Beginner Exercise 87 / Solution

Solution  

The jump to the 1-2 point is the only move.

Solution  

This sequence is the best result for both players, and hence regarded as the main line.

Solution  

If pushes in, then captures and White only loses stones due to connect-and-die. Note that the capture of gains Black a liberty, so after Black is not under atari.

Solution  

If plays at the other 1-2 point, then cuts and captures everything. Even when White connects at a, then Black is still alive with the bent four living eye space.

Elgoran, 14k: at a is also possible, capturing marked stone in ConnectAndDie. Uberdude: True it is alive, but it has fewer points than the correct answer in which black could next capture the white stone on the 1st line.

Main failure  

The main failure sequence is to atari at , hoping White will connect and then we revert back to the solution main line. But no, with Black can only live by winning the ko.

Main failure variation  

An interesting variation from the main failure sequence is this and is worth discussing. It tries to combine two techniques: snapback and connect-and-die. Obviously White cannot connect at a...

Main failure variation  

However, can choose to capture. Black can continue fighting the ko with a, or...

Main failure variation  

Black can also capture the two White stones...

Main failure variation  

However, this is not a typical snapback, but rather a case of capture two, recapture one. After the only way for Black to continue is to fight the ko at a.

While this variation sequence does not allow Black to avoid fighting a ko, however it does provide Black with two local ko-threats, namely, and .

Failure  

Another failure is to play at . Then kills.