Fifth line

 

Strategy

It's common knowledge that we should balance high and low moves in the opening. So we play extensions both on the third and fourth lines. In contrast, isolated extensions on the fifth line are less common.

Where fifth line plays are used in the opening, they are typically part of local fighting, plays at the boundaries of two frameworks, or moves to consolidate a framework.

Unreasonable extension  

You may see plays like this in beginner games. In general, the space around a is too open for this extension to work.

Consolidation  

is a common move to consolidate a framework around a shimari. White would like to play there as a reducing move, so Black follows the proverb that the enemy's key point is yours

Defense  

is played to get access to the center and split Black's stones.

Joseki  

This joseki is played, but only where it coordinates well with Black's other stones. In isolation, is not effective.

Andy: Although consider that in general a joseki should be played such that it coordinates well with other stones. The coordination with this 5th line move is so obvious (Takemiya) that it's easy to spot when it is inappropriate, while other joseki that are less obviously situationally incorrect might require more insight to play correctly.

Further Examples

Expecting too much  

After , which is a good diagonal attachment, , while not exactly a poor play - it is aggressive, at least - isn't better than Black at a.

A gap  

A later white play at is rather too easy to make as an invasion.

Plays on the fifth line don't take much secure territory.

Not joseki for White  

On the other hand pushing along the fifth line is no good, because it gives away an extra point each turn, compared with pushing along the fourth line. Here isn't joseki: White at b is the recognised play.