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44PointLowApproac...

 

4-4 point low approach, two-space high pincer, without side stone
  Difficulty: Advanced   Keywords: Joseki

[Diagram]
Double kakari

In the absence of the black stone on the side at the circled point, W3 is joseki: a double kakari here isn't an overplay.



White may also invade the corner at the 3-3 point for W3: see below.

[Diagram]
Double kakari (continuation)

Then matters can be expected to take a definite course: up to W6 here is a very well-trodden path in joseki.

After that Black a and b are joseki continuations. Black c is no longer: this variation died a sudden death in 1992 amongst the pros.


[Diagram]
High double kakari

To play W3 high is also possible. Then B4 is still good shape. Next White at a may be the expected answer; but White directly at b has been played consistently enough in pro games since 1994.


[Diagram]
The 3-3 invasion

If White invades the corner to get settled, up to W9 is an invariable joseki.



Most likely, Black nows plays tenuki. There is some question about Black's play here, if Black does add a stone.

[Diagram]
Honte

Adding BC is taught as honte.



[Diagram]
Usually sente

Adding BS is normally treated as sente by White, because Black's move next at a feels severe.



Therefore the exchange BS - White a is often seen here before Black plays away. Black is trying with the play at BS to confine the WC stone on a larger scale. Naturally it still has plenty of aji.

[Diagram]
Taboo

It is forbidden to strong players to think in terms of adding both BC and BS, though. This is overconcentration. See more at honte discussion.



A compromise is for Black to play at a. This may have been invented by Kubomatsu in 1931. It gives Black a good next move here at b.


Author: Charles Matthews



This is a copy of the living page "4-4 point low approach, two-space high pincer, without side stone" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.