Contact play for sabaki
There is a saying, Attach to make sabaki. When playing inside the opponent's sphere of influence, an attachment is often indicated.
Bill: There are several reasons for that.
- First, an attachment can end up strengthening both sides. Since the invader is weak to start with, that can benefit him.
- Second, the normal response to an attachment is a hane[1]. By playing a crosscut or counter hane, the player seeking sabaki opens up possibilities. That is light play.
- Third, if the opponent responds with nobi, that can reduce the local possibilities, but runs the risk of being kikasare.
- Fourth, an attachment almost requires the response of a nobi or hane. How the opponent commits himself may resolve the question of future development. See probe.
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Comments
Charles Matthews: As a general rule the unsupported contact play will be a sabaki sequence in the making. I've noticed 4 dan players handle these with some confidence. A supported contact play may or may not be seeking sabaki - in the usual joseki it isn't, so the sabaki continuations tend to look like special techniques. My feeling is that 5 dans begin to play them properly. I had a period of studying them intensely in the Chinese style.