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4-4 point low approach, tsukenobi, jump into corner
Path: 44PointLowApproachTsukenobi   · Prev: 44PointLowApproachTsukenobiDegiri   · Next: 44PointLowApproachTsukenobiDiagonalIntoCorner
  Difficulty: Advanced   Keywords: Joseki

[Diagram]
The jump in

W4 is another option in this joseki. It is often used in an attempt to settle the shape. B5 to W8 is then a common continuation.


[Diagram]
Black builds influence

After B1, W2 is the most common answer, but tenuki and White at B3 have also been played. If White does not play W2, capturing there is a big point for Black as well. B3 is a key point for influence, and should not be omitted.


[Diagram]
White cuts

Although the joseki has ended with B5 in the previous diagram (or W4 if there is already a black extension on the left side), White is left with the large move of W1. The difference between White playing here and Black playing a is 22 points. Still, it is only points, and thus considered large yose.


[Diagram]
Black's countermeasure (8 connects)

On the other hand, White should not wait too long to play W1 in the previous diagram either. If Black's position along the left side is more solid, he could play B4 at W1 here, and try to kill the white stones. If White feels unable to resist this variant, her endgame move is at B1 in this diagram.



[Diagram]
The other atari

This variant I found in [ext] Jan van der Steen's database and has apparently been played between professionals.



Unfortunately, I do not know what Black would have played, had White run out with B3 instead of W2.

Comment: I don't think White would actually respond in the way shown. It seems to me that B1 is a suicidal move.

[Diagram]
A variation?

Charles This was played in 1859 by Ebizawa Kenzo against Shusaku, deep in the middle game (around move 100). Looking at the context in that game (the only example in the Gogod database), it seems clear that B1 would have been played only as a sacrifice to take sente for some large-scale play like the circle or square points. It makes no sense, really, as a joseki play relative to the corner.



[Diagram]
Hane

Black's second choice after W1 is the hane at B2. W3 and B4 form a very simple variation, after which both players extend with W5 and B6. W5 could also be played at a, and many other possibilities exist for B6.


[Diagram]
Hane

W3 is the other option in this variation. Black should not omit B6; this is a key point for both players' eye shape. After White extends to W7, Black defends at B8.

Charles Matthews There are not many pro games in which W3 is played, it seems. But the variations there are rather different: B4 at B6 omitting the atari, or B6 at a. I wonder if this line to B8 is more like a 'handicap game joseki. In even games White is also interested in pushing up to b.


[Diagram]
Sacrifice

White tries to start up a fight with W1 and W3, but Black sacrifices the corner in exchange for extra influence.


[Diagram]
Continuation

Although White has taken the corner, her territory is surprisingly small - only 15 points or so (White will have to take the black stones off the board). Black's thickness is much more valuable.


[Diagram]
White cuts

If White cuts with W1 first, Ishida's book gives this variation.


[Diagram]
Continuation

White manages to capture some black stones, but Black gets a nice amount of territory, and can look forward to a ladder block as well. Of course if the ladder does not work, this variation is even more problematic for White.



Authors:



Path: 44PointLowApproachTsukenobi   · Prev: 44PointLowApproachTsukenobiDegiri   · Next: 44PointLowApproachTsukenobiDiagonalIntoCorner
This is a copy of the living page "4-4 point low approach, tsukenobi, jump into corner" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2004 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.