Small gaps

  Difficulty: Beginner   Keywords: Tactics

Table of contents

Introduction

The small gap is a particular feature of amateur players' games, which stronger players instinctively avoid in most cases. It usually arises from some kind of play that is too close.

Let's look at the following three diagrams.

[Diagram]
Ok for White.  
[Diagram]
Bad for white  
[Diagram]
Horrible for white  

The concept seems very simple. But one can see this basic mistake in many amateur games, even at dan level.



Pushing through a small gap

-- Charles Matthews

[Diagram]
Black plays poorly  

Here's a typical sequence, in which Black is not doing at all well. Dividing your opponent's forces is strong (unless they are already strong). On top of that, the smaller the gap through which you push, the stronger the push that divides them. The basic reason for that is that it is easier for them to connect if you do not separate them.

[Diagram]
So near and yet so far  

Concentrate on the two black+circle stones. They are separated only by a diagonal jump; and yet white+square cuts the communication between them extremely effectively.

[Diagram]
Too many cutting points  

This kind of play, with B1, is rarely effective because White can make so many cutting points in Black's formation with the plays at a and b. After W2 creating further chances at c and d, it is unlikely that Black would kill White in a handicap game: too many possibilities for White.

[Diagram]
Widening the gap  

Playing B1 here is the kind of play that in fact makes it easier for Black to attack successfully. If White a Black can choose b or c: in either case the fact that B1 is one line further away is helpful to Black.

[Diagram]
Still too close  

If on the other hand Black doesn't understand the basic principle and plays B1 and B3, White will be able to cut. Black should be able to think of playing B3 at a instead.

[Diagram]
Still too close - continuation  

This, for example, is an unreasonable fight for Black since White at a is now strong.

[Diagram]
So near and yet so far, again  

Another way to get the feeling that Black has effectively forced White out through a small gap, is to consider this re-ordered sequence (tewari). In this case B1 (a raw peep), and the bad exchange B3/W4, are exactly doing that.

[Diagram]
Black to avoid forcing white through the gap  

Back to the first diagram: what should black do instead?

[Diagram]
Continuation  

B3 here should be basic instinct. After B5, if white plays a then black will play b to close another gap. Or white b, black a leads to a different fight. These options might look slightly scary for black, but they're definitely better than the "Black plays poorly" diagram at the top of this section.

See [ext] discussion for some earlier alternatives.



See also


Small gaps last edited by xela on December 21, 2019 - 02:16
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