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34PointHighApproach

 

3-4 point high approach, inside contact, tenuki variation
  Difficulty: Expert   Keywords: Joseki

[Diagram]
Joseki

Normally in the 3-4 point high approach inside contact joseki, White continues at a or b, and both extend. However, it is also not uncommon in professional play for White to play W2 to B5 here, then play tenuki. Most usually, White will play in the upper right, trying to settle things there first before returning to this corner.


[Diagram]
Cut

If White is the next to play here, the joseki of course continues the normal way. For Black, cutting at B1 is now normal. With the continuation to W4, Black builds thickness while white makes a base. If the upper right is White's, W4 might be at a or b instead.


[Diagram]
More aggressive

Although B3 in the previous diagram is by far the most common answer, Black also has the more aggressive move at B3 available. With W4, White accepts the invitation to fight.


[Diagram]
Continuation

The continuation can easily get hectic.

Note: There is a ladder involved here; see Double threat ladder-maker


[Diagram]
Avoiding complications.

If White wants to avoid complications, she can play W4 here, or W5, B7, white a; which is similar.


[Diagram]
Avoiding complications (2)

A second way for White to avoid the complications in the previous diagrams is by giving atari at W2 first. After W4, Black can build up thickness at a or b, or take sente to play elsewhere.


[Diagram]
Another tenuki

Not uncommonly, White plays tenuki yet again after B1. Black can finish the shape with B3 here, or at a or b. After that, this corner is played out. Black has a lot of influence, while White has only little aji left, but such a result is to be expected given that Black has played three stones more than White.



This is a copy of the living page "3-4 point high approach, inside contact, tenuki variation" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.