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Fourth Line
  Difficulty: Beginner   Keywords: Opening, Strategy

When we speak of the fourth line, this is what we mean:

[Diagram]
The fourth line


On a 19x19 goban, it is said that the fourth line is the line of influence. This means that a fair exchange can result into stones on the third line making territory, opposing stones on the fourth line facing the center.

Building territory on the fourth line is attractive, compared with the same number and spacing of stones on the third line, because it is more efficient. But it is also less secure: invasions under stones placed on the fourth line must be expected. In those cases you need to take influence and use it for framework or fighting.

When speaking of extensions or approach moves, the fourth line will be referred to as high, whereas the third line is called low.



This is a copy of the living page "Fourth Line" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.