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CraneSNestTesuji
KanazawaSolutionOne
BeginnerExercise1...
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TwoEyesCanDie
BeginnerExercise2...
AdjustedLengthAna...
KanazawaSolution23
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Play on the Point of Symmetry
Path: GoProverbs   · Prev: YourOpponentSGoodMoveIsYourGoodMove   · Next: CaptureTheCuttingStones
    Keywords: Proverb

In a symmetrical position, play on the point of symmetry.

This Go proverb applies to tactical questions regarding life and death of groups, but also sometimes to more strategic questions regarding invasions/reductions.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Black to play and live.

In the example, Black can keep the group alive in seki by playing on the point of symmetry as shown in the following diagram.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Black plays on the point of symmetry.

Of course, sometimes (as in this example) there is more than one point of symmetry - but the proverb will at least reduce your options.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Black plays on the point of symmetry again.

A possible variation is White playing at 2. Then in this case, Black can apply the same proverb again, by playing at 3. Then a and b are miai, and c and d are also miai, so Black lives with two eyes.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Still alive.

In this way, Black is still alive.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Wrong point of symmetry.

However, if Black plays at the wrong point of symmetry at 1 or a, then White 2 to 6 kills the Black group.




Dnerra: Sometimes, it also applies to the opening:

[Diagram]
Diag.: Where else would you like to move?


Exceptions

DontPlayOnThePointOfSymmetry



Path: GoProverbs   · Prev: YourOpponentSGoodMoveIsYourGoodMove   · Next: CaptureTheCuttingStones
This is a copy of the living page "Play on the Point of Symmetry" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.