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Moves or patterns
    Keywords: Theory

Dieter: This is my dilemma: on one hand I think one should think in patterns. At several points in the game you stop and conceive the patterns that are to follow. Then you choose one, and if the opponent goes along, there is no point in reflecting every move of the pattern. On the other hand, I think it is interesting to think in moves?, because it prevents automatic play. In an experiment of mine, I pick three moves each time, that seem to fit my purpose or are interesting in another sense, then pick the one which gives the best result. Ordering myself to stop at each move has helped me to unlearn a couple of bad habits and develop alternatives for standard moves, sharpening my technique.

So, what do you think: moves? or patterns ?

Tristan Jones I would like to know what bad habits your experiment has helped you to remove. Thanks. Dieter: A.o. those described on examples of technique parts 1 and 2.

Jurgen: At the moment I think I'm rather using moves? instead of patterns (and I distinctly remember that experiment, as I was the lab rat :-). I do not yet grasp enough of go to think in patterns. And also, I don't have any wish to learn joseki yet, as I'll probably use them wrongly anyway.

mAsterdam: Both are absolutely necessary. Syllables or words? Bricks or walls? I don't think there is a dilemma between different levels of construction. You have to use the parts from the differen levels at the same time to create something - sometimes you create a thing that has relevance on several levels. "Yes." One syllable, one word, one sentence, a complete answer and sometimes the start of something big. Level switching might be a problem sometimes.

Velobici: Patterns, definitely. Until recently, I played only moves?...each one weighed and considered with similiar care and time, but for clear situation where deeper reading was needed. Now I am playing patterns. Choosing how I want to proceed in an area of the board and playing it out, such that play has acquired a clear rhythm, considering followups to a given situation (slow) followed by playing out the continuation rather quickly (fast). Automatic play is avoided by running through a check list before each move: self-atari, snapback, liberty shortgate, connection problem, base problem, etc. This is not to say that the plays in pattern occur immediately in sequence, often a little of the pattern is played in one area, then another area of the board, and another area, finally returning to the original area. At that point the choice of pattern may need to be reconsidered in light of the rest of the board. The board has become smaller as understanding of the game and recognition of these patterns has increased.



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