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45PointJosekis
LadderJoseki
45Point43Approach

 

4-5 point 4-3 approach outside contact
  Difficulty: Intermediate   Keywords: Joseki

[Diagram]
Outside contact

B1 is not so often seen now in pro play, because it relies in one major variation on a ladder. Nowadays, joseki involving ladders may be experiencing a decrease in popularity. See ladder strategy discussion.

Deviations from the sequence up to W4 are very rare.[1] Tenuki with W2 is also very rare: see 4-5 point 4-3 approach outside contact, tenuki.

After W4, it is expected Black will cut at a or b. White will capture the cutting stone and Black takes either territory or influence. W2 at b also.


[Diagram]
Variation

On a few occasions in pro games, W1 is played. This continuation is typical: White's position is low, and Black has influence on the left side. By playing this way White does limit Black's choice.


[Diagram]
Outside contact main line

This is by far the most common variation, with Black taking the corner. Since WS does retain some aji, follow-up plays here require careful thought.


[Diagram]
Variation - potential ko

On the other hand Black can still play for influence here, with B1 instead of the cut at a (previous diagram). After W4 it looks like a ko: this is unlikely to be fought out (though it was in a game Rui Naiwei-Pak Chi-eun(B) 2001-02-12).


[Diagram]
Continuation

Assume W2, B3 elsewhere as ko threat and reply, and W4 recaptures at WS. Then B5 is acceptable to Black in most cases: W6 seems required locally, and this exchange gains Black influence.


[Diagram]
Outside contact ladder line

B1 and B3 to capture WC in a ladder aren't seen so much, now. After that Black's ladder capture at b, and attempt to force White at a, are important follow-up plays.



See further discussion at Capture the cutting stones in joseki 1.


[1] W2 at B3 is known (Hashimoto Utaro) but in a context where B1 related to a ladder question. W2 at the square-marked point, playing into bad shape (see six kyu noseki) has been played by Sakata. B3 at W4 is known in a game of Go Seigen, and as played by Cho Tae-hyeon.



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(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.