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Enclosure
Path: EnclosureTechniques   · Prev:   · Next: SmallLowShimari
  Difficulty: Beginner   Keywords: Opening, Go term

A corner enclosure, or just enclosure is created in a corner where one player has made two moves: for example, the small low enclosure. The Japanese term is shimari.

[Diagram]
Some shimari

Amongst the most common shimari are the ones shown here, based on a 3-4 point. Clockwise starting in the upper left we have: the small low enclosure; the small high enclosure; the large high enclosure, and the large low enclosure.[1]



It has been difficult to standardise terminology here on SL: see enclosure nomenclature and enclosure notation for detailed discussion. Many players prefer to say shimari.

The page on the nine standard enclosures explains the list used here of the most common enclosures: these are certainly the best examples to start studying and using in games[2].

The page at enclosure joseki is a reference for variations in enclosure positions. The fundamental ideas are those of invasion, reduction, probe and aji. Some of the depth of the game of go shows in the way each enclosure has its own definite character, when discussed in terms of those concepts.


When starting at the 3-4 point, one's ambition is probably to make one of the enclosures shown above.

The same holds for the 3 -5 point and 4-5 point corner openings.

[Diagram]
An 'irregular' enclosure

But in those cases there are other options

On rare occasions it is better to make an irregular enclosure like the one shown on the left (systematic name 3554 enclosure).



This one has a strong influence towards the center,

But despite the fact that Black has played two moves here, the corner is still open to an invasion. For that reason, it is only advisable in special circumstances - in particular when Black is building a large framework in the center.

[Diagram]
Enclosing from the 3-3 point and 4-4 point



Because of their symmetric position, making an enclosure is less important for stones at the 3-3 and 4-4 points. From those a long extension along the side, to a 10-3 point or a point near it, is more common. If an enclosure is made, the marked points are the most usual ones (cf. the nine standard enclosures).


Further reading:


[1] In more detail:- In the upper left, the "small low enclosure", (Japanese: kogeima-jimari) is shown. It lays a strong claim to the corner and also has influence on the outside. The "small high enclosure", (Japanese: ikken-jimari) in the upper right is stronger in influence along the upper side and towards, but weaker at protecting the corner. There is a weak point at a that Black can exploit. In the lower left we find the "large low enclosure" (Japanese: ogeima-jimari). It stakes out a larger territory than the small low enclosure, but is also rather thin, leaving more aji behind in the corner. In the lower right is a large high enclosure" (Japanese: niken-jimari), which is less common, centre-orientated, and also rather thin.

[2]

There must be over 50 examples found in pro games, and attention is paid on SL to gathering data on those: but that doesn't mean the variations are important to know, at least until they start to make sense.


Main authors: Andre Engels,Charles Matthews Nomenclature: John Fairbairn



Path: EnclosureTechniques   · Prev:   · Next: SmallLowShimari
This is a copy of the living page "Enclosure" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2004 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.