By Nam Chi-hyung

Although I named the moves introduced in the previous lesson as moves from the “outside,” perhaps that’s because I’m not strong enough to imagine that I can find a good move in an area seemingly not related to the situation at hand.

Anyway, it is true that we can find more examples of brilliant moves in areas located far away from the main action.


Diagram 1

This example is taken from the game played in 1991 between Cho Chi-hoon 9-dan and Takemia 9-dan, who is famous for his cosmic style. Cho, who was Black, played 2 against White 1, giving atari to the △-marked black stone. Of course, Cho knew that his stone was in atari.

Black 2 is not even connected with any black groups. Then, what was the meaning of Black 2?





Diagram 2

If Black extends at 2 against White ’ s atari, White will go out with the sequence from 3 to 9. Even though Black can capture the six white stones on the lower side, White’s territory and influence on the right side are too big, making this result quite unacceptable for Black.












Diagram 3

Black 1 is, therefore, a move to prevent the unfavorable result in Dia.2. If White comes out with 2, he will fall into Black’s trap. The ▲-marked white stones are all killed by the sequence up to 9.

Please verify it yourself.












Diagram 4

There is a saying that a ponuki in the beginning is worth 30 points, but it cannot be applied in this situation.

As you see, all the ▲-marked white stones are killed by Black 3, and the influence made by White 2 is not that powerful.












Diagram 5

Therefore, White has no choice but to capture the seven black stones on the right side as soon as possible, in order not to be much harassed by Black in the center.

However, the result shown here, where Black can almost cover the center and capture the six white stones on the lower side as well is still far more favorable for Black.

Please compare this with Dia.2.








Diagram 6

This example is less realistic, but interesting enough. It is very simple to recognize that the black group in the corner cannot live as it is.

The key is to use the △-marked stones on the side.
















Diagram 7

Because it is pretty hard to solve this problem even for strong players, let me just show you the correct sequence.

The sequence shown here is inevitable for both. If White plays 7 instead of 6, Black will live inside by exchanging Black A and White B, and playing C.














Diagram 8

After White captures the two black stones with 8 in Dia.7, Black throws in with 1 here, forcing White to take the three black stones with 2.

Black 3 on the first line is a brilliant move which forces White to make two eyes with 2, and lets Black go under with 5 as well.


chihyung@mju.ac.kr


The writer is a baduk professor at Myongji University and a professional player of the game.