Sanrensei fuseki

Here both Black and White continue from an initial nirensei and set up sanrensei formations on opposite sides of the board. Although this approach for White is possible, it is probably more common in actual play to see White use to approach Black's formation at a.

Strengths and weaknesses

The sanrensei is an influence-based approach rather than a territory-oriented one. Black will tend to build large, relatively loose frameworks, that only turn into territory later in the game as the middle game struggle progresses. It by a natural process becomes a fighting approach as White is usually forced to invade Black's framework(s) in order to prevent them from turning entirely into territory.

Choosing the sanrensei is in a sense a narrower or less flexible strategy than moving around more speedily from a nirensei formation. Black concentrates his resources on only one side of the board and waits to see how White will try to handle the situation. Despite having played on only one side, Black should be ready to react in different ways to White's counter-plan.

Notes

• It is possible for a sanrensei to turn into a yonrensei.
• For dissenting opinion see High-concept opening myth. For recent evaluations on statistics, see the sanrensei files.

See also

• Sanrensei - is it a good choice for you
• Go Seigen on sanrensei
• Sanrensei simplest comments
• Playing against sanrensei
• Sanrensei versus hoshi-sansan fuseki
• Takemiya-style sanrensei
• Sanrensei, low variant
• All Stars opening
• Three star points, contact invasion
• /History
• BQM 55