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4-4 point low approach high extension, slide, pincer
  Difficulty: Advanced   Keywords: Joseki

[Diagram]
starting position

This page deals with the joseki that exist after B5 in this diagram. The main variation of the joseki requires a ladder; if the ladder does not work, black has to play a less common variation.


[Diagram]
basic variation

With B1, black is trying to get outside influence in exchange for white territory in the corner, and the most common variation for white is to get along with black's plan with W2 and W4, then play W6 to create aji.


[Diagram]
after the joseki

For white to run out with the marked stone when the ladder does not work for black is a big threat, Thus, usually black will capture with B3 at an early stage. Black in turn can somewhat close off the left side by exchanging B1 for W2.


[Diagram]
no ladder

If the ladder does not work for black, setting up a position with B4 is most common. White creates aji with W5, then stabilizes her group with W7. If white plays tenuki with either at those moves, black will aim for the black a-white b exchange again. After W7, black c is thick but slow.


[Diagram]
aiming for the left

If the left side is important, white might play W1 here instead of a. After black stabilizes the upper side with B2, white can continue at W3 or play tenuki. White a- black b - white 2 - black c - white 1 has also been played. Another possibility is W1 at d, black 2, white e, which is slower but more solid.


[Diagram]
Turning the tables

With W1, white turns the tables on black, now it is white who is most likely to take the influence. However, this move requires a ladder.


[Diagram]
Turning the tables (2) (11 at a, 12 at b)

White W3, white sets up the ladder, but to take it immediately would be wrong and give black more territory than he is entitled to. White first forces with W5 and W7 before playing the ladder with W9. White has succeeded int taking influence, but black's corner is not small either.


[Diagram]
Not following orders (1)

Still, even after W1, black can take the outside. White does however get a larger corner than in the main joseki. Black's first chance comes immediately with B2 here.


[Diagram]
Not following orders (2)

The second possibility is with B4. Black will probably strengthen his position with black a-white b.


[Diagram]
attachment

A second way for white to avoid getting shut in is immediately with W1, attaching on top of the squeeze play with W1 here. After W3, black has a choice of answers. Apart from B4, 5, a and b have all been played. B2 has been played at a and c.



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