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Approach on the open side
Path: GeneralOpeningPrinciples   · Prev: PlayAwayFromThickness   · Next: DualPurposePlays
  Difficulty: Beginner   Keywords: Opening, Strategy

[Diagram]
An extreme case

This is a kind of caricature. It should be clear that W1 is worse than the approach at a, even if White now lives. The BC stone will end up on a good point as long as Black builds up strength.



That is, invade a framework where it is easiest to invade. The logic that says invade first in a narrow space, so that later you can invade the broader space goes wrong if the opponent attacks in such a way as to consolidate the broad side.

[Diagram]
Approach from outside first

This idea applies also for dealing with the opponent's framework from outside (when there is a free boundary).



As a general principle an approach like W1 here, on the completely open side, is better than at a: in the latter case White will definitely get a weak group to defend, while with the open side White will possibly get a strong group on the outside.

Note that White cannot constrain Black's strategy here: Black may choose to pincer at b, in which case White will not be able to get a strong group. Instead White will take the corner or set up a running fight on the outside, the former being orthodox. Therefore the idea of the open side approach is related to flexibility. Black has played three times on this side before White plays a single stone. It is reasonable for White to allow Black some control of the direction of play. If White invaded at c Black would definitely play at d. White would be dictating the direction of play all right, but at a cost to her strategy. Don't push your opponent into good moves.

See also closed side - closed mind.

Charles Matthews



Path: GeneralOpeningPrinciples   · Prev: PlayAwayFromThickness   · Next: DualPurposePlays
This is a copy of the living page "Approach on the open side" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.