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InvasionItinerary

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SmallKnightExtens...

 

small knight extension from 4-4, tenuki, diagonal attachment, 3-3 invasion
Path: InvasionItinerary   · Prev: SanSanInvasionOfHoshi   · Next: BeginnerSQuestionAboutInvasion
    Keywords: MiddleGame, Joseki

[Diagram]
Diag.: Is the invasion good?

This is a fairly fundamental position in contemporary go. The white stones on the outside may well be weak, but both players ought to be well-informed about the status of the 3-3 invasion White 1. Can it live?


[Diagram]
Diag.: Ordinary answer

Black 2 here must be counted as the typical answer. Alternatively, Black might block at a allowing White to connect out (nearly) at 2, which is purely defensive; Black might play at b which attempts to kill the corner but is bad shape; or play c, then a, which gives away eye shape to White's outside group.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Avoiding the overplay

Now White 3 is usual and Black 4 is probably correct shape: to play 4 at a allows White to push through and cut, and is potentially an overplay unless Black is very strong locally[1]. But there are still difficult tactics possible after Black 4.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Causing trouble

White has the idea of playing at 5 here. White could simply live now, but this sets off tactics, assuming Black plays 6 out of fighting spirit. White cuts at 7.


[Diagram]
Diag.: One way to fight

If Black 8, White will play 9 and matters become difficult.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Another way to fight

Black has the other option, of playing at 8 first to see what White does. If White 9 then Black will set up the cut at b to break out. This is a tough fight.



[1]

[Diagram]
Diag.: The overplay?

If Black does block with 1 here, White cannot quite live in the corner. On the other hand White now has a choice of sharp ways to play.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Not quite alive, but ...

White 2 and 4 aren't quite life in the corner, yet. But the cutting point at a is serious for Black. Note that White at b has a big effect in life-and-death here.


[Diagram]
Diag.: As before

White can also play 2 this way, a transposition into the variation considered earlier.

Author: Charles Matthews



Path: InvasionItinerary   · Prev: SanSanInvasionOfHoshi   · Next: BeginnerSQuestionAboutInvasion
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(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.