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Joseki
BasicTechniquesOfGo
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HighOneSpaceExten...
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4-4 point low approach high extension
    Keywords: Joseki

[Diagram]
One-space extension

For quite some time B1 here was the normal answer when White approach the 4-4 point. A change of fashion occurred amongst pros, at the start of the 1990s, and the low answer took over. Still, this is a major idea in joseki; and if Black already has a stone at one of the circled points it is natural for Black to claim territory on the fourth line in this way.


[Diagram]
White's replies

White's common replies, in decreasing order of popularity, are a to f. The different extensions b to e have of course rather different meanings. In particular the answer at d, without playing first at a, goes against some matters taught as common sense basics: which hasn't prevented it being adopted in many progames of recent times.

White can also play tenuki, risking a diagonal attachment attack.


[Diagram]
Main variation

This is the classic continuation. To switch direction, Black can play B2 at a, or even b (4-4 point low approach high extension, slide, attachment). B2 as tenuki is seen; and Black can certainly omit B4, which is however a big point to make the most of Black's fourth line position.

Other pages:

Charles Matthews



This is a copy of the living page "4-4 point low approach high extension" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.