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Ko

 

Multiple Ko
  Difficulty: Beginner   Keywords: Ko

[Diagram]
Diag.: Simple Ko

This is a simple ko. Once black plays 1, white may not answer at the marked space, because it is forbidden by the ko rule.


[Diagram]
Diag.: A more complex ko

Here is a more complex ko. If white doesn't play 1, black will play at 'a'

This is a TwoStepKo. -- BillSpight


[Diagram]
Diag.: A more complex ko

Creating this situation.


Please add other examples of multiple ko's, a formal definition of a triple ko would be much appreciated. --FCS



More generally, several kos can co-exist on the Goban without being linked directly like the ones above. Normally, kos have a certain value (see basics on kos), but they can be left alone for a while if there are other moves on the board which are more important, or if one side tries to create more kothreats. This means that one ko can exist, but not be played, while the game continues. Later on, another ko can be created, leaving two kos on the board.

A special case is a doubleko, where the two kos are both relevant to the life of the same group.

But in general, the kos are not related and are played out independently. Taking one ko as a threat in the other ko fight may not be very useful, since both kos most likely will not have the same value. If the 'new' ko is worth more than the currently active ko, the ko fight will probably 'move' to the bigger ko, if the ko is smaller, it was a bad threat. Anyhow, the existence of just 2 kos cannot create repetition without threats being played out as well, and thus creates no problems with respect to eternal play.

A TripleKo can create eternal play, but is very very rare.

--MortenPahle



This is a copy of the living page "Multiple Ko" at Sensei's Library.
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