Lesson 96: High-level Connection (1)
By Nam Chi-hyung
When you’re talking about connection, it is usually about the connection between two closely related stones. However, in a real game, you sometimes want to save weak stones separated from the strong party by a wide gap or the opponent’s stones.
To differentiate from a simple connection between two stones, we often call this kind high-level connection technique a ``cross’’ or ``bridge.’’ The reason why we use that expression is, I think, the situation is akin to helping an isolated lamb rejoin the main flock safely settled on the other side of a river.
A crossing is mostly used near the edge of the board, since the gap between a weak group and a strong group is wide and difficult to cover in other, more open areas of the board.
Diagram 1
The simplest example of a crossing is to connect the two △-marked black stones with the black group in the corner.
Diagram 2
If Black plays 1 following the proverb ‘the center is the vital point of a symmetrical shape,’ White can cut by attaching on both sides with 2 and 4.
Diagram 3
In general, a large knight move is not a strong connecting method, while on the 1st and 2nd lines it can be a perfect connection so that Black 1 is the correct move here. Of course Black A can be the same connecting move, but in case there is a ko fight and you have to give up these two stones in order to win the ko, it’s better to play near the stronger group.
Diag. 4 Diag. 5
Diagram 4
At a glance, it seems that the two o-marked stones and the three △-marked stones are all dead, cut by White. However, using the two o-marked stones and the specific character of the edge of the board, you can save the three △-marked stones.
Diagram 5
In this case, the key point is to start a capturing race between the two black stones captured in the center and the three x-marked white stones separating the three black stones in the corner. Even though it’s impossible for Black to win the race, he can cross under by lessening the white stones’ liberties. Black 1 is the vital point lessening White’s liberties. If Black simply plays 2 or 4 instead of 1, White will come down at 1 and intercept Black’s crossing.
Diagram 6
The question is the connection of the △-marked black stone and the left corner. If Black threatens to capture the ▲-marked white stone with A or C, White will choose to separate the black stone on the side by giving up his stone in atari with B or D. It is obvious that’s not what Black wants.
Diagram 7
In this case, the knight’s move with 1 is the answer. You may notice that the proverb ‘opponent’s vital point is my vital point’ applies here. In Diagram 6, Black wants White to connect at A when he gives atari to him with C. If so, Black can easily cross with D. However, White blocks with D, to Black’s frustration. Black 1 in this diagram, located at the same place with D in Diagram 6, makes White only able to connect at A and allows himself to bridge under with B.
The writer is a baduk professor at Myongji University and a professional player of the game.