44 Point, Low Approach, Low Extension, 3-3 invasion

3-3 invasion  

Typically, invading the 3-3 early in the opening gives White a cramped position. Black gets thickness and White only a small territory. However, such an invasion can be very severe during the middlegame if White is very strong on the outside.

Typical invasion

Typical joseki  

This is a typical joseki. Note that here is very safe, so this joseki is recommended if Black does not want any complications.

Typical joseki  

Black can also play here, completely shutting in White. Of course, this might look better for Black, but the question is whether can cut at a.

Life-and-death issue  

Of course, there is a life-and-death issue here. If in the previous diagram tenukis, then and kills with a L-group. However, White has a four to five space big eye here, plus possible captures, so this White group has a lot of liberties. Depending on the stones in the vicinity, the cut at a may be possible.

Cut  

That is to say, it may be possible for White to cut first, leaving Black with two weak groups, before returning to live at a.

Cut  

Bill: Well, I have a book that shows the cut, Suzuki and Kitani's Small Joseki Dictionary. Voila. and are tesuji.

Alternative invasion  

If White is very strong on the outside, can be very severe. Note that invites damezumari, but also creates a cutting point at a.

Continuation  

Whether Black needs to defend at depends on whether the cut at a works. Note that is played here instead of b to avoid L+2 group with descent.

Cut  

White's previous moves are played in the premise that and works. Of course, there is a ladder involved, and it must not work for Black.

Shut in  

connects. is the simplest move. If Black insists on killing the corner, seals him in.

If Black moves out with , White turns at a and captures four stones.

Depending on White's support, other moves like at a are possible.

Sealed in  

Note that for this variation of the invasion, Black can seal White in with sente. If White is not very strong on the right, then Black can then attack the three White stones on the right.

Desperate  

If the surroundings is really very hostile, black can choose to play sabaki and build eyes. But this is definitely not meant for normal play.