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44PointLowApproac...
44PointLowApproach

 

4-4 point low approach low extension, 3-2 contact play on the slide
    Keywords: Joseki

[Diagram]
Not joseki

B4 is an example of a non-joseki continuation of this standard variation. This idea occurs also when B2 is played at a. The joseki play is at b. Black's tenuki is possible, but the contact play is hardly ever justified


[Diagram]
White's first option

White's first good idea is to play W1 here. Black will have to sacrifice the marked stone.


[Diagram]
White's corner ponnuki is too good

Generally it isn't good for Black to give up the corner this way. White lives quickly - the ponnuki gives good shape in sente, and White can now turn to the outside.


[Diagram]
Special plan by Black

For Black to play B4 this way instead is just about imaginable in special circumstances. White presumably connects the ko immediately with W7, for a good local result. Black would feel that the marked stone was inefficient, normally. If Black urgently needed to defend, taking sente and then playing a might possible make sense.


[Diagram]
White's second option

In fact White has another way to play here, with W1 and W3 making strong shape on the top side. White has the choice of good direction here. That accounts for the rarity of the contact play in high-level games.

Charles Matthews



This is a copy of the living page "4-4 point low approach low extension, 3-2 contact play on the slide" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2004 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.