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TigersMouth

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Referenced by
BasicInstinct
Kikashi
ShapesAndConnections
TheEmptyTriangleI...
TrumpetConnection
AnswersToTheHaneD...
BeginnerExercise1...
BeginnerExercise6...
PlayingInYourOwnT...
Kaketsugi

 

Tiger Shape
   

[Diagram]
Diag.: The tiger shape

The tiger shape is shown to the left (the three marked stones).

The shape is strong initially, because a white play at 'a' can be captured by black at 'b'.

It creates a high potential for eyes, but in the long run it is a weak move that requires back up (creates gote? I'm still learning Japanese terms...).


[Diagram]
Diag.: requires a strengthening move

This diagram shows how the tiger can be attacked.

The tiger shape is also called the tiger's mouth, and is related to the trumpet connection.

-author: FCS



Well, the main reason why the tiger mouth is a strong shape is not that it is taking territory, but that it has high potential for making eyes.

[Diagram]
Diag.: Joseki example

For example in this joseki a tiger's mouth appears. It is a very strong shape. An alternative black 6 is playing at 'a' which intends to reduce white's base along the side.

However, compared with 'a' black 6 has much more eye potential. A single black move at 'b' instantly creates a life shape with two eyes at 'c' and 'd'.

--ArnoHollosi, 1d


[Diagram]
Diag.: Joseki example

I think that the main point worth repeating is that the tigers mouth or 'hanging connection' is not about territory but about connecting two strings of stones connected through a kosumi. Black 6 connects the marked black stone and 4 just as solidly as black 'a' would do, but, like Arno points out, with eye potential.

In the example at the top, black really has no reason to play the marked shape. Even without the offset stone, black is connected through a one space jump.

--MortenPahle



[Diagram]
Diag.: Preventing the tiger shape

Black 2 prevents White from making a tiger shape. This is considered good for Black. The result can also be seen as a weak player's diagonal for White. --Dieter



This is a copy of the living page "Tiger Shape" at Sensei's Library.
(C) the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.