]
[+!*+++++*+++++*+T]
[++++++++++++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++ +]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++‰++]
[++!+++++*+++ B *fi+]
[++++!++++ffl++ıff@ffi+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 6
(Moves: 24-32)
One of the Thirty-six Stratagems is, “Reverse the roles of guest and host.”
In ancient Chinese military terminology, an army that defended its own territory was called the host,
while guest referred to an invading force. Think of it as the home team and away team in sport.
Usually the host has an advantage, because their forces occupy the best terrain and face fewer logistical
challenges, but there are times when the tactical nature of a position allows you to pull the rug out from
under the host and usurp their role. An awareness of this may help you to spot such opportunities.
Invading at ‰ was the biggest move on the board at this point. Even though White was playing the
role of the guest, Black’s marked stones were not that strong, so White aimed to attack them later.
Black stayed low with ı in an attempt to prevent White from building power to attack the marked
stones, but and fi comprised an unusual yet effective technique for doing so anyway.
Black didn’t want to follow White’s plan, so he ignored fi and took the key point for power at fl.
However, this allowed White to take control of the strategic location in the corner and the guest became
the host up to . This outcome could have been avoided if Black had played @ A (”) at B earlier.
<(((((((((((((((((> The attachment at ´ is also conceivable, but Black
[+++++++++++++++++] will peep at ˆ immediately.
[+˙++@+++@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] The result up to ˙ is good for Black, because the
[˚ˆ˜ A @++++++++++@+] corner territory has changed hands in Black’s favor.
˘!¨!+´+++++++++!!+]
[@!˝++++++++++++++] Instead of ˜, if White connects at ¨, he will struggle
[ˇ@¯@++++++++!++++] to continue after Black plays the double peep at A.
[+++++++++++++++!+]
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 27 for ‰
September 459
[+++++++++++++++!¨] Approaching at ´ is possible, but it’s a little soft.
[+!*+++++*+++++*+T]
[++++++++++++++T++] Up to ¨, Black has a large moyo and has been able
[+++++++++++++++++] to fortify his marked stones.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!+++++˜++´+ˆ*++]
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 28 for ‰
[+++++++++++++++!+] Attaching at ´ isn’t a good idea in this situation,
[+!*+++++*+++++*+T] because the marked stones become weaker after ˆ
[++++++++++++++T++] and ¨.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++¨++] Instead of ´, if Black plays the knight’s move at A,
[+++++++++++++++ˆ+] White will lean and build power with the attachment
[++++++++++++ B +!´+]
[++!+++++*+++ A +*˜+] at B.
[++++!+++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 29 for ı
[+++++++++++++++! B ] The usual tactic is sketch out the beginnings of a
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@] base with the attachment at ´ and extension to ˝.
[++++++++++++˚+@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This is possible, but White doesn’t want to exchange
[++++++++++++++˝++] ˝ for ˚ in this case, because that helps Black to
[+++++++++++++++++] escape into the center and weakens the group above.
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++ A *˜+] White’s plan in the game was to prepare a flexible
[++++!+++++++@+@´+] shape in sente with A, ˜ and so on, and then take
[+++++++++++++++ˆ¨] the key point for eyespace with B.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 30 for
[+++++++++++++++!+] Stepping into the corner first with ´ isn’t the right
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@] move order, and is a common mistake made by be-
[++++++++++++++@++] ginners.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] This isn’t the same as what White did in the game,
[+++++++++++++++++] because White’s peep at A isn’t sente anymore.
[++++++++++++++!+˝]
[++!+++++*++++ A *´+] White is worse off in this variation.
[++++!+++++++@+@ˆ˜˚
[++++++++++++++++¨]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 31 for
460 September
<(((((((((((((((((> Resisting with ´ doesn’t lead to a satisfactory result,
[+++++++++++++++++] because White can develop power in the center with
[++++@+++@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] ˆ to ˚.
[++++@++++++++++@+] In doing so, White is eyeing Black’s marked weak
[!+!+++++++++++!!+] group on the right side.
[S!++ A ++++++++++++]
[+S+S++++++++!++++] He also aims to attack Black’s marked stones on the
[+++++++++++++++!+] left side (e.g. starting with A) as the fighting spreads.
[+!*+++++*+++++*+T]
[++++++++++++ D +T++] Turning at B is now a profitable followup for White,
[+++++++++++++++++] but if Black jumps at C next, the overall situation
[+++++++++++++++++] will become dire after White caps at D.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*˚¨ˆ+!*++]
[++++!+++ C B ˝˜@+@´+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 32 for ff
[+++++++++++++++!+] Pushing and cutting with ˜ and ˝ is an overplay.
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++] White can calmly counter with ¨ and ˚, and Black
[+++++++++++++++++] can’t connect at A.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] If Black plays a stone at A, White plays B to D to
[+++++++++++˝¨+!++] capture it.
[++!+++++*++ˆ˜!*++]
[++++!++++++ C @˚@´+]
[++++++++++++ B A D ++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 33 for ff
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black defends the corner at ´, White plans to
[+++++++++++++++++] exchange ˆ to ˝ in sente, before taking the key
[++++@+++@++++++++] point for eyespace at ˚ as part of the flow of play.
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[++++@++++++++++@+] Even though they often look small, key points for eye-
[!+!+++++++++++tt+] space are an important type of key point for power.
[@!+++++++++++++++]
[+@+@++++++++t++++] Black can move out with ˇ, but White runs out with
[+++++++++++++++t˚] his newfound friend up to ˘.
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@]
[++++++++++++ˇ+@++] White’s shape in the bottom right is designed for
[+++++++++++++++++] moving out quickly, rather than forming a base in
[+++++++++++++++++] the small space available.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++˘++!+¨] In this variation, White’s marked stones become
[++!+++++*++++!*!+] strong after ˚, which means White’s bottom right
[++++!+++++++@@@´ˆ˝ group is also stronger than it looks.
[++++++++++++++++˜]
,))))))))))))))))). The result up to ˘ is favorable for White.
Variation 34 for fl
September 461
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black exchanges ´ for ˆ, and then tenukis to play
[+++++++++++++++++] ˜, White will make excellent shape with ¨.
[++++@+++@++++++++]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] Even though it may seem strange, this shape is better
[++++@++++++++++@+] for White than the result in the game.
[!+!+++++++++++!!+]
[@!+++++++++++++++] That’s because Black should still extend to ˝, to
[+@+@++++++++!++˚+] prevent a pincer at A, and this gives White time to
[+++++++++++++++!˜] look after his top right group with ˚.
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++] Afterwards, B looks like a vital point and Black
[+++++++++++++++++] would like to attack there, but C is a stylish counter-
[+++++++++++++++ C +] tesuji for White and the exchange of B for C works
[+++++++++++++++ B +]
[++++++++++++++t+¨] against Black.
[++!+++++*++++t*t+] Black doesn’t have any particularly strong move
[++++!++++˝ A +@@@´ˆ] against White’s marked group, so it’s already safe.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 35 for fl
[!+!+++++++++++!!+] Black ´ is also a vital point, but White can impro-
[@!+++++++++++++++] vise a makeshift defense by exchanging ˆ to ˝ in
[+@+@++++++++!++++] sente.
[+++++++++++++++!˚]
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@] After that, ˚ is the key point for power, because it
[++++++++++++++@++] affects the shared eyespace of both groups.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++˜+] White’s lower right group isn’t quite settled yet, but
[++++++++++++++ˆ´+] it’s hard for Black to attack it because his right side
[++++++++++++++!++] group isn’t settled either. Recall that running is more
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++˝++@@@¨+] fun with a friend.
[+++++++++++++++++] We can regard ´ and ˚ as miai.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 36 for fl
[!+!+++++++++++!!+] If White reinforces at ´, instead of extending to ¨
[@!+++++++++++++++] ( ) in the game, Black will strike at White’s vital
[+@+@++++++++!++´+] point with ˆ—simultaneously making a base and
[+++++++++++++++!@ A]
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@] attacking White.
[++++++++++++++@++] This is another example of the importance of being
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++¨+] the first to occupy mutual eyespace.
[++++++++++++++˜ˆ+] Compared to the variation above, Black has taken
[++++++++++++++!++] both the key points for power, at @
A and ˆ, and has
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+] become strong.
[+++++++++++++++++] Meanwhile, White’s lower right group still isn’t com-
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 37 for pletely settled and is weaker because it’s surrounded
by strong Black groups.
462 September
Prevent Box Shapes in the Center
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++@+++@++++++$+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[++++@++++++++++@%]
[!+!+++++++++#+ss+]
[@!+++++++++++++++]
["@+@++++++++s++++]
[+++++++++++++++sT]
[+!*+++++*+++++*+T]
[++++++++++++++T++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 7
(Moves: 33-37)
Normally, after Black’s attachment at ! White would respond locally, so " was extraordinary.
Black # dealt a heavy blow at the vital point of White’s marked stones. Remember that when you
want to make a base in the center, you need to create a box like shape, so White wants to play # too.
By playing at #, Black prevented White from raising a flag. This move is very similar to playing a
pincer on the side. Try to feel the way # pincers White’s marked group against Black’s marked stones.
White probed at $ and % is usually the strongest response, but it was questionable in this game.
<(((((((((((((((((> If White responds at ´, Black will exchange the
[+++++++++++++++++] moves from ˆ to ˇ (at @ a ) in sente, and will be-
[++++@+++@++++++++] gin to settle on the right side.
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[++++@++++++++++@+] The hane at ˘ is a good continuation and the result
[!+!+++++++++++tt+] up to ˛ is satisfactory for Black.
[@!+++++++++++ D +++]
[+@+@++++++++!+¯˘+] Black’s extension at A will be annoying for White
[+++++++++++++¸˙!@] later, but if White cuts at B now, Black will tenuki.
[+!*+++++*+++++*˛@]
[++++++++++++++@ C +] Instead of ¯, if White cuts at C, Black will exchange
[+++++++++++++˚˝ˆ B ] ˛ for White B and then enclose White’s marked
[+++++++++++++˜@ a !¨]
stones with D.
[++++++++++++++´+ A ]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 38 for "
ˇ at @
a
September 463
<(((((((((((((((((> If Black hanes at ´, the result is quite different to
[+++++++++++++++++] Variation 37.
[++++@+++@++++++˘+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] That’s because White can atari at ˚ in sente, and
[++++@++++++++++@+] attaching at A will also be sente later.
[!+!+++++++++++!!+]
[@!+++++++++++++++] White’s bottom right group is practically alive, so
[!@+@++++++++!++++] White can probe the top right corner at ˘.
[+++++++++++++++!@]
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++++++++++++++ˇ˜+]
[+++++++++++++˚@!¨]
[++++++++++++++ˆ´˝]
[++++++++++++++!+ A ]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 39 for #
<(((((((((((((((((> Falling back with ´ is usually a bad tactic in this
[+++++++++++++++++] kind of situation.
[++++@+++@+++++´! B ]
[++!+++++*+++@+@˜ C ] That’s because White will bully Black with ˆ and
[++++@+++++++++ D @ˆ] Black isn’t gaining anything from the transaction.
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] He’s only protecting what he already has, and ending
[@!++++++++++˙+++ A ]
[!@+@++++++++!+˚˝+] up with less in the process.
[+++++++++++++˘ˇ!@] After ˜, White A aims to continue at B next, so
[+!*+++++*+++++*¯@] White will pressure Black at ¨ intending to turn A
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++++++++++++++++¨] into a double threat later.
[++++++++++++++@!+] Black will resist with ˝, but White can make a sur-
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!++] prisingly flexible shape up to ˙.
[++!+++++*++++!*!+] If Black plays ˜ as the hane at C, White will atari
[++++!++++@++@@@!+] at ˜ and will still play ¨ after Black B. White will
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). be able to play either A or D in sente later.
Variation 40 for %
<(((((((((((((((((> The empty triangle at ´ is another good way to
[++++++++++++++ C ++] respond to !
A.
[++++@+++@++++++! A +]
[++!+++++*+++@+@´+] Usually you want to choose between ´ and B, de-
[++++@++++++++++@ B ] pending on the situation. When the marked stones
[!+!+++++++++@+tt+] are difficult to attack or the right side is small (as in
[@!+++++++++++++++]
[!@+@++++++++t++++] this game), ´ is better.
[+++++++++++++++t@] White will jump at ˆ now and still has some aji at
[+!*+++++*+++ˆ+*+@] C later. This is another game.
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 41 for % This variation is better for Black than the game.
464 September
True Strength Is Light as a Feather
<((((((((((((-((((>
[+++++++++++)(+,+*]
[++++@+++@+++’&+! A +]
[++!+++++*+++@+@ B D ]
[++++@++++++++++@@ C]
[!+!+++++++++@+tt+]
[@!++0++++++++++++]
[!@+@++++++++!++++]
[++++++++++++++/t@]
[+!*+++++*+++.+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 8
(Moves: 38-48)
When White probed at !A , he expected Black to answer at B and intended to continue at . next, but
when Black descended to @
C he amended his plan and exchanged & to - in sente first.
After -, White could live in the corner with D at any time, but he lightly sacrificed his marked stones
with . and tenukied again to split Black with 0.
It might seem strange that White played & to , and then tenukied instead of making life, but he did
so to settle the shape in the corner before sacrificing the marked stones—extracting maximum value
from them. White’s stones were half alive in the corner and Black didn’t have time to capture them.
The knight’s move at 0 was a well timed counter-attack, which changed the flow of the game.
White’s stones drifted across the board like snow, so lightly that they floated just out of reach. White
took the lead up to 0.
<((((((((((((((( A B > If White exchanges ´ to ¨ without settling the
[+++++++++++¸ˇ˙˘˛‚« shape in the top right corner, Black might respond
[++++@+++@+++˚˝¯!‹“ differently later.
[++!+++++*+++@—@„›”
[++++@++++++++++@@‰ For example, if White still plays ˝ and ˇ, ˘ hits
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] the vital point while making miai of ¯ and ˙.
[@!++˜++++++++++++]
[!@+@++++++++!¨+++] If White extends at ¸, his corner stones will be cap-
[++++++++++++++ˆ!@] tured in a tombstone squeeze up to „.
[+!*+++++*+++´+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++] Black wins the capturing race efficiently with ‰. If
Variation 42 for & White hanes at A next, the throw-in at B captures
» at ‹ – at “
, him in a snapback.
September 465
<(((((((((((((((((> Instead of extending to ˛ (¸ in the previous varia-
[+++++++++++˛ˇ˙˘+¸] tion), the kosumi at ¸ is still a potent resource.
[++++@+++@+++˚˝¯t+]
[++!+++++*+++@‚@»+] Black has to atari at ˛, and this gives White time
[++++@++++++++‹›@@] to push and cut with ‚ and ›.
[!+!+++++++++@+!!“]
[@!++˜++++++++«+++] However, turning at “ is strong and White’s marked
[!@+@++++++++!¨+”„] group dies up to ».
[++++++++++++++ˆ!@]
[+!*+++++*+++´+*+@] These variations show why the seemingly unusual ex-
[++++++++++++++@++] changes from & to , in the game were in fact per-
Variation 43 for & fectly timed.
<(((((((((((((((((> After @A () in the game), connecting at ´ would
[++++++++++‹@ A !´˜ˇ˝˘ usually be effective, but it doesn’t work in this case
[++++@+++@ C ++‚@!ˆ!¨]
because Black’s position on the outside is too strong
[++!+++++*+++@¯@˚+]
[++++@++++++++˙¸@@] (with @B, @
C and @ D ).
[!+!+++++++++@ B +!!+]
Pushing and clamping with ˆ and ¨ is severe, and
[@!++++++++++++++˛]
[!@+@++++++++!++++] White can’t make two eyes in the corner.
[+++++++++++++++!@ D] Usually, White could fight with ¯ to ‚, but Black
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@] can connect under with ˛ and cutting at ‚ doesn’t
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 44 for * work either, so the whole corner will be captured.
<(((((((((((((((((> White’s kosumi at !
A (* in the game) was the best
[+++++++++++@!˜´+! A] way to make a living shape (White’s later tenuki
[++++@+++@+++@!ˆ!+] notwithstanding).
[++!+++++*+++@¨@ˇ+]
[++++@++++++++˝˚@@] Attacking at ´ doesn’t work, because of the weak-
[!+!+++++++++@+!!˘] ness at ¨ and the continuation to ˘.
[@!+++++++++++++++]
[!@+@++++++++!++++] Rather than capturing White, Black will find that it
[+++++++++++++++!@] is he who is dead in the corner.
[+!*+++++*+++++*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 45 for +
<(((((((((((((((((> It’s too early for Black to pincer at ´, because doing
[++++++++++ B @!ˆ++!] so will allow White to connect at ˆ in sente.
[++++@+++@++ A @!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@˜@ E +] After ˜, White is completely alive in the corner and
[++++@++++++++ C D @@] Black’s moyo at the top is thin around A and B.
[!+!+++++++++@+tt F ]
[@!++˚++++++++++++] White was planning to sacrifice the marked stones
[!@+@++++++¨+!˝+++] anyway, so giving White more profit in the corner in
[+++++++++++++++t@] order to attack them falls in with White’s plans.
[+!*+++++*+++´+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++] If Black doesn’t connect at ˜, White will cut with
Variation 46 for + White at ˜, Black C and White D. This makes miai
of E and F, so the marked stones will be rescued.
466 September
Attack Light Stones on a Large Scale
<((((((((((((@((((>
[+++++++++++@+@!+!]
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!+++++++++@+cc+]
2@!+ A !++++++++++++]
[!T+T++++++++s++++]
[1+++++3+++++++@c@]
[+!*+++++*+++s+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++]
[++++++++++++++++4]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 9
(Moves: 49-52)
He knows how to win as he knows how to quench fire with water. . . . There is no end to the
interchange between direct and indirect tactics. It all depends on how you deploy your forces.
—Sun Bin, The Art of War
Direct attacks against light groups are rarely successful, because the stones tend to slip between your
fingers as you tighten your grip, and you exhaust yourself while gaining little profit. If you cannot make
a group heavy before attacking, it’s better to surround it gradually, from a distance, while achieving
other things; never concentrating your full force in one area, but still indirectly aiming to capture.
Flying out with 3 showed Gu’s exquisite sense of play in the center. This move helped Black’s marked
stones and aimed to cut at A, while beginning to surround White’s squared stones on a large scale.
White’s kosumi at 4 was also very sophisticated. Lee aimed to provoke Black into completely capturing
the circled stones, extracting further profit from his sacrifice while simplifying the game.
<((((((((((((@((((> Instead of 2 in the game, White shouldn’t cut Black
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] with ´ and ˜.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] If he does, Black can choose between A and B later,
[+ A ++@++++++++++@@] and there’s still some bad aji on the left side too.
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+]
[@!+ B !++++++++++++]
ˆ!@´@++++++++!++++]
[@+˜+++++++++++@!@]
[+!*+++++*+++!+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 47 for 2
September 467
<((((((((((((@ F D E (> The direct attack at ´ is too single-minded, and
[+++++++++++@ G @!+!] White will trade for Black’s marked stones with ˆ.
[++++@+++@+++@!˝!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@+¨] After ˜, White can practically live in the corner in
[++++@+++++++++ C @@ B sente with ¨. This is because ¨ aims to revive
[!+!+++++++++@+ss A ] White’s marked stones with A to C.
!+!++!++++++++++++]
[!T+T++++++++!++++] Since protecting begets protecting further, Black is
[T++++ˆ+++++´˜+@!@] compelled to cut at ˝ and White takes sente.
[+!*+++++*+++!+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++] Black can start a ko by exchanging D for E later,
Variation 48 for 3 but the ko is heavy because if White wins it he will
capture at F and G (rekindling the threat of A).
<((((((((((((@((((> Black’s exquisite move at A (3 in the game) aimed
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] to cut with ´ and ˜.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] Cutting without any preparation, from ´ to ˜ in
[++++@++++++++++@@] this variation, is heavy.
[!+!ˆ˜+++++++@+!!+]
!+!+´!++++++++++++] White can make shape up to ˘, and it’s very hard
[!T+T¨+˘+++++!++++] for Black to continue attacking White’s center group
[T++ˇ˝˚ A +++++++@!@] because his marked stones are too weak.
[+!*++ B ++*+++!+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++] Observe, however, that if Black has a stone at A he
Variation 49 for 3 can play ˇ at B and crush White’s resistance.
<((((((((((((@((((> Pushing with ´ and ˜ isn’t very good either, be-
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] cause White only has to walk out nonchalantly, ahead
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+] of Black, to get a good result.
[++!+++++*+++@+@++]
[++++@++++++++++@@] Black’s moyo at the top has been erased and ˚
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] reaches out towards the marked stones.
!+!+ A !ˆ¨++++++++++]
[!@+@´˜++˚+++t++++] It’s very hard for Black keep the pressure on White
[@++++++˝++++++@!@] in this battle, because cutting at A is gote.
[+!*+++++*+++t+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 50 for 3
<((((((((((((@(¨˜˝> White’s group in the corner isn’t alive yet.
[+++++++++++@+@!+!ˆ
[++++@+++@+++@!¯!¸´ If Black wants to capture it, he can do so with the
[++!+++++*+++@˘@ˇ+] combination of ´ and ˜.
[++++@++++++++˙˚@@]
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] In this case, White can try to resist with ˚ (or ˘)
!+!++!++++++++++++] but neither amount to much after ¯.
[!@+@++++++++!++++]
[@++++ A ++++++++@!@] Black wins the capturing race in the corner up to ¸.
[+!*+++++*+++!+*+@] Black didn’t play at ´ in the game because it was
[++++++++++++++@++] too small. White would ignore ´ and trade with A.
Variation 51 for 3
468 September
<((((((((((((@((((> If White reinforces at ´, Black will attack White’s
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] right side group with ˆ to ˚.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] After Black has played @ A , it’s harder for White to
[++++@++++++++++@@] ignore ˆ, because he no longer has an effective way
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] to trade on the left side.
!+!++!++++++++++++]
[!@+@´+++++++!++++] If White ignores ˆ and jumps to B, for example,
[@+++++@ A ++++ˆ˜+@!@] his gain will be smaller than in Variation 48 and the
[+!*+ +++*+++!+*+@]
B
exchange of @ A for ´ will become excellent for Black.
[++++++++++ˇ+++@++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Escaping with ˇ is unavoidable, and Black will be
[+++++++++++++˚@! C ˘]
happy to capture !
C with ˘.
[++++++++++++++˝¨+]
[++++++++++++++!++] This variation is what Black was aiming at when he
[++!+++++*++++!*!+] played @
A.
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 52 for 4
<((((((((((((@((((> If White extends to the vital point at ˇ, Black will
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] resist by enlarging the sacrifice with ˘.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] Once Black becomes thick enough, he can play to
[++++@++++++++++@@] capture White’s whole right side with ˛.
[!+!+++++++++@+tt+]
!+!++!+++++—«+++++] Even though ˛ looks crude, it’s surprisingly power-
[!@+@´+++++»“t++++] ful and White doesn’t have a good response.
[@+++++@+–”›ˆ˜+@t@]
[+!*+++++*„‹‚t+*+@] White can try to fight back with ‚ and ›, but he
[+++++++++‰˛++@++] can’t capture any of Black’s cutting stones, so his
[++++++++++ıfi+˙ˇ+] marked stones will be captured on a large scale.
[+++++++++++ff+˚@!¯]
[++++++++++++++˝¨˘] White was happy to sacrifice some of the marked
[++++++++++++++!+¸] stones earlier, but allowing Black to swallow them
[++!+++++*++++!*!+] up inside a large territory like this is too much.
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++] You never want to solidify your opponent’s territory
,))))))))))))))))). from the inside!
Variation 53 for 4
<((((((((((((@((((> Trying to save all of White’s marked stones with ´
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] and ˜ is incredibly heavy and slow.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] Black will hit White’s vital point at ˚ (preventing a
[++++@++++++++++@@] box shape once again) and White’s position is becom-
[!+!+++++++++@+tt+] ing increasingly heavy and passive with each move.
!+!++!++++++++++++]
[!@+@++++++˝+t˜´¨+] Black @
A was already an excellent move, but this vari-
[@+++++@A ++++++ˆ@!@] ation makes it even better, because @A attacks the
[+!*+++++*+˚+t+*+@] marked stones and has a good relationship with ˚.
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 54 for 4 If White plays like this, Black will control the game.
September 469
Success Depends on Preparation
<((((((((((((@((((>
[+++++++++++@+@!+!]
[++++@+++@+++@! B !+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@+ A ]
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!+++++++++@+tt+]
!+!++!+++++++;6+++]
[!@+@++++++++!5+++]
[@+++++@+++++++@t@]
[+!*+++++*+++!+*+@]
[++++++++++++++@+ C ]
[+++++++++++++++9!]
[++++++++++++++@!:]
[++++++++++++++87+]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 10
(Moves: 53-59)
In all things success depends on previous preparation, and without such previous preparation
there is sure to be failure.
—Confucius (through Zisi), The Doctrine of the Mean
Black’s attachment at 5 was a sharp move, which cut off White’s marked stones. Lee enlarged the
sacrifice with 6, but 7 was a well timed probe and Black’s exchanges to : proceeded as planned.
Cutting immediately with 7 at ; wouldn’t have worked well for Black, so meticulous planning was
called for. If Black had played ; at C, White would have connected at ;. The timing was just right.
Because of 7 to ;, 6 became a bad move. White should have just exchanged A for B and tenukied.
Black caught up a little here, but White was still slightly ahead.
<((((((((((((@((((> The kosumi at ´ is too stiff.
[+++++++++++@+@!+!]
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+] White will spring into action with ˆ and if Black
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] blocks at ˜, ¨ makes miai of ˝ and ˚.
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] After ˚, Black’s marked group is also weak, so White
!+!++!++++++++´+++] can switch from sacrificing to fighting.
[!@+@++++++++!++¨+]
[@+++++@+++++++@!T]
[+!*+++++*+++!+˚ˆT]
[++++++++++++++T˜˝]
[++++++++++++++++!]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
Variation 55 for 5
470 September
<((((((((((((@((((> If Black blocks from the other side with ˜, White
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] will fight with ¨ and ˚.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] Black has to worry about White cutting at A and
[++++@++++++++++@@] capturing the marked stones, so he must atari at ˇ
[!+!+++++++++@+!! D ] instead of ˘.
!+!++!++++++++´ˇ B C ]
[!@+@++++++++!˘˚˜ A ] White can fight in the center after connecting at ˘.
[@+++++@+++++++@!T]
[+!*+++++*+++!+˝ˆT] After ˇ, White A will be met by B to D. If ˇ is
[++++++++++++++@¨+] at ˘ instead, White will have enough liberties to
[++++++++++++++++!] capture the marked stones after cutting at A.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
Variation 56 for 5
<((((((((((((@((((> White’s marked stones became lighter after Black
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] protected at @
A , because Black had spent yet another
[++++@+++@+++@!ˆ!+] move on the right side, giving White sente again.
[++!+++++*+++@+@+´]
[++++@++++++++++@@] Because of this, White should have been satisfied
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] with the work they had already done and pushed
!+!++!++++++++++++]
[!@+@˜+++++++t@ A +++] at ˜ after exchanging ´ for ˆ.
[@+++++@+++++++@!@] After ´ and ˜, if Black attacks the marked stones
[+!*+++++*+++t+*+@] directly, White can ignore him and play elsewhere.
[++++++++++++++@++]
Variation 57 for 6 This variation is better for White than the game.
<((((((((((((@((((> After !
A (6 in the game), cutting at ´ immediately
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] is what White wants.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] White will atari with ˆ and push at ¨.
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] Black ˝ is Black’s best response, but it doesn’t lead
!+!++!+++++++´! A ˇ˙¯] to a good result, because ˘ is an excellent tesuji.
[!@+@++++++++!@ˆ˝˘]
[@+++++@+++++ C ˜@!@] White can squeeze Black up to ˛ and, since B and C
[+!*+++++*+++! B ˛¨@] are still sente for White, Black’s marked stones will
[++++++++++++++T˚+] become isolated and useless.
[++++++++++++++++!]
[++++++++++++++T!+] As you can see, Black’s right side is over-concentrated
[+++++++++++++++++] and the result is very good for White.
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 58 for 7
¸ at ˆ
September 471
<((((((((((((@((((> Blocking at ˝ is even worse for Black than the pre-
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] vious variation.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] White will connect at ˚, making miai of A and B.
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] This is a disaster for Black.
!+!++!+++++++´!+++]
[!@+@++++++++!@ˆ˚+]
[@+++++@++++++˜@!@]
[+!*+++++*+++!+ A ¨@]
[++++++++++++++@˝ B ]
[++++++++++++++++!]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
Variation 59 for 7
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] After Black hanes at @
A (7), connecting at ´ is
!+!++!+++++++´!+++] dangerous.
[!@+@++++++++!@+++]
[@+++++@+++++++@!@] Black will be pleased to cut off White’s marked stones
[+!*+++++*+++!+*+@] up to ˚, and Black’s center suddenly becomes very
[++++++++++++++@++] thick and solid.
[++++++++++++++++!]
[++++++++++++++@!+] After this, White’s center group is heavy and is sit-
[++++++++++++++ˆ@ A ˜] uated too close to Black’s power.
[++++++++++++++t¨˝]
[++!+++++*++++t˚!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 60 for 8
<((((((((((((@((((> The atari and connection of ´ and ˜ look nice, but
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] ˚ to ˙ is an impressive counter.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] The trade up to ‚ is favorable for White and he’ll be
[++++@++++++++++@@] happy to return to the left side with ‹ after making
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+] himself strong in sente.
!+!++!+++++++˝!+++]
[!@+@‹+++++++!T˚ C +] If you prefer to play more safely, ‹ at A is also
[@+++++@+++++˛ˇT!@] conceivable.
[+!*+++++*+++! B ˙˘@]
[+++++++++++++ D @¯¸] Instead of ¸, Black can save the marked stones with
[++++++++++++++˜ˆ!‚ B to D, but White will cut at ¸ in that case and
[++++++++++++++@!´] Black doesn’t gain any compensation.
[++++++++++++++!@¨]
[++++++++++++++!+ A ]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 61 for 9
472 September
Practice Calm Detachment
<((((((((((((@((((>
[++HG+++++++@+@!+!]
[+ C FD@+++@+++@! B !+]
[++!E++++*+++@+@+B]
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[s+s+++++++++@+tt A ]
s+s+C!+++++++@tA++]
[s@+@++++++++!@<?+]
[@+++++@++++++=@!@]
[+!*+++++*+++!+*>@]
[++++++++++++++@@+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[++++++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 11
(Moves: 60-72)
White < and > was an excellent combination for reducing Black’s territory, and ? was inevitable.
White saved two stones with @ and capturing at A was necessary. Black had caught up a little, but
White still managed to sacrifice efficiently. Living with B was very big and maintained White’s lead.
As we know from earlier, B prepared to continue with A. However, Black’s area on the right side had
already become thick and strong up to A, so defending at A or B would leave him over-concentrated.
In his essay, The Way of the General, Zhuge Liang writes, “Detach from emotions and desires; get rid
of any fixations. Elevate subtle feelings to presence of mind and sympathetic sense. Be patient in tight
situations as well as easy ones; eliminate all pettiness.”
Since White A no longer threatened Black, it stopped being an issue of strength and weakness and
became a matter for the endgame. Ignoring B to cut at C showed experience and detachment.
Black E and G are usually bad style, but they were perfect here because there was no aji around C.
<((((((((((((@((((> If White still tries to cut and squeeze with ´ and
[+++++++++++@+@!+!] ˜, it doesn’t work anymore.
[++++@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+++++*+++@+@++] Black’s ingenious exchange of @
A (9) for !
B ensures
[++++@++++++++++@@] that ˚ is atari.
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+]
!+!++!+++++++@!@˜ˆ] This apparently minor change has major ramifica-
[!@+@++++++++!@¨@´] tions, because Black can resist White’s squeeze and
[@+++++@++++++@@!@] break out of his encirclement up to ˘.
[+!*+++++*+++!˚˝!@]
[+++++++++++++˘@!+]
[++++++++++++++ˇ@ A !]
[++++++++++++++@!! B]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
Variation 62 for B
September 473
<((((((((((((@((((> Simply descending to ´ and aiming to enter the cor-
[+++ A ´++++++@+@!+!] ner later is normal, but ˆ and ¨ are a sharp com-
[++ C !
D @+++@+++@!+!+]
bination, and Black is in trouble.
[++! B ˝+++*+++@+@+!]
[+++¨@++++++++++@@] If Black connects at ˝ next, White can push out with
[!+!˜ˆ+++++++@+!!+] ˚ to ˛. The result up to ‹ is good for White, be-
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@˚+++++++!@+@+] cause Black’s potential in the center has been erased.
[@++ˇ˘+@++++++@@!@] If ´ is at A, White will still play ˆ to ‹. That’s
[+!*¯˙+++*+++!+*!@] why Black exchanged B (E) for C in the game.
[+++¸˛+‹+++++++@!+]
[+++‚+++++++++++@!] Saving !D from being captured isn’t as important as
[++++++++++++++@!!] playing in the center.
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 63 for E
<((((((((((((@((((> The hane at ˇ doesn’t work because White can cut
[++++´++++++@+@!+!] immediately at ˘.
[+++!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+˝+++*+++@+@+!] A and B are miai, so Black’s marked stones are cap-
[+++¨@++++++++++@@] tured.
[!+!˜ˆ+++++++@+!!+]
!+!+T!+++++++@!@++]
[!@ A T˚+++++++!@+@+]
[@ B +˘ˇ+@++++++@@!@]
[+!*+++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[++++++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[++++++++++++++!++]
[++!+++++*++++!*!+]
[++++!++++@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 64 for E
<((((((((((((@((((> If Black reinforces the center with ˝, White will
[++++´++++++@+@!+!] break into Black’s area at the top with ˚ and ˘.
[+++!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!+˚˘++*+++@+@+!] Black is in trouble.
[+++¨@ˇ+++++++++@@]
[!+!˜ˆ+++++++@+!!+]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@˝+++++++!@+@+]
[@+++++@++++++@@!@]
[+!*+++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
Variation 65 for E
474 September
Defend by Expanding
<((((((((((((@((((>
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!]
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
[@+++++@++++++@@!@]
[+!*+++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+M++++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[K+++++++++++++!++]
[IJ!+++++*++++!*!+]
[L+++!++N+@++@@@!+]
[ A B +++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 12
(Moves: 73-78)
Black played a deep submarine approach at I, and bumping at J was the standard response. After
K there was bad aji at A, but defending tightly at B would be too slow. Expanding with N was the
best tactic and it made the aji around A unimportant. This extension was worth more than 20 points.
[@+++++@++++++@@!@] Considering only the local position, pincering at ´
[+!* A ++++*+++!+*!@] is also possible, but it’s inappropriate here because
[++++++++++++++@!+] neither the left side nor the bottom are valuable.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[++++++++++++++@!!] Black has a solid group in the bottom right (marked)
[´˝++++++++++++!@+] and can take sente to play A or B after ˇ.
[+ C ++++++++++++!++]
[@+!+++++*++++!*!+] In the midst of this sequence, crouching with ¨ is a
[+ˆ˜+!+ B ++T++TTT!+] stylish move which makes miai of ˚ and C.
[¨+˚ˇ+++++++++++++]
,) E D )))))))))))))). If White ataris at D later, Black E lightly starts a ko
Variation 66 for J for life.
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+] Cutting at ´ is safer, but too slow.
[@´++++@++++++@@!@]
[+!*+++++*+++!+*!@] Extending at ¨ is huge and exchanging ˆ for ˜
[++++++++++++++@!+] first is also profitable.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@++++++++++++@!!] Black can aim to connect under at A later.
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++]
[@!!+++++*++++!*!+]
A !˜++!+¨++@++@@@!+]
[ˆ++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 67 for N
September 475
Principles Can Be Broken
<((((((((((((@((((>
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!]
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!VX+++++++@+!!Z]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
Y@O+W++@++++++@@!@]
[PtRQ++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@+U++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++]
[@!!+++++*++++!*!+]
[!T++!++!+@++@@@!+]
[S+++++++]\+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 13
(Moves: 79-93)
Trading with Q to Y was remarkable. Most players wouldn’t consider this sequence because the basic
principles of shape scream out for W to cut at X. Locally speaking, X was outstanding for White.
Nevertheless, Black captured White’s marked stones and the local result was even, which shows the
strength of Gu’s intuition and judgment.
Throughout this book, we’ve emphasized general principles of play and strategic concepts in order to
provide you with a diverse range of practical models, which you can apply in your own games.
Yet, we want to stress once again that they are principles, not laws. As Carl von Clausewitz remarks in
On War, “. . . principles and rules are intended to provide a thinking man with a frame of reference.”
However, he adds, “. . . talent and genius operate outside the rules, and theory conflicts with practice.”
In other words, principles are only a guide and cannot be allowed to become dogma. There will always
be situations that don’t fit the mold, where you must fall back on reading, intuition and experience.
Players like Gu Li and Lee Sedol can wander outside the rules more easily than most, but every player
has to do so from time to time. Never trust anyone who claims to have a complete ‘system’ for Go.
Black caught up a little more with Y, but White maintained a slight lead with Z. Since White had
played a large endgame move at Z, Black maintained the balance of territory and weakened White’s
corner with [.
The attachment at \ was typical of Lee’s style of play, and Gu resisted with ]. As one battle drew
to a close, another began.
476 September
<((((((((((((@((((> Descending immediately at ´ shows poor timing.
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+] White can counter-attack with ˆ, ¨ and ˚, and
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] Black’s marked stones are in danger.
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!ˆ˜+++++++@+!!+]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
´@@+˝++@++++++@@!@]
[!!*¨++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+T+˚++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[T+++++++++++++!++]
[T!!+++++*++++!*!+]
[!+++!++!+@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 68 for Q
<((((((((((((@((((> Black doesn’t have time to move out with ˝, because
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] White’s tesuji combination at ˚ and ˘ is severe.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] Black ¯ and ˙ are miai, so Black’s marked stones
[++++@++++++++++@@] are captured.
[!+!ˆ˜+++++++@+!!+]
!+!˙@!+++++++@!@++]
[!T˚@¯+++++++!@+@+]
´TTˇ˘++@++++++@@!@]
[!!*¨++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@+˝++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++]
[@!!+++++*++++!*!+]
[!+++!++!+@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 69 for Q
September 477
<((((((((((((@((((> Black can still regain his balance by making shape
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] at ˜, but White will connect at ¨ and the result is
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+] better for White than the actual game.
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!]
[++++@++++++++++@@] In this variation, Black only captures two stones
[!+!ˆ¨+++++++@+!!+] (marked) and his shape is thinner because White
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+] hasn’t exchanged A for B.
´@@+ B E C @++++++@@!@] Later on, White might exchange C to E and Black’s
[tt A ˜+ D ++*+++!+*!@] weakness at B will be troubling.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@+˝++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++]
[@!!+++++*++++!*!+]
[!+++!++!+@++@@@!+]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 70 for Q
<((((((((((((@((((> When Black clamps at @ A (S), cutting with ´ is
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] generally a bit greedy.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] The attachment at ˆ works in concert with @
A , and
[++++@++++++++++@@] descending at ˜ is White’s best response.
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++] This exchange is profitable for Black, because he can
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+] continue with moves like B, C or D later.
[@@++++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@+¨++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@++++ B ++++++++!++]
[@!!+ C +++*++++!*!+]
´!+++!ˆ D !+@++@@@!+]
[@
A +++˜++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 71 for T
[@@++++@++++++@@!@] The hane underneath at ˜ is an overplay and Black’s
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] attachment at ¨ is a sharp counter.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] White is in trouble after ˚, because A and B are
[+@++++++++++++@!!] miai. If White plays A to C, Black will push at D.
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++]
[@!! D ˝+++*++++!*!+]
´!˚ B ¨!ˆ+!+@++@@@!+]
[@ A +++˜+++++++++++]
, C )))))))))))))))).
Variation 72 for T
478 September
<((((((((((((@((((> Crouching down with ˝ doesn’t improve White’s
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] prospects.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] Black will continue up to ˙, after which his group
[++++@++++++++++@@] has become very thick.
[!+!+++++++++@+!!+]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++] That’s because Black can still play A to C and
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+] squeeze White from the outside later. White’s corner
[@@++++@++++++@@!@] territory will crumble away as Black does so.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] Instead of ¯, if White extends to C, Black can cut
[+++++++++++++++@!] at B. This makes miai of A and ¯.
[+@++++++++++++@!!]
[+++˙++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++]
[@!!˘˚+++*++++!*!+]
´! B ¯¨!ˆ+!+@++@@@!+]
[@ A C ˝ˇ˜+++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 73 for T
<((((((((((((@((((> Before pushing at ˝ (V in the game), White should
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] have wedged at ´.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] If Black defends with ˆ and ¨, White can exchange
[++++@++++++++++@@] ˝ for ˚ in sente and then take a big point like ˇ.
[!+!˝˚+++++++@+!!+]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++] After ˚, White’s marked stones are safe because A
[!T B @ C +++++++!@+@+] and B are miai. Moreover, since B is sente for White
A TT˜´ˆ+@++++++@@!@] later, Black’s marked stones are effectively captured.
[sss@¨+++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] If Black cuts from behind with ˆ at ˜, we can ex-
[++++++++++++ˇ++@!] pect White at ˆ and Black C. After that, White will
[+@+@++++++++++@!!] be able to atari at A and connect under in sente.
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++] If Black W in the game had been the cut at ˚,
[@!!+++++*++++!*!+] White would have wedged at ´ and the same po-
[!!++!++!+@++@@@!+] sition would have been reached.
[@++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). This is why Gu played W as the bamboo joint at ´.
Variation 74 for V
<((((((((((((@((((> If Black tries to separate White with ´, White will
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] pinch at ˆ and cut at ¨.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@¨T˜!] Black marked stones are captured, so Black ´ is
[++++@+++++++++ˆTT´ unreasonable.
[!+!!!+++++++@+!!!]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
Variation 75 for [
September 479
<((((2(
2(3((((((@(( 2((> Playing \ at ´ is also conceivable. Let’s count to-
[++!C+2+3+++++@+ 1@!+!] gether and see who is leading if White defends here.
[++!!@+ 3++@+++@c+ 3!+]
[++!@+++ 3+*+++@+ 3@+!]2 Black:
[++++2@+++ 3+ 3+3+++ 3++@@]
[!+!!!++++++ 3+ 3@+!!!] Top: 28, left side: 20, and bottom: 8.
!+1!+@!+++++++@!@++] Total : 56 points.
[!@+3@++++++++!@+ 1@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] White:
[ccc@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++3++++++++++@!+] Top left: 22, bottom right: 13, bottom left: 11, top
[++++3+++++++++++@!] 2 right: 7, and komi: 7.5.
[+@+3@++++++++++@!!]
[+3+++++++++++++!C+ 2] Total: 60.5 points.
[@+++++++++++++!++] White has more territory, but Black has sente and
3
[@!!+++++*++++!*!+]
@!!++2!+2+
2!+@+ 3+ 3@@@!+] more potential in the center area. The game is almost
[@´++++++ 2++ 3+++++ 3++
2] even after ´.
,))2)))))) 2)) 3))))) 3))
2. Therefore, we can see that ´ is a bit slack, and also
Variation 76 for \
that \ and ] in the game were par for the course.
<((((((((((((@((((> Now that you’ve counted, you can see that falling
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] back to ´ is too passive.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] White ˆ and ¨ sail smoothly towards victory.
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!!!+¨+++++@+!!!] This is why Black resisted with ] in the game.
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@+@++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++]
[@!!+++++*+˜++!*!+]
@!!++!++!+@++@@@!+]
[@+++++++ˆ!´++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 77 for ]
480 September
Mulberry Fields Turn to Blue Seas
<((((((((((((@((((>
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!]
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!!!+++++++@+!!!]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@˝@++++++++++@!!]
[++¨+++++++++++!@+]
[@++++++ˆ˚+b+++!++]
[@ss+++`´*++++!*!+]
@ss++s+a!_@^‘TTT!+]
[@c+++++˜@!+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 14
(Moves: 94-106)
Centuries of human existence, prodigy and fate intertwined in conflicts, mulberry fields turned
into open sea, enough’s been seen to melt the heart.
—Nguyen Du, The Tale of Kieu
White’s counter-hane at ^ was very severe, and it became difficult for Black to manage the situation.
Counter-attacking with _ to c was wise—Black c was the vital point for White’s eyespace.
White managed his weak group lightly with the hane at `. He had already captured three Black
stones in the bottom right, so he didn’t need to save all of his marked stones.
The flow of play as the marked groups changed hands was breathtaking. Go players describe this kind
of situation as mulberry fields turning to blue seas.
This refers to an Asian legend where one immortal remarks to another, “I have thrice seen the East
Sea change into mulberry fields. . . . I am afraid it will soon turn to mulberry fields again.” The story
alludes to the evanescence of life and the inescapable passage of time. Seas turn to mulberry fields and
mulberry fields to seas. Go stones live and die, and live again. Nothing is safe, or permanent.
In Go, this expression is used to describe a large scale exchange, like the one that just occurred in the
game. Usually it implies that both players can continue playing.
This game (as well as game seven) contains many examples of light and flexible play, which are well
worth studying. When you find yourself inside your opponent’s sphere of influence, the most important
thing is to establish a workable position, rather than trying to save all your stones.
Being open to all kinds of trades—even dramatic exchanges—is how professionals maintain their bal-
ance. If you open your mind to the possibilities, there are more paths than you could ever imagine.
September 481
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] Cutting at ´ is normal, but uninspired.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] As you can see, White gains little up to ˘.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@+@++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++++++!++]
[@!!+++++*˜˘++!*!+]
@!!++!++!´@˝+@@@!+]
[@++++++ˇ@! a ˆ++++++]
,)))))))))¨))))))).
Variation 78 for ^
˚ at !
a
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] If Black cuts at ´ after !
A , White will atari at ˆ.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] Black can create a ko with ˜ and ˝, but ˘ is an
[+++++++++++++++@!] excellent ko threat.
[+@+@++++++++++@!!]
[¯˘++++++++++++!@+] Black must answer at ¯, but he doesn’t have a suf-
[@+++++++++++++!++] ficient threat of his own after ˙ (at !
A ).
[@!!+++++*+˝++!*!+]
@!!++!++!˚@! A ˜@@@!+]
[@+++++++@!´ˆ+++++]
,))))))))))¨)))))).
Variation 79 for _
ˇ at ´ ˙
, at !
A
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] If Black just takes White’s stone with ˜, White will
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] be happy to capture the marked stones up to ˚.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] White ¨ in this sequence makes miai of A and ˝,
[+@+@++++++++++@!!] and after ˚, White will respond to A with B.
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++ B ˚++!++] Compared to the game, it’s hard for Black to attack
[@ss+++++*˝++ A !*!+] White’s marked group in the bottom left.
@ss++s++s+@!¨TTT!+]
[@+++++++@!´ˆ+++++]
,)))))))))˜))))))).
Variation 80 for _
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] It’s difficult for Black to move the marked stones out
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] right away.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] White presses smoothly with ˆ and ¨, and ˚
[+@+@++++++++˘+@!!] makes miai of ˇ and ˘.
[++++++++++ D ¨˝+!@+]
[@++++++++˚ C ˆ˜+!++] Instead of ˜, if Black pushes and cuts starting with
[@!!++++ˇ* E B A ´!*!+] A, White can respond with B, Black C, ˚, Black D
@!!++!++!@@!!TTT!+] and White E; making miai of ˜ and ˇ.
[@+++++++@!+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 81 for a
482 September
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] If Black attacks White’s marked stones with ´,
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] White will exchange ˆ for ˜, throw in at ¨ and
[++++++++++++++@!+] block at ˚.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@˜@++++++++++@!!] White’s group is practically alive already, because
[++ˆ+++++++++++!@+] White can capture @
A and ˝ after descending to B.
[@+++++++++!+++!++]
[@tt++´++*++++!*!+] This is why Black pushed at ˚ (c in the game).
@tt++t+@!@@!!@@@!+]
¨@
A ˚++++++@!+++++++]
˝) B ))))))))))))))).
Variation 82 for c
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] If Black tries to attack with ˇ, White can descend to
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] ˙ and Black can’t stop White from capturing some
[++++++++++++++@!+] stones.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@@
B @++++++++++@!!] If Black stubbornly persists up to ‚, the nose tesuji
[‹+!
A +++++++++++!@+]
at ‹ captures all the marked stones.
[T+++++++++!+++!++]
¸T!!+¯@++*++++!*!+] Note the importance of exchanging !
A for @
B earlier
T!!++!+@!@@!!@@@!+] on in this sequence.
‚T!++˘ˇ++@!+++++++]
T˛˙))))))))))))))).
Variation 83 for c
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] If White slavishly protects his eyespace with ´,
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] Black will attack with ˆ and ¨.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] White doesn’t have enough space to make two eyes,
[+@+@++++++++++@!!] so blocking at ´ is heavy in this case.
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[@+++++++++!+++!++]
[@!!+˜ˆ++*++++!*!+]
@!!++!+@!@@!!@@@!+]
[@@´++¨++@!+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 84 for `
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] In the game, White used ˚ to extend to ˆ.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] Extending at ´ looks safer, but it’s slack and heavy.
[+++++++++++++++@!] Black ˆ and ˚ close White off from support, and
[+@@@+ˇ++++++++@!!]
[++!+˘¨˝˜˚+++++!@+] ¨ steals White’s eye shape.
[@++++++!ˆ+!+++!++] White’s group is desperately adrift up to ˘.
[@!!++´!@*++++!*!+]
@!!++!+@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@+++++@@!+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 85 for ˚
September 483
By Indirections Find Directions Out
<((((((((((((@((((>
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!]
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!!!+++++++@+!!!]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@@@++++++++++@!!]
[”+t+++‚++˘˙+++!@+]
[@“++›+¸!!ˇ!+++!++]
[@tt++˛!@*¯+++!*!+]
@tt++t+@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@‹++++@@!+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 15
(Moves: 107-117)
The wedge at ˇ was an incredible indirect tactic, aimed at White’s marked stones. Depending on how
White answered, Black planned to choose between ¸ and ˛. In this sense, it was an asking move.
“By indirections find directions out.” —William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 1
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] The atari and push of ´ and ˜ are too pedestrian.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] White will gladly sacrifice two stones and connect up
[+++++++++++++++@!] to ˙.
[+@@@++++++++++@!!]
[++!+ A +++++++++!@+] Black gains more points than he did in the game, but
[@+++˘˙ˆ!!+!+++!++] White’s position becomes connected and powerful.
[@!!˚˜´!@*++++!*!+]
@!!+˝!¨@+@@!!@@@!+] If instead of ˜, Black connects at ¨, White can
[@@++¯ˇ+@@!+++++++] connect in style with A.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 86 for ˇ
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] On the other hand, if Black just cuts at ´, pressuring
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] Black with ¨ is sente.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] White can settle his group with ˘, because he can
[+@@@++++++++++@!!] play A and B in sente.
[++!+++˜+++++++!@+]
[@+++++´!!+!+++!++]
[@!!++ˆ!@*++++!*!+]
@!!++!+@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@˘++¨ B @@!˝˚+++++]
,)) A ))))))ˇ))))))).
Variation 87 for ˇ
484 September
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] Cutting from behind with ´ seems like the natural
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] way to punish @A , but ˆ is sente and conceals a
[++++++++++++++@!+] secret aim.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@@@++¸+ B +++++@!!] Black will exchange ¨ to ˇ, before cutting with ˘
[++!+ˇ¯˙˛ C ˆ++++!@+] and ˙, and White can’t capture the cutting stones!
[@++++˘˝!!@ A !+++!++]
[@!!++¨!@˜´+++!*!+] If not for ˆ, White could net at B or ladder at C.
@!!++!˚@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@+++++@@!+++++++] This is a disaster for White.
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 88 for ˘
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] White !
A (“) in the game was a resourceful move.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] If Black responds at ´, White exchanges ˆ to ˇ in
[+++++++++++++++@!] sente, and continuing with the kosumi at ˘ is clever.
[+@@@++++++++++@!!]
[˝´!+++@++!!+++!@+] Black can steal White’s eye shape with ¯, but White
[@!
A ++@+@!!T!+++!++] can counter-attack with ˙ and Black’s marked
ˇ@!!¯+!!T*T+++!*!+] stones will be in grave danger.
@!!‚¸!+T+TT!!@@@!+]
ˆ@@!˛+˘‹TT!˙++++++] White will win the capturing race after ‹, and will
˜)¨˚)))))))))))))). be delighted that Black agreed to this one-sided deal.
Variation 89 for ”
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] Black should consider his weaknesses before attack-
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] ing, and defend at ¯.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] White, however, will be happy to live with ˛.
[+@@@++++++++++@!!]
[˝´!+++@++!!+++!@+] The game is hopeless for Black now, because White
[@!++@+@!!@!+++!++] has too many points.
ˇ@!!˛+!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!+@+@@!!@@@!+]
ˆ@@!++˘+@@!¯˙+++++]
˜)¨˚))))))¸))))))).
Variation 90 for ”
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] Attaching at ˝ earlier in the sequence is also con-
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] ceivable, but White won’t defend at ˇ.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] Instead, White will connect at ˚ and live in the
[+@@@++++++++++@!!] corner.
[+´!+++@++!!+++!@+]
[@!++@+@!!@!+++!++] Locally speaking, the trade up to ¯ is fair, but White
[@!!˝+!!@*@+++!*!+] takes sente and the game still favors him.
@!!+ˇ!+@+@@!!@@@!+]
ˆ@@!¯+++@@!+++++++]
˜˘¨˚)))))))))))))).
Variation 91 for ”
September 485
The Simplest Things Are Difficult
<((((((((((((@((((>
[++!@ffl++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!]
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!!!+ A +++++@+!!!]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!fi]
[++++++++++ffi+fl+ff@!]
[+@@@++++++++++@!!]
[@+!+«@+ı!!+++!@+]
[@!+»@„@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!‰–!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!—@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+++@@!+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 16
(Moves: 118-131)
Clamping at » was a misstep which allowed Black to play ı in sente. White had to play once more
at to live. Connecting at ffl was big, but playing at A would have been slightly better.
As Clausewitz laments in On War, “Everything in war is very simple, but the simplest thing is difficult.”
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] White should have sacrificed a stone with ´ to ˜,
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] and then made shape with ˝.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] Now White is completely alive, because he already
[+@@@¨+++++++++@!!] has an eye at A and can make another at B or C.
[@+!ˆ´@@+ D !!+++!@+]
[@! C ˜@!@!!@!+++!++] In this variation, if Black cuts at D, White can
[@!!++!!@*@+++!*!+] tenuki. This is better for White than the sequence
@!! A ˝!+@+@@!!@@@!+] in the game.
[@@! B +++@@!+++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 92 for »
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] Instead of cutting at A (ı above), ´ and ˜ is a
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] tesuji combination for stealing White’s eye shape.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] White would like to protect his eye by answering ˝
[+@@@++++++++++@!!] with ˚, but he can’t do so because Black will atari
[@˝t˚@@@+ A !!+++!@+] the marked stones with ˇ.
[@t+t@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@ttt@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@ttˇ˜!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!´+++@@!+++++++]
,))ˆ)¨)))))))))))).
Variation 93 for ı
486 September
<((((((((((((@((((> Consequently, White should exchange ˚ for ˇ and
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] create a ko with ˘.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] Once the players start down this path, a ko fight
[++++@++++++++++@@] is unavoidable, but Black doesn’t have enough ko
[!+!!!+++++++@+!!!] threats to win.
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+] Even if Black captures White’s marked stones up to
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] , the result favors White, because Black’s marked
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] stones are worth more.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@@@++++++++++@!!]
[@˝!ˇ@@@++!!+++!@+]
[@s–s@!@!!T!+++!++]
[@sss@!!@‰T¸˛+!*!+]
@ss˜!!@ a ˙TT!!@@@!+]
‹@@!´˚+˘TT!”„+++++]
›)»ˆ)¨)¯)))))))))).
Variation 94 for ı
‚ « at @
a , “ — at ˙
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] If Black falls back to , White recaptures the ko
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] with ‰ (at ! b ) and Black runs out of steam.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] If Black plays elsewhere, White will capture the cor-
[+@@@++++++++++@!!] ner stones with A; and if Black connects at B, White
[@˝! b ˇ@@@++!!+++!@+]
can live with C.
[@!–!@!@!!@!+++!++]
B @!!!@!!@@¸˛+!*!+]
@!!+˜!!@ a ˙@@!!@@@!+]
‹@@!´˚+˘@@!”„+++++]
› A »ˆ)¨ C ¯)))))))))).
Variation 95 for ı
‚« at @ “ — at ˙, ‰ at !
a , b
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] If Black eliminates the ko with –, White will capture
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@] the corner stones with —.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[+++++++++++++++@!] Even if Black captures the marked White stones with
[+@@@++++++++++@!!] A later, he doesn’t gain enough profit to catch up.
[@˝!ˇ@@@++!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@t@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@tt@*@¸˛+!*!+]
@!!+˜tt@ a ˙@@!!@@@!+]
‹@@!´˚–˘@@!”„+++++]
›—»ˆ)¨ A ¯)))))))))).
Variation 96 for ı
‚« at @ “ at ˙
a ,
September 487
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] The hane at ˜ doesn’t work.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!+] White can live outright with ¨ and ˚.
[+++++++++++++++@!]
[+@@@++++++++++@!!]
[@+!+@@@++!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!+˚!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!´¨˜+@@!+++++++]
,))ˆ)˝)))))))))))).
Variation 97 for ı
<((((((((((((@((((> Attempting to save White’s cutting stones with ´ is
[++!@+++++++@+@!+!] too greedy.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] Black can simply extend from ˆ to ˘ and Black’s
[++++@++++++++++@@] existing stone at @
A encloses White perfectly.
[!+!!!+++++++@+!!!]
!+!+@!+++++++@!@++] White can’t escape and he can’t win the capturing
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+] race between the marked groups either.
@@@+@++@ A ++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++˘+++!+*!@] Black can extend his liberties with moves like B and
[+++++++ˇ˚+++++@!+] C if he has to.
[+++++++˝¨++++++@!]
[+@@@+++˜ˆ+++++@!!]
[@+!+@@@´@!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@!@ttS!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!S*S+++!*!+]
@!!++!!S+SS!!@@@!+]
[@@!++ C +SS! B ++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Variation 98 for
<(((¨(2((3(((((@(( 2((> Black ´ would have been slightly better than ffl in
[++!Cˆ˜+ 3++++@+ 1@!+!] the game. Let’s evaluate the position after ´ to ˙.
[++!!@˝++@+++@c+ 3!+]
[++!@+3+++*+++@+ 3@+!]2 Black:
[++++2@+
3+++++++ 3++@@]
[!+!!!+´+ 3++++@+!!!] Top: 37, left side: 27, and bottom: 6.
!+
1!+@!++++ 3+3++ 3@!@++] Total: 70 points.
[!@+3@++++++ˇ+!@+ 1@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] White:
[ccc@++++*+˚+!+*!@]
[+++++3+++++++++@!!] 2 Top left: 22, bottom right: 34, bottom left: 5, top
[++++++3++++!+@+@@!] right: 7, and komi: 7.5.
[+@@@+++ 3+˘+++++@!!]
[@+!+@@@¯@!!+++!C+ 2] Total: 75.5 points.
[@!+!@!@cc@!++ 2+!++] It’s Black’s turn and he has more potential in the
[@!!!@!!@*@++ 2+!*!+]
@!!++!!@+ 1@@!!CCC!+] center, so the game is closer than it looks, but White
3@@!+!++@@!˙++++++]
[ still has a very small lead.
,)3))
2))
2)))))) 2)))))).
Variation 99 for ffl
488 September
Avoiding Complications Is Costly
<((((((((((((@((((>
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+)/@+++@!+!+]
[++!@-(*+.0++@+@+!]
[++++@7 A ,4+++++"@@]
[!+!!!1 +38++@+!!!]
!+!+@!5++++++@!@+!]
[!@+@+62+++++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++!+@+@@!]
[+@@@++++&+++++@!!]
[@+!+@@@’@!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@!#$+++++]
,)))))))))%))))))).
Diagram 17
(Moves: 132-156)
The endgame proceeded from to ,, and connecting at - aimed to exploit White’s weakness at 1.
White’s attachment at 2 was flexible, but Black’s peep at 3 and the continuation to 7 were sharp.
White wanted to connect at A, but doing so was risky. The hane at 8 was the best way to manage
the situation (giving up A), but it only bought a temporary reprieve at a cost of about four points.
Avoiding complications is rarely free. As Niccolò Machiavelli observes in the The Prince, “The Romans,
therefore, foreseeing evils while they were yet far off, always provided against them . . . since they
knew that war is not so to be avoided, but is only postponed to the advantage of the other side.”
<((((((((((((@((((> There’s bad aji on the right side.
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+] If Black doesn’t defend (e.g. at ! in the game),
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] White can start a ko with ¨ to ˘.
[++++@++++++++++@@]
[!+!!!+!+++++@+!!!] If Black connects at ¨, White will cut at A and the
!+!+@!+++++++@!@˚˝] marked stones will be captured.
[!@+@++++++++!@˘@¨ˇ
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+ A !@]
[++++++++++++++T!!]
[++++++++++!+T+TT!]
[+@@@++++++++++T!!]
[@+!+@@@+@!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@!´ˆ+++++]
,)))))))))˜))))))).
Variation 100 for !
September 489
<((((((((((((@((((> Instead of # (at ˝ in this variation), Black should
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!] have exchanged ´ to ¨ in sente.
[++!!@+++@+++@!+!+]
[++!@++++*+++@+@+!] If White hanes at ˜, instead of ˆ, Black can cross-
[++++@+´˜++++++!@@] cut at ˆ and the resultant fighting will suit Black
[!+!!!+!ˆ¨+++@+!!!] nicely.
!+!+@!+++++++@!@+@]
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+] If White plays ˆ and ¨, as expected, Black can
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] return to the bottom to capture at ˝.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++++!+@+@@!]
[+@@@++++++++++@!!]
[@+!+@@@+@!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@!˝˚+++++]
,)))))))))ˇ))))))).
Variation 101 for #
<((((((((((((@((((> Black could also play ) at ´.
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+˜˝@+++@!+!+] In that case, ˆ and ¨ are sente and White will
[++!@´!+¨*+++@+@+!] simplify the game up to ˚.
[++++@ˆ++++++++!@@]
[!+!!!+!+++++@+!!!] Allowing White to simplify the position is bad for
!+!+@!+++++++@!@+@] Black, because he’s behind.
[!@+@++++++++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!!]
[+++++++˚++!+@+@@!]
[+@@@++++!+++++@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!+++++]
,)))))))))@))))))).
Variation 102 for )
<((( A ((((((((@((((> Black - connected at ˛ in the game, but Black can
[++!@@¯˙++++@+@!+!] also think about enlarging his center territory with
[++!!@˘@¸@+++@!+!+]
[++!@˛!!@ C +++@+@+!] ´ to ˇ.
[++++@++!´ B ++++!@@] However, cutting at ˛ nets White adequate compen-
[!+!!!+!+ˆ˜ D +@+!!!] sation, and White’s hane at A will be sente later.
!+!+@!+++¨˝++@!@+@]
[!@+@+++++˚ˇ+!@+@+] Instead of ˝, if Black backtracks to connect at ˛,
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@] White will capture ˜ in a ladder with B to D.
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!!] If ˜ is at B instead, White still cuts at ˛.
Variation 103 for -
490 September
<((((((((((((@((((> Cutting at ´ is also conceivable, but it’s dangerous.
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+++@!+!+] Even though the ladder starting at ˆ doesn’t com-
[++!@@!!@!!++@+@+!] pletely work for White, he can still manage the situ-
[++++@++!´˜¨+˛+!@@] ation up to ˛.
[!+!!!+!+ˆ˝ˇ˘@+!!!]
!+!+@!++++˚¯˙@!T+T] Black’s marked stones will suddenly find themselves
[!@+@++++++¸+!T+T+] under attack.
@@@+@++@++++++TT!T]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!T]
[++++++++++++++T!!]
[++++++++++!+T+TT!]
[+@@@++++!+++++T!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!+++++]
,)))))))))@))))))).
Variation 104 for 1
<((((((((((((@((((> If White tries to save all his stones with ´ and ˜,
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!] ¨ and ˚ unleash a severe attack.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!+!+]
[++!@@tt@tt++@+@+!] White’s whole group is in danger after ˙, so this
[++++@ˆ˜t˝+++++!@@] variation is too risky for White to entertain.
[!+!!!@t+¨¯++@+!!!]
!+!+@!´˚ˇ++++@!@+@]
[!@+@++˘++˙++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@++++++@@!@]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!!]
Variation 105 for 2
<((((((((((((@((((> If Black pokes at ´, instead of connecting at ˜ (7
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!] in the game), White will connect with ˆ and ¨.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!+!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@+@+!] Black still wants to cut with ¯ and ›, but White
[++++@˜¸!!+”+++!@@] can sacrifice from ˚ to “.
[!+!!!@! a ˝@˚›“@„!!!]
!+!+@!@´ˆˇ¯˙+@!T+T] After White connects at „, Black’s marked stones
[!@+@+!!¨˛˘+‹!T+T+] are in danger yet again.
@@@+@++@++++++TT!T]
[!!!@++++*+++!+*!T]
[++++++++++++++T!!]
[++++++++++!+T+TT!]
[+@@@++++!+++++T!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+++!@+]
Variation 106 for 7
‚ at !
a
September 491
Lead Away a Goat in Passing
<((((((((((((@((((>
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+++@!+!+]
[++!@@tt@!!++@F@D!]
[++++@@I!!+++++!@@E
[!+!!!@! B @!++@A!!!C
!+!+@!@ A +9:++@!@+@]
[!@+@B!!+;<++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@+=>++@@@!@]
[!!!@++++?+++!+ C !@]
[+++++++++++++ D @!!]
[++++++++++!+@+@@!]
[+@@@++++!+++J+@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+++!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!H++++]
,)))))))))@)G))))).
Diagram 18
(Moves: 157-174)
Extending with 9 to ? was unavoidable, and White connected with @ and B. Black finally captured
the marked stones while separating White with I. This made A and B miai, so White couldn’t connect.
White J was an exemplary indirect defense; grabbing some quick profit before returning to defend
the center more firmly. It was difficult for Black to resist because of his weakness around C and D.
The Thirty-six Stratagems advise us to, “Lead away a goat in passing.” While this may sound strange
to contemporary ears, it means that we should always be on the lookout for opportunities to take small
profits, in the course of managing our overall strategy. White J was an excellent example of this.
<((((((((((((@((((> If White pushes from behind at ´, Black will attach
[++!@@++++++@+@!+!] at ¨ to enlarge his center area.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!+!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!@!!] However, before that, he can exchange ˆ for ˜ in
[++++@@@!!+++++!@@@ sente and White didn’t want to see that happen.
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@!++@+@+@] This is why White interposed a quick jab at A (J)
[!@+@!!!+@!++!@+@+] in the game.
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@´++!+*!@]
[++++++++++++++@!!]
[++++++++¨+!+@+@@!]
[+@@@++++!+++ A +@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+ˆ+!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+˜+!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!++++]
,)))))))))@)@))))).
Variation 107 for J
492 September
When Riding the Tiger, It’s Difficult to Get Off
<(POQ((((((((@((((>
[+R!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+++@!L!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!@!!]
[++++@@@!!NM++K!@@@
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@!++@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@!++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@+++!WV!@]
[+++++++++++++ A @!!]
[++++++++++!T@+@@!]
[+@@@++++!++S!X@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+U+!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!Y+++]
,)))))))))@)@Z)))).
Diagram 19
(Moves: 175-190)
Gu Li was in byo-yomi at this stage, so he had five overtime periods of one minute each. Lee Sedol
still had about half an hour left on the clock. Gu exchanged K to Q in sente to give himself more
time to think. His next move was important, so buying time with sente endgame moves was sensible.
Gu was reading the hane at S carefully, because if he played elsewhere it would be very difficult for
Black to catch up after White reinforced at T.
Extending to X was a startling yet powerful move. Korean professionals who were watching the game
were surprised and worried when Lee played here, because they hadn’t read as deeply as Lee yet.
Since White played at X instead of A, Black had to make something happen inside White’s lower right
area. His plan began with Y.
There’s a Chinese proverb warning us that when we ride on the back of a tiger, it’s difficult to get off.
Sometimes, once you commit yourself to an action, you can’t afford to stop halfway. At this point in
the game, both players were holding on for dear life, white-knuckled, on the back of the tiger.
[!@+@!!!+@!++!@+@+] Attaching at ´, instead of pushing at ˜ (V), is a
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] crude technique.
[!!!@++++@»„+!˝˜!@]
[+++++++++«¯+¨´@!!] Black will cut at ˘, and White’s shape is riddled
[++++++++˙˘tt@+@@!] with weaknesses.
[+@@@+++“!ˇ˚@! a ˆ@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!¸@+!@+] If White reinforces with ¸ and ‚, Black will attach
[@!+!@!@!!@!”‚+!++] at „ to capture White’s marked cutting stones.
[@!!!@!!@*@‹›+!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!++++]
,)))))))))@)@))))).
Variation 108 for V
˛ at !
a
September 493
[!@+@!!!+@!++!@+@+] If White takes care of his center stones with ‚, Black
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] will push at ‹.
[!!!@++++@+++!˝˜!@]
[++++++++++¯‚¨´@!!] Connecting at › is meaningless, because “ and „
[++++++++˙˘!!@+@@!] capture all the marked stones anyway.
[+@@@++++tˇ˚@! a ˆ@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@tt¸@+!@+] If White plays at “, instead of ›, Black will be
[@!+!@!@!!@t”“+!++] satisfied with cutting at › and capturing White’s
[@!!!@!!@*@‹›„!*!+] four stones at the bottom.
@!!++!!@+@@tt@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@tt++++]
,)))))))))@)@))))).
Variation 109 for V
˛ at !
a
[!@+@!!!+@!++!@+@+] Even if White doesn’t exchange A for Black at ! B,
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] Black can still cut at ‹ and capture White’s marked
[!!!@++++@+++!˝˜!@] stones.
[++++++++++¯¸¨´@!!]
[++++++++˙˘!!@+@@!]
[+@@@++++tˇ˚@! B ˆ@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@tt @+!@+] A
[@!+!@!@!!@t‹++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@˛‚+!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!++++]
,)))))))))@)@))))).
Variation 110 for V
<(!@@((((((((@((((> Rather than playing Lee’s bold move at ˜ (X in the
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] game), most professionals would cut at ´ to simplify
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+] the game.
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!]
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ The atari at ˆ is the only move and White can save
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@ !
A with ˜ and ˝.
!+!+@!@++@!++@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@!+˙t@+@+] Even though Black captures White’s marked stones,
@@@+@++@+@!++t@@!@] White has a comfortable half point lead up to ¸.
[!!!@++++@+¯˘t@!!@]
[++++++++++ˇ˚ˆ´@!!] Because the games in this match were played using
[+++++++¸++!!@¨@@!] Chinese rules, area scoring was used. Counting when
[+@@@++++!++@! A ˜@!!]
using area scoring is a bit different, and at this stage
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@˝!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++] it seems likely that White will win by 0.5 or 2.5.
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+] The difference depends on who gets to play the last
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+] move, because every stone played is worth a point.
[@@!+!++@@+@!!++++]
,)))))))))@)@))))). Therefore, even if we count White as leading by 1.5
Variation 111 for X points, he still may only win by half a point, but
that’s more comfortable than a mere half point lead.
494 September
<(!@@((((((((@((((> Playing atari at ´ is a mistake.
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+] Black can connect to his main group with ˆ to ˚,
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!] and the game will be reversed.
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@ Instead of ˜, it might appear that White can still cut
!+!+@!@++@!++@+@+@] by playing at ¨, but he’ll be caught in a snapback
[!@+@!!!+@!++!@+@+] after Black ataris at ˚.
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@]
[++++++++++++´ˆ@!!]
[++++++++++!!@ a ˜@@!]
[+@@@++++!++@!¨@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@˚!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!++++]
,)))))))))@)@))))).
Variation 112 for X
˝ at @
a
<(!@@((((((((@((((> After !A (X), if Black still plays at ´, White will
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] follow the same sequence as in Variation 111 above.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!] White saves two points compared to the earlier vari-
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ ation, because he avoids exchanging B for C.
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@!++@+@+@] White would surely win the game if this happened.
[!@+@!!!+@!+ˇ!@+@+]
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@+˚˝!@!!@]
[++++++++++¨˜´ B @!!]
[+++++++˘++!!@ C @@!]
[+@@@++++!++@!! A @!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@ˆ!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!+++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!++++]
,)))))))))@)@))))).
Variation 113 for Y
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] White doesn’t have time to capture the marked
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@] stones with ´ after @
A (Y), because Black can trade
[+++++++++++++´T!!] up to ¨.
[++++++++++!!T+TT!]
[+@@@++++!++@!!T!!] Black is satisfied with this result and the game is
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@+!@+] reversed.
[@!+!@!@!!@!˜++!++]
[@!!!@!!@*@++ˆ!*!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@ A +++]
,)))))))))@)@¨)))).
Variation 114 for Z
September 495
Lee Sedol’s Ghost Move
<(!@@((((((((@((((>
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!]
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@!++@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@!++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@]
[++++++++++++^\@!!]
[++++++++++!!@]@@!]
[+@@@++++!++@!!@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@[!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!++a!‘+]
[@!!!@!!@*@+++!_!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@+++]
,)))))))))@)@!b))).
Diagram 20
(Moves: 191-198)
Black went all out, and _ appeared to be a brilliant move. Most observers thought Lee had collapsed,
but, when Black cut at a, pushing on the first line with b was an amazing ‘ghost move’. This
technique is incredibly rare and hardly anyone saw it before it was played. It appears that Lee had
already found this move when he played X (or even earlier), which is remarkable.
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] If White connects at ´, he’ll fall into Black’s trap.
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@]
[++++++++++++!!@!!] Cutting at ˆ is tesuji and Black can create a favor-
[++++++++++!!@@@@!] able one-move approach ko up to ˛.
[+@@@++++!++@++@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@@!@ˇ]
[@!+!@!@!!@!˘˙´!ˆ˜]
[@!!!@!!@*@¨˝˚!@!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@¸@!!@+++]
,))))))))˛@¯@!)))).
Variation 115 for ‘
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] Threatening to cut with ´ doesn’t work.
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@]
[++++++++++++!!@!!] Even though White removes Black’s eye shape with
[++++++++++!!@@@@!] ˜ and ˝, Black can make another eye in the corner
[+@@@++++!++@˜¨@!!] with ˚ to ˙.
[@+!+@@@@@!!˝@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!´ˆ@!!+] Instead of ´, if White plays at A, Black will atari
[@!!!@!!@*@+ B A !@!+] at B and the sequence is practically the same after-
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!¯] wards.
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@+˚ˇ]
,)))))))))@)@!˙))˘.
Variation 116 for b
496 September
After Victory, Tighten Your Helmet
<(!@@((((((((@((((>
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!]
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@!++@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@!++!@+@+]
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@]
[+++++++‚+ A ++!!T!!]
[++++++‹˛++!!TTTT!]
[+@@@++++!++T++T!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+TT!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!`+T!!˙]
[@!!!@!!@*@++c!T!¯˘
@!!++!!@+@@!!TTT!˝]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!T˚´ˆˇ
,)))))))))@)@!!¨¸˜.
Diagram 21
(Moves: 199-214)
White ` was the coup de grâce. When Black haned at ˜ (˜), ¨ captured the marked stones without
fighting a ko. The result up to ˛ was excellent for White and the Jubango was practically over.
Even though Black made a small life in the corner, he lost almost 10 points in the negotiations.
However, after ‚, White should have defended at A. Had he done so, he would have won without
question, and this game would have become Lee Sedol’s masterpiece.
White ‹ was a huge oversight. This kind of situation, where an important game is practically over, is
the most critical time to maintain your attention. This is true for professionals and amateurs alike.
At the conclusion of the Battle of Sekigahara in Japan, while surveying what remained of the battlefield,
the future shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu requested that his helmet be brought to him. This seemed an odd
request, as he had not worn his helmet in the heat of battle, but Tokugawa purportedly uttered a phrase
which would become famous throughout Japan, “After victory, tighten the cords of your helmet.”
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] If Black attaches at ´ (for c), White extends to ˆ.
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@]
[++++++++++++!!@!!] After ˙, Black can’t make another eye in the corner
[++++++++++!!@@@@!] because !
A ensures that he only has a false eye at B.
[+@@@++++!++@˚ˇ@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!˘@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!´˝@!!+]
[@!!!@!!@*@¨˜ˆ!@!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@ B ¯˙]
,)))))))))@)@!! A ))).
Variation 117 for c
September 497
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] Black can also think about cutting at ´ and ˜, but
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@] there are no moves left at all after ˘ crushes him.
[++++++++++++!!@!!]
[+++++++++ˇ!!@@@@!]
[+@@@++++!˚˝@++@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!˘@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!˜+@!!+]
[@!!!@!!@*@´ˆ¨!@!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!+]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@+++]
,)))))))))@)@!!))).
Variation 118 for c
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] Extending to ´ before playing the hane at ˇ (ˆ)
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@] is clumsy.
[++++++++++++!!@!!]
[++++++++++!!@@@@!] Black’s hane at ˆ is diabolical, and he manages to
[+@@@++++!++@++@!!] eke out a ko with ¨ and ˘.
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@@!@˝]
[@!+!@!@!!@!!+@!!+] This is an absolute disaster for White.
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!˜¨
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!ˆ]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@˚@ˇ˘
,)))))))))@)@!!´)).
Variation 119 for ˆ
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] If White cuts at ˜ instead, Black will come back to
[!!!@++++@+++!@!!@] ¨ to extend his liberties.
[++++++++++++!!@!!]
[++++++++++!!@@@@!] White steals Black’s second eye with ˝ and ˇ, but
[+@@@++++!+ A @˝˚@!!] Black can squeeze from ˘ to ¸ and White will be
[@+!+@@@@@!!ˇ@@!@ a ¯B
in deep trouble after ˛.
[@!+!@!@!!@!!¨@!!˘]
[@!!!@!!@*@+ C @+@!˙] We can expect a direct ko after A to C, but Black
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!ˆ] has some good ko threats around D, so it’s another
[@@! D !++@@+@!!@˜@˛] disaster for White.
,)))))))))@)@!!´)).
Variation 120 for ˆ
¸ at @
a
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@!@] If White connects at ´, rather than extending to A,
[!!!@++++@+ˇ+!@!!@] Black can push and cut with ¨ and ˚ in sente.
[++++++++++++!!@!!]
[++++++++˘˚!!@@@@!] White’s marked group is in serious trouble after ˘,
[+@@@++++t˝¨@++@!!] and White will have to fight a very disadvantageous
[@+!+@@@@@ttˆ@@!@+] ko at B.
[@!+!@!@!!@tt˜@!!+]
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!+]
@!!++!!@+@@tt@@@!´]
[@@!+!++@@+@tt@+@!]
,)))))))))@ B @tt A )@.
Variation 121 for ¨
498 September
<(!@@((((((((@((((> White may try to extend his liberties with ˇ, but
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] Black will be unperturbed.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@tt++@!*!!] Black ˘ and ˙ comprise a severe tesuji combination
[++++@@@ttt@++@!@@@ and White’s marked stones are captured up to ‹
[!+!!!@! B @t++@@!!!@ (remember that A and B are miai).
!+!+@!@ A +@t++@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@t+˛!@+@+] Instead of ¯, if White captures immediately at ¸,
@@@+@++@+@t++!@@!@] Black will still hane with ˛ and the situation is
[!!!@++++@‹˙‚!@!!@] about the same.
[+++++++++¸¯˘!!@!!]
[++++++++ˇ˚!!@@@@!]
[+@@@++++!˝¨@++@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!ˆ@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!!˜@!!+]
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!+]
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!´]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@+@!]
,)))))))))@)@!!))@.
Variation 122 for ¨
@@@+@++@+@!++!@@t@] White might consider extending to ´ in an attempt
[!!!@++++@+++!@tt@] to capture everything, but this is an overplay.
[++++++++++++!!@tt]
[+++++++++ G !!@@@@t] Black can squeeze in sente with ˆ and ¨, and
[+@@@++++! F E @++@tt] White’s marked stones are captured up to ˘.
[@+!+@@@@@!! C @@t@ a ˜]
[@!+!@!@!!@!! D @ttˆ A If White plays ˇ at A, Black will exchange Black at
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@t¨ B ˇ for White B in sente, and then play C to G as in
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@t@˘ the previous variation.
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@˚@!´
,)))))))))@)@!!!ˇ@.
Variation 123 for ˚
˝ at @
a
<(!@@((((((((@( 3(2((> White should have played ‹ in the game at ´.
[+!!@@+++++ 3¨@+ 1@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+˜+@!!!+] Let’s count together one last time...
[++!@@cc@!!++@!* 1!!]
2 Black:
[+++2+@@@!!!@+ 3+@!@@@
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@ Top: 27, left side: 32, bottom: 10, bottom right: 3,
!+1!+@!@++@!++@+ 1@+@]3 and prisoners at A, B and C: 3.
[!@+3@!!!+@!+ 2+!@+ 1@+]
@@@+@++@+@!++ 2!@@!@] Total: 75 points.
[ccc@+33++
3+ 3@++ 2+!@!!@] 3
[+++++++@˝´++!!C!!] 2 White:
[++++++ˆ!ˇ+!!CCCC!] Top left: 16, bottom right: 50, bottom left: 5, top
[+@@@+++˚!++C A B C!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+CC!C+] right: 8, and komi: 7.5.
[@!+!@!@cc@!!+C!!!] 2 Total: 86.5 points.
[@!!!@!!@*@++ 2C C C!@!
@!!++!!@+ 1@@!!CCC!@] 3 White is clearly ahead on the board, so the game
3@@!+!++
[ 3@@+ 1@!!C!@+ 1@ would have been over.
,)3))
2))
2))) 3)@)@!!!@@.
Variation 124 for ‹
September 499
Scour the Board for Aji When Behind
<(!@@((((((((@((((>
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@tt++@!*!!]
[++++@@@ttt@++@!@@@
[!+!!!@!—@t++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@t++@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@t+”!@+@+]
@@@+@++@+@t+–!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@“›+!@!!@]
[++++++ffl@‰«+„!!@!!]
[++++++! A !»!!@@@@!]
[+@@@+++ffi!++@ff@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!fi@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!!ı@!!!]
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@!@+@
,)))))))))@)@!!!@@.
Diagram 22
(Moves: 215-232)
fl at , at ‰
Gu Li had been scouring the board for a way to catch up, and when White extended to !
A he pounced.
Black › was razor sharp, and ” was a tight followup. Black exploited White’s bad aji ruthlessly, and
the game suddenly became tense again.
Connecting at „ was a good move, but White’s shape had already become brittle. Black separated
White’s marked stones from the right side with « and –, and — became necessary in order to connect.
An unlikely ko began with , providing a feasible resistance for Black. It’s very difficult to come
up with this sort of move here, but since White didn’t have many liberties at the bottom it worked
surprisingly well.
Black was trying to make the game complicated, and he was succeeding so far. White didn’t have
enough ko threats, so he connected at ffi, but Black maintained the pressure at ffl.
<(!@@((((((((@((((> Instead of connecting at „ above, responding at ´
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] is also conceivable.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!] If Black plays at ˆ, White will gladly manage the
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ center up to ˇ, but Black has a better plan...
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@!+˚@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@!+@!@+@+]
@@@+@++@+@!˜ˆ!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@!@¨!@!!@]
[+++++++@ˇ+´˝!!@!!]
[++++++!!++!!@@@@!]
[+@@@++++!++@++@!!]
Variation 125 for „
500 September
<(!@@((((((((@((((> Clamping at ˆ reduces White’s liberties, and White
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] eventually finds himself in trouble.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!] Black can come back to ˚ after exchanging ˆ to ˝,
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ and White should be wary of his shortage of liberties.
[!+!!!@!+@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@!+›@+@+@] If White still ataris at ˇ, Black will revive his dead
[!@+@!!!+@!+@!@+@+] group with a snapback at „.
@@@+@++@+@!ˇ˚!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@!@˘!@!!@]
[+++++++@¨‹´¯!!@!!]
[++++++!!ˆ˜!!@@@@!]
[+@@@+++˝!„+@¸˛@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!‚@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!!˙@!!!]
[@!!!@!!@*@“”@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@!@+@
,)))))))))@)@!!!@@.
Variation 126 for „
<(!@@((((((((@((((> If White connects at › instead, Black will save his
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] cutting stones with “.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!] White should connect his center group with ” and
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ «, but Black can block at » while White connects
[!+!!!@!”@!++@@!!!@ his stones.
!+!+@!@«+@!+“@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@!+@t@+@+] As you can see, White’s enormous dragon at the bot-
@@@+@++@+@!ˇ˚t@@!@] tom is in deep trouble up to ‰ (taking the ko at @
a ).
[!!!@++++@!@˘t@!!@]
[++++++„@¨‹´¯tt@!!] There are no ko threats for White, but Black still has
[+++++»ttˆ˜tt@@@@!] some ko threats at A and B.
[+@@@+++˝t›+@¸˛@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@tt‚@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@tt˙@!!! B
[@!!!@!!@*@—@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@tt@@@!@]
[@@! A !++@@+@tt@t@+@
,)))))))))@–@ a ttt@@.
Variation 127 for „
‰ at @
a
@@@+@++@+@!˝+!@@!@] White should reinforce his weakness with ˝, but
[!!!@++++@!@+!@!!@] Black will cut at ˚ and the marked stones will be
[+++++++@¨+´+!!@!!] wasted.
[++++++ttˆ˜!!@@@@!]
[+@@@+++˚!++@++@!!] This would be a big loss for White, but he can still
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@@!@+] play like this because he was winning by more than
[@!+!@!@!!@!!+@!!!]
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!@! 10 points earlier.
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@!@+@
,)))))))))@)@!!!@@.
Variation 128 for „
September 501
<(!@@((((((((@((((> If White cuts with ´ and ˜, instead of connecting
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] at A (—), Black will clamp at ¨ and threaten to
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+] cut.
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!]
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ Even if White connects at ˝, Black can still cause
[!+!!!@! A @!++@@!!!@ trouble with a snapback up to ‹.
!+!+@!@++@!+¸@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@!+@!@+@+] In the end, the result is the same as in Variation 126.
@@@+@++@+@!˜@!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@!@˙!@!!@]
[+++++++@ˆ@´!!!@!!]
[++++++!!¨!!!@@@@!]
[+@@@+++˝!‹+@ˇ˘@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!¯@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!!˚@!!!]
[@!!!@!!@*@˛‚@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@!@+@
,)))))))))@)@!!!@@.
Variation 129 for —
<(!@@((((((((@((((> Connecting at ˜ is also conceivable, and the result
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] will be a one-move approach ko for Black up to ‹.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!] However, Lee thought that the moves in the game
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ were safer than this variation and he was right.
[!+!!!@!˝@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@ˇ+@!++@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!+@!+@!@+@+]
@@@+@++@+@!+@!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@!@¨!@!!@]
[++++++˚@ˆ@´!!!@!!]
[+++++‹!!˜!!!@@@@!]
[+@@@++++!‚˛@¯˙@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!¸@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!!˘@!!!]
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@!@+@
,)))))))))@)@!!!@@.
Variation 130 for —
502 September
<(!@@((((((((@((((> Pushing and cutting with ´ and ˜ is premature.
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] White can connect at ˚ in sente, and connect his
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+] center group with ˘.
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!]
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ White ˚ in this sequence fixes White’s liberty prob-
[!+!!!@!!T!++@@!!!@ lem at the bottom and makes miai of ˇ and ˘.
!+!+@!@´ˆT!+ B @+@+@]
[!@+@!!!˜T!+@!@+@+] After ˘, A and B are miai.
@@@+@++T+T!˘@!@@!@]
[!!!@+ˇ++T!@ A !@!!@] If Black omits ˇ to connect at B, White at ˇ cap-
[++++++ C T˝T¨!!!@!!] tures the marked stones. If liberties are ever an issue,
[++++++!!˚!!!@@@@!] turning at C captures them more quickly.
[+@@@++++!++@++@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!+@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!!+@!!!]
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@!@+@
,)))))))))@)@!!!@@.
Variation 131 for
<(!@@((((((((@((((> After Black pushes at @
A (ffl), White really wants to
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] extend at ´, but it doesn’t work.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@tt++@!*!!] Black can isolate White’s center group with ˆ and
[++++@@@ttt@++@!@@@ ¨, and White can’t win the ko at ˝ because Black
[!+!!!@tt@t++@@!!!@ has more ko threats.
!+!+@!@ˆ˜@t++@+@+@]
[!@+@!!!¨@t+@!@+@+] As you can see, B and C are miai for Black, so
@@@+@+ B @+@t+@!@@!@] White’s marked stones die after “.
[!!!@“¸++@t@˛!@!!@]
[++++›‹@ A @˝@¯!!!@!!]
[++++ ´!!@
C a !!!@@@@!]
[+@@@+++!!‚+@+@@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!!@@!@+]
[@!+!@!@!!@!!@@!!!]
[@!!!@!!@*@˚ˇ@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@]
[@@!+!++@@+@!!@!@+@
,)))))))))@)@!!!@@.
Variation 132 for
˘ at @, ˙ at ˝
a
September 503
Battles Are Not Won by Strength Alone
<(!@@((((((((@((((>
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@+9+@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!>?@!5!!]
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@
[!+!!!@!!@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@++@!++@+@3@]
[!@+@!!!$@!+@!@+@+]
@@@+@++@;@!+@!@@!@C
[!!!@++++@!@+!@!!@B
[++++++@@! a @8!!!@!!’
[+++++%! A !#!!!@@@@!(
c
[+@@@+++!! b 10@+@@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!!@@!@.-
[@!+!@!@!!@!!@@!!!"
[@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@!
7@@!+!+F@@2@!!@!@+@
,@6))DA)E4@*@!!!@@.
Diagram 23
(Moves: 233-270)
& , : at !
a , ) / at #, < at !b , = at !
c
The game had become complicated again, because of White’s overplay at !
A (‹). The atari at 0 was
the right move, but White had already lost a lot of points here.
However, Lee stayed calm, even though the game took a disappointing turn, and eliminating the ko
with 4 ensured his lead. Battles are not won by strength alone; your mental state is also important.
<(!@@((((((((@( B ((> If White connects at ´, Black will be able to create
[+!!@@++++++@+@!+!] a more serious ko up to ˚.
[++!!@+@@@+++@!!!+]
[++!@@!!@!!++@!*!!] This is a one-move approach ko, and it’s a heavy
[++++@@@!!!@++@!@@@ burden for White.
[!+!!!@!!@!++@@!!!@
!+!+@!@ C +@!++@+@+@] Black still has some large ko threats, like A, B and
[!@+@!!!!@!+@!@+@+] C, but White has only one at D.
@@@+@++@+@!+@!@@!@]
[!!!@++++@!@+!@!!@]
[++++++@@+@˚!!!@!!@
[+++++@!!@!!!@@@@!!
[+@@@++@!!´˝@+@@!!]
[@+!+@@@@@!!!@@!+!@
[@!+!@!@!!@!!@@!!!!
[@!!!@!!@*@+˜@+@!@!
@!!++!!@+@@!!@@@!@@
[@@! A !++@@+@!!@!@+@
,)))))))) D @! a ˆ!!!@@.
Variation 133 for 0
¨ at !
a
504 September
A Relentless Endgame
<(!@@((((((Z(@((((˛
[+!!@@++++I[@+@!+!¸
[++!!@+@@@H@+@!!!+X
[++!@@!!@!!!@@!@!!W
[++++@@@!!!@++@+@@@
[!+!!!@!!@!˘+@@+++@
!˚!+@!@++@!+¯@+@@@]
˝!@+@!!!!@!+@!@+@˜ˆ
@@@+@NT@@@!+@!@@!@@
[!!!@OU++@!@+!@!!@!
[++++++@@!+!!!!@!!]
[+++++@+@@!!!@@@@!!
[+@@@++@+!+!@+@@!!]
[@Q!R@@@@@!!!@@!+!@
a@!+!@!@!!@!!@@!!!!
‘@!!!@!!@*@++@+@!@!
@!!^]!!@+@@!!@@@!@@
@@@!+!L!@@!‹!!@!@+@
,!!c`!@K@! a G!)!!!@@.
Diagram 24
(Moves: 271-314)
J P V \ b ¨ ˙ at !
a,
M S Y _ ´ ˇ ‚ at G
Gu Li fought on relentlessly, even though his flame was waning. Given the importance of the game,
his fighting spirit was understandable. Chinese culture places a high value on perseverance.
The game continued all the way to the end, as in this
<(!@@((((((!(@ffifi((! diagram.
[+!!@@++++@@@ffl@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@!@+@!!!+!
[++!@@!!@!!!@@!@ b !!@
[+‰–@@@!!!@›+@“@@@
[!+!!!@!!@!!-@@fl++@
!!!ff@!@,*@!/@@+@@@]
@!@„@!!!!@!0@!@+@@!
@@@«@!!@@@!+@!@@!@@
[!!!@@@++@!@1!@!!@!
[++++++@@! a ”!!!!@!!"
[+++++@+@@!!!@@@@!!
[+@@@++@%!&!@+@@!!]
[@@!!@@@@@!!!@@!+!@
@@!+!@!@!!@!!@@!!!!
+@!!!@!!@!@ı@+@!@!
@!!!@!!@#@@!!@@@!@@
@@@!+!!!@@!!!!@!@+@
.!!(!!@@@$@ c !)!!!@@.
Diagram 25
(Moves: 315-349)
» at !
a , — at ”, at @b , ’ at @
c , ) at $
September 505
Lee Sedol Wins the Match
<(!@@((((((!(@!!((!
[+!!@@ N ++++@@@@@!+!]
[++!!@+@@@!@+@!!!+!
[++!@@!!@!!!@@!!!! H@
[+!@@@@@!!!@@+@!@@@
[!+!!!@! O !@!!@@@@++@
!!!@@!@!!@!@@@+@@@]
@!
E @+@!!!!@!!@!@+@@!
@@@@@!!@ F @@!2@!@@!@@
[!!!@@@++@!@@!@!!@!
[++++++@@!! C !!!!@!!!
[+++++@ @@!!!@@@@!
B U G!
[+@@@++@@!!!@ @@!!] Q P S
[@@!!@@@@@ M !!!@ R @!+!@
@@!+!@!@++@!!@@!!!!
A L K
@@!!!@!!@@@@!@+@!@!
@!!!@!!@@@@! J !@@@! D @@
@@@!+!!!@@!!!!@!@+@
I
!!!!!!@@@@@!)!! T !@@.
Diagram 26
(Move: 350)
350 moves: White won by 2.5 points.
Lee Sedol won the MLily Gu vs Lee Jubango with a 6–2 score! Since Lee won after eight games, the
last two scheduled games were not played, which was a little disappointing for Go fans. These were
the rules agreed upon at the start of the match.
Lee Sedol received a prize of 5,000,000 RMB, which was worth more than $800,000 USD at the time.
It was the largest prize for any Go match in the world to date.
Lee made a small mistake at » (! A ), but he was able to maintain his lead, and his play in this game
was almost flawless up until ‹ (B). If he’d played B at !
C , the game would have been over much earlier
and it would have been his masterpiece.
The overall match must have been very disappointing for Gu Li by this stage, but he maintained his
fighting spirit until the very end and never let up on Lee.
The guest became the host with ffi (! D ) and White was leading up to " (! E ). Black 3 (@ F ) was
an excellent move and 4 (! G ) was a very clever response, which incited a complicated trade. White
didn’t sacrifice perfectly, but he maintained his lead with B (!H ).
White \ and ^ (! I and ! J ) formed a razor sharp combination and White pulled ahead up to b (! K ).
Black ˇ (@
L ) was a brilliant tesuji, and Black gained ground up to ı (@
M ), but White was still ahead.
Black ffl (@
N ) was a small mistake, which should have been at ! O . White J (P) was a clever jab and
White established a clear lead. Black resisted with S and U (@ Q and @
R ), which was appropriate
because he was behind. However, X (at @ S ) was powerful and unexpected, and it became the winning
move. White’s ghost move at b (! T ) delivered the coup de grâce.
The game should have been over after White played at ˛ (at @ U ), but White momentarily faltered
with ‹ (B) and Gu was able to complicate the game again with his sharp and forceful play. Black
earned almost 10 points afterwards, but it wasn’t enough to change the result.
Part II
Lee Sedol vs Gu Li
507
Chapter 9
2004 Chinese A League: Round Nine
June 17, 2004, Guizhou, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 7d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
This was Lee Sedol and Gu Li’s first game together.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++++ffi+—‰+$+] Black played a Shusaku style opening with ´, ˜ and
[+++<++++#++‹–¨+++] ˝, which still enjoyed some popularity at the time.
[++ˆ+++++*ıfl‚*´+]
[+>=+7+)’! fiff++¸++] White „ was slack. It should have been at .
[+@?+++,(&++ffl+*+++] Pressing with ı was strong, and the flow was good
[+A+++++++."++++++]
[++++++++++-+%„+˛+] for Black up to ffl.
[++++++++:++9+/0++] Living with $ was necessary and % was a tesuji for
[++*+++++*8+++12++] moving out.
[++++++++++;++34++]
[++++++++++++++65+] White , was unnecessary. Playing at / would have
[++++++++++++++˙+»] been better.
[+++++++++++++˘+“«]
[+++++++++++++ˇ˚›”] Black made some beneficial exchanges in sente, from
[++˝+++++*++++¯*++] - to 6, and was in a good mood up to 7.
[++++++++++++++˜++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White exchanged 8 to ; to reinforce his center
,))))))))))))))))). group, before taking sente to play a big move at <.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-65) Black = to A were active and strong, and Black
controlled the flow of play.
509
510 2004 Chinese A League: Round Nine
Black C set up an excellent sacrifice, in order to
“YbW]^((((((((((((> squeeze White, and the continuation up to S was
LKGTXV+\+++!¨!!+!+] accurate.
MFEH!SZ+‘@+˜!@!+++]
NDC!U[_++*@@!@@*@+] White V was careless. It should have been at W
[J!@ˇ@+@@@!!@++@++] instead.
a´!@˚O+!!!++@@!+++]
[I@B›„++++!!˛‚++++] Black ] was delicate, and the corner became trou-
[+«P¯R+++++@+@!+!+] blesome for White.
[+Q”˙++++!++@+@!++]
[++*+++++*!+++@!++] Black created a picnic ko up to ˆ (ˆ), so the result
[++++++++++@++@!++] was a success for Black.
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[++++++++++++++!+!] Capturing White’s cutting stones with ” provided
[flffl–++++++++++!+!@] adequate compensation for the ko, and Black solidi-
[fiffi !+++++++++@!@@] fied his lead.
[+"@+#+++*++++@*++]
[+—ff»+++++++++@++] White — was thin, but he was trying to catch up in
[+‰ı+++++++++++++] terms of territory.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2 Black # was solid and thick, making it tough for
(Moves: 66-135) White to catch up.
c ˝ ¸ at W, ` at ], ˆ ˘ ‹ at b
Black % was slack. He should have played at ’ first.
!(!(!!((((((((((((>
!++!!!+!+„+!!!!+!+] White & was big, and ( was correct. White caught
[!+!!@!+!@+@!@!+++] up a little up to 6.
!!+!@@@++*@@!@@*@˙]
[!!@@@+@@@!!@/.@+@] White @ was too small. It should have been played
@@!@+@+!!!BA@@!«6+] around S.
[@@+@!’+++!!!@»–++]
[+@+@!KJ+21@ˇ@!—!+] Black C was solid and E was a sharp tactic for re-
[+@@!+I(+!+˚@+@!++] ducing White’s area at the bottom.
[++*%++˝X˘!¯++@!4+] Black U was the key point in the center, and Black’s
[+++++c++´V@++@!+,]
[++++++L`UW\^++!@*] endgame afterwards was solid and careful.
[++++++++++]_+!)!] The game was practically decided after ().
9@@@+=++¨˜R++C!-! a @]
7!!!@+MOˆSQ+++@!@@] 223 moves recorded: Black won by 5.5 points.
8a!@[@<NP*++++@*++]
Gb!@@!+++$E+&‹›@++]
H+!!@:+‘+FT+“‚>?++]
,˛)D;YZ)))))))”))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 136-223)
a , 3 at -, ¸ at 8
0 5 at !
Chapter 10
9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game One
November 16, 2004, Ulsan, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 7d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
The semifinal of the 9th Samsung Cup was Lee Sedol
<(((((((((((((((((> and Gu Li’s first best of three match together.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++¨+++] We see another Shusaku style opening with ´, ˜,
[++ˆ+++++*++˘++*´+] ˝ and ˇ. Approaching immediately at ¨ later fell
[++++++++++++++ˇ++] out of fashion, because playing ˝ at ˘ is effective.
[+++++++++++2+++++]
[++++++++++/.+++++] The hane on the inside with ¸ wasn’t a good choice,
[++++++++++-,+++ffl+] because ffi made miai of ffl and .
[++++++++++++*++++]
[++*+++++5++)"+ffi++] Saving two stones with » was active, because it op-
[+++++++++++#! +++] posed Black’s plan of developing the right side.
[+++++++++++++fl‰+]
[+++++++6+4+&ff1ı¯»] Black ffl was played to support Black’s top right, but
[+++++++++++(’0›‹“] it was questionable.
[++++++++++++<+˚‚«$
[++˝+++++3+7+—fi˛¸%] Making shape with and " was natural, and &
[++++++++++++8–˜˙”] was a sharp tesuji which deformed Black’s shape.
[+++++++++++++:9„]
,)))))))))))))));). Black strengthened his center group with ) to /,
Diagram 1 but White took a small lead from ¸ to 2.
(Moves: 1-60)
Black developed the bottom from 3 to 7, but
Black’s center group became thinner in the process.
511
512 9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game One
White @ struck at the vital point, and reinforcing
<(((((((((((((((((> with A was necessary.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++!+++] Black K was thin. It should have been at A instead.
[++!++++H*G+!++*@+]
[+++++++++ F M+++@++] White L seemed slack, but it was thick and forced
[+O+++++F+E D !+N+++] Black to exchange M for N. This prevented White
[+++++TQ++ E @!+++++] from cutting with the sequence from B to F.
[++P+USRB@+@!+++@+]
[++++YXV+A+ B @!++++] Black Q was a well timed probe, and the fighting
[++ A ¨IZC+@ C +@!+!++] became serious after White cut at \.
[+K+ G \[+W+L+@@!+++]
[++++^]+˜++++=@!!+] White ^ was too rigid. It should have been at G in
[++J+D_b!˚!+!@@@@!] order to dominate the left side.
[++++c‘aˇ˝‹+!@!@!!]
[++++´`ˆ¸˙‚>+!+!@@! Black pushed and cut with fighting spirit, from _ to
[++@++?˘˛@”@+!!!@@] c. After ˜ (˜), going back to ¨ was necessary.
[+++++¯++“+++!@@+@] Black ˝ and ˇ followed the correct move order, but
[+++++»„++«+++!@+@]
,)))))))))))))))@). White’s tesuji at ˙ reduced Black’s liberties.
Diagram 2 The game became very complicated up to ».
(Moves: 61-120)
› at ˙
Cutting at —, before ‰, showed good technique.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ı would have been better at -.
[+@O\+++++++++!—˚»] The ko that formed up to & was a success for White,
[B?! b M>´+!*@+!+–*@«fi
[+NAPc1++++@++@++] and White took the lead.
b^@[+)(2!R@+!+!+¨˝] White made shape from * to ., because of ı.
‘_+]+’!@97S@!+‹+ˆ˜]
a`+!+@@!!!+@!‰‚+@+] The trade which resulted from the ko up to 9 was
[LJ+U@!!+@++@!›+¯”ı satisfactory for White.
[IHV!@!@+@++@!“!¸˙]
[+@+D!@5@+!+@@!+˛ˇ„ Black went all out with M, but P was bold and
[++C+!@4@++++@@!!˘] powerful. The game was practically over up to `.
[KE!+!@!!!!+!@@@@!]
[F++*@!@@@!+!@!@!!] White was the coup de grâce. Black didn’t have
ff.,+@!!@@@!+!+!@@! enough ko threats to fight on.
Y<;@-—@!!@@@&!!!@@]
[G:+ı@"!! a fflffi !@@+@] 228 moves: White won by resignation.
[=X+ff‰!!–@fifl+!@+@]
,))))#/)%8$)))))@).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 121-228)
0 6 at !a , 3 at !, Q W at ?, T Z at !
b
Chapter 11
9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game Two
November 18, 2004, Ulsan, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 7d
Black played the Chinese Opening with ´, ˜ and
<((((((((1((((((((> ˝. Professionals were experimenting with ˚ at the
[+++++++/.20+ ffl!++] time, but Gu Li style at A wasn’t yet popular.
[++++ˇ+++-,+++ffi«›”]
[++ˆ+++++¯++"+„´‹+] Black ¸ and ‚ were unusual in this opening, and
[+++++++++++ B +—“¸] ‹ to „ formed a joseki.
[+˘++++++++#+ffı‰˙˛]
[+++++++++++%$+++] Offering to trade with » was interesting, and – was
[++++++++++’&*+»‚+] a mistake. Black should have traded at —.
[++++++++++()+fi–++]
[++*+++++*+++++fl++] After –, continuing with fl was also slack. It would
[+++++++++++++++˝+] have been better to consolidate the top with B.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White was happy to stabilize a group at the top with
[+++++++++++++++++] ", and it was hard for Black to attack afterwards.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨+++++*+++++*++] White & and ( was a strong and active way to take
[++++ A ˚++++++++˜++] sente on the right side and return to the top.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). White’s top group was completely settled up to 2.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-50)
513
514 9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game Two
Black 3 showed fighting spirit, but it was too much.
<((((((((@(((A8=<>>
[+KEJ++I@!!!B!@@+9; Sacrificing the top right corner with 7 wasn’t a good
[+CD]@SHF@!+@?!@@@: decision, because it was too big to give away.
[+\!+ONLG@++!+!@!4]
[‘[ZXQPM++++++!@!@] White F was a well timed cut, and White main-
[+!YUTR++++@+@@!!!] tained his lead with a smooth flow up to T.
[b_WV+++++++@!!65+]
`c+ A ^+++++@@!!+!@+] Black W and Y were aggressive but proper moves,
[++a++++++7!@+!@++] and X and Z were the right responses.
[++*+++++*+3+++@++] Exchanging [ for \ was inevitable, to forestall the
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] ladder at A while giving Black time to cut at ].
[+++++++++++++++++] Black a was too gentle. Since Black was behind, he
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] should have played at b.
[++!+++++*+++++*++] White was relieved to settle without any trouble up
[+++++!++++++++@++] to `.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100)
Black aggressively attempted to catch up with ˝
<((((((((@(((@(@!!> (˝), ‚ and ›, but ˙ and ‹ were solid and careful.
[+@@!++@@!!!!!@@+@@
[¸@!@@@!!@!+!@!@@@! White was big, and White maintained his lead
[˛!!+@!!@@++!+!@!!] because he was thick and strong everywhere.
[!+!!@!@+˙++++!@!@]
[+!@@!!++++@+@@!!!] Simplifying the game with ( and * showed good
‰!@@!¨++++++@!!!T+] judgment, and it was difficult for Black to catch up.
!@++!+´+++@@!!+!T+]
¯+@ˆ+++++@+@‹!T++] White 2 and 6 safely carried White’s lead home.
[++˜+++++*+@ C A B T++] Black 9 and ; were Black’s last hope, but White
[++++++++++++DA E T+]
[++++++++?+<+@#+ D F ] managed his group skillfully up to D, and the game
[–›—++++>=96+"B ++] was decided.
[ı»3+++7G2:;++++!+]
5„4++++E8+++’++ffl+] If Black tries to cut at A, White will counter with B
[”˚!˘++FH*,&flCfi*ff+] to F, and Black’s marked stones will be captured.
[«˝ˇ“+!+‚+(%$-ffi@++] 172 moves: White won by resignation.
[+++++++++*)./1+++]
,))))))))))0)))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-172)
Chapter 12
9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game Three
November 19, 2004, Ulsan, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 7d
Black set up a Chinese style formation with ˝ to ‚.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++] Clamping at ‹ was severe, but › managed flexibly.
[++˜+ı+‰++—++++++] Recently, professionals prefer to pincer with ‹ at
[++*+++++*+++++*´+]
[++ B +++++++++++++] «—Black A and can be expected to follow. This
[+++++++++++++++++] aims to develop power and approach around B.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] The variation from › to – was popular at the time,
[+‚++++++++0++++++] and the opening up to fi was well balanced.
[++*++++/*+++++*ff+] White ffi was questionable. Playing ffi at ffl would
[++++&++++2-+1++++]
[+–fl++"$%+++++++++] have created a stronger shape.
[+«» ffi!#’++*++++++] Black ffl was a sharp tesuji, which strained White’s
[›‹„ A ffl C +++.+++++++]
[”¯“ D (++++++++++++] shape, and defending at was too stiff.
[¸¨ˇ˝,++)*fi++++ˆ++] Instead of , White C, Black at , (, Black D,
[+˛˘˚˙++++++++++++] White A, ffl and White A (again) is better.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black ) was an overplay. It should have been at *.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-50) White attacked Black’s whole group with *, and .
stored power for the upcoming battle.
Cutting Black with 0 and 2 was forceful.
515
516 9th Samsung Cup: Semifinal, Game Three
Black’s responses from 3 to 9 were correct, and ;
<(((((((((((((((((> and = were light and beneficial exchanges.
[++++++++S‘+++++++]
[+I@+@+!++!c+@^+\+] White @ was too gentle. Invading at C was best.
[+H*+++FE*`Z_++*@]]
[++++++!b++XY+++++] White J was a serious mistake. He should have
[++M++++aTVW[+++++] extended to K instead.
[+K++++++?U+++++++]
[LDG++++++++++++++] Black K and M comprised a strong counter and es-
[J@O+++++++!++++++] tablished a firm lead for Black.
[RNP++++@759:++A@+] Black S was sharp. Black’s lead solidified up to [.
[Q+++!+++6!@8@+@++]
[+@@++!!@+34>B++C+] The game was becoming desperate for White, so he
[+@!!!@@@++!+=++++] went all out with \ and ^.
[@!!+@++++!+++++;+]
[@@!+!++++++++++++] Black _ to c was the start of an exquisite sequence
[@!@@!@+@*!++++!<+] which reinforced Black’s surrounding position.
[+!!!!++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100)
Black ´ (´) was bold, and White’s corner stones
<(((((((((˜((ffl((((> were practically captured up to ˝.
[++++++++@!´+ˆˇffi A ]
[1@@+@+!¨+!@«@!˚!—] White ˚ was a tricky move, but Black’s response at
[+!8+++!@*!!@„’˝@@* ˇ was accurate and White’s corner group died.
[.+70++!!++!@ E ¸ C B & I
[9+@++++@!!@@+˙¯ D H ] After ˇ, and A were miai for Black.
[+@++++++@@++/ “( G F
[!!@+++6++++-$”˘+"+ White played very aggressively with “, », and
[!@@+++++++!,!˛›)–# &, but Black’s responses were impeccable and White
[!!!++++@@@@!‹‚@@»] couldn’t make anything happen in the corner.
[@+++!+++!!@!@fl!‰ıfi
[+@@++!!@+@!!!+ff@] White can’t live with B to F, because G is a tesuji—if
5+@!!!@@@++!+@+3++] White captures at H, Black throws in again at I.
[@!!+@++++!++++2@+]
[@@!+!++++++++++++] White kept trying hard on the right side afterwards,
[@!@@!@+@*!++++!!+] but he was unsuccessful because Black defended
[4!!!!++++++++++++] solidly and precisely.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). 157 moves: Black won by resignation.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-157)
% at ˛
Chapter 13
4th CSK Cup: Round Three
May 3, 2005, Seoul, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 7d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
The Three Star Opening of ´, ˜ and ˝ (Sanren-
<(((((((((((((((((> sei) is one of Gu Li’s favorites. When playing this
[++++++++++++++˘++] opening, he expects a fighting oriented game.
[++++++1+2+++˚++/+]
[+*¨+“+++.+0+++´++] If Black had played at A, we would expect a ladder
[+‹)+++4+++++ E ++++] after ‰, Black at , White B and Black C. The
[›¸+‚,+++++++++ˇ++]
[+++(++3+++5++++++] ladder favored White, so made miai of A and ı.
[ı˛— A C ++++++++++++] Black ff hit the vital point of „ and », so trading
[+”‰ B ++++++++++++] them for the corner with fi was a good strategy.
[++*++++ F +++++˝++]
[+ D +++++++++++++++] The opening was well balanced up to ’, but (
[+++++++++++++++++] headed in the wrong direction. Developing the bot-
[+-+++++++’+++++%+]
[++++++++++++++– +] tom left with D would have been better.
[+++++++&++++++fflffi+] The flow of play from ( to - limited White’s po-
[++ˆ+++++¯+ff+»+˜!"] tential on the left side naturally.
[++++++˙+++++„«+fi#]
[+++++++++++++fl++$] White 0 was a little passive; 0 at E was better.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 1 Black 1 and 3 delicately reduced White’s moyo at
(Moves: 1-53) the top, but 5 should have been around F.
517
518 4th CSK Cup: Round Three
Reducing Black’s center with 6 was just right, and
<(((((((((((((((((> attacking with 9 was too direct. Invading around
[+c+a++++++++++!++]
[++++_+@+!+++!++@+] B would have been more interesting for Black.
[+!!‘!+++!+!+++@++] Black = looked strong, but @ and B were calm and
[+!@+]+!++++++++++] flexible. Black didn’t gain enough from his attack.
[@@+@!W++++++++@++]
[^++!Q+@+++@++++++] Black I was a little slack, and the way White man-
b@!!++++G+++++++++] aged his weaknesses with J and L was exquisite.
[`@@!++J++++++++++]
[@ D B !+MKE*+++++@++] Black Q was severe, but White managed the situa-
[+ C A XUF<7+6+++++++] tion flexibly up to X.
[++ZY[+;:8++++++++]
[+@\R++9++@P++++@+] Black ] threatened both the top and the left side,
[+V+NO+I+HL++++@!+] but ^ was a brilliant move which protected the cut-
[++C>?++!++++++@!+] ting point at A. After ^, if Black cuts at A, White
[+D!=A+TS@+@+!+@@!] responds with B to D.
[+++@B+!+++++!@+!@]
[+++++++++++++@++!] Destroying White’s territory in the top left with _
,))))))))))))))))). to c was aggressive and powerful, but White was
Diagram 2
(Moves: 54-100) happy to trade his corner for the left side up to `.
Black captured White’s top left group with ´, but
<ff–(ˇ˚&ffi"›˘((((((> ˆ to ˙ was a wonderful endgame sequence which
[—@˚@ı˘¯ ffl“++++!˙+, consolidated White’s lead.
[+»ˇ‰@˝@!!+++!»@@*P
Y[!!!!´%$!+!„”„@A+B White ffi was very tricky, but ffl and ! were shrewd
XE!@+@fi!#&Vˆ´;«++CN and the game became closer up to ’.
D@@fl@+@’+WU<:«+@+QO
Z!#c!@ff@++>@=+++++] The hane and connection of * and , was big be-
!+!!`Rb’@+?+++++++] cause it promised the sente endgame sequence to Q.
[!@@!-$!“”++7+¸+++]
[@+*!%@@@*+++3˙@++] Reducing Black’s center territory with 4 was clever.
[+++!@!!@1!+¸2489+]
[++!@@a@!!/-56+^_+] White F was the last big endgame move, and White
[+@!!\‘@+0@!.+JI@)‚ didn’t give Black any chances to catch up afterwards.
[+!+!@‰@+!!—+¨˜@!GF
[++@!@ı]!(–ˆ¨,.@!Hfi White’s endgame from ( onwards was superb.
[+!!@@!@@M@*!+@@!] 246 moves: White won by 2.5 points.
[+++!!!S‹"˜ !@+!@(
[++++++˛T˛‚)!˝@KL!]
,)))))))‹¯›))))fflflffi.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-246)
at ˚
Chapter 14
2005 Chinese A League: Round Nine
August 6, 2005, Guizhou, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 7d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
When White pincered at ˚, Black developed rapidly
<(((((((((((((((((> while proposing a trade with ˇ and ¯. We discussed
[+/+++++++++++++++] this tactic in Chapter 2.
[¸+ˆ++ˇ++1+0++”+++]
[+ A *˘++++¯+++++*´+] Since White split the right side with ˙ (instead of
[+˝+++++++++++++++] playing A), Black was able to take the corner in sente
[+‚˛++++++++++++ B +]
[-›‹++++++++++++++] with ¸ to “ and his opening up to ” was swift.
.*,“+++++++++++++] Clamping with ‰ looked slow, but White’s thick and
[)˚ G ++++++++++++++] solid group left Black thin around B.
[+ D E F ++++*+++++*˙+]
[ffl " C +++++++++++++] Black ffl was creative and practical, and was the
;+!34: H ++++++++‰–—] proper response.
[’9257<++++++++++fi]
[+fl86++++++++++„ff] Black ) was questionable; it should have been at 2.
(#$% I +++++++++++ı+]
[ffi&¨+++++*+++++˜++] White played a brilliant probe at 0 (Secretly Cross
[++++»+++++++«++++] at Chencang), and 1 should have been at 3.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). White 2 was severe, and 0 prevented the ladder
Diagram 1 starting with 9 at C, :, followed by D to H.
(Moves: 1-60)
If : is at ;, Black at < makes miai of C and I.
The result up to < was successful for White.
519
520 2005 Chinese A League: Round Nine
White’s reduction from @ to J was skillful, and
<(((((((((((((G(((> White was still in a good mood.
[M@+++O+++„+‹CDE++]
[@L!+N@++@+!+B@H˚+] Creating weaknesses with S was interesting.
[++*!^]++@++˙+F˝@ˇ]
[+@W[\K+++J+++@+++] White overplayed with V; it should have been at _.
[+@!+XY++c++¯++¨A+] Dividing Black’s forces with c and ˜ (˜) was a
[@@!+ZSV‘++˜+++PQ+]
!!!!++R_+ˆ++++++@+] good idea, but ¨ to ˘ formed an exquisite sequence
[@!+++ba´+++++”+++] for managing both sides.
[@+*+++`+˘++++‚˛!+] Black ¸ and ‚ comprised an excellent combination,
[@!!++++++++++“›¸«]
@+@@!!++++++++!@!] and reinforcing with ‹ and „ was unavoidable.
U@@!@@!++++++++++!] Black was catching up, and the game was almost even
[T@!!=+++++++++!!@—
!@!@>+++++++++++@»] again up to .
[!!!+++++*++++‰@ff–] Exploiting the corner aji to support White’s group in
[++++!++++?++@ıfifl] the bottom right—with ‰ and —was clever, but
[++++++++++++++++ffi]
,))))))))))))))))). playing fi at fl would have been more flexible.
Diagram 2
(Moves: 61-130)
I at D
Black caught up and the game was even up to 1.
<((?>ˆ˘“˝‘((T(@(´˚>
[@@Q˜L@¨^_!+!@@@cbS White 8 was nice endgame tesuji, and the game was
[@!!+!@‹a@+!+!@!!`ˇ still very close up to F.
K++*!!@›#@M1!\!@@@]
HI@@@!@+XV!N2[!M:;] The monkey jump at H was quite big, and White
P+@!I!@YW@SO@]@!@+] took the lead again.
J@@!J!@!!RN@=++!@+]
!!!!++!@+!OP<‚A4@+7 However, Z was an overplay—simply ¸ was better.
B@!+++!@@T˛Z8+@5+36 Black ” was very big, and Black took the lead.
E@34+++!+!¸U9/@!!)0
[@!!++++ı¯.-"!@@@„ White „ was too much, but ı failed to seize the op-
@+@@!!»«ffiff+˙$#@! a @! portunity. Black should have isolated White’s right
@@@!@@! A Ffi!0‰ &%"!] side group with A, $ and fi.
F!@!!@$DA2ffl–,,!!+!
!+!D!”<5G(+fl—-!&@!] White ( and * were the winning moves, and White
[!!!C?%EB6.*+)! b @@@( scraped by with the slimmest of reversals in the end.
[+++@!91C7@/+@@!!@*
[+++>=:8;+++++ffl++!R 284 moves: White won by half a point.
,))))HLGK))))))))Q.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 131-284)
’ at !
a , ’ at !
b
Chapter 15
10th LG Cup: Semifinal
October 19, 2005, Beijing, China: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 7d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
Gu Li counter-pincered with ¯ once again, but this
<(((((((((((((((((> time he interposed the exchange of ˇ for ˘.
[„»—–++++)*+++++++]
,‚«ˆ++¯+’&+$++%+++] The opening up to ˛ was quite popular at the time.
[-+*˙++++¸(++++*´+]
[+˝2++++++++++++++] Black ‚ to ” were territorial. Since the last game,
[+›‹++++++++++++++] Gu Li had decided that ” was better than A, be-
[+ A “++++++++++++++] cause it leaves more weaknesses in White’s position.
[”++++++++++++++++]
[˚+++++++++++++++] White played „ to strengthen his group, but block-
[ı‰*+++++*+++++*++] ing at would have been better.
[0/++++++++++++++]
[+˘+++++++++++++++] Black ff was also territorial, and Black was ahead in
[+++++++++++++++++] terms of territory up to #.
[+ˇ+++++++++++++++]
["ffi ++++++++++++++] Black ! was unusual, but that was Gu Li’s prefer-
[fflff¨+++++*+++++˜++] ence. Playing ! at # is more common.
[flfi#+˛++++++++++++] White was looking for a way to use his power in the
[+!+++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). top left, and & to * was an interesting tactic.
Diagram 1 The ko became very important for both players.
(Moves: 1-50)
. at &, 1 at +
521
522 10th LG Cup: Semifinal
Black managed the ko deftly with 5 to ?, and the
<(((((((((G(Y(((((> trade up to G favored him, so Black took the lead.
[!!!@+++@@!EF+BD+JM
!@@!++@+@4@ a !><@+HI] White complicated the game with L to P, and an-
V@+*!+++7@!:=P?O@K] other ko was created up to T.
X+@!+++++659R;QN++]
[+@!+++++8+TS+++++] White used the ko to trade his weak group in the top
[+3!+++++++++++L++] right for Black’s top left group. The exchange up to
[@++++++++++++++++] Y was fair, but Black maintained his earlier lead.
[@!+++++++++++++++]
[@!*+++++*+++++*++] Capping at ] showed too much enthusiasm. Simply
[!!@++++++++˘˙]+Z+] jumping to ˇ (ˇ) would have been preferable.
[+!++++++++++¯‘^++]
[++++++++++++˝ˇ+[+] White b and ` were sharp tesuji, which aimed to
[+@+++++++++˚`_bc+] seal Black in, and White began to catch up.
[!!!++++++++¨˜++++]
[@@!+++++*++ˆ´+@++] Black ´ was a resourceful counter-tesuji, but White
[@+@+!+++++++\+a++] still managed to enclose Black and fence off the center
[+@+++++++++++++++] after taking the key point at ˘.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-110)
A at @
a , C at 4, U at =, W at R
Black ¸ and ‚ created weaknesses, and forming a
<(((((((((@(@ffi((((> ko with « to ı was a flexible sabaki technique.
[!!!@+++!@+@!ffl!!+!@
!@@!Y+@+@@@!!!@+!@] White fi and $ were strong, and % seized the ideal
!@+Z!++@@!!@!@@@@] moment to move out.
!+@!+‰B+ı!@@@@@!++]
fi"@!+++D!]!@¨˝++6] Instead of -, connecting solidly at 0 was better.
ff+@!++A+++\Ubc,!+5]
[@!+++++++VTS)&+3/4 Attaching at . was razor sharp, and White caught
[@!++++++++ˆ*˛%0-.9 up a little more up to @.
[@!*+++++*++(’¸1278 Black C should have been at D, and White was
[!!@+++++++´!!@?!>]
[+!+++++++„‚‹@!!=W] sailing on an even keel once again after playing D.
[_+‘L+++++˘“›@@”@+] However, F was the losing move. White should have
[J@IHK+++++ˇ!!@!@+]
ffl!!!GNPR$+++!@++++] sealed off the center with N instead.
[@@!EOQ˙—++!@+@++] Black G to S proceeded smoothly, and W clearly
[@+@–!¸«–»+‹!”@++] settled matters in Black’s favor.
[+@;:ff+«ı‰+“‚›++++]
,))flfi»ffi—„))))))))). 231 moves: Black won by resignation.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 111-231)
fl # C M [ a ˜ ¯ at –,
@ F X ^ ` ˚ ˛ at , < at .
Chapter 16
2005 Chinese A League: Round 20
December 10, 2005, Chongqing, China: Komi: 7.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 7d
The one space high pincer at ˇ aims to elevate the
<(((((((((((((((((> corner by inducing $, Black A, White B, Black C,
[+++++++++++++++++] White D and Black at ˛.
[++˜+”+‹.+˛+++‚++1]
[++*% A ++’*+++++*´—] Instead of ˇ, if Black immediately sets up a Chinese
[+˚¸$+#+++++++++0] style formation at ˛, White can press at %.
[!›+++++++++++++2+]
[ E D ˇfi C ++++++++++++] The opening up to ı was peaceful and well balanced.
[+“ ffi++"+++++++++]
[++ B fflfl*,++++++++++] Black fl was a sharp haengma, but ! was slack. It
[+)*++++ F *+++++–++] should have been at E instead.
[++ı+ff++&+++++++++]
[+++(+++++++++++++] Black developed from the wrong direction with #.
[+++++++++++++++++] The horses head haengma at F was better.
[+-+/+++++++++++«+]
[+++++++++++++++++] White & occupied the pivot point for power in the
[+¨*˝„‰++*+++++ˆ++] center, and * to , were calm and solid.
[++˙˘¯+++++++»++++] Black - and / were solid, but too slow.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Setting things in motion with 0 was quite large.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-50) The opening up to 2 was satisfactory for White.
523
524 2005 Chinese A League: Round 20
White 4 and 6 were lively haengma, and White
<(((((((((((((((((> was happy to connect his groups up to >.
[++++++++++<++++++]
[++@+@+!!+!+7+@++@] Cutting with D was severe. This move established a
[++*@+D+@*+++++*@!] clear lead for White.
[+!@!+@+++8+++++@!]
[@@A@++S+9:+>+6c!+] White J attacked indirectly, but K was ingenious.
[++@!+U++;=+b_‘a++]
[+!!!!V+!+`+KJ?43+] Black M to S was practical, however, White didn’t
[+++@@!!+E++ML+5++] have any complaints because he was still ahead.
[+@*++@F+*Z+ON+@++] White Z was a sharp tesuji for attacking, and White
[++@+@++!+Y\QP++++]
[+++!IH+++T+]R++++] solidified his lead up to ^.
[++++C+++^[W++++++] Black tried to restore the balance of territory and
[+@+@BG++X++++++@+]
[+++++++++++++++++] catch up with _ to c, but it was too much.
[+!*@!!++*+++++!++] White’s tesuji at ` landed a heavy blow, and Black
[++!!@+++++++!++++] was in trouble.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100)
Black saved his group at the top up to ˝ (˝), but
<(((((((((((((((((> his center dragon was left to fend for itself.
[+++++˙++++!++++++]
[++@+@+!!+!+@+@++@] Probing with ¸ and ‚—in order to complicate the
[++*@+!+@¯+++++*@!] game—was typical of Lee Sedol’s style, but Gu Li’s
[+!@!+@+++!+ˇ+++@!] responses were calm and accurate.
[@@@!++@+@!˝!˘!@!+]
[++@!+@++@@˜!@!@++] Black «, – and fl were also difficult to answer prop-
[+!!!!!+!´!¨@!@+@+] erly, but White played perfectly.
[+++@@!!+@ˆ+@!+@++]
[+@*++@!53!+@!+@++] White proceeded safely and solidly with &, and the
[++@+@+/!4@!@!++++] game was becoming desperate for Black.
[+++!@!+++!+@!+87+]
[++++@++.!@@+˚ffl&++] Black went all out with /, threatening to capture
[+@+@!@6-!$%+fiffffi@+] White’s left side group, but 2 hit the vital point
[+++++*‹(«»#"—ı++] and Black’s center dragon died. The game was over.
[+!*@!!‚”)’!˛¸!++]
[++!!@›“1+++–!‰fl++] 156 moves: White won by resignation.
[++++„0++2+++,+ ++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-156)
Chapter 17
5th CSK Cup: Round Three
May 3, 2006, Oita, Japan: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
The opening up to ¸ was one of Gu’s favorites at
<(((((((((((((((((> the time, and Lee didn’t seem to mind it as White.
[+++++++++++++-+++]
[++ˆ++¯+++++›+‹«++] This time, White reinforced the corner at ˛ (which
[+˛*˙++++¸+++*” D ´+] is normal) and Black developed rapidly with ‚.
[+˝+flff++2+++ B +,+++]
[+++++++++++++++ A +] Since Black already had a stone at ¸, ‹ was a probe
[+++++++++ E +++++++] which anticipated › and created aji in the corner.
[++–+fiffi++++++“+„+]
[+˚—‰ı+++++++++ C +] Considering ¸, ‚ and ›, reducing with “ was just
[++*+++++*+++0+‚+»] right. Jumping or pincering instead would be heavy.
[+++++++++++++++)+]
[+˘+++++++++++++++] Instead of ”, if Black plays at „, White plans to
[+++++++++++++++++] jump to , and make miai of A and B. If « kicks at
[+ˇ+++++++++++++1+] C, White will wedge immediately wedge at D.
[$&+++(+++++++++++]
[# ¨"++++*+++++˜++] The trade up to » was satisfactory for both players.
[%ffl!+’.+++++++++++] Black ff was flexible, but fi and ffi were thick.
[++++/++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black came back to ffl, but ( created an ideal moyo.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-50) White 0 emphasized the center, and 1 was calm.
The game was still well balanced.
White 2 was a little deep; E would have been better.
525
526 5th CSK Cup: Round Three
Black punished 2 (at ! A ) with 3 and 5, and
<(((((((((((((((((> White’s center became thinner up to 7.
[+++++++++++++@+++]
[+>!;+@++A++@@+@++] Black ; was a well timed atari, and Black was doing
[+!=!3++8@@++!@*@+] well up to A.
[4@+@@++!A <?IK+!+++]
[+++++++:95HJL+Z++] White B was strong, and both E and F showed
[++++++++67FGVQ+++] fighting spirit.
[++@+@!!+DBCYO!R!+]
[+!!!!@XWUSE+NM+++] Cutting with M and O was an overplay. Black
[++*+++c^_TP C !+@+!] should have just jumped to B.
[+++++++[\‘ B `+++@+]
[+!+++++b]a+++++++] White P was a tesuji to make Black’s center group
[+++++++++++++++++] heavier, and White began to dictate the flow of play.
[+@+++++++++++++@+]
[!!+++!+++++++++++] Black tried to escape with [ to ], but ^ was a
[@!!!++++*+++++@++] brilliant tactic to cover White’s weakness at C.
[@@@+@!+++++++++++] Black’s center group was in great danger after b.
[++++@++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100)
Black sacrificed his center group with ´ (´) and ˜.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++@+++] White ¨ was too cautious; extending to ˝ was best.
[+!!@+@+!@++@@+@++] Black ‚ took the marked stones in compensation,
[+!@+@++!@!++!@*@+]
[!@+@@++!!@@@+!+++] and › prevented a ko shape. The game was close.
[+++++++!@@!!!+!++] The combination of ” and « exploited White’s bad
[++++ +++!@!@!@+++]
[++@+@!!+!!@@@!!!+] aji in the center area, and Black’s indirect attack was
[+!!!!@!@@@@+!@+++] successful up to .
[++*+++@+@!!.!3@5!] White $ was the losing move. White should have
[++++++4@!!+!+1,@ffi]
[+!++++ˆ!@@-„”+/ff] extended firmly at %.
[++ffl+˛+¨´+++«»—0‰ı] Black % was severe, and Black made exquisite use
[‚@‹¸˙˜˚+++)+2+fi@+]
[tt+›ˇ!˝+++%"&++fl+] of his dead stones with the sequence from + to 5.
[@ttt¯˘++*’$#–+@++] Suddenly, White’s group in the center was entangled
[@@@+@!+++*(+“+++] in a capturing race and the game was over.
[++++@++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). 153 moves: Black won by resignation.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-153)
Chapter 18
2006 Chinese A League: Round Five
June 10, 2006, Chongqing, China: Komi: 7.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
Black ´ to ˇ formed the Mini-Chinese Opening.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++$+++++++++++—+] Pressing at ¯ developed Black’s moyo at the top,
[+ A ++˝++++ˇı++»–fl+] and continuing up to ‚ was popular at the time.
[++ˆ+++++*ff‰++fi´+]
[++++#++++ffl+++++++] Both › and “ were well timed moves, and ” made
[+˚++++++++ffi+++++«] miai of „ and «. The result up to « was acceptable
[++++++++!++ ++”‚“] for both players.
[++++++++++++++¸˛+]
[++++++++++"+++¯˙+] Invading just before territory was completed, with
[++*+++++*0++++*˘+] », was urgent. White’s play up to " was nimble.
[++++++++++/++++++]
[++++++++++++++›„+] Jumping to # was a steady way to develop the top,
[++++++++++++.++‹+] and $ was a calm response which nipped the growing
[+++++++++++-+++++] threat of an invasion at A in the bud.
[++++++++++++,(+1*]
[++¨+++++*+++++˜+2] Because of A, enclosing the corner with $ is more
[++++%+++++’+&+)++] important than it seems and is common after #.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). White &, ( and * were unusual, but powerful.
Diagram 1 Black’s counter-punch from + to 1 was fearless.
(Moves: 1-50)
527
528 2006 Chinese A League: Round Five
Black rescued the corner with 3 and 5, but this
<(((((((((((((((((> allowed White to break into the center with 6 and
[++!+++++++++++!@+] White’s stones flowed smoothly up to <.
[++++@++++@@++!@@+]
[++!+++++*@!!++!@+] Cutting at G was premature, but L missed a good
[++++@++++@[\+++++] chance to deform Black’s shape by clamping at M.
[+!++++ZY+c!+++++@]
[+++++++X@++!++@@!] Black S was a crucial mistake. Black should have
[++++++++++++++@!+] connected at A, to make miai of _ and V.
[+++++++FB+!+++@!+]
[++*++W+@A!+VDa]!+] White was relieved when he was able to save all of
[++++++OEC?@++SR^+] his stones with T and V.
[++++++++++UTN B @!+]
[+++++++++HIM!bQ!+] After V, Black couldn’t push and cut with _, ‘
[++++++J<+L+@_‘ A =>] and Black at b, because White’s atari at A would
[++++P++;:8G@!!+@!] make miai of B and a.
[++!+++K+9764++@+!]
[++++@+++++@+!+@++] The attachment and counter-hane at X and Z was a
[+++++++++++53+`++] good sabaki technique, and c was the best response
,))))))))))))))))). for Black.
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100) White ` was an incredible probe, played with im-
peccable timing.
Black wanted to capture !A , with ´ at B instead,
<((\(((((—`(‹((/((> but that would have allowed White to capture the
[”+!Y++´+++,‚!@+] cutting stones with 8, 9, White C, Black D and
«„»6+@++++@@-.!@@+]
[OP!3++#‰*@!!“+!@+] White at ´.
[+21[@+!+@@!+*^bc] White » was questionable, and gained ground.
[L!=Z˙ff!@"@!¨(0++@]
[FC7++ı+!@+˜!%&@@!a Attacking White’s dragon with ı and ff was severe.
[KQ+<$fiˆ+++fflflffi›@!]]
[M@V:¯;+!!˚! ’)@!‘] However, playing ! instead of $ was too cautious.
[+N*U+@+!@!˝!!@@!+] White * and , were vital points for eye shape, and
[TD?ˇ»+@@@@@++@!!+]
˘SˇE>+˘¸˙++@!!8@!+] White was ahead.
[R”¸++–¨+!@@!!@!+] White 4 and 6 were big, and Black started to at-
[„‹›+«˝!!+!+@@!9@!]
[++“¯!˚˛@!!@@!! D @!] tack White’s dragon desperately with 7.
[B+!+—4@‚@@!!W+@ C !] However, White used a little magic with >, @ and
[+A+J@‰++++@5!+@+ˆ]
[+++GHIXı˛–+@@´! A B _˜ D, and his dragon soared triumphantly to safety.
,))))))))))))))))). 226 moves: White won by resignation.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-226)
Chapter 19
2006 Chinese A League: Round 16
November 11, 2006, Guizhou, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
Once again, Black played Chinese style up to ‚.
<(((’(((((((((((((>
[21¸$%+0!+++++++++] After White split at ‹, Black began to put some
[+˛ˆ¯++ ffl+‚++++»–] body into his moyo with ›.
[+˘ˇ&›+fi+*++++„*´+]
[+˚˝"(++ B ı+—++++++] The opening up to „ was even, and — and ‰ were
[+˙#++++ A ++++‰+«+] light and animated.
[*)+fl+ffi++ff++++++++]
[,++++++++++++++++] White was a subtle reduction which aimed at both
[ D -+++++++++++++++] fi and A, and while both ff and fi were motivated
[++*++.++*+++++*‹+] by fighting spirit, they were also hard-working moves.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+ C +++++++++++++++] If ff is the spiritless double defense at B, White will
[++/++++++++++++++] regard it as a forcing exchange and tenuki.
[+++++++++++++++“+]
[+++++++++++++++++] White " was an eye-popping tesuji, but Black man-
[++¨+++++*+++++˜++] aged the situation confidently with #.
[++++++++++++”++++] White had been aiming to cut with the combination
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). of $ and &, but Black was unperturbed up to -.
Diagram 1 Extending to / was better than C, because the door
(Moves: 1-50)
was open at D. The game was still well balanced.
529
530 2006 Chinese A League: Round 16
Attacking with 4 was severe, but Black parried ac-
<(3(@(((((((((((((> curately with 5 to = and moved into the center.
[!@@+@+!@+++++++++]
[+!!@++!@+@+@+++!@] Black could play C at D, but that would provoke
[+!@!@+!+*++++!*@+] White into jumping to I, helping White’s corner.
[+!@!!+++@+!++++++]
[+!@+++!++++++!+@+] Black E and G were forceful tesuji, but H was
[!@+@+!++@++++++++] strong.
[!@+++++++++++++++]
[D@+=+++++++++++++] White T landed a blow at the vital point, and trad-
[+89?>!++*+++++*!+] ing with U to [ was the right decision.
[:54;+++++++++++++]
[P67C@B A ++++++++++] The continuation up to ‘ was still playable for both,
[MN@+A_`++++++++++] but the hane at a was too greedy. Black should have
[LIO++++++++++++!+] played a at A in order to help his center dragon.
[JHE+^\‘a+++++++++]
[KG!FZ[]b*+++++@++] White b and ` were powerful moves, and Black’s
[+XQRYVc+++++@++++] group on the left side was enclosed unexpectedly.
[T+SUW++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100)
< at 5
Black lived with a desperate tesuji combination from
<(@(@((((((7(4(6( F > ´ to ˇ, but White had already taken the lead.
[!@@\@+!@+52./%(+fl]
[+!!@ a Z+!@+@3@++fi!@] Instead of ¯, Black could double atari at ”, but
[+!@!@X!)*#fflffi"!*@1] White would trade with „, Black A and White at
[+!@!!W˛+@ !!+++ E 0 G ¯. White would have a tesuji at B afterwards.
[+!@[Y+!+++++:!+@ D 8
[!@+@+!++@&$++9++]^ Black ” neatly put a stop to White’s marauding at
[!@++++˚+E+++++,* C ] the bottom, and Black caught up a little up to ff.
[!@+@˝´ˆ++‹N+++++<]
[+!@@!!—–*”‚+c+*!V] White ffi to & were solid but slack moves, and the
[!!!@¨˜„„“++`@>;=˝ game became nearly even again.
[!!@@!!”«‰›+DBA?˜¯¨
[@!@+@@! A »H+˙+¸ˆ‘] Black took a big point with ’, but he should have
[!@@+¸˙ˇ˘+ı“˘GQC!a˚ played at * to prevent the attack that followed.
[!!@›!!!@¯‚˛+LTPUˇ]
[@@!!!@@!*KffF++@R’] Black - was careless and White struck like lightning
[O!@!@!@++IJM@++S+] with . and 0, revealing a devastating secret plan.
[!-@@@+ B ++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). White’s continuation from 2 to 8 was exquisite,
Diagram 3 and suddenly Black was dead. Black C, <, Black at
(Moves: 101-218) ^, D to F, ] and White G dies.
‹ at ˇ, _ ´ at @
a , b at \
Black made a furious attempt to catch up from ;
onwards, but White’s play was calmly fastidious.
218 moves: White won by resignation.
Chapter 20
2007 Chinese A League: Round 13
October 13, 2007, Chongqing, China: Komi: 7.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
White met Black’s Mini-Chinese Opening with the
<(((((((((((((((((> two space high approach at ˘. He played like this
[+++++++++flffl+++++] to reduce Black’s potential on the right side.
[+++—˝+»++ˇfiffi+ +++]
[++ˆ0++++’!++++*´+] This approach is light and flexible. Paradoxically, it
[+2/.–+‰&#"++++++] offers stronger continuations in the corner than either
[+˚1-,*+%$+++++«++]
[++++ı B A )(++++++++] of the one space approaches do (if Black tenukis).
[++ff++ D C ++++++++++] Black pincered at ¯ and the variation up to „,
[+++++++++++++++++] though rarely seen, is joseki.
[++*+++++*+++++*++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black « was well balanced, supporting ¯ indirectly.
[+++++++++++++++¯+]
[+++++++++++++++++] White » to ‰ was active, whereas ff was placid.
[++++++++++++++˘++]
[+++++++++++++“+‹+] White attacked forcefully from fi to , and Black
[++¨+++++*+++”¸˙++] counter-punched with ! to %.
[++++++++++++++˜˛„] White * was a sharp haengma, and + was in-
[+++++++++++++‚+›+]
,))))))))))))))))). evitable. Black + at , encounters White at +,
Diagram 1 followed by A to D. White breaks free either way.
(Moves: 1-50)
White isolated three Black stones with , to ., but
the game was still well balanced.
531
532 2007 Chinese A League: Round 13
Cutting at 7 was strong, and 8 should have gone
<(((((((((((((((((> directly to :.
[++++@+++45@@+++++]
[+++!@+!++@!!+!<:P] The nose attachment at = was razor sharp, and
[++!!6+++@@K+L>;@N] Black’s center became powerful with ?.
[+!@!@+!!@!!=HGI C O B
[+!@@!!+@!7?JR8@+ A ] However, A was too much. Quietly extending to B
[++++@3+@!++M+@9++] would have been better.
[VT@++++@++++EABCQ]
[+U++++++++++++DFS] White B was severe, but F was questionable, and
[++Y+++++*++++¨*ˆ`´ Black’s center became even thicker up to M.
[+++++++++++++++\]]
[+++++++++++ˇ+Z¯@+] Instead of F, White should defend the corner with
[+++++++++++‘a˙++˜] N, O and the tesuji at A, making miai of B and C.
[+X++++++++c_^b!+˝]
[++++++++++++[!+!˘] White Z headed the wrong way; [ would be better.
[++!+++++*+++@@!++] White ` and ˆ (ˆ) were unnecessary exchanges.
[++++W+˚+++++++@!!] Playing at ˚ immediately would be more refined.
[+++++++++++++@+@+]
,))))))))))))))))). Black bullied White’s right side group with ˝ to ¯.
Diagram 2 The game was gradually becoming worse for White.
(Moves: 51-110)
White had to live with ‹, and Black took the clear
<((((((((((((][YZ(> lead with ”.
[++++@+++!@@@\+++^]
[+++!@+!8+@!!+!!!!] White — was a probe, but Black gave White a sharp
[++!!!+++@@@+!!@@!] reprimand with and ı.
[+!@!@L!!@++@!@@+@]
[+!@@!!K@!@@!!!@++] Both players persevered with ! and &, and ,
[++VN@@+@!++@+!@++] struck the vital point.
[!!@++++@¸+++@@!@@]
TM@U+++˛˙+c++7+!!@] However, trading up to 5 was satisfactory for Black.
[RW@J+‚˝+‘¨+6”!*!!@ Black 9 to ? was a bold and practical strategy to
[OHD_+ˇ˚++++X“›¸!@]
SPEC@F¯˘+‹›‚@˛!@@+] simplify the game. White went all out with @.
[QIBA?G++´++!@!++@] Black I, O and U were accurate moves, and W was
[+!+2++;=`+@@!!!‹@]
[+++(«9»<a#++@!+!!] decisive. The game was over.
[1.!%$:!>fl"+@@!++] 215 moves: Black won by resignation.
[/-„’@&!–fifflˆ++@!!]
30*)+4ffı‰— ffi++@+@˜]
,5))),)b)))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 111-215)
Chapter 21
21st Fujitsu Cup: Quarter Final
June 7, 2008, Beijing, China: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
Black played the Parallel Opening with ´ to ˝.
<((((((((((((’((((>
[+++++++++++flfi+++] Attaching at ˚ was an experimental alternative to
[+++++$+#++++‚ffffi»‰] splitting at ˙, but it wasn’t successful.
[++¨+++++)&*ffl++´–—]
[+++++++-,++++++ı] Black ¸ and › were typical of Gu Li’s vigorous style
[+++++++/+.++++"˛ ! of play.
[++++++++++01+++++]
[+++++++++++2+++++] White » was played a little early, and blocking with
[+++++++++++++++++] – and followed the direction of play.
[++*+++++*++++‹*˙+] The result up to # was playable for Black, because
[++++++++++++++%++]
[+++++++++++++›+¸ A ] White’s right side group became thin.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black % was solid and practical. It prevented White
[+”+++++++++++++˘+]
[++++++++++++++ˇ˚+] from connecting with the attachment at A.
[«+ˆ+„+++*+++++¯˜+] White & was bold, but premature, and both ) and
[++++++++“++++˝+++]
[+++++++++++++++++] * were motivated by fighting spirit.
,))))))))))))))))). Black’s play from + to / was energetic, but fighting
Diagram 1 back with 0 to 2 was also strong.
(Moves: 1-50)
533
534 21st Fujitsu Cup: Quarter Final
White 8 to < was a clever sequence, but @ was a
<((((((((((((@(!((> critical mistake. White should have blocked at A.
[+++++++M+++@!!+++]
[+++++!+@++++@@!!!] Black became thick and powerful with A, and White
[++!+++++@!!@++@@!] became thin and weak.
[+++++++@!+LJK++@@@
[+++++++@C!D@ A +!!!@ White B was big, but C began a severe attack, and
[+++++++QFR!@+=>++< E to G made shape flexibly while attacking,
[+++++++GNET!3+:9;]
[+++++++WOP+4?+678] Descending at M was an efficient tactic for attacking,
[++*+++++VSUHA!5!B] which prevented White from making an eye at the
[++++++++Y++XI+@++] top while indirectly managing the weakness at A.
[+`+++++++Z+]^@+@+]
[+++++++++++‘\_+++] Black built a great wall up to Y, and the game was
[+@+++++++++++++!+] becoming difficult for White.
[++++++++++++++@!+]
[@+!+!++b[c++++@@+] Black [ was a well timed leaning attack, and defend-
[+++++++a!++++@+++] ing White’s center group with \ to ‘ was necessary.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). This allowed Black to take profit with a, and the
Diagram 2 game was progressing very smoothly for Black.
(Moves: 51-100)
Maintaining the pressure with ˜ (˜) to ¸ was pow-
<((((((((((((@(!((> erful, and Black consolidated his lead up to «.
[+3+++++@+ffi+@!!+++]
[+%&++!+@++++@@!!!] Simplifying the game with and fl was wise.
[++!+++++@!!@++@@!]
[#++++++@!+!!@++@@! White and " was a tricky combination, but
[+fl $+++@@!!@+ffl!!!] Black’s responses up to ) were accurate.
[."!++++@!!!@+@!++!
[++’+(++@!+!!@+!@@] Black traded 3 for 4 to ensure his advantage.
[+24+,++@@!;!@+!@!] Black continued to play safely with 5 and 7, and
[++*1)*+´!@@!@!@!!] the game was practically over at this point.
[+++++-++@+9!@+@++]
[+!++++“„ˆ!:@!@+@+] Eventually, Black captured White’s huge dragon in
[+ff–++¸˙‚++0!!@+++] the center with ;.
[ı@»”+¯˘‹+/++<=!+]
8‰—+++˝¨++?@++@!+] 165 moves: Black won by resignation.
[@+!+!+˜!@@>+++@@+]
[++++6«˚@!+A++@+++]
[+++fi57˛ˇ›++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-165)
Chapter 22
2008 Chinese A League: Round 11
June 21, 2008, Hunan, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
The High Parallel Opening, with ´, ˜ and ˝, was
<(((((((((((((((((> quite popular at the time.
[++++++++++++1++++]
[+++2++++++0++++++] As we can see from ˚, Lee was still investigating
[++ˆ+++++*+++¸+´++] alternatives to the splitting play at A.
[+++++++++++++++¯+]
[++++++++++++++˙˘+] Pressing at › was creative, and the flow up to ‰
[+++++++++++++++++] gave Black the impetus to pincer at ı.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++ +++++˚+] Moving out with to was a firm way of playing
[++*,+++ffl*+++++* A +] and the opening was still well balanced.
[(‹+++++++ffi+++++ˇ+]
[’)*++++fl+++++++++] Black lived in the corner with ! to +, but White’s
[++"++++++fi+++++++] outside influence provided adequate compensation.
[+!‰++++«+++++++++]
[+‚+++++”„++++++++] Making life with / was slack. Black should have
[+/ B —+++›“+++˝*˜+] pinched at B to take sente.
[#%¨++–+˛+ıff+++++] Enclosing the top left corner with 2 was the proper
[$&.-++»++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). shape in combination with White’s left side influence.
Diagram 1 The game was slightly better for White.
(Moves: 1-50)
535
536 2008 Chinese A League: Round 11
Invading at 3 was urgent, and pincering at 4 was
<(((((((((((((((((> the right tactic in this case.
B EA:+++++++++@++++]
A H 9+!++++++!++++++] Black ; and C were sharp tesuji, and Black lived
C 3+!++++6*+++@+@++] in the corner up to E.
E D 7<;B++++++++++@+]
F 4=?8++++++++++!!+] If White tries to capture the corner with A, B to H
G >++@+++++++++++++] will follow and Black lives because F and I are miai.
[DC+++++5+++++++++]
[ I ++++++++!++++ J !+] White F was a severe invasion, and I was too hasty.
[++*!+++@*+++++*++] Black should have attached at J to strengthen his
[!!+++++++!+++++@+] own stones first.
[@@!++++@++++++G++]
[+@!++++++!+++KJFZ] White J to T was natural, and playing U instead
[+@!++++@+++++HIMO] of Y avoided a ko after V, W and White K.
[+@+++++@!++++PLNQ]
[+@*!+++@!+!+V@R@X] White V was the right response. If White blocks at
[@@!++@@+!+@@+TSY+] W instead, Black will play V and seal White in.
[!!!@++!+++++ K WU++]
,))))))))))))))))). White revealed a scintillating unexpected tactic with
Diagram 2 X and Z, and suddenly Black was in deep trouble.
(Moves: 51-90)
White \ and ^ formed an ingenious combination,
<(((((((((((((((((> and there was no way to capture the marked stones.
[@@!+++++++++@++++]
[+@+!++*-++!++++++] If _ is at ‘, White will play A, _, and B to F.
[@+!+++)!.+++@+@++]
[+@!@!+++,++++++@+] After White saved the marked stones with ‘, Black’s
[!@@!++’+&+++++!!+] center right group became very weak and the balance
[!‰ff!+(+%„++++++++] of the game collapsed.
[!@»fi+"+@++++++¨++]
[ı«fl#+++!+++˝˜!+] White ˛ (˛) was a sharp attack, and Black went
[++*! !+@*+++++* F ^] all out with ‚ to ›.
[!!++++++$!++++ D @]‘
[@@!+ffi¯–@++++ B A @ E +\ Black’s center dragon found itself in great danger af-
[+@!+—“ˇ˚`!c C _@ttt] ter „, and eventually it was overcome.
[+@!++˛‹@˘+a++!@@@]
[+@+›‚++@!´+++!!!@] Black tried his best to save his group, but there was
[+@*!+++@!ˆ!b!+!@!] no way out and Black’s top left group had become
[@@!+¸@@”!+@@+!@@[] unsettled again too.
[!!!@+˙!+ffl++++@@++]
,))))))))))))))))). 146 moves: White won by resignation.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 91-146)
Chapter 23
10th Nongshim Cup: Game 13
February 19, 2009, Shanghai, China: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
The Nongshim Cup is a win and continue team tour-
<(((((((((((((((((> nament between China, Japan and Korea.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++ˇ++++++++++++] Gu Li was the last man standing for China, whereas
[++ˆ+++++¸+++›+´++] Korea had Lee Sedol, and Lee Changho in reserve.
[+++++++++++++++”+]
[+˘+++++++++++‹+˛„] Black ‚ was an interesting probe. White resisted
[+++++++++++++++++] with ‹ and “, but enduring « was painful and
[++++++++++++++ ¯$] Black was content with his opening up to –.
[++++++++++++++“+"]
[++*+++++*+++++*˚!] White — to ffi comprised a delicate sequence for
[++++++++++++++++#] reducing Black’s moyo. After , White also had to
[+++++<++++ffl9+‚«+] be wary of Black’s push at .
[++++++:+%++8+++˙+]
[++++;+01++++++++,] Black ! was a well timed probe, and % struck at
[+++++5/.+‰++—ffifi+] White’s vital point.
[++¨+++4ff–2+++(fl˜*-
[++++»+6+73ı+&˝)++] Cutting at 1 was severe, as was 4.
[++++++++++++’++++]
,))))))))))))))))). The game became complicated and intense up to <,
Diagram 1 but the flow of play still favored Black.
(Moves: 1-60)
537
538 10th Nongshim Cup: Game 13
Cutting with @ and B was very sharp, but C and
<(((((((»(((((((((> E formed a delightful combination which exploited
[++ˆ+++“¸˙+‹++++++] shortage of liberties to trap White’s marked stones.
[++++@+¨”¯˚+›+˛+++]
[++!+++˝+@+„+@‚@++] Nevertheless, White had been aiming to wedge at H,
[++++´++++˜+++++@+] which was another severe tactic. Up to P, he was
[+!+++++++++++!+!!]
[+++++++b+++++++++] able to capture Black’s four marked stones.
[+++++++ZY`«+++!@!] If Black plays K at P, White at O hits the vital
[++++++++TS++++!+!] point. White wins the capturing race that follows.
[++*+++++RQ+O+V*!S]
[+++a>++c_N++WIP+S] Black [ began a meticulous sequence, and cutting
[+++?=!+++@@@@HSS+] at _ was a safe way to maintain Black’s lead.
[++++++!+@AB!KJX!˘]
[++++@+!@GF]L\^++!] White played ‘ and ˆ (ˆ) in an attempt to restore
[+++++@@ttE!C[!!!ˇ] the balance of territory, but Black continued playing
[+‘!+++!@@!MD+!@@!@ solidly with ´ and ˜.
[++++!+!+@@@+!@@+@]
[++++++++++++@++++] Invading with ¨ and ˚ was incisive, and White’s
,))))))))))))))))). splendid move order from ˛ to » made the game
Diagram 2
(Moves: 61-120) complicated again.
U at E
White fi and were both razor sharp moves, and
XUTD((?*!Bfi((HI;=<> the flow suddenly eddied under the force of Lee’s will.
WVA!^+ff!@!ff!˛„’+% ]
ˇ\/0+@!@@!+@«!fl‰ Saving the cutting stones with ( and * was remark-
G]C!+)—@ı@6!>@@@ıffi] ably powerful, and Black was in trouble after ..
[E,+H@(‰+7@=2˜+@ffl&
SF!JI934O+-fi1¨!!!!] Playing lightly at 8 was a mistake. White should
¸˙+@c.5;!]–+F+"E#$] have cut at 9 instead, and if Black extends to 8,
¯»N+`:8N!@!@KGL!@!] White’s amazing move at O wins the capturing race!
–+MRZ++LM!@++J+!+!]
[‚›PQ[<K%!@6@*!Z!@] Black A was a brilliant probe, which made miai of
-‹.“@!\$@@!10@@!Y@] C and D. The game became even again up to O.
3+˚+@@!++7!@@@!@@+]
94+˘ffiffl+!+@@!!@!!!!R However, Black became too greedy with S. He
O>+—”@´!@@+@!!!++!Q should have made life at W instead. The ko which
P+(’!b@@++@V@ a @!!!@S
began after T was a burden for Black.
[+!!"‘+!@@+@!T!@@+@
[+++_!D!X@@@U!@@+@] Black eventually resolved the ko with ˇ, but White
[++++++@?Y+++@++++] gained territory and took the lead again with ˘.
,)))))BAC))))))))).
Diagram 3 Another ko started in the top right, but ending it
(Moves: 121-294) with : was a good decision. White was still ahead.
[ a ˝ at U, ^ ˆ at X, 294 moves: White won by 3.5 points.
fl # ) / 5 : at , & , 2 8 at ,
W at @
a
Chapter 24
13th LG Cup: Final, Game One
February 23, 2009, Gangwon, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
This was Lee Sedol and Gu Li’s first international
<(((((((((((((((((> final together.
[++›++++++ff++++++]
[+“¨¸+«++++++—»–+] White split Black’s Parallel Opening with ˚, and
[+˙¯+++++”/0+++´++] Black played ˇ to see how the game developed.
[+˘ˇ++„+++.++‰+ı++]
[+˛+++++-+fi+++++++] After ˘ to ˛, ‚ followed the direction of play, and
[+++++2+1,++++++‚+] Black formed an ideal position up to ”.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White made a light reduction with „, and » to
[++*+++++*+++++*˚+] could be described as a joseki for the middle game.
[+ffi++ A ++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White fi was light and flexible, and the opening up
[+++++++++++++++‹+] to ( was reasonable for both players.
[+fl+++++++++++++++]
[$&+++(+*+++++++++] However, jumping to * was questionable. It would
[# ˆ"++++*+++++*˜+] have been better to play around A.
[%ffl!+’)+++++++˝+++] Moving into the center with + was natural, and 2
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). was important because it helped White to develop
Diagram 1 the left side.
(Moves: 1-50)
539
540 13th LG Cup: Final, Game One
Black 3 hit White’s vital point, and walking solidly
<(((((((((((((((((> into the center with 5 maintained Black’s shape.
[++@++++++@+++++@+]
[+!!@+@\+++!A+!!@+] Further developing the left side with 6 was natural.
[+!@+++X+@@!?++@++]
[+!@++!+++!]9!+@++] Black 9 was severe, and Black’s move order up to
[+!+++++@@!+3:++++] ? was accurate.
[+++++!P@!4>;<++@+]
[++++O++5KL=8+++++] White @ was a serious mistake. White should have
[++++G6HIB7D@+++++] attached at B first, to see how things developed.
[++*+bEJ+CFR+++*!+] Black C and E constituted a brilliant combination
[+!+a+‘+++M+++++++]
[+`+++++++++++++++] for reducing White’s left side, and @ was wasted.
[VcT++_+++++++++!+] Black E worked because I and Black at J both
ZY@US+W^++++++++++]
[!!++[!+!+++++++++] aimed to connect at L; holding sente in abeyance.
[@!!!++++*+++++*@+] Black harvested the fruits of his labor with G, and
[@@@+@@+++++++@+++] the game proceeded smoothly for him up to R.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black’s moves from S to W were courageous. Rein-
Diagram 2 forcing with [ after this deep reduction was sensible.
(Moves: 51-100)
N at B, Q at 7 White ‘ and b were slack, and Black continued
reducing the left side with c.
Black ´ (´) to ˝ was an elegant combination,
<(((((32((((((((((> and ˚ was another mistake. White should have ex-
[++@+”4«»+@+++++@+] changed A, ˇ, and $ to complicate the position.
[+!!@+@!+++!@+!!@+]
[+!@+„+!+@@!@5+@++] Black ¯ was thick and safe, and after “ it was time
[+!@++!++!@@!+@++] to revive Black’s top left group with ” and «.
[+!+++++@@!+@!+ı++]
[+++++!!@!!!@!+‰@+] Black ! was a leaning strategy, which targeted
[++++@++@@!+!++“+] White’s group at the bottom, and % was the vital
[˘˝++@!!@+@!!++fi++] point as well as being a large sente move.
[ˆ´* A !+!+@!!+++*!+]
[˚!ˇ@+!+++@›;ff+?++] White ignored Black’s attack and went all out with
[˜!$+&++¸‚++,89"++]
¨!@!++@¯˙˛‹-–:#!!+] $ and &, because he was already far behind, but
!@@@@+@!=>+++<++6+] ’ and ) captured White’s group with precision.
[!!++@!/!+++ *++7+] White tried to live, but Black gave no quarter.
[@!!!.0’(*—+ffiffl+*@+]
[@@@+@@1+)+%fl+@+++] 163 moves: Black won by resignation.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-163)
Chapter 25
13th LG Cup: Final, Game Two
February 25, 2009, Gangwon, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
Approaching at ˚ was becoming the prevalent coun-
<(((((((((((((2(((> termeasure against Black’s Parallel Opening.
[++(+++++++++ !+1+]
[++++ffl+ B +ff++++0¸˙+] Pincering at ˇ was also fashionable, and the varia-
[++ˆ+++++*+#+˘+´+–] tion up to was a cutting edge joseki at the time.
[++++’+ A ++"/.+›‚»]
[+$++++++++++«‹¯˚+] White ‰ was Gu Li’s newly researched innovation
[++++ C ++++++++”˛+“] and made miai of ff and fi (see Chapter 6).
[++++++++++++++„++]
[++++++++++++++—ˇ+] Because of ‰, the opening up to ffi was slightly bet-
[++*+++++*+++++*++] ter for White, so ˇ began to decline in popularity.
[++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++,++] White and " were questionable probes, and de-
[++++++++++++++*++] veloping the top with ’ became a good strategy.
[+&++++++++++++)ffi+]
[++++++++++++++flfi+] Black also developed the bottom with the peaceful
[++¨+++++-+++++*˜‰] flow of % to -, exchanging ’ for ( in the process.
[++++%+ D ++++++˝+ı+] White . was an overplay and 0 was a thank you
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). move. Instead of ., reducing with White A, Black
Diagram 1 B and White C makes miai of . and D.
(Moves: 1-50)
541
542 13th LG Cup: Final, Game Two
Cutting at 5 was better than cutting at 6, and the
<(((((((((((((!(((> flow of Black’s stones up to = was seamless.
[++!+++++++++!@3@+]
[++++@+++@++++!@!+] Pressing at ? was the key tactic for enlarging Black’s
[++!+CB++*+@+!+@+@] center, and the game was slightly better for Black.
[+`c+@++++!@!+@@@!]
[+!GD+++++546@+@!+] White B and D were sharp exchanges, and going
[+@?++E+++7+++@!+!] back to reinforce at G was thick and safe.
[+HA++++++98NM+!++]
[+ZI++++++;:+++!@+] Black O was inventive and practical, and Black suc-
[++*+++++*+<+++*++] cessfully walled off part of the center up to S.
[++++++++=++++++!+]
[+a++++++++>+++!++] White T was safe, but slack, and W was another key
[‘Y+++++++S+++@!++] point for completing Black’s center territory.
[^!]W++++++P+VT@!+]
[_[\++++++QOF+U@!+] White’s resistance at X was to be expected, but Y
[+b!+X+++@++R++*@!] was natural and resisting with Z became necessary.
[++++@+++++J++@+@K] Black’s sacrifice tactic at [ tidied up the center, and
[++L++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). the game proceeded at a rhythm set by Black.
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100)
Black completed his center territory with ¯ (¯) and
<(((((G(((((((!(((> ¸, establishing a solid lead in the process.
[++!‹˛‚F>++5+!@@@+]
[++@+@DE6@++˝˚!@!ˇ˜ White ˛ and ‹ weren’t only big endgame moves;
[++!;@!?7*+@+!+@+@ˆ they also exposed bad aji for later.
[+!@ E @ F ++.!@!+@@@!¨
[+!@!+++H+@!!@+@!+] Black › was careless. Black should have wedged at
[+!@++@++=@+++@!+!] @ first, to remove the bad aji by making ; sente.
[+!@++++9<@!!@+! G +]
[+!@++++/8@!+–»!@+] The aji we are talking about arises after “, Black
[+ B A +++++ffi“!ı›„” +] at ffi, , Black at *, A to D, D, Black at F and
[+++++++&@++—«ffl!+] White E. If Black doesn’t have an answer to E, he
[´@++++++*!ff‰!!+"] needs to answer D at F and give up ‚.
[!@++++++)@fi H fl@!++]
[!!@@ C +++4$!(!!@!B] Black ” should have been at ffi and „ was excellent.
[@@!+ D ¯¸++@@!’@@!A]
[˘!!+!˙%+@:+!++*@!C Black should play « at », White at «, Black at
[++++@++++1!++@+@@] —, ‰, Black at , White G, , , ff, fi, Black
[++!+++3+0#,+-++++] H, ( and fl. This makes miai of ffi and ffl.
,)))))))))2))))))).
Diagram 3 The balance of territory collapsed when White broke
(Moves: 101-172) into the center with ffi. This was the winning move.
172 moves: White won by resignation.
Chapter 26
2009 Chinese A League: Round Eight
June 27, 2009, Zhejiang, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
This was the first game between Lee Sedol and Gu
<(((((((((((((((((> Li after Lee announced his intention to retire.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨++++++++++ B + D F ] Professionals were experimenting with ˙ at the time,
[++*+++++*++˙++´ C +] and ¸ and ‚ formed the strongest response.
[+++++++++++»«‚ A ¸ E ]
[++++++++++‰–„˛˘,] White ‹ was the proper haengma for the situation,
[++++++++++—++++++] and White’s play up to — was calm and fluid.
[++++++++++fflffı“‹›+]
[++++++++++++ G ¯”+] If White plays ‹ at A, Black is fine after B to F.
[++*+++++*++ffi I 0fi J K ] Black avoided being surrounded with and ı, but
[++++++++++++ H &%!fl]
[++++++++++++)’" #/ before ff he should have exchanged the hane at 0
[++++++++++++++++*] for G, to support his right side stones and induce ff.
[+˚+++++++++++(+$+]
[++++++++++++++++-] White fi and were dominating moves, though
[++ˆ+++++*++++2.˜+] Black fought back staunchly with % and ’.
[++++˝++++ˇ++++1++] White began to make shape for his bottom right
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). group, with the contact play at ., and the flow of
Diagram 1 the game was still slightly favorable for White.
(Moves: 1-50)
If / is at H; 0, Black I, White J, Black K and White
at / lead to Black’s untimely demise.
543
544 2009 Chinese A League: Round Eight
Cutting at 6 was a sacrifice tesuji which set up the
<(((((((((((((((((> squeeze to ?. White settled his group up to B.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++!++++++++++++`+] White F was sharp, and G was questionable. Ex-
[++*+++++QP+!++@++] tending to A would have been better.
[+++++++SRMN!@@+@+]
[++++++YXT+!@@tttt] Connecting at H was a calm move which saddled
[+++++‘\ZW+!+++++@] Black with bad aji in the center, around A.
[++++++_[+O@@@tt@+]
[+++++++++++++t@@+] From Q to _, Black used a driving technique to
[++*+++++*4Vt^tt++] develop power and attack White’s marked stones in-
[++++++++c+U+]t@@@] directly, but this extreme strategy was too ambitious.
[++++++++++++@@!!@@
[+++++++++++3aJ+b!] White R to ‘ illustrated Lee’s fearless style of play
[+!++++++++ A +I!+!+] and the game became desperate for Black.
[+++++++++G5FCKL:@]
[++!+++++*EDH+!!@;] Eventually, Black went all out and attacked fero-
[++++@++++@B++>@67] ciously with c, but ` was a well timed probe.
[+++++++++A@++<98=]
,)))))))))))))))?).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100)
After ´ (´), flying to ˘ showed exquisite haengma.
<(((((((((((( B ffl D ( F >
[+++++*+&#"fi —fl C E ] Cutting with ¯ was Black’s best choice, but ˙ was
[++!++,)$%!ffı‰»–! A ] a strong counter which deformed Black’s shape.
[++*++++’@!+!«„@” G H
[+++++++@!@!!@@“@´ I White was aiming at “ when he probed at ` (!
A ).
[++++++@!!+!@@!!!!¨ Black ” was unavoidable and „ was severe. White
[+++++!!!@+!++++˝@]
[+++0+ffi@@ˇ@@@@!!@+] counter-attacked with precision, descending to —.
[+++++-.‚˚›+++!@@+] Black was in deep trouble, and he had to defend his
[++*++/˘‹¯!!!!!!++] corner group with fl.
[++++++++@ˆ@+@!@@@]
[+++++++˛˙˜++@@!!@@ If Black omits fl to extend at !, White B makes
[++++++++¸++@@!+!!] miai of blocking at ffi or capturing the corner with
[+!++++++++++@!+!+]
[+++++++++@@!@@!!@] C, fl and D to F. If E is at F, White G to I still
[++!+++++*@!!+!!@@] captures.
[++++@++++@!++!@+@] White finally enclosed Black’s center group with ffi
[+++++++++@!++!@+@]
,)))))))))))))))@). and there was no way to escape.
Diagram 3 Black ! was the Black’s only hope, but White’s re-
(Moves: 101-148)
sponses were calm and accurate. The game was over.
148 moves: White won by resignation.
Chapter 27
2009 Ancient City of the Phoenix Cup
August 29, 2009, Hunan, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
This was a lightning game played at an exhibition
<(((((((((((((((((> match with martial artists on an enormous Go board.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++–;˝+=<B] White’s asking move at ¨ disrupted Black’s Mini-
[++˚+++++*++8:+´@?] Chinese Opening strategy. If Black uses ˝ to pincer
[++++++++++95»+A¯>] around A, ˚ may approach at B instead.
[++++++++++!46+ܬ F ]
[++++++++++%$1 D E ++] If ¨ is at ˚; ˇ, ˘ and ¸ follow. If White plays ¨
[+++++++++7&’.2+"+] next, Black pincers. In the game, if Black still plays
[+++++++++++)(++ A #] Chinese style, with ¯ at ¸, White extends to ›.
[++*+++++*++ı*”-›+]
[+++++++++++/+,++C] Playing ‚ instead of „ or C made › more severe.
[+++++++++++‰+“+˛3]
[+++++++++++++0+DE] White ‹ was too much—after ‚, A is better.
[+˘++++++++++F‚+]
[++++++++++++++„«+] Black’s attack flowed naturally from › and !.
[++ˆ+++++*++flff B *˜+] White & and ( formed a subtle combination, and
[++++ˇ++++¸ffl+fi˙ C ++] both , and - were strong moves.
[+++++++++ ffi++++—+]
,))))))))))))))))). The result up to 7 was satisfactory for Black, but
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-70) C was careless. Black should have exchanged D for
E first; taking sente by threatening to cut at F next.
White was lucky to have time to play D and F, and
the flow of the game changed course in his favor.
545
546 2009 Ancient City of the Phoenix Cup
White J limited Black’s potential at the top.
<((((((((((˙((((((>
[W+_QR+˜˝˚+˘¯+++++] Black M and Y were aggressive, but proper, moves
A aMOPTJ¨+\+@@@+@!!] which used Black’s power to restore the balance of
‘UN!S++++*+ff!!+@!@] territory. The position became complex up to _.
C V D +Y+[++++@@!+@@!]
[+XZˆˇ+´+++@!!+!! B ] If X is at ‘, Black can fight a ko with A. Black
[+++˛`“”++@!@]++^] has too many ko threats, starting at B. White can’t
[–¸+c‰+—+@!@!!+!+] connect at C because Black D makes the ko heavier.
[++ı+‚‹+++++@!+++@]
[+»b+›„++*++@!@@@+] Black c was combative and resisting with ` and ˆ
[++++«++++++@@!++@] (ˆ) was typical of Lee’s style of play.
[%!"+fflffi+++++!+!+!@]
[+$#+flfi+++++++!+!@] However, it was too much, and the game became even
[+!+++ +++++!+@!@+] more complicated with ¸ and ‚.
[++++++++++++++!@+]
[++!+++++*++@@+*@+] White made shape skillfully with » and —, but !
[+++’@(++I@@H!!K++] was the vital point and the position was even again.
[++++&+++G!!+++L!+]
,))))))))))))))))). The game became exciting and tense after White’s
Diagram 2 ingenious tesuji at &.
(Moves: 71-140)
Both 2 and 3 were spurred on by fighting spirit,
<((+*c`(˝ˇ¨!˜(?<@(> and Black attacked with good technique at ;.
[@+@@!>@@!´!@++7.+]
S@@@!!!!1!ˆ@@@A@!!] Black ? was strong, but @ and B were tenacious.
!@!!@›“«˙¯˛@!!+@!@]
T!+^@‹@„_˚‚@@!+@@!] White H was a brilliant tesuji. White reclaimed the
[+!!!@+@»¸[@!!$!!+V lead up to L, but N was overconfident and chaos
\‘B+!!@!@˘R@!@@++!U immediately ensued.
[@@C@!+!!X@!@!!Z!IW
E++@G@!++%+Y@!+++@] Harassing White with c to Black ˇ was exquisite,
D8!!F@!+Y*OM@!@@@+] and the game was still chaotic.
-+^9]@+Z+WNL@@!‘+@]
;@@!_@!8+[N—!+!+!@] However, Black made a crucial misread with › and
:,!@=@!79;X–‰!4!@] his stones were captured in a double ko up to ».
[+!2><!56\Ea!+@!@+]
a]+P10+34fi?Db+3!@+Q Black fl to # was a severe tactic, but & was calm
[MJ!/,)+.ffı@@CF@/P and accurate, and the game was decided.
KHGJ@@!*:@@@!!!@ffl"0 303 moves: White won by 4.5 points.
[IKL-!B+@@!!fl ’!!+6
,SROQT)V´˜A!)#c5`&.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 141-303)
U at R, ” at ‹, ffi at , ( at „, ) at ´,
2 at ¯, = ˆ at c, H at ?, b at *
Chapter 28
23rd Fujitsu Cup: Quarter Final
April 14, 2010, Tokyo, Japan: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
This was Lee Sedol and Gu Li’s first game after Lee
<(((((((((((((((((> came out of retirement.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black played the Mini-Chinese Opening, and contin-
[++ˆ+0+++*+++++´++] uing with ¸ and ‚ was in style at the time.
[+2+++++++++++++++]
[6-+/+++++++++++++] White “ was the key point for reducing Black’s moyo
[+++++++++++++++¯+] at the bottom, and « was thick.
[+.+++++++++++++++]
[++5+<++++++++++++] Taking sente with fi was sharp, and turning with ffi
[++*+:;++*+++++*˘+] and seizing the pivot point up to ( next was natural.
[++++49++++++++¸˛+]
[++++(3+++7+++++++] White had a small lead and ) to - intended to
[+*)+1+$" 8++++«˙+] disrupt the left side, but / should have been at 1.
[+˚,++%#!fflffi‰+++‚‹+]
[+++++++++—++++›+] White played 2 to turn / into a heavy move, and
[++¨+’+++*–“+„ff˜+] 3 showed fighting spirit.
[+++&˝++++ˇ”»+ı+++] White 4 looked heavy, but was in keeping with Lee’s
[+++++++++++++fifl++]
,))))))))))))))))). style. Black 7 began to engineer a splitting attack.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-60)
547
548 23rd Fujitsu Cup: Quarter Final
Black ? was severe, but White had prepared @.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++] Connecting at A was slack. Pushing at A was better.
[+++++++++++++++++] Turning to attack White on the right side with C was
[++!+!+++*+++++@++]
[+!++++++++++++¨++] a dynamic strategy, and peeping at G was severe.
[!@+@+++++++++ˆM++] White H was a subtle probe, and I was too obedi-
[+++++++++++˜¯NL@+]
[+!++> A +++˝+˘´JGOE] ent. Black should have capped at ` instead.
[++@+!=+++++`aFRDC] White exchanged H so that he could make an eye
[++*+!@+@˙_+‘YQ*!+] at B later (even after Black connects at C). After
[++++!@+ˇ˚++^bc@!+]
[++@+!@+++@?++[Z\+] B, White answers D with E. If White plays H later
[+!@+@A!!!!+PT]@!+] (after Black C), Black might go all out with I at F.
[+!!++@@@@!!VKU@!+]
[+++++++++@!SW++@+] Black resumed his attack with K, but White resisted
[++!+@+++*@!X!!@@+] sharply with L and P.
[+++!@++++@@!B@ C ++] Black attacked in earnest from S to Y, but White’s
[+++++++++IH+ F !@++]
,)))))))))) E ) B ) D )). responses up to ^ were unyielding.
Diagram 2 Black ˇ (ˇ) was a sharp jab, but ˘ and ˙ escaped.
(Moves: 61-110)
Leaving bad aji behind with „ was good technique,
<((((((9(?((()((( H I and the game became slightly better for White.
[+’fiff>‚˘-<ˇ+’—–” B C F
[+"!(I.CBD++‰“› A D G Cutting with was reasonable, because of the bad
[++!“!+‹A6+*ı‹@„ E ] aji in the corner, but ‰ to were also strong.
[+!+›JF+5+(%#!»!¸¸]
[!@L@E>+14.&$"!@ a ˛‚] Black ! was natural, but White broke out up to ,.
[+HG@=<02-,ffl@@!!@+]
[+!\K!; fl3@/!@!@@@] Black can’t use ’ to block at . because White at
[TZ@]!@7fiff´:!@!!!@] ’ makes miai of (, or a ko after White A, Black B,
‘QPY+!@+!!@+!@@*!@] White at ¸, Black at ˛ and C to I.
[NOS+!@ˆ@!ffi+!!@@!+]
[_R@;!@—++@@43@!!+] Black 7 was a mistake and : was an excellent move,
[+!@X@@!!!!+!!@@!¨] which gave White sente after Black lived with ?.
[+!![+@@@@!!!@@@!?]
[+++++++++@!@@++@˝] If Black answers : at ´, White lives with ˆ, and
[+V!b@+++*@!!!!@@+] if Black doesn’t play ?, he dies after White at ˝.
[WMU!@++++@@!!@ b 8$%]
The game was practically decided after @, but N
[+«„c‰++++@!–+!@901
,))ı67))))))))+ffiffl). was questionable and Black gained ground with U.
Diagram 3 Nevertheless, White was still in the lead with the ko
(Moves: 111-264)
after \, and he didn’t give Black any more chances
« at @
a , + at —,
to catch up.
^ ` ˚ ˛ » & , 2 8 at @,
a ˜ ¯ ” fl # ) / 5 : at G, ˙ at ˛, 264 moves: White won by resignation.
* at @
b , = at C
Chapter 29
15th LG Cup: Round One
June 7, 2010, Gyeonggi, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
Lee invented the pattern from ˙ to “; first playing
<(((((((((((((((((> ˛ against Kong Jie 9 dan in the 2nd BC Card Cup.
[+++++++++++++++“+]
[++¨++++++++++‹˛‚+] If White plays ˙ at A, he can’t follow the variation
[+„*++&++*++˙ A B ´++] in Chapter 25 because ˝ is a ladder breaker.
[+++++++++++++++¸ C ]
[+”%#+(++++++++›˘+] If ‚ is at ‹, White at ‚ makes B and C miai.
L *.$/+++++++++++++]
[-41,5++++++++++++] White » was aggressive, but playing at – would
[0823+++++++++++¯+] have been slightly better.
[++«6++++*+++++*++] Black – was active and developing power with — to
[9+;:+++++++++++++]
[+’+<+++++++++++++] " was appropriate, but Black was ahead up to ’.
[++ I D +++++++++++++] Black ) at D, aiming to play E to K, was better.
[+˚+++++++++++++++]
[+ H G E F fiffi"+++++++++] White * to , was an ingenious combination.
[++ˆ J —fl»*++++)*˜+]
[+ K +‰˝ffl ++ˇ++++++] Black - and / were good, but 0 was another
[++–ıff+!++++++++++] strong move. If 3 is at 4, White will trade with
,))))))))))))))))). 8, Black L and White at 3. So 3 was right.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-60) Black 9 was the vital point and White’s sacrifice
7 at 1 strategy from 6 to < was bold.
549
550 15th LG Cup: Round One
The result up to A was a ko (after A to G), but
<(((((((((((((((((> White needed to wait until he had more ko threats.
[+++++++++»+++++!+]
[++!++ˆ+´ab«++!!@O] Removing the ko aji with G was necessary, and the
[+!*++!++J++!++@++] game was still well balanced after J.
[+++++`c++++++++@+]
B @@@@+!+++++N++@!+] Black dictated the flow of the game with a piercing
A!!!@+++++¨+++++M+] attack, which began with Q and S.
=@!@ C @++++++˜+++++]
A !!!@ D ++++++++++@+] White Z was stubborn. These stones were too small
[? F @!++++*++›‹+˛++] to save and Black’s surrounding position became
G @+@!+++++++˝+L¸F‚] solid and powerful up to _, while White lost sente.
[ E @>!++++++++“˙¯][_
[G@++++++++”++Q˘KT‘ Probing with a to ´ (´) was timely. Black adopted
[W!+++++++++„+S˚VY\ a safe strategy for preserving his lead with ˜ and ˝.
[X++++!!!+++RˇPUHZ]
[++!+!@@!*++++@*@D^ Pulling White’s stones out with ˚ to „ showed per-
[+++!@!@!++@+++CBE] sistence, and « was another sharp probe.
[++@@@+@++++++++I+]
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2
(Moves: 61-120)
After some preparation, Black attacked with ı.
<((((((((((((((((4>
$&+M5.6+++!@+++,!+] Black ffl would have been better at ); to &
#„N!»-!+@@!@—+!!@@] created a large ko, by following a clever move order.
UL!I«)!NP!?–!++@++]
%+K+SR!@OGfl[++%$@1] Black E was a subtle threat, and F connected (@
a ).
U@@@@+!KHI+‰!&fi@ a !":
White H was a sharp tesuji which rattled Black’s
@!!!@++LEJ!\ffffi@#(
@@!@Y@Z+M+YR@‹flffl) 9 connection, but even after these sizable trades the
T!!!@X1+[ff*]›++@!] game was still slightly better for Black.
[@+@!/0˛+*b+@!¸!CB_ Black U was careless; capturing at V was better.
[@+@!J++‚c´ˇ@”!@!@^
./@!!,’S¯˚`ˆ˜!!@@@@ White b missed a good chance to attach at A.
Q@!+++T;+˙ A @¨˘@!@!!
P@!< +>++++˝!+@!!+! Black responded accurately with c, ¯ and ¸, and
—!"!ffi!!!“ı3!@+@!!] White didn’t manage to gain anything from b.
[–‰!ı!@@!V267=@*@!!
[DCffl!b @!@!8Q@<++@+@O White caught up a little more with his excellent
[fi(@@@A@‘W9F++++@+] endgame skills, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
,)XVW)23a@G))))))).
Diagram 3 291 moves: Black won by resignation.
(Moves: 121-291)
’ - 5 ; A F at @
a , * 0 8 > D at $,
4 : B H at X, 7 ? E at 1, = at !
b,
Z at
Chapter 30
15th Samsung Cup: Quarter Final
October 14, 2010, Daejeon, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
Asking at ˚ disrupted Black’s planned Chinese style
<(((((((((((((((((> formation, but Black continued with ¯ to ‚ anyway.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s attacking invasion at “ aimed to make ˚
[++ˆ+++++*+++++´++] work efficiently. For example, by blocking at later.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White — was a new move, and the result up to
[+++++++++++++++++] was acceptable for both players.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++;+] Black ff and ffl were strong moves, which separated
[++*+++++*+++++*++] White’s stones, but $ was a well timed counter.
[++++++++++++++39:]
[+++++++++++++72+8] Black % to ) showed fighting spirit, and the trade
[++++++++++++++ D 64] up to * was well balanced.
[+˛+++ı+.,-++++* E /]
[+˘˝+”„++fl+++’(10] Moving out with , and . was urgent for White,
[+˙¯–+«+‰fiff++˚%&˜5] but / to 1 were also severe.
[+‹¨¸»“+—›! +ˇ$++] If Black plays + at ,, White lives with A to C.
[+ F ‚ B A + C +"ffiffl#+)++<]
,))))))))))))))))). Peeping at C instead is too small; White will ignore
Diagram 1 it and play at 9, and he can still play . or F later.
(Moves: 1-60)
White demonstrated good sabaki technique with 2
and 4, though 5 and 7 were still severe,
Connecting at 9 was questionable. Black should
have exchanged D for E, and then blocked at :.
551
552 15th Samsung Cup: Quarter Final
Black ? was slack, and @ and B were agile.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[‘›_+++++˜++++++++] Living with H was a firm way of playing, and the
[+]^+W+\¨˝++++I+++] game became easier for White.
[“+!++‰+Y+++++@++]
[+V+‹ˆ+Z”ffi++++++++] White Z was a farsighted indirect attack, which
[+KX‚+++„˚ıff++++++] aimed to establish power at the top before dropping
[+˙¯¸++ B ++fifl+++++] the hammer at A.
[+˛`´a++++++++++++]
[++N++b+++++++++@+] Black, of course, saw through this and resisted with
[+˘ˇc[J++*+++++*+?] [, but \ was only White’s first dividend.
[++R+++++++++++@@!]
[—–DOQC++B++++@!@!] Instead of [, living with A is also possible.
[»«SPLM+++E+++++!!] Up to ˆ (ˆ), White completed a large territory
[+!TU+@+!!@+++F!+@]
[+!@+@+@++@++G@!@!] while attacking. This consolidated White’s lead.
[+!@@ A @+!!@++!@!@@] Reducing at ˚ was too shallow, and the exchanges
[+!!@!!+!@@!+!@!>+] from ¯ to were sophisticated and profitable.
[++@A@+H+!!@@+@=+!]
,))))))))))))))))). White ˚ should be B—Black A and follow.
Diagram 2
(Moves: 61-130) Black started to catch up when he began enclosing
the top right on a huge scale, with ı.
The game became quite close up to +, but White’s
<((((((((C B (((ff(((> keen invasion at , was very difficult to deal with.
[!@@++++B@+ .–-91!
[+@!+@ !!@+ C +»@@,8ˇ White’s spectacular tesuji at > earned B in sente.
[!›!++!@ffl@+#+˘>@ b /0]
[+!W!!+!@!!+¯?Aˆ`.] Black can’t answer > at A, because White can live
[*@! a @++(!!@@"3˝´˚+ A with the crosscut at ˆ. Note that this leaves bad aji
[+!@@+[\+P!!@%2¨6+: at ? and that moves like ˚ are sente (aiming at A).
[+!!@@)T+O++$&’,54]
[++!^_!+K++DffiflE-T7= If Black ignores B, White lives with ` to ¯, », –,
[+!@@@!LHIM„”‰+*+T] , ff, , !, White B, C and White C.
[+*!+++F+JU˛˙+TT!]
[!@!@@@NG!#‹‚¸T!T!] White’s endgame moves from D to V flowed like a
[!@@!!@SQR@$+++;!!] gentle autumn breeze, calmly maintaining his lead.
[+!!@)@+!!@+bV!!<@]
[+!@+@+@++@+X@@!@!] Black W was poorly timed. Playing at X is better.
[+!@@+@+!!@&Y!@!@@] White ` to ¯ was an exquisite sequence, and ˙ to
[+!!@!!+!@@!’!@!!+]
[+a@@!+!+!!@@+@@+!] ‹ delivered the finishing blow.
,))))))))))))))))). Black couldn’t win the ko after ‹, and . won the
Diagram 3 capturing race (Black’s marked group died).
(Moves: 131-246)
Z ‘ “ — fi " ( at ! a, 246 moves: White won by resignation.
] c « ı ffl % at W, ˜ at @b
Chapter 31
3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game One
April 23, 2011, Seoul, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
Lee and Gu met in their second international final.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++flffi++] Black played the Kobayashi Opening with ´ to ˇ
[++++ C "+++%++‚ G „—] and White approached lightly with ˘.
[++ˆ+++) F ffl+++!ff´«»]
[++++++++++$ D ++–] If ˘ is a one space approach at ¯ or ¸, ˇ will help
[++++++++&++++“+˛‰ı Black to attack severely after he pincers around ›.
[+++++++++++ E ’(+++]
[++++++++++++++++fi] White ˙ made miai of A and ˛. If ˙ is at A, Black
[++++++++++++#++++] may attack with ¸, White B and Black at ˙.
[+‹*+++++*+++++˙++] Approaching at C was bigger than ›, and ” should
[++++++++++++”++++]
[+++++++++++++ I ›++] have been at ». White „ was a well timed invasion.
[+++++++++++++++++] Instead of ffl, making shape at D makes miai of E
[++˚++++++++++ B ˘ A +]
[++++++1-3+++++¸¯+] and F. White’s sharp jab at aimed to wedge at G.
[++¨++0+,ˇ+++++*++] Black - could be at .; then White at -, Black H
[++++˝2*./+++++˜++] and White at / creates a ladder. The ladder favored
[++++++ H ++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black, but it appears that he was concerned about
Diagram 1 White breaking it with a fight around I.
(Moves: 1-51)
The result up to 3 was reasonable, but the overall
game favored White.
553
554 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game One
White 8 was a gentle and profitable way to attack.
<(((((((((((((( E ((>
[+++++++8+++++@!++] Black 9 and ; were crucial mistakes, and < was
[++++D!+++@+A@+!!! D an excellent tesuji to punish Black.
[+ C !FEC@+@+c@@@@@!^
[++++++++++!;!:+@@‘ Instead of 9, Black should exchange A for B and
[++H+G+B A !++>9!+!!@ attach at C. If = connects at >, White plays at =.
[++++++++ B +++@!++\]
[++++I++++++=<?[Y!] Up to @, Black’s top group became weak and White
[++++++++J+++@++Z_] was ahead. Black A should be A, B and A instead.
[+!*+++++*+++++!+]] White consolidated territory naturally with B to H,
[++++++++++++@++6+]
[++++++++b+++++@4+a and calmly surveyed the whole board with J.
[+++++++++++++++57] Black K to W formed a skillful sequence for living
[++!+++++++++++!++]
[++PN+X@@@+++++@@+] in sente, but White was content to become thick.
[VO!MW!@!@+++++*++] Black Y to ] was sharp, but White traded with ^.
[RLK+@!!!@+++++@++]
[TQ+S+++++++++++++] If White connects at _ instead, Black hanes at ^,
,U)))))))))))))))). and White D, Black E leads to a ko at ‘.
Diagram 2
(Moves: 52-100) Black earned 20 points up to a, but White main-
` at ; tained his lead with b.
White prodded Black with ˆ (ˆ) and ¨. If ˝ is
<(((((((((((((((((> at A, Black still has only one eye after White B.
[++E˛+++!+ A ¨ B +T!++]
[+¸++!!+ˆ+T˝TT+!!!] White attacked to consolidate the left side and the
[+ı!!TTT˜T+T!TTTT!! center in a leisurely manner, with ˚ and ˘.
[++–—‰fi++++!!!!+TT!
F+! a «@!ffi!<+!@!+!!@ Black ¸ and ‚ were probes, but ‹ to „ countered
C C+›“„»+fl+?;+@!++!] forcefully, and Black’s dragon at the top was isolated.
AB‚‹”@>++ F ++@+@@@!]
D@˙¯ E ˇ˚+9!+++@++!@] Playing ‚ at ‹ was safer, but it wasn’t good enough
[+!1,. D +=3+++++!+@] to catch up, so Black went all in with a bet on ‚.
[++$)-˘467 "+@++!+]
[++2*+/´5!ffl+#++@!+@ White traded up to fi and Black’s marked dragon
[++++++:08!+++++@@] was completely captured.
[++!++(++++++++!++]
[++!!+!@@@+++++@@+] Even though Black took over White’s top left corner,
[!@!@@!@!@+++++*++] it wasn’t enough. The game was practically decided.
[!!@+@!!!@+++++@++] Black kept trying to catch up, with 3 and 9, but
[!@+@+%++&’+++++++]
,@)))))))))))))))). F was the coup de grâce—if Black connects at C,
Diagram 3 White D makes miai of E and F.
(Moves: 101-170)
170 moves: White won by resignation.
ff at !
a
Chapter 32
3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Two
April 24, 2011, Seoul, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
White split Black’s Micro-Chinese Opening (´ to
<(((((((((((((((((> ˇ) with ˘. We reviewed this opening in Chapter 1.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++’+++++ A ++++++] Black developed the bottom with ‚ and ›, and “
[++¨+++++)+++++´++] began a well timed reduction.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++(+++++++++++++1] White’s sophisticated move order from » to
[+++++++++++++++¯0] aimed to take sente, but resisting at ff left White
[++++++++++++++++2] with a cutting point and connecting was necessary.
[++*++++++++++/-.+]
[++*+++++*+++++*˘+] Black played ffl to % to make White’s stones heavy
[++++++++++++,+¸˛+ H and take sente, but the result up to & was even.
[++++++++++++ffi! B C ]
[++++++++++&+fiff"˙ G E White * was questionable. White should have in-
[+˚+++++++++ ffl#‚‹+ F vaded at A immediately, and doing so would have
[+++++++++++$‰»fl› D ] made it harder for Black to move out with +.
[++ˆ+++++*++“«„˜+]
[++++˝+++++ˇ”ı–—%+] Black + to / were firm haengma, and the flow of
[+++++++++++++++++] the game began to favor Black.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 1 Expanding White’s base with 0 and 2 prevented
(Moves: 1-50) Black from bullying White with B to H later.
555
556 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Two
Black 3 developed the top and controlled the center
<(((((((((((((((((> area. This made invading at 4 quite urgent.
[+++++++++++O+KJN+]
[++++@++++54+ B GFI+] White’s reduction from 4 to < was light and flexi-
[++!+++++@7;> A H@LP] ble, and = was slack—it should have been at >.
[+++++++++698^SMU E ]
[++!+++++A?:\WTR F @b White > was very big, because it reduced Black’s
[++++++++C@B[<Qa@!_ territory and helped White to settle his group.
[++++++++DEX+Y C V]!‘
[++!++++++Z3++@@! D ] White’s sabaki from F to P was bold. Black was
[++*+++++`c+=++*!+] too thin to attack severely, so K should have been
[++++++++++++!@@!+] A, White B, S, White at K and Black at ^. The
[++++++++++++!!@++] result would have been acceptable for both players.
[++++++++++!+!@!!+]
[+!+++++++++!@@@!+] Black attacked with Q, but R was a superb tesuji,
[+++++++++++!!!@@+] and the sequence to X revealed a marvelous counter.
[++!+++++*++!@!@@+]
[++++@+++++@@@@!@+] If Y connects at Z, White ataris at C to connect.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). White ‘ was startling. It looks foolhardy, but if
Diagram 2 Black plays D, White E makes miai of F and b.
(Moves: 51-100)
After a, White took the lead with b.
Moving out with ˚ (˚) and ˘ was natural, and
<(((((((((((((((((> eventually Black returned to connect at ‚, prevent-
[+++++++++++@+@!!+] ing White from cutting with „.
[++++@++++@!++@!@B]
[++!+++++@@@!+!@!!] Black threatened White with ff, but White parried
[+++++++++!@!!@@@A] gently with fi and ffi.
[++!+++++@@!!@!!+@!
[++++++++@!!@+@@@!] Black ffl was a mistimed probe, and Black’s power
[2.++++++!+!‚@+!@!! melted away after "—playing ffl at ! was better.
[0!!,ffifi+¯˙!@¨«@@!+]
[)(#&ff+++!@˝@„+*!+] If ! connects at " instead, White continues at 4.
[-*’$+“‹+ˆ´++!@@!+]
[+/%fl»+›+ˇ˜++!!@++] White ( set a splendid sacrifice tactic in motion,
[3ı"”–¸+++!+!@!!+] and Black was in deep trouble.
[+! H˛˘D˚M+!@@@!+]
[R+Q+G+++CP+!!!@@+] Black ) to / were the only moves, but Black took
[>=!5+—KTON+!@!@@+] gote up to 3 and White returned to 4. If / con-
[+4ffl+@‰EJS+@@@@!@+] nects at 0 instead, White can atari at 3 in sente.
[+6+9<78++++++++++]
,))));:@)))))))))). Black 5, C and M were tricky, but White’s re-
Diagram 3 sponses were precise and N decisively quelled Black’s
(Moves: 101-184) incursion.
1 at (, ? I at 7, F L at < 184 moves: White won by resignation.
Chapter 33
3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Three
April 26, 2011, Seoul, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
Black ˇ was unusual, and White developed towards
<(((((((((((((((((> the wider side with ˙ because ˇ occupied the left.
[–+›” A ++++++++++++]
ff“‹˜˛„ D !++++++#+++] The small avalanche joseki from ‚ to ff was fair.
[ı¸˙ C ++++*+++++*´+] White „ makes miai of A and —, by relying on a
[+¯˘ B »ffl+++++++++++] favorable ladder after « at A, —, and B to D.
[—‚«fl++++++++++++]
[‰+++++++++++++++] Black ffl was questionable. Playing at was better.
[++++++++++++++8++]
[++fi+++++++++(++++] White came out ahead in the trade up to ".
[+ˇffi++’++*+++43%++] Enclosing the corner at # made miai of $ and %.
[+ +++++++++75,+<+]
[+++++++++++++6+++] Reducing at ( showed Gu’s delicate sense of play
[+++++++++++++;9++] and dividing with , directed the flow of the game.
[+˝++++++++++++:&+]
[++++++++++++++/0+] Black made a series of probes with - to 1, but .
[+"¨+˚+++$+++++ˆ++] and 2 constituted a steadfast resistance.
[+++++++++.++)*+1+]
[++++++++-+++2++++] Since Black couldn’t find a good local response to 2,
,))))))))))))))))). he accepted White’s proposed fight with 3 and 5.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-60) Black 9 was sharp, but < was a strong counter and
the position was still better for White.
557
558 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Three
Trading with = to C followed the flow, because
<(((((((((((((((((> there was no way to capture White’s marked stones.
[@+@@+++++++++Q+++]
@!!@!!+@+++++P@+++] Hitting the vital point at I suppressed White’s cut-
[@@!+++++* A ++JKW@+] ting stones, but J maintained a comfortable lead.
[+@!+!@+¯++++LNOV´]
[@!@@@++++][YUSR_+] White R was greedy, and S was a severe counter.
[!!+++˙+˘++\ZXTa‘+] White should have extended around A instead.
[++++++++b+^MI+!++]
[++!++++++++˚!++++] The moves from T to ^ followed a one-way street,
[+@!++@++˝+G+!@@C+] and Black consolidated a huge territory at the top.
[+!+++++++++@@t=!A] Black caught up a little, but he was still behind.
[++++++++++H+@t>?+]
[++++++++++++D@@Bˇ] Black’s play from ˜ (˜) to ˇ was light and flexible.
[+@+++¸+˜›+«+»E!!“] It wasn’t easy for White to play aggressively, because
[+++‚+++”¨++++F@!+] his group on the right side wasn’t completely alive.
[+!!‹!+˛c!+++@+!++]
[+++++++„+!++@!+@+] White ˙ was too cautious. Pushing at ” was better.
[++++++++@ˆ++!++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Black developed swiftly with ¸ to «. With each
Diagram 2 stanza of play, the game became closer and closer.
(Moves: 61-120)
` at R
Black fl was a subtle probe. If ffi extends to ffl
<(((((((((((((((((> instead, bad aji remains after Black hanes at V.
[@+@@++9++++‹fl@+++]
@!!@!!=@8+367!@+++] White held on to his lead from ffi to $, but * was
9@@!ffı:<B24›5!@@@+] too small—expanding the left side with A was better.
˙¸@!;! a @1@.+++!!@+@]
@!@@@—0/@@@@@! c @Y3 White tried to make something happen at the top
8!! +%!‰!—‰!!!!?! b –X with ., but 3, 5 and 9 were accurate responses.
[+$ffl"!M7<!+!@@6!A>2
[+fl!#,(N&;–+!!5+@EF White’s ructions up to = eventually cost him a cou-
[+@!*)@˘.@+@0!@@@G- ple of points, and the game became almost even.
ffiV!ffi+ˇ˚J´/’1@@!@+@]
»UW˛+‚[ˆ\]=!)!!!@+] White @ was another small mistake. Instead, simply
«„Z A _^`¨˝”“!++!@I connecting at A would have been better.
#"@++c@˜@@¯@+!+!!!’
SK$+@-‘a@!!Q*,!+!+( The game was still very close when Black played I,
OL!!!!b!@!fflR+@+!++] but the tide had already turned against White.
PT++++++!ff!++@!+@+] Black K, M and W were careful endgame moves, and
[+++++++fi@!++!++++]
,)))))))) )))))))). Black reversed the game by the smallest of margins.
Diagram 3 261 moves: Black won by half a point.
(Moves: 121-261)
C at !
a , D at !
b , H fi at !
c , ı : at ?,
% at ", & at ff, 4 at A
Chapter 34
3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Four
April 27, 2011, Seoul, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
The Micro-Chinese Opening was gaining popularity
<(((((((((((((((((> and the continuation up to “ was common at the
[+++++++++++++++++] time. We analyzed ” together in Chapter 1.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨+++++*+++++´++] Exchanging „ for «, and cutting at » led to a
[+++++++++++++++++] difficult variation. Playing » at fl would be normal.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++¯+] Playing atari from above with – was best, and the
[+++++++++++++++++] moves up to walked the only viable path.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++*+++++*+++++*˘+] Black ff should have been fl, ( and ). The vari-
[+++++++++++++++++] ation that follows is complicated, but favors Black.
[+++++++++++++++“+]
[++++++++++++++‚˙+] White fought back by offering a ko with ffi and ,
[+˚+++++++++ C ++¸++] but Black declined with ! (if +, White at !).
[+31++++++ D B fl()›‹˛]
[++ˆ+++++*#«„ff–»˜”2 The sequence from " to * was very sophisticated.
[++++˝+++%"ˇfi E —ı+] If % is at &, (, ), White at %, Black A, White
[+++++++ F $fflffi A +‰,/ B, Black C, and White D leads to a ladder squeeze.
,)))))))))&+!))*.-0
Diagram 1 Cutting at + was the right choice. If Black plays at
(Moves: 1-51) , instead, White at + makes miai of E and F.
’ at " The ko from , to / was unavoidable, and 1 was a
powerful threat. The trade up to 3 was even.
559
560 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Four
White managed the corner with 4 to <, and the
<(((((((((((((((((> position up to G was still well balanced.
[++++++++++˝+ˇ++++]
[++++++++X B ¯´\+]++] If < connects at E instead; ?, B and Black A form
[++!+Z+++*˘˜ˆ¨+@++] a tesuji combination to steal White’s base.
[++++++++++˚ab++++]
[+Y++++++++++^++++] Both H and I showed fighting spirit, and helping
[+++++++++++++++@+] White’s center group with N and P followed the
[++++++++++_+W˙+++] direction of play. The game was still even up to W.
[++[+++++++++++U++]
[++*+++++*++ C P+O!T] Playing X at B to support \ later is slightly better.
[+++++++‘+V+c`+SQR]
[++++++++++++N+M!+] White ^ occupied Black’s vital point and aimed at
[+++++++++++LI+@!+] ˙, but countering with a to ´ (´) was sharp.
[+!7++++++++JH+@++]
[9@@6++++++K@!@@!!] Crouching at ˝ was a skillful haengma, but Black
[54!E;G++*@@!@@!@@! should have attacked White’s center group at C first.
B8D+:@@++@@@!!+!@+] White ˙ was a timely counter, and another compli-
F?C A ><=A+!@!+!+!@!@
,)))))))))!@@))!!)! cated fight erupted.
Diagram 2
(Moves: 52-110)
Connecting with ¸ to ” was clever, but » to "
<((((((@((./(0((((> was a delightful rejoinder and White took the lead.
‹‚¸¯+“›a‘b+@1@—‰ı+]
„˛˘ˇˆ˙TR_!+@@!@ff-] If fl ataris at ffl instead, White , !, White at fl,
”«»!´!?QS^!@!!+@!+ Black A and White B makes miai of ) and 8.
[[¨`cW+32+,!@!+»–(,
˝Z@ H˜U+]\*+“!+ffi "] White . to 2 unleashed a masterful leaning strat-
ffiYXF;Vfflfl)«%-‚‹”ffl@8] egy and Black’s resistance from 5 to ; was fierce,
–˚12@>D’&$@›@!fifl B ] but ? was too much. Connecting at ffl was better.
fi‰—@.?ABN#„(+˛¸@ A )E
ffıG056C/E3=>+!+@!!; Before F, White should have exchanged G for Black
[+ C 978++!I!+@!+@@!C C, because G removed Black’s bad aji on the left.
[++++:+MKJ+++!+@!BA
[++<+++OL$4:!@P@!+D White H was another small mistake. White should
[+!@=+++#4+9!!+@<+] have jumped to U, to focus his attack on the center.
G@@@!++++5+@@!@@!!]
F@!!@@@++*@@!@@!@@! Black Q to W comprised a razor sharp tactic for
!!!+!@!++@@@!!+!@+] managing the center, and White was in a quandary.
!@@&!!@@+!@!’!+!@!@
,)I)H%)))7!@@6)!!)! Black ˇ was the winning move, and Black’s contin-
Diagram 3 uation up to fl was perfect.
(Moves: 111-273)
Black took the cutting stones and the game was over.
at 0, ! at ;, " at Z, * at
273 moves: Black won by resignation.
Chapter 35
3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Five
April 28, 2011, Seoul, Korea: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
This was the deciding game of the 3rd BC Card Cup.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++] Black deployed the Chinese Opening with ´ to ˝
[++++˘+++++++ˇ++++] (reviewed in Chapter 3) and both sides enclosed their
[2+ˆ+++++*0++++´#+] respective corners with ˇ and ˘ (see Chapter 5).
[1++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black answered ˛ with ‚ to over-concentrate ˚.
[+++++++++++++++++] The players’ fighting spirits clashed with “ and ”.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White and fi were sharp, but sacrificing with fl
[++*+++++*+/$++*++] to ! was flexible. Black # was solid, and $ took
[++++++++++ C -+ı˝+] the pivot point—the corner and the center were miai.
[+++++++++++ B ‰)—++]
[++++++++++++’,+*.] Black % was a sublime probe, which created a tesuji
[+¯+++++++++«++(fl+] at ’. If & is at A instead, White will lose four points
[+++++++++++”“„ffiff] in exchange for nothing, so it’s a difficult choice.
[¸+¨+++++˚++‹‚+fi–+]
[++++˙++++++˛› ˜+ffl] If ( connects at ), Black will push at ( and White
[+++++++++++» A "!++] can’t cut because % has reduced his liberties.
,))))))))))))&%))).
Diagram 1 Black - and / smothered the once bright flame of
(Moves: 1-50) $, and the game became better for Black.
If . moves out at B, Black will extend to C and
sacrifice three stones, so . took a big point instead.
561
562 3rd BC Card Cup: Final, Game Five
Black 3 and 5 were natural, and 8 was practical.
<((((((((((KHG((((> If Black hanes at @ next, bulging at A develops the
[+++++++++TFIDE+++] top. White’s stone at !
B , makes the hane less severe.
[++++!:+N+++8@++++]
[!4!++9+;L! B +67+@@+] White > should have been at ? instead.
[@3+++++SMC A @B`+++]
[++>+++++<+A?RWb^+] Cutting with A and C was an extraordinary idea.
[++++++=+++++UV‘]+] Most players would find it hard to abide B.
[+++++++++++++_ac+]
[+5+++++++++++++\+] Starting a ko with D to H was an overplay. White
[++*+++++*Q@!++*+X] backed down without any compensation up to N.
[++++++++++P@+@@@Y E
[++++++++++++!@!++] If White uses L to capture Black’s bottom right cor-
[++++++++++++@!+!! D ner, Black at L takes the better end of the deal.
[+@+++++++++@++!@@ H
[+++++++++++@!!!!@] Black W was spirited and X to ^ was refined.
[@+!+++++!++!@+!@+Z Answering Z with [ minimized Black’s loss. Block-
[++++!++++++!@!@ G @ C ing at C instead makes White D a double threat—
[+++++++++++!+!@+J]
,))))))))))))!@O F [. aiming to connect at E or capture with F to H.
Diagram 2 Black maintained his lead by trading with _ to c.
(Moves: 51-100)
Black ´ was a huge reverse sente endgame move, but
<((((((((((@(@((((> ˜ would have been better at ˚ because ¨ seized
[++++++>@+!!@+@++)] the pivot point for the influence.
[++++!!=!+++!@Y+++’
[!!!+˚@?@!!+!@X@@%& White had been aiming at ˙ and ˛, and he caught
[@@H++++@@@V!!!+$"( up a little with the moves to ‰.
[++!+ C <W+!^@@!+!!!]
F ˜ffi+,ˇ@b++_[@!!@#] Black played ı to ! to simplify the game, but
Afiflffl B JTUca]\Z@@@+] White gained some more points from to .
Gff@‰-+˝K+++‘++++!+]
[++++++ı+*@@!++*+!] After *, the game became quite close.
[+¯˘+0++;+”!@¸@@@@]
[+ˇ˚++.:C‚˛„˙!@!++] Black 3 was a sharp tesuji, which intended to answer
[+˝¨++D9B›‹++@!+!!] N with Black A, L and Black at 6.
[+@»´/MEQP“+@++!@@]
˜SIO`+«+12+@!!!!@] White L was well timed and M was necessary. Black
ˆ@R!+—6LN!4+!@+!@´! was only marginally ahead after trading N for O.
¨*ˆ++!–7 A 3++!@!@+@] White ‘ and b were cunning, but Black was un-
[+++85++++++!+!@+!]
,))))))))))))!@@)@. flustered and White wasn’t able to reverse the game.
Diagram 3 After ˇ, B and C were miai, so White resigned.
(Moves: 101-207)
207 moves: Black won by resignation.
Chapter 36
1st Bosai Cup: Round Two
May 11, 2011, Chongqing, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
The 1st Bosai Cup was an invitational match, at-
<(((((((((((((((((> tended by Lee Sedol, Gu Li and Iyama Yuta 9 dan.
[+!ffl ++++++ B ++++++]
[+‰+"+++‹+ˇ+˚¸–»+] Gu dusted off the dependable Three Star Opening.
[+ı¨+++++“›++˛+´.+]
[ff+++++21” A ++/ D C +] White probed with ˚ and ˘, and ˙ was a matter
[flfi+++++„++++++‚’+] of taste. Since White ignored ˇ, Black kicked at ¸.
[+ffi+++++$#++++++++]
[+++++++—+«+++++&+] Developing the top left with ‹ was a good strategy,
[++++++++++++++*-,] because saving ˚ and ˛ would lead to heavy play.
[++*+++++*%++++˝(+] Black › was the proper haengma. If Black jumps to
[+++++++++++++++)+]
[+++++++++++++++++] A instead, White can attach at B later.
[+++++++++++++++++] The opening up to — was quite unique, but playable.
[++++++++++++++¯++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black felt premature, but was well timed. If Black
[++ˆ+++++˙+++++˜++] plays # and % instead, White will consolidate at ı.
[++++++++++++˘++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Enlarging Black’s moyo with # and % was practical,
,))))))))))))))))). but ’ at C would have better solidified the corner.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-50) Creating a ko with * and , was an interesting idea.
0 at ( If Black ignores ., White D makes / and C miai.
563
564 1st Bosai Cup: Round Two
White lived in the corner with B, and Black finished
<(((((((((((((((((> the ko with C (at ! a ). The result was well balanced.
[+@@!++++++5+;+OP+]
[+@!+!+>8!4@+!@@!+] White D occupied the intersection of two moyos, and
[+@!+++=7!@:+!+@!+] reducing White with E followed the natural flow.
[@!+++++!@@+++@++B]
[@!+++++!++++++@@@] White F was solid, and G was lively. If G is at A,
[+!+++++!@+++++++A] White expands the bottom by attaching at I.
[+++++++!+@+++++!+]
[++++++++++++++!3!] White H was unusual, but the idea was to develop
[++*+++++*@++++@! a @] the bottom. White’s tactic was successful up to N.
[+ +++++++++++++@+]
A
[+ D K+M+++D++++++++] If I is at L, White B makes miai of N and C. This
[++ C GLN+++`a˘+++++] is better than the immediate cut at C. If K is at L,
[+EIH B ++++_‘bˇ+@++] White at K, Black C and White D attacks.
[+++J+++][TX++c˚˝+]
[+F!+++^+!SRW´\@¨˜] Invading at Q was urgent and V was the right
[++++++++VUQY!ˆZ¯+] choice, because the bottom left was most valuable.
[++++++++˙++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). After Z, [ and \ were compelled by fighting spirit,
Diagram 2 and ˜ (˜) was a brilliant haengma to attack the
(Moves: 51-110) corner. If Black play ¨ instead, White at ¯ lives.
6 < C at !
a , 9 ? at 3
The move order from ˝ to ¯ was precise, and ˙
was a large endgame move. The game was still even.
White ˛ was big, but it would have been better at
<(((((((((fifl(((("(> ff. The latter move also creates attacking potential.
[+@@!+++++»@+@+@!+]
[+@!+!+!!!!@+!@@!+] Playing › to « was unnecessary, and ‰ at › would
[+@!+++@@!@!+!+@!+] gain more points. Lee was worried about bad aji, but
[@!+++++!@@+++@+#!] there would have been aji in the marked stones too.
Y@!+‰+++!+++($-@@!]
XO!–„++!@! ’+,++@] Reinforcing Black’s left side group with ff was quite
WP+F”N—!+@#$(RS!+] big, and was also efficient. Black took the lead.
[Z+BCG«ff++fflffi&%Q!@!]
[+4=D++++*@+˛&’@@@] Black cemented his lead with the excellent tesuji
[<;E.++++++[\a‘+@+! combination of 1 and 3. White couldn’t live.
[:?@/@‚++!+]_´+^˛˙]
[@>A@!!‹+)!@!"L`++ White : and > were severe, but Black handled the
‹T@@!++++%@!!@+@˚˘¸ attack deftly and his group was safe up to G.
›ffU+!+++@@!!˝¨@! a @¯“
76!!++!”!@!@@tM!@ffl White probed at ^, but a cut boldly. The game
[58++‰–«+!@@@ttt@fl‚ was practically over after White’s center stones fell.
[9H+)*—„+!¸+013Jfiˆ˜
,IV)))))“›»K2b)ffiı. Even though White broke into the right side up to ˙,
Diagram 3 it wasn’t enough to compensate for his dead stones.
(Moves: 111-241)
241 moves: Black won by resignation.
ı at ›, c at 1, ˇ at !a
Chapter 37
2012 Samsung Cup: Group Stage
September 5, 2012, Beijing, China: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
This is the renowned quadruple ko game.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++&"#+ D ++++] It was the 17th Samsung Cup, but starting in 2012
[+++++++ A fl‰!)fi1 C ++] Samsung used the year in the official title instead.
[++ˆ++., ffiffl$’+ B ´++]
[++++++-+ff%(++02++] We’ve seen ´ to › before. White pushed at “ and
[++++++++++*++++++] Black resisted with ”. Playing ” at », White at
[+++++++++++++++¯+] ” and ı is also possible. The result to was even.
[++++++++/++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Emphasizing the center with ff was an interesting
[++*+++++*+++++*˘+] strategy and fi provoked fl. If fi is at , Black
[++++++++++++++++] develops the center with +, , and Black at $.
[+++++++++++++++”+]
[++++++++++++++‚˙+] If ffi is the hane underneath at &, Black happily
[+˚++++++++++++¸++] extends to A. Wedging at ffi instead vigorously defied
[++++ı+++++++++›‹˛] Black’s intent, and ffl to # met steel with steel.
[++¨+++++*++++«„˜“]
[++++˝+++++ˇ++—»+] Interposing the cut at $ (before defending at &)
[++++++++++++++–++] exploited the favorable ladder, so ) was necessary.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 1 Black + to / was natural and 0 hit the vital point.
(Moves: 1-50)
If Black plays 1 at 2; White B, Black C and White
D will capture Black’s four stones.
White 2 was a powerful continuation, and the game
was still playable for both sides.
565
566 2012 Samsung Cup: Group Stage
White 6 was an overplay and 7 countered force-
<((((((((((V(G((c(> fully. White should have jumped to 7 instead.
[++++++++!!@WB9 A :;O
[+_‘+++++@!@@!@?]>\ White > was a brilliant tesuji, but sealing White in
[+S!++!!!!@!@C8@35@ with A was shrewd. If ? is at ]; B, C and b
[+TY+++@@@@!ED!!46b form a stunning riposte which makes A and J miai.
[+Z++++++++!FAN B P+]
[++++++++++++L7H@ a <] White broke out with the ingenious move order of H
[++++++++@++++MIJ=] to L, but O defended the corner while keeping the
[+++++++++++Q++ C K+] pressure on White.
[++*+++++*+++++*!+]
[++!++++++++++++++] If M is at N; White at M, Black B, P, Black at
[+++++++++++++++@+]
[++++++++++++++@!+] H and White C captures Black. If White doesn’t
[+!++++++++++++@++] exchange J for K, before L, Black can play N.
[++++@+++++++++@!!] White P was careless. It should have been at Q.
[++!+++++*++++@!+!]
[++++@+++++@++@!!+] Black Q was the pivot point for power in the center,
[++++++++++++++@++] and the ko at R (J) became desperately important.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2 Black S, Y and _ were good ko threats, and Black’s
(Moves: 51-100) position looked promising.
R X ^ ` at J, U [ a at @a
Black created another ko with ‚ (‚), and going all
<“‚˘(((((((!(@¸¨@˙> out with “ was necessary to avoid a double ko.
[ˇ‹´ˆ++++!!@@+@˝!@@
[+@!+++++@!@@+@@@!! Black ı was too much. Black should have blocked
[+@!++!!!!T!@@!@@@! at . He would have been ahead, had he done so.
[+!@+++TTTT!@!!!!!!
[+!++++++++!!+!”!; White broke through Black’s containment line with
[+++++++fl9fi»+!@! b ˜!cı the outstanding combination of fi to ". It was be-
[++++++++T7«„‰@@!@! a
coming difficult for Black to capture White’s group.
[++++++++ B A –T)<@++
[++*+++++*++$ffffi#!ffl: Black ’ was necessary. If Black cuts at ) instead,
[++!++++++++’%&("*, White will play 7, Black A and White B, and Black’s
[++++++++++++/.+@+] marked stones will all be threatened.
[++++++++++++10@!-]
[+!++++++++8542@++] Black + was an excellent way to extend Black’s lib-
[++++@++++++6+3@!!] erties, using a ko shape, and - was also strong.
[++!+++++*++++@!+!]
[++++@+++++@++@!!+] Since Black had lost control of the game, he accepted
[++++++++++++++@++] the quadruple ko by taking a liberty at 7 and White
,))))))))))))))))). extended his liberties with 8.
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-163) The position became repetitive after ?, and the
˚ ˛ at !
a , ¯ › at ˜, — at !b , = at ”, game was stopped in accordance with the rules. It
> at ! ?
c , at # was the first quadruple ko in an international match.
163 moves: no result, stopped by referee.
Chapter 38
2012 Samsung Cup: Group Stage, Rematch
September 5, 2012, Beijing, China: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
Lee and Gu had to play an immediate rematch, with
<(((((((((((((((((> less thinking time (1 hour + 5 × 1 minute byo-yomi).
[#+++++++ B +ı++7+++]
[++˜fl„+¸ C «+ G ˘+¯ A +] White ˘ made attaching A or extending to ˙ miai.
[!ff+ffi+—‰˙ F 5‚‹+ H ´+]
[" fi++++++3./˛+»64] White „ was active, but reinforcing at B is standard.
[++++++++++ffl20 I , D –] Black « showed fighting spirit. If Black defends the
[+++++$++++<%1+&› E ]
[+ˇ+”++++++++)(’++] corner at fi instead, White will attach at —.
[+++++++++++++*-++] White — was questionable. Black connected easily
[++*+++++*++++89++] with ı, so White should have fought with C instead.
[++“++++++++++: J ++]
[+++++++++++++++;+] Defending with to ffi demonstrated good tech-
[+++++++++++++++++] nique, but ffl began a splitting attack.
[+˝+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Sealing White in with % was powerful. The fierce
[++¨+++++*+++++ˆ++] clamp at ) ensured that White couldn’t escape.
[++++˚++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White’s move order from . to 4 was impeccable,
,))))))))))))))))). and simplifying the position with 5 was sensible.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-60) If 5 is at 6; White D, Black E, White at 5, Black
F and White G lives (H and I are sente).
White’s group was in great danger, but ; was slack.
Black ; at J would have made it harder to sacrifice.
567
568 2012 Samsung Cup: Group Stage, Rematch
White’s marked group died, but B to F was a so-
<(((((((((((((((((> phisticated sequence which extended White’s liber-
[@+++++++++@+B@MLNO ties, and P to X extended them further.
[++@@!+@@+@++t[@UE]
[@@!+!+!!!+@@t+T@CD Enclosing Black with \ to b was a tight combina-
[!!!+++++I@A@tZttt] tion. Black couldn’t resist because he had to live.
[+++++++J+@@ttYtQ@V
[+++++!+H+>!@@@t@P] Consequently, White’s sacrifice strategy was success-
[+@+@+++++?=+@!@GF] ful and reinforcing at ´ (´) became necessary.
[+++++++++++ C B !@+X]
[++*+++++*K+++!@W´] White’s moves from ˆ to ˘ were carried by the
[++!+++¨+˜+++ A !RS+] natural flow of the stones. Black had to submit to
[++++++«+˝ˆ++“‚›@+] avoid a capturing race with White’s marked group.
[++++++++ˇ˚++‹ba+”¸
[+@+++++„˘¯+++c\_]˙ White was happy to enlarge the bottom through to
[+++++++++»++++`‘^˛ ˘, and Black tried to prevent that with ¯.
[++!+++++*+++++!++]
[++++!++++++++++++] However, White’s flow from ˙ to » was superb and
[+++++++++++++++++] White built a huge territory up to „.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2 White wasn’t worried about Black cutting around A,
(Moves: 61-120) because B or C were sente at practically any time.
Defending with ffi and was efficient, and the game
<¸¯˙(T(ı(((((S((((> was nearly even. White ffi prevented Black at >.
[@˘B@˚Q++++@W!@@!!@
ˇ+˝@@!‰@@+@++!@@@@Y White & unleashed a razor sharp sequence and *
›@@!‹!O!!!+@@!+!@@! aimed to cut at G or 9, so the ko was unavoidable.
˛!!!‚5ff@@@@!!!!!X
[++$!"++!N!@!!@!@@! If Black avoids the ko by squeezing at 9, White con-
!ffl#+"+!D!M!!@@@!@!V nects at + and makes cutting at G or ? miai.
-fi@[@F&A=B@@ı@!@@!]
fl ¨ZY&ffl,/C++7‰!@+!] Black A gave up the top left corner for the ko. This
„–WX’(.+*9@O12!@@@] gave Black sente to play C and the trade was even.
”V+!G)fl! a -@ffi=!!@;5
[ffiT^—1?@A@!>+!@@@4: White R was sharp and irritating; W should be a.
“RSU_’ %@@!++!!@+@@ Living on the left side with X to ¨ was remarkable,
ba@+N*>.!!@–fffi@!@@!
c‘]E+/[+++!—#P+!!!! and the game was reversed.
`\%!D+)3EF+++++!++] However, ” was a brilliant tesuji which ensured that
«JHCˆ!724H+$++++++] the game remained unsettled.
´MI˜KL;IGJL+++++++]
Z<0,()R)QKP))))))). White & was the losing move. It should have been
Diagram 3 at .. The game was reversed again after ’.
(Moves: 121-291)
0 6 < 8 at !a , 3 9 ? : at +, 8 at , 291 moves: Black won by resignation.
» at c, 6 at ,, U at B
Chapter 39
2nd Bosai Cup: Final
September 16, 2012, Guilin, China: Komi: 7.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
The 2nd Bosai Cup was another invitational, be-
<(((((((((((((((((> tween Lee Sedol, Gu Li and Yoda Norimoto 9 dan.
[+ C B +“«+++++++++++]
[+¯ˆ„‚˙”+++ F 1+‰+++] Black played ˜ to make A and ˝ miai. Approaching
[+— E +‹¸˛–*+++++*´+] immediately at ¨ discouraged A, so Black played ˝.
[ D A ˇ++›+++++++ı++]
[+++++++++++++++ I -] The combination of ˘ and ˙ was gaining popular-
[+˘+++++++++++++),] ity at the time, and ¸ was an experimental move.
[++++++++++++ G %’(*] White ˙ was discussed in Chapter 2.
[++++++++++++"!$ff+]
[++*+++++*++0# &++] If Black plays ¸ at B, White’s counter-hane at —
[+++++++++++ H 2+++] is severe, but if ˛ is at ‚ Black can hane at B and
[+++++++++++++++++] meet — with Black at „—trading for the two stones.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++ffifi+] Splitting at was a good idea. If White extends to
[++¨++++++++++.+fl+] F instead, Black will develop the right side at &.
[++*+++++*+++ffl/˝++]
[+˚˜++++++++++++++] White was calm and solid, and # was a little too
[+++++++++++++++++] much. It should have been at % instead.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 1 White ( was well timed, and the continuation up to
(Moves: 1-50) 0 was powerful. If Black extends at 2, pushing at
» at ‚ G makes miai of H and I. The result favored White.
569
570 2nd Bosai Cup: Final
White’s play from 6 to < was fantastic, and it was
<(((((((((((((((((> difficult for Black to attack White’s stones.
[++++!@++++++++N+O]
[b@!!!!@++ I +@7!+LM] White @ was excellent. If A (@ a ) cuts at A; B,
aV!\+!@+@*+K6=<*@+] Black B and White at C captures the marked stones.
[YU@ K [@@+++++?>@ D C ]
[++] J +++++ G JH@ A B 8@ E If @ is at @
a instead, Black plays B followed by C
[+!WZ++++ H PIEFB:@ a !; to F and White’s cutting stones are still captured.
[++X+‘+++++QDCTT!!9 b
[+^+++++++++R!T!@@ F Black cut with E, but White escaped without any
[++*+++++*++!+!!++] trouble. If K is at P, White counters with G to I.
[++++++++++++!++!+]
[++S++_+++++++++++] Exchanging W for X before playing Y was necessary.
[++`++++++++++++++] If Black goes straight to Y, J encloses him.
[++++++++++++++!!+]
[++!++++++++++!+@+] Black played Y to isolate White’s left side stones,
[+4*+++++*+++@@@++] but White managed the situation gently, with Z and
[+!@++5+++++++++++] ^, and maintained his lead.
[T3c++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). Instead of \, White could also form a flower by cap-
Diagram 2 turing at ]. However, it would be squashed against
(Moves: 51-100) Black’s solid wall after Black K, so its power would
A at @
a , G at !
b be limited. Gu thought that ^ was more useful.
White ‘ aimed to start a ko at K later, and settling
the bottom left group with ` was practical.
Black ˝ was a big point, but White continued play-
<(((( A :8˘4((;((¸((> ing solidly with ˚ and ˘.
[++++!@9321++ffl5!ˇ@]
H!@!!!!@60fl+@@!˙!@] White only needed to make a shallow reduction at
@!!!”!@¯@,fi@!@!*@+] the bottom, with ˙ and ˛, and starting a picnic ko
K@@@‹@@@+-ffi++@!@++] with “ consolidated his advantage.
[+E@›“%+++.!!!—–!@]
GC!@!^˜˘*)!@@!!!@+@ Black ff was flexible, but and " were severe.
[DF!!¨<7(’@!@@@@+@
[+!+ıWX+ff+/+!!@!@@] Black % dissolved the ko, but White completed a
[Z+$V#TU+A\+!+!!˜+] large territory with &.
[+++"!Y=]@?B+!++!´]
[++@I @+ˇ[>+++++˚ˆ] Black attacked with ’, but * and , revealed a
[+ˆ!´J&‚++b+++++++] wonderful combination for escaping. If Black blocks
[+++++‰++++++++!!LR at 0, White at / traps Black’s cutting stones.
[++!+˚+¯+˛+˙+¨!+@MP
[+!‹++„++*˛+˝@@@+SQ White 8 was a tesuji for connecting. If 9 cuts at
[+!@‘N@«+˝‚¸++++++] : instead; White at 9, Black at ˘, White at 9
`!@@aO++++++++++++] (again), Black at 8 and White A captures.
,c)))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3 Black had to live with ;, but > to B was too big
(Moves: 101-214) and Black wasn’t able to catch up.
» _ at ‹, at ” 214 moves: White won by resignation.
Chapter 40
2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game One
December 11, 2012, Shanghai, China: Komi: 6.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
Black ˜ and ˝ set up a Chinese style formation and
<(((((((((((((((((> ¯ to ” maintained balance with Black’s opening.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[0+++++++++++ˇ++++] Exchanging „ for « reduced Black’s moyo, and »
[++ˆ+‰++4*+++++´++] flew to the pivot point. The opening was peaceful.
[’)+++++++++++++++]
[&–+*++++++++++˚+] Black jumped to and pressed at ı to limit
[(+++++1+5++++++++] White’s left side, but White resisted vigorously with
, D —ffffl3++;++++++++] and fi. Playing fi at A would be too passive.
[$ A ıfiffi F 296+++++++]
["! C fl B ++87+++++˘++] Black fl and ffl set up a ladder and defended
[#% E +++++:++++++++] in an interesting way. However, turning at B instead
[++++-+/<+++++++++] would have helped more in the battle on the left side.
[+++»++++++++++„++]
[+‹+++.+++++++++++] If is at C instead; Black A, White at !, Black at
[+˙¯++++++++++++++] $ , White D, Black at ", White at #, %, White E
[+˛¸+”+++*++++«*˜+] and Black at preserves the ladder.
[+“¨‚++++++˝++++++]
[++›++++++++++++++] White had to live with " and &, but this damaged
,))))))))))))))))). his positions in the corner and on the left.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-60) White 0 occupied the key area for eyespace, but
Black’s stones flowed smoothly from 1 to 7. If 8
connects at 9, Black will cut with the wedge at F.
571
572 2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game One
From A to H, White’s marked stones were isolated.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++] White countered at L, and Black made life up to U.
[!+++++++++++@++++] White continued to push back, looking to establish
[++!+!++!*+++++@++]
[@@++»++++++++++++] a rhythm with X and Z, but Y to _ comprised a
[!@+@! B +”+++++++!+] strong counter. Black was dictating the flow of play.
[!++@+„@“@++++++++]
!+!!@@@˛«@++++++++] White ` was natural, but Black had ´ (´) up his
[!›@!!!¯!@!+++++++] sleeve. Black solidified his lead as ˆ to ˚ broke free.
A !@*@‚¸˙!@+++++!++]
After ˘, Black was surrounded on the left side. He
[@@++++++!@+++++++]
[+G++@+@!˘++++++++] managed the situation adroitly with ¯ to ‚, and ›
[FEDtA+=?K˚W+++!++] was the vital point for the eye shape of both groups.
[+!CHBt++¨ˆ˝ˇ+++++]
[+!@+++>+J´V\_++++] White “ to » were persistent and spirited moves,
[+!@+@+++*˜[]^@*@+] and the position became surprisingly complex.
[R!!@+SL+++@XZ+`++] If White uses “ to defend at A, Black reinforces at B
[MN@+IUT++acY‘++++]
QPO)))))))))b))))). and the game still favors him. White was behind, so
Diagram 2 he preferred to instigate a complicated negotiation.
(Moves: 61-120)
‹ at ¯
Both players trod a perilous sole path from – to #.
<(L7M(((((((((((YX´
[8(%#ˇca++AO++7W+4 The game will soon make it apparent that White’s
Z!ı’)^[b‘=9+N@+21V` exchanges from — to ı were beneficial and timely.
W* !+!˙]!;:@./+@04]
KTTF+!+S><`D?E˜536] If Black offers to trade the marked groups, with fl
fl!T+T!T\@$YCBF´8!D] at !, White will play at fl and come out ahead.
Q!–ffT+!@ a ‹@--a˝ˆ¨++]
!fi!!TTT!@@+,GC.UX+] White $ was brilliant, and the ko at % was natural.
c!@@!!!!!@!HBI1MN+] White didn’t have a sufficient ko threat in the reserve,
!@*@@@!!@,GHffO!++] so he traded up to *. Despite giving up his bottom
ffi@@S]++›“!!E‘b„P++]
ffl @R\@+@!!&!_TV++‰— left group, Black preserved his advantage with +.
"s@!!@[@@@!@+IU!˘»– Eyeing Black’s center group indirectly, with . to 8,
’!s@!!!5˝!!@@AJ2_¯
[#s@‰+!¸!@++@˚fl3+] was active. White had caught up a little by F.
$Ps@—@JRQ‚@@@!@ b Z@+] Black M to Y pursued a ‘safety first’ strategy and
%sss@^@!˛/+@!!ffi!++] Black’s solid play up to « maintained a small lead.
&@s@@@@!K6@@@!>«:;]
@(@)*))L0˚)9!¨<=?). Black ı and ff were the losing moves. White re-
Diagram 3 versed the game with and &. Black ı should
(Moves: 121-306)
have been , and ff should have connected at .
ı at —, ) at ffl, ” ffl at @
a , fi " at ‹,
ˆ at @
b , ˜ at X 306 moves: White won by half a point.
Chapter 41
2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game Two
December 12, 2012, Shanghai, China: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
Black deployed the Parallel Opening from ´ to ˝.
<(((((((((((((((((> White ˚ was unusual—Gu Li is its main proponent.
[++¯+++++++++fi++++]
[+˛++ˇ++‚++++ C „+“+] White “ was also unconventional (A or B is more
[++ˆ+++++*++$¸—´+‹] common) and „ was a new move. These swift plays
[++++++++++#ffi‰ffı+] were more concerned with the top than the right side.
[++˘++++++++fflfl+˙”]
[+++++++++++++% B › A ] Black « was a mistake. Blocking at C is better.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++++"++] Cutting at ‰ was severe, and the result up to ffl
[+˚*+++++*+++++*++] favored White because Black still owed a debt at %.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++++++++++++&+ ++] White reduced the value of Black’s power in a light
[+++++++++++-+++++] and flexible manner, from to &.
[++»++++++++++++!+]
[++++’+++++,+.++++] White ( and , demonstrated a fine sense of play.
[++¨+++++–+0/)1*˜+] Black split White with -, but continuing with . to
[++++«+++2++*(˝+++]
[+++++++++++++++++] 2 was an effective response and restoring the balance
,))))))))))))))))). of territory became a matter of concern for Black.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-50)
573
574 2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game Two
Black 3 and 5 showed patience, but it was hard
<(((((((((((((((((> to attack White after 6. If 3 hanes at 4 instead,
[++@+++++++++!++++] White’s crosscut at 3 manages the situation lightly.
[+!++@++@+++++!+!+]
[++!+++++*++!@!@+!] Black continued his splitting attack with 7 and the
[++++++++++@!!@@@+] expediency of 8 was appropriate, because moving
[++!++++++XJ@@!+!@]
[++++++++++WZ\@+@+] the marked stones out with : was becoming urgent.
[+++++++++HYF+++++] Black = hit the vital point, but White withstood the
[+++a`+++IGD[++!++] attack expertly up to J, establishing a clear lead.
[+!]‘bc+P*+CB@+*>+]
[UQR^_++++E+A;<+=?] Hence, Black had to attack severely at the bottom.
[VTSO+++N+++7!+!++] Black started a leaning attack with K, but the game
[++LK++++:++@+++8+]
[++!++++++6++++9@+] was already becoming worryingly simple by P.
[++++@+++++t+!++++] Black Q was the beginning of an indirect tactic
[++!+++53@+t@@@*@+] aimed at White’s marked dragon, and the trade from
[++++@+M4t++tt@+++]
[+++++++++++++@+++] W to \ helped to accumulate power in the center.
,))))))))))))))))). Driving White with the broken ladder tesuji from ]
Diagram 2
(Moves: 51-100) to c was extraordinary, but White responded boldly
up to `, extracting the maximum price from Black.
White ¨ (¨) and ˚ were well timed probes. Black
<(((((((((((((((((> ˇ captured most of White’s stones at the bottom,
[JI@›‹8 B +++++!++++] but White retained the option of living small with
[+!+«@“”@+++++!+!+]
[++!7„’$%F++!@!@+!] ffi, Black at —, White A and Black at ‰ later on.
[++BC5&#,1H@!!@@@+] This, and the aji around fi, left Black with a nasty
[++!?++23:!!++!+!@]
[++@A=9!E++@!!@+@+] case of indigestion, so White was still ahead.
[+++;ˆ˘fl "!@!+++++] White unleashed an incredible strategy for exploiting
[++<@!´fi¯@@+@˛+!+‚] his dead stones, starting with ‹. If › hanes at 8,
[+!@ a !!@!*+@!!+*!+]
[@@!!@–»+ff@+@@!+@@] White’s crosscut at “ makes miai of « and B.
[!!@@+˜+!+++@!+!++] White’s play from » to ff was sente, and Black’s
[++!@+¸++!++@+++!+]
[++!˙+++++!++++@@+] responses were accurate in terms of life and death.
[++++@+++++!+!++++] Next, White engineered a ko with the wonderful com-
[++!+++@@@ˇ!@@@*@+] bination of $ and &. Black was in deep trouble
[++++@+@!!—‰!!@+++]
[+++++˝¨+˚ A D(@+++] because 2 and 8 were miai for White.
,)))))ıGffi)ffl).)/))). Squeezing from 1 to 7 felt so good! However, Black
Diagram 3
(Moves: 101-174) was riddled with cutting points afterwards, so the
result wasn’t as successful as it might seem at first.
* 0 at $, - 6 at ’, 4 at #, > at @
a
In the end, Black couldn’t make two eyes at the top,
and he couldn’t win the capturing race either.
174 moves: White won by resignation.
Chapter 42
2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game Three
December 13, 2012, Shanghai, China: Komi: 6.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
This was the title deciding game.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++] White ¨ is sometimes played as an anti-Chinese
[+++++++++++++++++] style opening—if Black ˝ is at %, White plays ˝.
[++ˆ+++++*+++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˘ was unusual, and made things complicated.
[+++++++++++++++++] Black « and » both showed fighting spirit. If «
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] ataris at A instead, White will atari at « in sente.
[++++++++++++++!++] Gaining liberties with ı was essential. If Black plays
[++*+++++*+++++*+)]
[++++++++++++++’%&] fl to ffl immediately, White captures with B to D.
[+8++++++++#+ +ˇ$+] A new pattern arose up to ffl and the result was even.
[+.7+9+++++++++*+(]
[++-++:++++«++++++] White settled his group confidently with $ to *.
[+,++6/+13+”“‹˛˚++]
[+¨*54+;2fi A ˘‚˙¸—ffi+] The game was even after + to / enclosed White,
[+0+˝+"<+++»›¯˜„fl] and 0 defended his bottom group indirectly.
[+++++++++ıff+ D B –‰ffl Black 7 and 9 were the right haengma to hold
,)))))))))))))))) C .
Diagram 1 White in, and : left behind a weakness for later.
(Moves: 1-60)
575
576 2012 Samsung Cup: Final, Game Three
White lived up to @, and the game was still even.
<(((((((((˝(((((((>
[_++X+++¨Q`˜cO++++] White pincered at B to reduce Black’s moyo as much
[+W+DA+++ˆ´C‘++M++] as possible and Black counter-attacked with C to I.
[++!+E+G+B+N+LJ@++]
[]YZ++b+P+H+++K”++] White J was a creative but unsuccessful tactic.
[[\F++++RI++U+“+++] Black developed a large territory up to O.
[+++++a++V+ A ++++++]
[+^+++++++«ˇ˚+++++] Black Q was a little passive; playing at a was better.
[++++++++„¯˘˛++@++] Nevertheless, enlarging the right side with S and U
[++*+++++‚˙¸+++*+@] was efficient, and Black established a slight lead.
[++++++++›‹»+++@@!S
[+!++++++++@+!+@!T] Black invaded at W and White struck back with X
[+!@+@+++++++++!+!] to ‘, attacking Black’s stones at the top.
[++@+=!++++@++++++]
[+!@+!@+@@?@!!!!++] Black ˝ (˝) was small. White seized the initiative
[+!*@!+@!!>!@!@!!+] with ˚, so Black should have played at A instead.
[+!+@+!!+++!@@@@!@]
[++++@++++!@@+++@!@ White’s powerful hane at ˙ complicated the game.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2 White “ was sharp, and „ was a strong move which
(Moves: 61-120) widened the field of battle.
Black should have been at %. Lee entered his last
<‚˛!((((ffi$@(((((((> overtime period (byo-yomi) just before playing ı.
[@#"!c’+!@%@@@fl+++]
[+@ffl!@*&"!@@!+fi@++] The game was reversed when captured the marked
[«„! @+@+!7!+!!@++] stones, and ( consolidated White’s lead.
[@@!++!fl!8!+65@@++]
[@!!,./ı!@#$@ffi!ffl+QO White . was sente, but Black ignored it to play a
[7A`a)@!!9:fi+DE3?N do or die move at / because he was behind.
G@!Bb06 %–@@!˘=“2;>
[C-++5+*—!@!!+‹@98P White 8 missed a good opportunity. It should have
E+/ˇ);=JT!@–0‰”<@ a: been at 2, Black at “, White at 3, E, 8, 9 and
_Y˚1,[—+T!!1›ı@@!@ P to put a major dent in Black’s right side territory.
]Z!4\F2<L‰I@M!+@!!.
^+!@+@3ffH-+++¸¯!+!] Black = and C were efficient moves, and Black
[+‘@+@!CK++@˜+˙+++] caught up inch by inch.
[+!@&!@ff@@@@!!!!++]
[+!’@!@!!!!@!@!!X¨ White F should be [, and X was smaller than Y.
[+!´@B!!@++!@@@@!@˝ The game became very close after Y, and ˘ was the
[++ˆ(!+++?!@@+++@!@
,)))))))))VTU)))SRW losing move. It should have been at ¸.
Diagram 3 Black successfully reversed the game with ¯ and ¸.
(Moves: 121-270)
» at @
a , 4 at =, > D at ˛, A F at ! 270 moves: Black won by half a point.
Chapter 43
2013 Tianxin Pharmaceuticals Cup
March 20, 2013, Jingdezhen, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
We investigated the opening up to ˇ in Chapter 2.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++] White ‹ was too much. Extending at A was better.
[+++++++++++++++++] Dividing White with Black › and « was severe.
[++ˆ+˛+++*+++++´++]
[+˙+++++++++++++++] Bumping at — denied Black’s connection at B and
[+¯¸++++++++++++++] ‰ aimed to cut at %, but was warded off by ı.
[+++++0+++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White fi and ffi were light haengma, the latter fac-
[fl‚+++++++++++++++] toring in $ in sente, but the flow to ! favored Black.
[.—*+++++*+++++*++]
[ B ˘+‰+ffi ++++++++++] If fl pushes and cuts at "; White C, Black D and
[++$ı+ffl(++/+++++++] White E builds momentum in the center while sacri-
[«›%++)++++++++++] ficing fi. This hurts Black’s weak groups.
[+ A +++ E !+ F ++++++++]
[»‹“„+ C D +++++2++++] Black’s stones rolled seamlessly to +. If + is at ,,
[+ˇ”+"fi&*,++1¨*˜+] White F is the key point for attack and defense.
[+++˝ff–+#’+ G ++++˚+]
[++++++++++-++++++] White attacked Black’s top left group with . and
,))))))))))))))))). 0, but he should have reinforced with G first.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-50) The attachment at 1 launched a powerful leaning
attack against White’s bottom left dragon.
577
578 2013 Tianxin Pharmaceuticals Cup
White 4 and 6 showed fighting spirit, even though
<(((((((((((((((((> White’s bottom left group was in danger after 7.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black ? was a mistake. Exchanging S to U instead
[++!+!+++*+++++@++] would be better, because it makes miai of G and A.
[‘!+++++++++++++++]
[+@@++++++++++++++] The sequence from B to F was exquisite, and the
[+++++!+++++++++++] tide turned in White’s favor through to N.
[++++ A ++++++++++++]
[@@+++++++++++ba++] Black had no choice but to limp away with O and
[!!*VT+++*+++]+*++] Q, and White was content to seal Black in with R.
[+!+!S!!++R++++\++]
[++!@U@!+^@P[Y++++] Black S to W attacked White with the right move
[@@@@++@E@NF++Z+++] order. Meanwhile, White harassed Black from X to
_++++?+@+BG+OQX+++] ], before completing his thickness with ^.
[!!!!++++DC73!`c++]
>=@@+!!!!!!54@!*@+] Black _ was necessary to completely capture
[< C +@@@8@@HI+6++!+] White’s dragon. If Black plays elsewhere, White can
D W B @A++9:;J@++++++] make a ko with B to D later.
,)))))M)K)L))))))).
Diagram 2 White was unperturbed by the fall of his dragon, and
(Moves: 51-100) consolidated his own large profit with ‘. The overall
position after the trade favored White slightly.
Black a took a big point, and b was persistent.
Descending to ˜ was an overplay. Black should have
<((((ˆff‚(((ca`bVUP> laddered !
A with ˚ instead.
[+++.-&´+++YXL=JNO^
[++++,+!++++M/<HIW] White captured the marked cutting stones with ‹,
[++!+!$%+*"+GDK@;+] and reinforcing efficiently up to » preserved his lead.
[!!++‰˚#++++C26:[S˘
[+@@(’ˇ++++159>\RZ White ‰ and were accurate, and ff prevented
[+++–¸!)+«”›+0EF˘Q] White from connecting under with fl. If White finds
[++ı—˛*»˝›“‹ˇ_˚‘T?] an eye for his slain dragon it will be revived in seki.
@@+++ffifl˜„¨+#‚! A T˜‹A
[!!*!! ffl+¯˙+„@´ˆ@B] Black ! to / developed the top with a highly refined
«»!"!@!!+$!+“”+!8˛] move order, but 2 was a razor sharp reduction.
[+!!@@@!+!+!@@43¸7]
[@@@@++@@@!!++!+ffi+] Black searched for a way to counter 2 or gain com-
@++++@+@+!@+@@!ı‰+] pensation, but White’s responses were perfect.
¨!!!!++++!@@@!!@+]
!@@@+!!!!!!@!+! @+] Exchanging < for =, before connecting at >, was
[!˝+@@@!@@!@¯!+˙!–] good move order. Black 3 couldn’t recoup the loss.
[@+!@++@+@!@fiffffl+—]
,)))))@)@)!fl)))))). The sequence from H to ^ was beautiful, and the
Diagram 3 game was decided when a seki formed in the corner.
(Moves: 101-236)
236 moves: White won by resignation.
fi at -
Chapter 44
2013 Chinese A League: Round 17
October 20, 2013, Chongqing, China: Komi: 7.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
This was the last game before the Jubango began.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[+++++++++++++++++] Black started with a modified Kobayashi Opening up
[++++++++++++‚++++] to ˇ, and ˘ to ˙ made miai of ¸ and ˛.
[++¨+++++*+++++´++]
[+++++++++++++++++] White ˘ can also be at ¸, and because Black played
[+*+++++++++++++˛+] ˇ instead of A, approaching at B is also conceivable.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++0.-+] Invading with ‹ and “ was light and flexible, and
[+«+++++++++++/+,2] « should have been at – or C.
[++*+++++*+++++˙1+] White » struck at Black’s vital point and ‰ was
[+(+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] severe. If Black cuts at instead of ı, White will
[++++)++++++++++++] connect at ı. Either way, ˆ is a ladder breaker.
[+˚+’ + D ffl++++++˘¸+]
[+$# E +ffi+"“+++++ B ¯+] Black fl was the best haengma for managing Black’s
[+&ˆfl+‰ˇ A +++++*++] bottom left group, but the unassuming power of
[+„%+˝»– C ‹+›++˜++] allowed White to capture the cutting stones with ".
[+!”++ffı—fi++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). If Black plays ! at D, he finds himself in a tight spot
Diagram 1 after White at !, # and White E.
(Moves: 1-50)
Black ) was thick, but * was big and the opening
was better for White.
Black harassed White with + and -, but White’s
responses up to 0 were strong.
579
580 2013 Chinese A League: Round 17
Black 3 was the right continuation and the result
<(`(((((((((((((((> up to 6 was playable for both sides.
^K+7;9++++++++++++]
[J=S:8<+‘++++@++++] Black approached at 7, and 8 was thick and solid.
[+H!VW+++*+++++@++] However, : was a thank you move. Simply playing
[X++UTOQ[+++++++++] <, = and H would have been better.
[+!GEILPRc++++++!+]
[\CADFM+++++++++++] White @ was a mistake, and C damaged White’s
[+]@?NY++++++3!!@4] position. Instead of @, he should have pressured
[+@BbZ_++++++5@@!!] Black with b. Doing so makes miai of @ and N.
[++>+a+++*+++++!@+]
[+!+++++++++++++6+] White H prevented Black from connecting, but L
[+++++++++++++++++] should have ataried at S first.
[++++@++++++++++++]
[+!+@!++@++++++!@+] Black S revealed a surprising vital point and quietly
[+!@++!+!!++++++@+] redirected the flow of play in Black’s favor.
[+!!@+!@@*+++++*++]
[+!@+@!!@+!+@++@++] Pushing at [ was the right choice, even though it
[+@@++@@!!++++++++] allowed ^ to occupy the key point for eyespace.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2 The powerful hane at c realized Black’s advantage.
(Moves: 51-100)
Eventually, White needed to play once more at ` to
capture Black, demonstrating the potency of S.
Black ´ (´) and ˜ were quick-witted moves, which
< A !((( B ‰((((((((((> exploited Black’s dead stones. If White blocks at ˜,
!@+@@@ˆ´˜++++! +++] instead of ˆ, Black at ˆ makes miai of ı and A.
[!@@!!!ı!˝+++@$&ffi]
[+!!!@+++*++++%@fffi] Black became thick at the top after ˝, and could
[!++@+@@@˙++++++fflfl# also aim to save his corner stones with B later.
[+!@@@sss@¸++++!"]
[!@@!!T+¨”++++++++] Black ˇ and ¯ were severe, and White found it
[+@!+!T+‹‚+++@!!@!] difficult to fight because of Black’s center thickness.
[+@!!!T–˚¯˛++@@@!!]
[++!(@ a »„ˇ˘“++++!@+] The marked stones lived in seki after ˛ to —, while
[+!++—’)«›++++++!+] Black consolidated his lead with .
[++++++++++0+++9++]
[+.-+@++++++4 C +:<+] Black adopted a firm posture with ı and +. His
[+!+@!+=@13+56+!@+] calm play sparked feelings of desperation in White.
[+!@++!>!!27++++@+]
[+!!@+!@@*+8;+,*++] White went all out with 0, but Black’s responses
[+!@+@!!@+!+@+/@++] from 1 to ; were solid and precise. If White plays
[+@@++@@!!+?++++++] : at ;, cutting at C captures White’s center group.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3 White saved his center stones by connecting with <,
(Moves: 101-163) but ? captured White’s large group at the bottom.
* at @
a
163 moves: Black won by resignation.
Chapter 45
4th Zhaoshang Cup: Round Two
March 23, 2014, Hangzhou, China: Komi: 7.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
This game was played between games two and three
<(((((((((((((((((> of the Jubango. Lee was winning the match 2–0.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[++¨—+‰+++++++++++] Lee came up with ˇ after game one of the Jubango.
[+ *–ffi++*ffl++/+´++]
[!‚+++++++++++++++] Black ¯ and ¸ began a popular joseki of the time.
[++#"++++++++++)«+] The opening up to « was peaceful and well balanced.
[+»+’+++++++.+*(++]
[++ı++++++++++++++] White sacrificed a stone at » to develop territory at
[+ˇ++++++++20++ D ++] the top in sente. The continuation to ı is joseki.
[++*+++++*++1-+,++]
[+˛+++++++++++++++] Probing at was timely, and fi was natural.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++fl+¸+] Black fl was slack and ambiguous. Black should
[++˚++++++++++++++] have played A; he can answer $ at B or C next.
[++++++++ff++++++++]
[++ˆ C +fi+”++++˘‹˜›] White $ was very big and White took the lead.
[+$ A +˝&+%+++¯+++˙„] Black ’ was thick, but too slow. Playing around D
[+ B +++++++++++“+++] is better, even though it’s slightly over-concentrated.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 1 White seized the opportunity to reduce at (, and
(Moves: 1-50) the flow of the stones up to 2 favored White.
581
582 4th Zhaoshang Cup: Round Two
Black 5 and 7 were efficient moves which secured
<(((((((((((((((((> Black’s territory in the top right on a large scale.
[F+++NM=++++++++++]
[++!!+!+5+++++++++] However, White continued to play calmly and solidly,
E6!*@@!++*@++@+@++] from 8 to <, because he was still ahead.
[@@@++++++++7+++++]
[+A@!>BD+++++++@@+] Black = was questionable. Playing at > is better.
[ A !+@?C+++++!+!!++]
[++@+++++++++++++@] White gained some extra profit from > to D.
[+@+++++++4!!+++++] Black played G to L to erase the bad aji around A,
KG+*+++++*83@@+!++] but it made his position thin. We usually only see
IH!+++++<:9W++++++]
J++++++bY;V+++++++] this kind of thin play when Lee is in poor form.
[L+++++ D ‘X++++@+@+] Black O was also thin. It should have been at ^.
[++!+++Q_ B ++++++++]
[+++++a+^@ C +++++++] White punished Black’s thinness with a razor sharp
[++!+c!+!@T+++!!@@] probe at R. Black S should have connected at Z.
[+!++@!\@ZRS@+++!!]
[++++`PO][U+++!+++] White’s continuation from V to ^ was exemplary.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 2 White ‘ was wonderful, and b established a clear
(Moves: 51-100) lead. If a extends to b instead; White B, Black C
and White D captures Q and _.
After White cut at ˆ (ˆ) he was solid everywhere,
<(((((((((((((((((> so it became very difficult for Black to catch up.
[!+++!@@++++++”+++]
˚++!!+!+@–ffl+++ E D “ C ] White “ was a probe, and ” was the best way to
@!!*@@!++»@ffi+@ F @ B 7 A minimize White’s aji in the corner.
«@@!++++++fifl@ H G 5436
[+@@!!!!+„++-*,@@2] Black went all out with !, because the game was
[+!+@@@ˇ+++;!)!!’&8 too far gone for a normal endgame.
[++@++++++++ J +%("@]
[+@+++++++!!!+!$#./ Black % and ) were severe, but White had a tesuji
@@+*+++++*!TTT=!0ff] at . up his sleeve to reduce Black’s liberties.
@!!+++++!!TT I ><+‹ :
!++++++!++!˘¯‚+++9] White 2 to 8 formed an excellent continuation, and
[!++++—+!!++˛+TıT+] Black was hopeless. If Black plays at A next, to start
[++!+˜@@+˝+++›˙¸+] a ko, White can raise the stakes with B.
[+++¨ˆ@+!@++++‰++]
[++!+@!´!@!+++!!TT] Black ; was necessary because White was aiming to
[+!++@!!@!!@@+++!!] play B to H, but < and > were accurate moves and
[++++!!@@@@+++!+++] Black’s marked dragon was captured.
,))))))))))))))))).
Diagram 3 After =, White couldn’t make two eyes, but > made
(Moves: 101-162) I and J miai. It became a “Big eyes beat small eyes,”
1 at . capturing race on the right. White won the race.
162 moves: White won by resignation.
Chapter 46
10th Chunlan Cup: Round of 16
March 28, 2014, Jiangsu, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
It was two days before game three of the Jubango.
<((((((((((((((—((>
[+++++++++++–„«»] The opening from ˝ to ¯ was active. Black was
[++++˝+++++¸+˙”‹˛ı] willing to sacrifice ˝ and ˇ to develop rapidly.
[++¨++++?*+++“›´‚ A ]
[++++++++++9+‰+ D C B ] Instead of , the hane at ‰ is normal, but Gu Li’s
[+˚++++++++++++ F E G ] style emphasizes fighting and is another path.
[++++++++++++:+ff++]
[++++++++++>++++++] Exchanging ı for prevented White A to G.
[+F+++++++++++<=++] Black fl and ffl were creative. If White pushes at
[++*+++++*+++;+¯++]
[+E+++++++++++++++] !, instead of , Black will block at .
[++++++++++++++/++] White " and $ were typical of Lee—concentrating
[++++++++++++(++++] more on territory and eyespace than moving out.
[++˘++++86.++++’++]
[++++++ M 7)4++&++++] The game was acceptable for both players up to ).
[++ˆ+B@C5ffi%+ffl +˜13]
[++ O DˇA H I N #+!fi+fl0-] White’s play from 4 to 8 was thick and solid, and
[+++ Q + P J K L ++"+$+*2] 9 to ? secured territory at the top while attacking.
,)))))))))))))),)).
Diagram 1 White @ hit the vital point prepared by 8. If C is
(Moves: 1-70) at D, White squeezes with H to J, C and K to Q.
Splitting at E was a proper move, because the bot-
tom left was most important. The position was even.
583
584 10th Chunlan Cup: Round of 16
White probed at L, and M defended efficiently while
<((((((((((((((!( B > promising Black the sente exchange of A for B later.
[++‰ı++++++@@!+!! A
[+flffi—@+++++@+!T!!T] White X was a subtle probe and Y was a spirited
[++!+ff+@*+++!TTT+] resistance. White had hoped for Y at Z instead.
[+++++fi++++@+!+++M]
[+!+++++++++++++¨+] The sequence from Z to b was exquisite, but c
[++++++++++++!+TPQ] was a well timed counter and Black took the lead.
[++++++++++!++LNOˆ]
[+!++++++Y++++!@`+] White ` was sharp. If ´ (´) is at ¨; White C,
[++*+++++*bK+@R@+˛] Black D, and White at ] makes miai of ˇ and E.
[+@+˝+++++»+UTS_+¯]
[+++++++++++–V^@ˇ+‹ The players traded the marked groups up to ¨, but
[++++++++++W+s]Z[‚] the result was better for Black because he took sente.
[G+!++++!!!˜c D X@\˘]
[+++I++ J @@!+ C s E a+›] White “ was a brilliant tesuji, with which White
[H+!J!!@@! K @ S @s+@@@] eked as much value as possible from his dead stones
[+++!@@« G @+@s+@s@]
F and caught up a little.
[++++„“” H Q ¸˙s+s@ss M
,))))) I P R N O L )))s)). If Black plays ” at „; White at «, ” and F to P
Diagram 2 starts a ko. Instead of O, if Black ataris at Q; White
(Moves: 71-130) R, Black O and White S revives the squared stones.
‘ ˚ at Z, ´ at ] Black was territorial, but should have been at .
Using a ko to resist, with , was an extraordinary
<(657((((((((c`!((> tactic. By 6 the game was almost even again.
[+8!@@+++++¯@@!+!!]
[V@!!@+-+++@˘!@!!@] Black A to C was a sabaki technique, but D was
[EF!!! a @&@/›‹#!@@@+] also big. If Black A is at D, White attacks with ^.
[+ B ffl!.,’"@$!+++@]
A
@J!A0%-˜=M&ffi++++!+] White N and P attacked severely, and the game was
\GH3U1ˆ3:;=>+!+@!@] reversed. However, ¨ was a mistake (˝ was better).
?IEBC˝,^<„fi!P+!!+!]
[C! b A2:RQI@ffflMX!@!+] Black ˝ was vital and the position after ” was even.
N^OF96˚Hffl‘!@Y@!@Z!\ White „ should have exchanged – for O first.
P2@5@GKL T!a@!@@_@"
]˛?47K8V+«—S@!!@@Y! Black’s endgame tesuji at « exploited this oversight.
[D>9J¸U»‰@+!+!@@[ White 2 was the losing move. Had White connected
[@@!<LN”!!!@@+!@!!#
[+++@D–O@@!‘a!+@]@] at 9, the game would still have been very close.
[!+!!!!@@!@ı@!+@@@] Black’s move order from 3 to 9 was delicate. If
[+++!@@@++@+@!S@!@] White answers 3 at C, U makes miai of either 9;
[++*)!!@++@!!+!@!!(
,)))0X/W))))R))!)). or A, B, Black at 8, White at 5 and Black A.
Diagram 3 Black was ahead by 1.5 points when White resigned.
(Moves: 131-297)
$ * at !
a , ’ at !, 297 moves: Black won by resignation.
Q W _ ´ ˇ ‚ ! + 1 ; at A,
T Z b ¨ ˙ “ ( . 4 at ! b , % at ‹
Chapter 47
2015 Chinese A League: Round Seven
June 13, 2015, Chongqing, China: Komi: 7.5 – Lee Sedol 9d (Black) vs Gu Li 9d
This was Lee and Gu’s first game after the Jubango.
<(((((((((((((((((>
[++++++++++++++fl++] White ˘ was unusually territorial. Normally White
[”¸‚+«+++++++—+ı‰+] would play 2 instead, but ˘ is also reasonable.
[›˛ˆ‹++++*+++++´+]
[“„++++++++++++fffi+] Connecting along the right side with followed the
4-¯.3++++++++++»+] direction of play, because « made the top small.
[90/++++++++++’& A +]
[:˙++++++++++++(+ffi] White ffi was gentle. If ffi is at &, Black cuts at A.
[+++++++++++++++–+] Black ffl was a new move, and Black’s continuation
[+)*+++++*+++++*++] up to % was light and animated.
[+++++++++++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++++] However, & was quite thick; reducing Black’s poten-
[+ ˚6+++++++++++++] tial while aiming to attack Black at the top later.
[7,ffl*1++++++++++++]
[+˝2++++++++++++++] Black ) was aggressive and * and , were proper
<!˘#+%+++*+++++*˜+] responses, because it was hard to attack ) directly.
["$¨++++++++++ˇ+++]
[+++++++++++++++++] Black created some powerful ko threats, with - and
,))))))))))))))))). /, before continuing with his plan from 1 to 7.
Diagram 1
(Moves: 1-60) White < was a canny threat, and the game was still
5 ; at ffl, 8 at 2 playable for both sides.
The opening was quite interesting and unique.
585
586 2015 Chinese A League: Round Seven
White traded with @ because he was out of threats.
<(((((((((((((((((> The result up to A was well balanced.
[+++++a+M++˜_O+@++]
[@@@+@‘+CL`]^!+@!+] Settling a group at the top while attacking Black’s
[@ttt+b A B cB+JI+@!+] wall, from B to L, was skillful.
[tt?Z+V+K+++FE+@!+]
!@@! a @¸˛+˝¨++HDG@!+] Black O was a mistake, and P took the pivot point.
A@!@++\+ˇ˚++++@!++]
Q!!S+‹+++˘++++´!+!] Black U was quite large, but so was rescuing the
YRXN+P+¯+++++++ˆ@+] marked stones with V to \. If ] is at ¸, White
[W@T+++++˙+++++*++] can peep at A to maintain his connection.
[+++++++“+++++++++]
[+++++++++++++++”+] Stealing White’s base with ] was a sharp continua-
[+!!!+++++++++++++] tion, but ‘ to b were timely and purposeful moves.
[@!@!@++++++++++++]
[=@>@›++++++++++++] Defending at c prevented White from wedging at B,
!@!@@@+++U+++++*@+] so b induced `, and ¨ (¨) to ˙ flowed naturally.
[!!!++++++«„+»@+++] White was ahead after he connected at ‹.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). The solid kosumi at “ radiated power and prepared
Diagram 2 to play at the bottom or on the right side next.
(Moves: 61-120)
‚ at !
a After ”, it was time to invade the bottom at „.
White — to fi glided smoothly, and fl was very big.
<(((((I‘S»(((((((ffl>
[++++3@2TR+@@@@fffi Black attacked with + to /, but White parried
Y@@@?@!^T!!@!!—@!+] deftly through to :.
X@!!!+!+–T!ffi!@!@!+]
@!!@!+!+T%fl@!@+@!+] Black achieved his aim of a ko with K and M, but
[@@@@@!+T!&+!!@@!+] he didn’t have enough threats to impose his will.
@@!@+[!AT!++<;@!P+]
@!!@U!\=<!+F¨,@!O!] Black traded his triangled stones for White’s squared
@!!!V!+T=>)$#+ı!@$] group up to a. The negotiation ended up even, but
[@@!@?;+J!*E’+-#"] White maintained a slight lead overall.
[+O›P˙¸+!+CEabH.! ]
[B+‹‚¯>˛D)+*cFG/@:] Black ˝ was a good endgame tesuji, and connecting
[:!!!ˇ˝˚%JL‰LKNI8+] at ˘ was necessary because the game was quite close.
[@!+!Cˆ˘˜„fiKM&9764]
[@@!CC+G“ff"+,_+3(] Black revived his triangled stones up to › (in seki).
!@!*!C+«”@’(.-–*@12 However, “ came as a stinging retort, taking the
8!!!ffiffl++`+@s+s@+A0] squared group back and maintaining White’s lead.
795+fl++++—1‰+ıD6B]
,))))))))5/0C))MN). If Black ” connects at „ instead, White at ” iso-
Diagram 3 lates Black’s circled stones and the seki collapses.
(Moves: 121-280)
Black + and 0 were miai, as were 5 and 6.
4 at —, Q W ] at K, T Z at N, ´ at 1,
H at ˜ White maintained a small but unassailable lead. He
was ahead by 2.5 points when Black resigned.
280 moves: White won by resignation.
Chapter 48
2015 Chinese A League: Round 18
October 28, 2015, Jiangsu, China: Komi: 7.5 – Gu Li 9d (Black) vs Lee Sedol 9d
Black exchanged ˝ for ˚, then set up a Chinese
<(((((((((((((((((> style formation. White ˘ made miai of attacking ˝
[++++++++++++‹++++] or taking the corner, and Black assisted ˝ with ¯.
[+++ B ˝+++++¯+˘+˛˙+]
[++¨+ C +++ D ++++‚´¸+] If ¯ is at A instead, White attacks with B to D.
[+++++++++1+›+++++]
[+˚++++++++ F G ++ A ++] Black ¯ to › is rarely played with the Chinese
[+++++++++. E ,(++)+] Opening, because ˇ ends up in an awkward position.
[++++++++++2’&+/++] Black would prefer to move ˇ to fi (see Chapter 3).
[+++++++++++!ffi+0++]
[++*+++++*++fflı—fi +] Reducing at — was appropriate, and Black resisted
[++++++++++++‰ˇ$] with to ı instead of meekly defending at 0.
[+++++++++++++fffl"%]
[+++++++++++++++#*] Black ! was a strong and perceptive move. If Black
[+«+++++++++++++++] connects at " instead, White moves out at !.
[++++++++++++++”++]
[–+ˆ+++++„++“++*++] Black % was appropriate, because extending to *
[++++»+++++++++˜++] instead would not apply enough pressure in this case.
[+++++++++++++++++]
,))))))))))))))))). White * was premature. White should play ,,
Diagram 1 Black E, *, ˇ, White F, Black G and " instead.
(Moves: 1-50)
Black filled the ko and felt contented up to 1.
+ at ˇ, - at "
White 2 prevented Black from cutting at E.
587
588 2015 Chinese A League: Round 18
Black 5 was an opportune probe, and 6 was a
<(((((((((((((((((> strong response. If White hanes at U instead, Black
[++++++++++++!++++] A, White at 7 and Black at 6 makes 8 and B miai.
[++++@+++++@+!+!!+]
[++!++++˙*++++@@@+] Wedging at C left weaknesses in White’s wall. If
[+++++++++@+@+++++] Black extends to H instead, White will cut at _.
[+!+++++++++++++++]
[+++++++4+!+!!++@+] Black G prepared a driving tesuji. If White cuts at
[++++++++++!@!+@++] _; O, ^, Black C, White D and Black E follow.
[+J+++++++++@!+!++]
[LIHN+++a*`+@@!!!+] Crimping Black with H to N became White’s right.
[KMAB++b++ G +3!@!@!]
[++?@+++‘+++++@@@@] Black Q was a sharp tesuji for disrupting White’s
[+=>+G+OcW]+++++@!] connection, and Black was slightly ahead up to ].
[+@:F C ^_;V˜˝ˆ F ++++]
[+ECD E D 96<¨˚+ˇ+@++] White ` was a key point in the center, but ´ (´)
[@+!++ B 75!++!˘¯*++] was also big. Black was able to solidify his corner
[++++!R A U8+++´+@++] and reinforce the center concurrently with ´ to ¯.
[++++TQPSX+\++++++]
,)))))))[YZ))))))). White ˙ was a mistake. It would have been better
Diagram 2 to exchange White F for Black G, and then play ˙.
(Moves: 51-110)
The exchanges from ¸ to ‹ were painful for White,
A ,.*9:((((((((((‘(> and Black secured a clear lead.
B -–«( —fiN++$+!+^]“_
fl»ı)@ff+M„+@+!+!!›D White „ was an efficient indirect defense, which sup-
[‰!#++O!GHFPJTTT”[ ported both the top and the top right corner.
[450++++EI@RTQffl+@C]
[3!a +1+++++S!T+ffi’+?\ White attacked aggressively with —, and to fl
[2/+++++!+!&!!++T<A defended. If ,; -, White A and Black at lives.
[++++++UZW+!@!+T>B]
[+!++++ D YX C +@!+!+"L Black was far ahead, so White went all out with *.
[!@!!+++@a!+@@!!!K] The tesuji at , sought to reduce Black’s liberties. If
[@@@!++! F V E +@!@!@!%
[++@!+++!++67+@@@@] - is at ., White at - and Black B reduces them.
[+@!+@+@@@@+++++@!] However, - and / were clever responses, and the
[+@!!+!@@!@@!+++++]
[+@@!++@!!!!‚@+@++] ko up to 4 was unavoidable.
[@+!+++@@!++!!@*++] Connecting the ko with = was farsighted. White
[++++!!+@!+˛‹@+@++] captured the marked group with >, but he couldn’t
[++++!@!@!+!+¸++++]
,)))))))@@!))))))). swallow it cleanly and was burdened with bad aji.
Diagram 3 White confined Black with P, but U and W formed
(Moves: 111-197)
a powerful counter. If White answers a at C, Black
8 = at !
a , ; at 5
D makes miai of E and F. White can live in seki, but
then Black’s marked stones will rise from the dead.
197 moves: Black won by resignation.
Notes
Formatting of Names
The custom in Asia is to write the family name before the given name. This means that Lee and Gu are the family
names of the players, while Sedol and Li are their respective given names.
Throughout this book, we have followed the convention of writing family names first for people whose names would
normally be formatted in that way. For Western names, we have written the given name first, as is standard in the West.
The only exceptions to this convention are the names of the professional author (An Younggil 8 dan), and the cover
designer (Xue Jingning). Their names are written in the Western style (Younggil An and Jingning Xue) in the front
matter of the book.
This is partly to avoid confusion when people who are not familiar with Go or Asian culture copy the names of the
authors for use elsewhere (for example, in a library database). In addition, Younggil and Jingning both live in Australia
and prefer to write their given names first. Obviously, there is always going to be some degree of confusion either way.
Romanization of Names
All names in this book have been romanized using the preferred form of the person in question (where known) or the
culture of which they are a part. Transliteration of names and text (from one language and script to another) isn’t
always perfect and is sometimes controversial.
For example, when referring to the ancient Chinese generals Sun Zi and Zhuge Liang, we’ve used the pinyin system of
romanization. With Sun Zi in particular, early English translations of The Art of War rendered his name as Sun Tzu
(and that name is still used by many today), but Sun Zi is preferred by the Chinese people. The same applies to Lao Zi.
With Korean names, in particular, there are multiple ways to romanize them. Once again, the authors have stuck to
the forms preferred by the people themselves, or the Korean people, as much as possible.
Sun Zi, Sun Bin and The Art of War
The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military text, which was written some time in the 5th or 6th centuries BC. Most
people have heard of the text and its reputed author Sun Zi, who is thought to have been a great general and military
strategist from that period. Regrettably, the mists of time have made the exact details of Sun Zi’s life uncertain.
In Chinese culture, Zi is an honorific term given to great thinkers and teachers from the past. Sun Zi’s original name was
actually Sun Wu, but Zi was later bestowed upon him as a mark of respect. As noted above, Zi has also been translated
into English as Tzu, as well as Tse or Tsu at times.
More than 160 years after the time of Sun Wu, another general, named Sun Bin, also wrote a text titled The Art of
War. Consequently, there are actually two texts, now known as Sun Zi: The Art of War and Sun Bin: The Art of War.
Sun Bin is thought by some to be a descendant of Sun Wu, but historical evidence for that is unclear. It is known
that he existed, and that he was a commander in the state of Qi during the Warring States Period. During that time,
knowledge was often passed through families verbally, as well as being written down on bamboo strips, so it is possible
that they were related. Some historians even argue that Sun Wu was Sun Bin’s (or someone else’s) fictional creation...
589
590 Notes
Unfortunately, in the chaotic years following the collapse of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Sun Bin’s Art of War was lost.
Due to the tendency to refer to both the great masters as ‘Sun Zi’, and the loss of Sun Bin’s writings, many scholars
eventually came to believe that they were the same person.
Stories of Sun Bin survived in other historical texts, though his exploits were not always attributed to him. For example,
the Thirty-six Stratagems (another Chinese military text by an anonymous author) included the stratagem, “Besiege
Wei to Rescue Zhao,” based on the state of Qi’s victory over the state of Wei, and Sun Bin’s revenge against Pang Juan.
It wasn’t until 1972, when archaeologists excavating a Han tomb in Shandong discovered two different copies of The Art
of War —one by Sun Zi of Wu and the other by Sun Zi of Qi—that Sun Bin’s Art of War was rediscovered.
The word ‘Go’
The name of the board game Go isn’t a proper noun in English and therefore doesn’t strictly need to be capitalized.
Some people, including the authors, choose to capitalize it anyway to make it easier to distinguish from the English verb
go. This avoids confusion and makes text more readable.
It would be less confusing for everyone if early translators had chosen to call the game igo or something else in English,
but that cannot be helped now.
Further Reading
A large number of texts were referred to in the preparation of Relentless. We primarily relied on English translations of
important books, but also referred to Chinese and Korean texts at times, and drew on our existing knowledge.
Given this complicating factor, along with the fact that this is a Go book and not an academic work, and that time and
space are limited, we have chosen not to include an exhaustive list of references at this time. We have, nevertheless,
taken great care in verifying the authenticity of quotes throughout the text and crediting the books where they originally
appeared. You are welcome to contact us if you require further details about where a particular quote was sourced.
We include below an incomplete list of the English language texts we used, for the benefit of enthusiastic readers:
• Sun Zi and Sun Bin, The Art of War, trans. Lin Wusun (Foreign Languages Press, 2007).
• Sun Tzu, The Art of War, trans. Thomas Cleary (Shambhala, 2003).
• Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, trans. Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English (Vintage, 1989).
• Wang Xuanming, Thirty-six Stratagems: Secret Art of War, trans. Koh Kok Kiang and Liu Yi (Asiapac, 2003).
• Ma Xiaochun 9 dan, The Thirty-six Stratagems Applied to Go, trans. Roy C. Schmidt (Yutopian, 1996).
• Thucydides, The History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. Richard Crawley (Barnes and Noble Classics, 2006).
• Carl von Clausewitz, On War, trans. Michael Howard and Peter Paret (Princeton University Press, 1976).
• Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, trans. N. H. Thomson (Dover Publications, 1992).
• Baltasar Gracián, The Art of Worldly Wisdom, trans. Christopher Maurer (Doubleday, 1992).
• B. H. Liddell Hart, The Strategy of Indirect Approach (Faber and Faber, 1942).
• Georgi K. Zhukov, Marshal Zhukov’s Greatest Battles, trans. Theodore Shabad (Cooper Square Press, 2002).
• Helmuth von Moltke, Moltke on the Art of War: Selected Writings, ed. Daniel Hughes (Random House, 2009).
• John Fairbairn and T. Mark Hall, The Go Companion: Go in History and Culture (Slate and Shell, 2009).
Readers who are not yet satisfied can find a wealth of information about Go on our website: https://gogameguru.com
Glossary
Before you start, the pieces in Go are called ‘stones’, and italicized words in the definitions also appear in this glossary.
It’s useful to know that the center of the board is usually imagined to be the sky, while the side of the board is thought
to be earth or the ground. This idea is implicit in many Go terms, and knowing this may help with understanding them.
Aji: The latent potential which lingers in a position and might allow variations to arise at some point. Usually, aji refers
to possibilities in positions which appear (superficially) to be settled already. In Japanese, aji literally means ‘taste’.
Ask: To ‘ask’, means playing a move to see how the opponent will answer it, giving you more information. See probe.
Alive: See life.
Another Game: A phrase used by Go commentators to indicate that the moves in a variation are playable for both
sides, while avoiding too many long and tangential discussions. It’s the Go player’s way of saying, “But that is another
story and shall be told another time.” (apologies to Michael Ende)
Approach: Drawing near to an opposing group without making contact, usually in the corner or on the side.
Approach Ko: A ko where a player must ignore ko threats to remove liberties, before it becomes a direct ko.
Atari: The situation where a stone, or string of stones, have only one liberty remaining. If such stones are not defended,
they can be captured by playing a move which reduces their liberties to zero. Literally ‘hit’ in Japanese.
Attach/Attachment: A move which makes contact with an opposing stone, by playing right next to it.
Avalanche: A poetic term coined by the famous Japanese Go writer Mihori Sho. It refers to a class of josekis which
begin with moves 2 to 6 of Variation 8, on page 81. As mentioned on page 394, when it was first played by White the
shape resembled white snow cascading down a black mountain face, hence the name.
Bamboo Joint: A shape formed by two parallel solid extensions with one line separating them. A clear example can
be seen in Variation 50, on page 29. Usually the bamboo joint cannot be cut, because connecting on one side or the
other is miai.
Base: A small territory (or potential territory) which stabilizes a group by providing eyespace.
Bulge: A hane which turns a one space jump into a tiger’s mouth. Usually such moves are very good, making the place
where a bulge can be played a vital point for both players. An example is White B in Variation 64, page 417.
Bump: A solid extension which makes contact with an opposing stone. Move 14 in Diagram 6, page 339, is a good
example of a bump.
Byo-yomi: Games in Go tournaments are usually timed to ensure that both players are allowed an equal amount of
thinking time. The allotted time is split into main time and byo-yomi. A player’s clock runs whenever it’s their turn.
When they play a move, their clock stops and the opponent’s starts.
Once a player expends all of their main time, they enter byo-yomi—a kind of overtime period. It’s not uncommon to
have five overtime periods which are one minute long, as in the Jubango. This means that players who have entered
byo-yomi should try to play each move in less than one minute.
591
592 Glossary
You can think of five overtime periods as being crudely similar to having five lives in a computer game. Each time a
player in byo-yomi takes more than one minute to play their move, they lose one life. If they lose all their lives, they
lose the game. Byo-yomi is a Japanese term which literally means ‘reading seconds’. A looser translation is countdown.
Cap: A move played one or two spaces away from an opposing stone, on the point where the opponent could jump.
Such moves are usually closer to the center of the board than the stone they cap, creating the feeling that they block
the route to the center. In Variation 32, on page 403, moves at 3 or A are both examples of capping White B.
Capture: Taking stones off the board after removing their liberties, or surrounding a group in a way that makes it dead.
Cash: Solid territory which is ‘in the bank’, in contrast with the promise of a return on an investment—which may or
may not eventuate depending on how the game unfolds. Moyo and power are examples of investments here.
Check: To forcibly prevent a group from extending further, and constrain its base, by approaching. Compare to pincer.
Chinese Opening/Chinese Style: A class of openings which are characterized by a 3-4 point corner combined with
an extension four or five spaces along the side. See pages 12 and 138 for examples.
Clamp: When an opposing stone is already in contact with a friendly stone, a clamp is a contact play on the other
side of that opposing stone, such that it is sandwiched between two friendly stones. The opposing stone ends up at the
center of a one space jump. Black 2 in Variation 47, on page 340, is an example. When such a move works, it is a tesuji.
Connect: A move which links two or more stones together in such a way that they cannot be cut. The term is also
used more broadly to describe loosely uniting stones in a manner which can technically be cut (or separated ), but not
in any way which is particularly advantageous to the opponent at the time.
Connect Under: Connecting along the edge of the board.
Contact: When a stone is adjacent to an opposing stone, in way that occupies one of its liberties, it is said to be in
contact with it. The term usually only applies to stones that are orthogonally (not diagonally) next to one another.
Crosscut: The most primitive form of cut, where two opposing diagonal moves cut one another. White A and 22 in
Diagram 23, page 295, show an uncluttered example of a crosscut. In the right circumstances, the crosscut is a tesuji.
Cut: A move which prevents two groups from connecting at such close range that it makes contact with both these
groups as it does so. In Diagram 5, on rage 203, Black 19 cuts White into two groups (one of the two is a single stone).
Dame: A neutral point between opposing stones which cannot be turned into territory. In Japanese, it means ‘useless’.
Dead: The state of a group which cannot make life.
Descend: To make a solid extension towards the edge of the board.
Develop: Adding stones to a group in a way that serves some tactical purpose. For example, running away, extending
to make a base, expanding a moyo, or accumulating power.
Diagonal Move: A move which is placed diagonally next to a friendly stone. White 3 in Variation 3, on page 9, is an
example of a diagonal move in relation to White 1. The Japanese term kosumi is also used to describe a diagonal move.
Dragon: A large group. Usually, a dragon has to make life in the center area, possibly by capturing other stones.
Dumpling: A clump of friendly stones which is very inefficient. A square made by a string of four stones is one example.
Elephant’s Step: A double diagonal move, which is similar to a one space jump in the diagonal direction. In Western
chess, there is a bishop, which moves diagonally. In Chinese chess (xiangqi), Black’s equivalent piece is called ‘xiang’,
which means elephant. This piece can only move diagonally, two places at a time. When a group is developed using a
shape that appears to resemble the way the elephant moves in Chinese chess, it is called an elephant’s step in Go. On
page 53, you will find an explanation of the elephant’s step accompanying Diagram 22.
Enclosure: A formation which aims to control the space in the corner, or the act of surrounding a group.
Endgame: The final stage of the game, where the positions are largely settled and most remaining moves involve
expanding the borders of your territory slightly, or reducing the opponent’s. Such moves are called endgame moves.
Escape: To evade capture by running into the center, possibly after breaking free from an attempted enclosure.
Exchange: For every move you play, the opponent can also play a move. This means that any pair of sequential moves
can be thought of as an exchange of moves (in the standard English sense of the word). In general, you want to gain as
Glossary 593
much (or slightly more) than your opponent in the majority of exchanges you make, so exchanges can be good or bad.
Exchange can also be used in the sense that it is in other games, like chess—where you allow one group to be captured
in exchange for the capture of another group. In other words, a trade.
Extend/Extension: A move near the edge of the board which has a relationship with another friendly group situated
nearby, along the side or in the corner. Extensions are mostly played on the third or fourth line, and serve to secure
a base or expand a moyo. Usually, extensions stretch between one and five spaces from the group they are related to.
Extensions that reach further than five spaces are difficult to maintain, because the opponent can often invade and form
his own extension within yours. Some players do not regard extensions that are longer than five spaces to be extensions.
Eye: A small territory, completely surrounded by a perfectly connected group of stones. Such territories provide liberties
which are difficult to remove. When a group has two independent eyes (or can form them if required), it can never be
captured because it will always have at least two unremovable liberties where its eyes are. Such groups are said to be
alive. In Variation 42, on page 215, Black forms a complete eye after capturing White’s stone at A.
Eye Shape: A property of a group pertaining to its ability to form eyes. Groups with good eye shape are rich in
potential eyes, can easily live and are strong. Groups with bad eye shape are often weak and can be attacked.
Eyespace: A small area of territory (usually three or more spaces) where a group can ideally form two eyes.
False Eye: A point which appears superficially to be an eye, but will eventually have to be filled to evade capture.
Fight: A finely balanced (and usually complicated) negotiation in a position that is not yet settled.
Fly: The verb used to describe making a knight’s move. This comes from the Chinese term ‘fei’, which means fly.
Foot-Sweep: A knight’s move towards the edge of the board, which aims to undermine the opponent’s base.
Flower: The shape formed by capturing one stone with four stones. Also called ponnuki, flowers can be very powerful.
Forcing Move: An incidental exchange made in sente, which is more beneficial for the player who initiates the exchange.
Framework: A large area of potential, sketched out in the opening by (mostly individual) stones of the same color.
Many English speaking Go players describe this using the Japanese term moyo, though moyo has other meanings too.
Fuseki: The Japanese name for the opening. See opening.
Gote: A move which lets the opponent take sente. Gote is not necessarily bad, and can lead to taking sente again later.
Group: A collection of one or more (possibly loosely) connected stones of the same color. Sometimes people refer to a
string as a group, particularly when teaching beginners, but ‘group’ is mostly used more broadly, as defined here.
Haengma: A localized technique for developing a group. Haengma is a Korean term which literally means ‘moving
horse’ (a horse is a group). This dynamic way of thinking about the game imagines that groups are moving as stones
are added to them. Basic examples of haengma are the jump, the knight’s move and the hane. Haengma can be good
or bad. Good haengma efficiently balances speed of movement with strength of connection in the local context.
Handicap: When players are not evenly matched, allowing the weaker player to place several stones before the stronger
player moves (or adjusting komi ) is called a handicap. Some rules require handicap stones to be placed on star points.
Hane: When an opposing group is already in contact with a friendly stone, a hane is a diagonal move which takes
another liberty from that opposing group. Such moves often appear to bend in front of the opponent and prevent them
from walking in a straight line. Examples: Black 47 in Diagram 16, page 34, and White 74 in Diagram 20, page 107.
Hanging Connection: A connecting technique which uses a tiger’s mouth to protect a cutting point.
Headbutt: A more vivid synonym of bump.
Heavy: Stones which are inflexible and difficult to manage (e.g. by settling, sacrificing or moving out). Such stones
are usually weak and become a burden to deal with. As more and more stones are added to a position, it becomes
increasingly difficult to give them up. Other situations which create a burden can also be described as heavy, such as
an important ko which is difficult to manage, or an overly slow haengma.
High: Stones which are closer to the center. In particular, fourth line stones are often described as high in the opening.
Honte: A down-to-earth move which simplifies a position, by removing weaknesses before they can become a problem.
594 Glossary
Horse’s Head: A triangle formed by two large knight’s moves, where the base is a one space jump. See page 14.
Influence: The ability of stones to affect play elsewhere. How distantly depends on the strength of the influence. You
can imagine influence to be a field radiated across the board by powerful stones, gradually diminishing in intensity.
Invasion: A move which ventures deep into the opponent’s moyo with the intention of living or escaping into the center.
Iron Pillar: A solid extension on the third and fourth line—usually aiming to protect a moyo and/or attack an invader.
Joseki: A local pattern of play, thought to offer an even result to both players. Joseki sequences are worked out by
strong players over time, and often evolve as better moves are discovered. Most, but not all, josekis involve the corner.
Jump: A move which develops by playing one or two spaces away from another friendly stone, horizontally or vertically,
along a straight line. White 1 and 3 in Variation 60, on page 415, form a one space jump (as do Black 2 and 4 in the
same variation). On page 9, in Variation 2, you can see an example of a two space jump from Black 2 to Black 4.
Kadoban: A match deciding game, or a game where one player risks demotion (resulting in a change of handicap).
Kick: A diagonal move which attaches to a single opposing stone, perhaps to make it heavy or over-concentrated.
Knight’s Move: A move which develops in an L shape, in the same way that the ‘knight’ moves in Western chess.
Black 3 and 5 on page 321 are an example of the standard knight’s move, which skips one space in one direction and is
offset by one line in the other direction. The large knight’s move skips two spaces and the giant knight’s move three.
Ko: A situation where two opposing tiger’s mouths (or similar shapes) repeatedly alternate between capturing a single
stone. In order to prevent the game from continuing indefinitely, immediately recapturing a ko (in a way that would
repeat the exact board position from earlier) is not allowed.
This means that when your opponent captures the ko, you must play elsewhere for one turn, presenting them with a
choice between ending the ko and responding to your move elsewhere. When a ko contests an important point, it often
leads to a large scale trade, after a ko threat is ignored. An example of a ko can be seen in Variation 71, on page 115.
Ko Threat: A sente move which aims to distract the opponent for one move, so that a ko can be recaptured.
Komi: A fixed number of points (usually) given to White, in compensation for Black having the first move.
Kosumi: See diagonal move.
Ladder: A basic technique for capturing stones, which involves repeatedly playing atari in a staircase-like pattern, until
the opposing group reaches the edge of the board and runs out of liberties. Experienced players rarely play ladders out.
Ladder Breaker: A move which seeks to interfere with a ladder, by placing a stone in its path, often leading to a trade.
Lean: A tactic which builds momentum by pressing or attaching to a nearby group, usually to attack another group.
Liberty: An unoccupied point directly adjacent to a stone, or string of stones. Stones which are completely connected
(i.e. cannot be cut) share their liberties. Stones which have no liberties are captured and removed from the board.
Life: The property of a group with two eyes, or the ability to form them as required, such that it cannot be captured.
Light: The opposite of heavy. Light stones or positions are flexible and easy to give up—either by actively sacrificing
them or simply choosing to tenuki. Light stones are not overly committed and are difficult to attack profitably.
Line: Obviously a line. Less obviously, lines are counted starting at the edge of the board. ‘First line’ refers to the line
along any of the four edges of the playing grid. The next line (one line closer to the center) is called the second line, etc.
Loan: When you tenuki from an unsettled position to fight, but have to go back to defend the original position eventually,
it’s called ‘taking out a loan’. Such a strategy can be valid, but is often difficult to manage, because going back to defend
(repaying the loan) may eventually require abandoning the fight and allowing the opponent two moves in a row there.
Low: Refers to stones that are placed on the third line or below. Recall that the edge of the board is the ground.
Make Shape: The act of putting the shape of a group in order, as part of managing that group.
Miai: A pair of practically equivalent moves, or moves of similar value, such that if the opponent takes one, you can
take the other and maintain your balance. More simply, ‘making miai’ means you’ve prepared plan A and plan B.
Metagame: The psychological battle between the players, waged beyond the Go board, especially in a long match.
Glossary 595
Monkey Jump: A large knight’s move from the second line to the first. Usually reserved for the endgame.
Move Out: To develop a group into the center in order to avoid being surrounded and/or to separate opposing groups.
Moyo: A field of potential territory created by stones of the same color. It is not yet certain and may be disrupted by
the opponent, but can be traded for compensation elsewhere through skillful play. A Japanese word, moyo is often used
to describe a large framework in English, but moyo can be smaller too. The Korean reading, ‘moyang’, means shape.
Net: A technique for capturing a group of stones by jumping in front of them and heading off all escape routes. It looks
like a net has been thrown around the stones, trapping them. An example is White 31 in Variation 85, on page 171.
Nose: The point where a solid extension could be made, to extend a string of stones in a straight line. When an
opposing stone attaches at this point, it’s called a nose attachment or nose tesuji. See White 14, Variation 83, page 482.
One Thousand Dollar Turn: A turn which is of great strategic value. In Asian culture, the prefixes one thousand
and ten thousand are often used to describe things which excel within their category. See turn for more information.
Opening: The early stages of the game, where the players typically stake their claims to areas of large potential.
Over-concentrated: Used to describe an inefficient position comprised of some redundant stones. There is an ideal
number of stones required to maintain a given connection, secure a territory etc. Exceeding it leads to over-concentration.
Peep: A move which threatens to cut, by playing near an opponent’s weak point and looking through to the other side.
Picnic Ko: A ko in which one player has practically nothing to lose, and can hence fight it with the same gay abandon
as one might enjoy a picnic. The original Japanese term, hanami ko, literally means ‘flower viewing ko’. This refers to
the custom of enjoying the fleeting bloom of the cherry blossom, which often involves picnicking with family and friends.
Pincer: A move which prevents or obstructs an opposing group from extending and establishing a base. In contrast to
checking a group, pincering refers to approaching a group which has less prospect of a forming base and can be attacked.
Pinch: The act of wedging into one side or the other of a diagonal move, threatening to cut. Also called ‘angle wedge’.
Power: Refers to the capacity of stones to influence the stones around them, and potentially other parts of the board.
Another way of thinking about it is that power is the accumulation of energy within stones. This energy can be released
by attacking, invading and fighting, transforming it into territory in the process. We regard stones as being powerful
when they are well connected, have few weaknesses and are rich in eye potential. In other words, when they are strong.
Press: A technique which attempts to force an opposing group in a specific direction, usually towards the edge of the
board. Typically the intention of a press is to reduce a moyo, assist a weak group, accumulate power for use elsewhere
(leaning), or to capture. The most common example is the shoulder hit, as shown by Black 2 in Variation 20, page 16.
Probe: A move played primarily to see how the opponent will respond at a particular point in time. Once the opponent
answers your probe, you have more information about how the shape may be settled, helping you to choose a strategy.
Often, if the probe were played later, the opponent might respond differently. See Black 4 in Variation 4, on page 79.
Prophylaxis: A move or strategy designed to frustrate the opponent’s plan, often leading to a more leisurely game.
Push: A solid extension which comes into contact with opposing stones, usually exposing some sort of weakness.
‘Pushing from behind’ means pushing against another group in a way that allows it to keep walking ahead of you.
Raising a Flag: The process of developing a base in the center, as explained starting on page 99.
Reduce/Reduction: Reducing means playing to curtail the opponent’s potential. More specifically, reduction is often
used to describe techniques for shallowly erasing potential (e.g. with a shoulder hit), as opposed to deeper invasions.
When a moyo is reduced, it frequently helps the remainder to become territory. Variation 62 on page 110 is an example.
Run: Moving an unsettled group out to avoid being surrounded. Similar to move out, but more exciting.
Sabaki: A skill for managing difficult positions, with an emphasis on light, flexible play, and clear whole board judgment.
Sacrifice: The strategy of deliberately allowing a group to be captured, generally in exchange for some benefit elsewhere.
Sanrensei: An opening which places stones on three star points, forming a line. Literally ‘three linked stars’ in Japanese.
Seal In: Surrounding a group so that it is trapped (generally) against the edge of the board and must struggle to live.
Seki: Mutual life. A situation where opposing groups share liberties and neither can play on the shared liberties without
596 Glossary
themselves being captured. Variation 143 on page 72 gives one example, and Variation 69 on page 226 gives another.
Sente: A player has sente if it’s their turn to move and they don’t need to respond to any immediate threat, meaning
they hold the initiative for the time being. A move is sente if the opponent should respond to it, because failing to do
so will incur a loss which is too great to bear. The term is imported from Japanese, where it literally means ‘play first’.
Separate: Preventing groups from connecting, without necessarily making contact. A cut separates at very close range.
Settle: Deliberately resolving a position—at the expense of aji, flexibility and nuance—to make the local situation clear.
Settling a shape means exchanging moves to bring the position closer to its final form. Settling a group is making life.
Shape: The pattern in which a group of stones is arranged, focusing on both the relationships between friendly stones
(within the group) and the way it may be affected by nearby opposing stones. The concept of shape overlaps with
haengma, but views Go using a more static paradigm. ‘Good shape’ efficiently protects its own vital points, usually has
eye potential, and is either connected or flexible. Bad shape is (or can be forced to be) inefficient, heavy or brittle.
Shoulder Hit: A stone played on a diagonal point next to an opposing stone, where the opponent could make a diagonal
move. Usually, shoulder hits are played from the direction of the center, pressing the opponent towards the edge.
Snapback: A tactic for capturing a string of stones, whereby if the opponent captures your single stone, you recapture
three or more stones in response. The mechanics of snapback are explained in Variation 156, on page 307.
Solid Extension: A basic technique which forms a string of two stones, or extends an existing string in a straight line,
by placing a stone so that it is directly adjacent to another friendly stone. See White 4 to 10 in Variation 54, page 266.
Sphere of Influence: The space upon which a player’s influence operates, within which they can exercise their power.
Spiral Ladder: A tactic which rolls an opponent’s group into a dumpling and eventually eats it (capturing the group).
Splitting Attack: The strategy of attacking two or more groups simultaneously, by separating them at close range.
Splitting Play: A move made to divide a large opposing moyo, usually by making miai of one extension or another.
Squeeze: A sacrifice tactic which compresses an opponent’s group into a dumpling, or which fills the opponent’s outside
liberties in sente by exploiting a race to capture. The latter variant of the tactic reaps compensation from dead stones.
Star Point: The points on the board which are marked with a dot. If the center is the sky, these points are the stars.
Step: A verb which describes playing a diagonal move.
String: Two or more friendly stones, which are literally connected along the lines of the board and share their liberties.
Submarine Approach: An approach move on the second line, often against star point formations. See page 254.
Taisha: A class of josekis which begin by pressing with a large knight’s move, from a 5-3 point corner stone, against
an opposing 3-4 point stone. Black 2 and 4 in Variation 3, on page 79, illustrate the basic shape.
Tempo: A unit of time measured in terms of individual moves, or turns. If one player ‘gains a tempo’, it means they
effectively gain a move. The opponent plays one move for every move you play, but a sacrifice tactic can force them to
spend several strategically unimportant moves capturing while you play important moves. The practical effect is that it
is as if you gained a move. Exploiting ko is another way to gain a tempo, and disrupt otherwise impregnable positions.
Tenuki: Ignoring the opponent’s last move to play elsewhere on the board. In Japanese, it pertains to omitting steps.
Territory: The open points completely controlled by one player, after surrounding them with stones. Unlike moyo,
which is only potential territory, actual territory cannot usually be disrupted (except using supernatural tactics like ko).
Tesuji: A highly effective close range tactic, which can be identified by recognizing specific patterns and vital points in
shapes. If we imagine Go to be a mental martial art, tesuji are the key techniques of hand to hand combat. Examples
of common tesuji include tactics for efficiently capturing, living, escaping, connecting, cutting, sacrificing, trading etc.
Thick/Thickness: Thick describes a position which is strong, and difficult (or impossible) to attack—a position
with few weaknesses to exploit. Thick groups cannot be cut or easily threatened. Thick territories cannot be invaded
successfully (except perhaps using ko). Thickness is the property of being thick, and is another word for power.
Thin: The opposite of thick. Thin groups are easily separated and exploited. Thinness is the property of being thin.
Throw-in: A single stone sacrifice played at the opponent’s vital point to deform their shape and attack (often severely).
Glossary 597
Tiger’s Mouth: The shape formed by three stones which atari one stone, but in cases where the ataried stone is instead
an open point. If the opponent plays in the tiger’s mouth it can eat the stone. If they peep the tiger’s mouth, it can be
closed by playing a friendly stone in the mouth. White 1, 3 and 5 in Variation 22, on page 145, show the basic shape.
Tombstone Squeeze: A powerful squeeze tactic which can only be used at the very edge of the board, so named
because the resulting shape resembles a Japanese style tombstone. It involves first sacrificing two stones and then
another, collapsing the opponent’s shape. Variation 31 on page 335 shows an example.
Trade: Giving up something and receiving something in return. For example, groups, moyos and sente can be traded.
Transposition: When a sequence of moves arrives at exactly the same position as another sequence, the two sequences
can be said to transpose. Transposition can also be used as an analytical technique, by imagining another move order
which would lead to the same position. This potentially helps one to identify and understand the causes of inefficient
moves. This approach is also known as move order analysis or tewari analysis (though tewari involves further techniques).
Turn: Like a hane, but solidly connected such that it is not possible to cut or peep. A turn is very thick and strong,
creating potential while limiting the opponent’s. The shape is formed by Black 14, 16 and 18, in Variation 96, page 48.
Two Stage Ko: A ko which leads to another ko after the initial ko is won by one player. Compare to approach ko.
Unsettled: The opposite of settled. When referring to a group, it means not yet alive and therefore able to be attacked.
Vital Point: A key point in any position, which confers a significant advantage to whoever plays there first.
Walk: A verb used to describe making a solid extension.
Wedge: A tactic which barges in between opposing stones, as part of a sequence which cuts (or threatens to cut).
Playing at the center point of an opposing one space jump is an example, as shown by Black 7, Diagram 15, page 483.
Wide: Refers drawing the whole board into play and increasing the possibilities. This is discussed on page 10.
Index of Principles
The Ten Golden Rules of Go Star points like to enclose the corner, 87, 328
Greed leads not to success, 38, 117, 128, 374, 487 Stake a claim to the land between two corners, 210
Be unhurried about invading, 113, 139–140, 210 Make miai when splitting, 12, 249, 322
Consider your weaknesses before attacking, 34–36, 56– Split and tenuki to take a huge point, 399
57, 214–215, 274, 277, 341, 350, 359, 484 Context is everything to the star point, 95, 141
Sacrifice stones to gain sente, 29–33, 59, 79–80, 116, 151, Settle the shape once the path is clear, 24, 89
271, 275, 345, 464 Remember to close the door, 15, 140, 397
Sacrifice plums for peaches (36 Stratagems), 127, 148, Mount Fuji is a volcano, 149, 165, 167–169
156–157, 215, 288, 301, 343, 376, 484 That which bends is not always weak (Lao Zi ), 137
When in danger, sacrifice, 19–23, 59, 88, 200, 411–412,
420, 439, 462–464, 480 Non-principle Opening Discussions
Play carefully, don’t act in haste, 38, 122, 170–171, 174, A tactical approach, 146
205–206, 220–221, 312, 492 The 3-4 point and the direction of play, 8, 78–81
Know your enemy and know yourself (Sun Zi ), 78, 97, The Chinese Opening, 138, 245
137, 208, 250–253, 346, 352, 391, 404 The High Chinese Opening, 447
Play safely against strength, 49, 111–113, 164, 208, 220, The high enclosure, 391
414, 422 The high enclosure emphasizes thickness, 11
Make peace when isolated, 88, 109, 160, 259, 262–264, The immediate approach, 9, 78
324–325, 401, 451, 480 The Micro-Chinese Opening, 12, 197
The Mini-Chinese Opening, 197
Fundamental Principles of Attack and Defense The Parallel Opening, 321
Divide your opponent’s forces, 17, 34, 47, 60, 107, 199, The star point, 7
202–203, 214, 218, 342, 361, 364, 408, 428, 430, The star point enclosure, 245
450, 547–548, 567–568, 574 The standard enclosure, 321
Surround your opponent, 16, 39, 54, 96, 176, 214, 248,
332, 455, 466, 544, 571–572 Middle Game Principles
Stay connected, 23, 26, 40, 214, 219, 230, 287, 332, 408 Be like water (Lee), 137, 407
Avoid being surrounded, 26, 53–54, 59, 140, 199, 205, Go with the flow, 158, 343
214, 248, 277–282, 419, 460 Flowing water doesn’t fight what lies ahead
Know your next moves, 27, 91, 214, 261, 323, 404, 428 (Takagawa), 137, 200, 339
Assess strength and weakness objectively (Zhukov ),
Opening Principles 277
Unclaimed corners are big, 8–9, 77, 82 Know when to fight and when not to (Sun Zi ), 34
Modern go is wide, 10 Never underestimate thickness, 208
A wide opening serves black, 77, 81 Power promises territory, 33, 102, 165, 208–209
Approach from the wider side, 138–139, 198, 326, 344 Make a fist before striking, 9, 106, 341
Develop towards the wider side, 394, 398, 557 The hand which strikes also blocks, 34, 37, 101, 218
The inside can still be the wider side, 452 Running is more fun with a friend, 34, 37, 82, 460–461
Loose pincers discourage sacrifice, 80, 392, 403 Size matters in go, 18, 121, 288
Pincer when it strengthens existing stones, 86 Maintain the pressure, 22, 140, 534
Star points like to pincer firmly, 147–148, 328, 541 Play urgent points before big points, 214, 309, 357
599
600 Index of Principles
Fight for sente, 86, 127, 157, 255, 338, 345 Sometimes retreat is best (36 Stratagems), 220
Adapt to changing circumstances (Machiavelli ), 7, 352
By indirections find directions out (Shakespeare), 483 Tactical Principles
Good things come to those who probe, 215, 231, 416 Attach to the stronger stone, 17, 264–265, 332, 336–338
Seize fleeting opportunities, 42, 416, 428 Attach to the weaker stone, 332, 336
Appearances can be deceiving (Lao Zi ), 62 Chase two rabbits, but catch one, 91
There are no forcing moves in a fight, 154 Get to the key points quickly, 17, 287
Protecting begets protecting further (Thucydides), 422 The opponent’s key point is your own, 97
Avoiding complications is costly (Machiavelli ), 488 Sometimes you have to choose between key points, 99
Create something from nothing (36 Stratagems), 29 Guard your vital points, 259
Wait for the opportune moment (Sun Zi ), 424 Deform your opponent’s shape, 45, 511
Don’t obsess over shape (Nimzowitsch), 40, 284
Principles of Attacking Form follows function (Sullivan), 289
Make territory while attacking, 48, 92, 111, 216, 421 The conservation of stones, 269
Make threats from a distance, 313 Enlarge the sacrifice, 63, 271, 468–469
Attack tight stones loosely, 283, 287, 354 Sacrifice on the less important side first, 57, 415
Attack loose stones tightly, 285, 287 Tread lightly, 27
Attack light stones on a large scale, 405, 466 The beauty of omission, 53
Compress stones which approach from the inside, 453 Keep your options open, 110, 273
Speech is silver and silence is golden, 19 Know when to hold ‘em (Schlitz ), 24
Don’t use power to surround territory, 164 Prevent box shapes in the center, 101, 462, 468
Use power to exploit weakness, 102, 167–169, 216 Approach high positions from below, 456
Concentrate your forces (Sun Zi ), 203 Hane at the head of two stones, 89
Fight from a position of strength, 100, 111 Cut across the knight’s move, 282, 347
Divide and conquer (Philip II of Macedon), 430, Extend three spaces from a two stone wall, 83
547–548, 567–568, 574 Sometimes the empty triangle is powerful, 353, 364
Feint to the east, attack the west (36 Stratagems), 265, Press down the divine head, 270
332, 560 Don’t stop reading at the first sign of trouble, 272
Ride the wave while it lasts, 45–59, 409
Probe your opponent’s weaknesses, 416 Principles of Capturing
Catch rain where rain falls, 354 Beware of indigestion when eating stones, 162, 574, 588
Do the unexpected, attack the unprepared, 267, 536 Cut off the tail once the head escapes, 106, 290
Strike while the iron is hot, 69 There is death in the hane, 143
Fuse speed with secrecy (Clausewitz ), 428, 530 Fill liberties from the outside, 161, 233
Secretly cross at Chencang (36 Stratagems), 418, 519 One eye beats no eye, 191, 316
Even a good marksman may miss, 295 Big eyes beat small eyes, 582
When riding the tiger, it’s difficult to get off, 492 Doubt your own ability to capture, 305
Principles of Defending Principles of Invading
Defense is no mere shield (Clausewitz ), 212 Invade just before territory is completed, 103, 152, 527
Offense is the best defense, 37, 218 Aim for more than just life, 258, 427
Strive to defend efficiently, 426 Use power to invade, 152
Use contact moves to defend, 18, 201, 323–326 Use power to conquer foreign territories, 165, 169
Defend by expanding, 213, 474 Deploy a submarine against the star point enclosure,
Raise a flag when your group is floating, 29, 99–100, 96, 254, 347, 401, 474
101, 111, 420, 462 The ideal moment to probe, 93
Diffuse what you can’t absorb, 342 Reverse the roles of guest and host (36 Stratagems),
Hunt for weaknesses, 58 458
Force before defending, 116, 247, 431 Don’t solidify your opponent’s territory from the
Strengthen yourself to weaken your opponent, 420 inside, 468
True strength is light as a feather (Crouching Tiger,
Hidden Dragon), 464 Principles of Ko
Fighting spirit demands a scorched earth policy, 87, 325 Use ko to resist, 159, 584
Cooperate, when it suits you, 205 Prepare ko threats before committing to ko, 294, 585
The cunning rabbit has three holes, 64 Count your ko threats carefully, 118
The star point enclosure is stronger than it looks, 262 Every ko threat costs you something, 116
Sometimes there’s no room to back down, 122 Force your opponent to spend ko threats, 190, 298
Index of Principles 601
There are no ko threats in the opening, 257 Hope takes but a moment to crumble, 182
Strong players love ko, 114 Go is a battle of wills, 126
Always try one last time, 185
Endgame Principles If you cannot succeed, die gloriously, 292
Play double sente as early as possible, 124
Can’t capture? Think endgame, 71 Overarching Strategic Principles
Even dead stones still have value, 237 Principles can be broken, 475
Thickness still pays in the endgame, 234, 370 Use only that which works (Lee), v
Bully weak groups and steal their lunch money, 71, 238 Strategy always trumps tactics, 85, 266, 270
Strategy and tactics are inseparable, 107
Principles for Peaceful Situations There are many paths to success, 141
Fix your roof while the sun is shining, 109 There’s no easy road to success, 188
When the dust settles, take a big point, 344 Act indirectly (Hart), 346
Count as you catch your breath, 121 Control the options, 322, 328
Play at the intersection of two spheres of influence, 92, Kill two birds with one stone, 250
332 Determination is power, 49
Still waters run deep, 209 No answer is also an answer, 434
Execute your plan decisively, 275
Principles for Chaotic Situations
Don’t change horses midstream, 84
Find balance amidst chaos, 60
Practice calm detachment (Zhuge), 472
Chaos smiles upon the underdog, 177
Let go of unimportant plans, 411
Fortune favors the bold, 156
Something is better than nothing, 120, 191
Lead away a goat in passing (36 Stratagems), 491
The threat is stronger than the execution
Mulberry fields turn to blue seas, 480
(Nimzowitsch), 222
Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7 ), 377
Success depends on preparation (Confucius), 469
The simplest things are difficult (Clausewitz ), 485
Timing is everything, 255, 357
Principles for Advantageous Situations Some things are too good to be true, 105
Caution is both friend and foe, 224 Victory cannot be forced (Sun Zi ), 301
A rich man shouldn’t pick quarrels, 55
Playing too safely is risky (Machiavelli ), 179
Simplify the game when ahead, 437, 489
Trade to simplify the game, 439
Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched, 314
Even a brilliant move can turn sour, 303
Greed for the win takes the win away, 67
Principles for Disadvantageous Situations
Be slow to anger (James 1:19 ), 190
The better part of valor is discretion (Shakespeare),
359
Take the road less traveled, especially when behind
(Frost), 235
Go is an unforgiving friend, 183
Battles are not won by strength alone, 503
Principles for Winning Positions
After victory, tighten your helmet (Tokugawa), 496
Don’t celebrate too early, 180
Play thickly when winning, 312
Use miai to maintain your lead, 186
Settle the shape to ensure your lead, 375
There’s many a slip between the cup and the lip, 129
Winners can be generous, 370
Principles for Losing Positions
Keep things unsettled when losing, 379, 488–490
Scour the board for aji when behind, 499