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jantiff
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Currently 6k on KGS. Influence-oriented :-)


Influence-oriented High Handicap Fuseki as White

My friend Azatoth and I use to play high handicap games, both for fun and teaching. Such games give White an interesting fuseki strategy problem.

Since Black starts so much ahead in the balance of influence, White has to shift the balance before she can afford invasions. If not, invading will result in Black developping extra influence, making the game harder for White as Black's potential is growing.

As Azatoth was getting stronger, I found myself needing more and more early influence in order to maintain a playable position throughout the game. That is, not having to do a speculative invasion into a huge moyo after a few dozens moves.

Here is the opening from one of our 7-stone games that you might find interesting. Please feel free to comment.

[Diagram]
Moves 1 to 10

W1 at the 7-7 point is a kind of probe aimed at developping some influence. B2 is a territorial answer.

White then challenges Black on the top side with the light combination of W3 and W5.

When Black bravely attacks with B6, attempting to isolate W1, White cuts and has the ladder.


[Diagram]
Moves 11 to 20

After W3, a and b are miai and White is thick.

B4 gives White an opportunity to utilize her brand new thickness.

W5 and W7 attack, pressuring B4 and B6, gaining influence in the process.

B8 virtually forces W9, on the juncture point.

Black's tenuki at B10 is a huge play, and White still has a lot to do.


[Diagram]
Moves 21 to 30

W1 and W3 to surround the corner, gaining more power.

The simple jump of B4 is a nice reply.

W5 takes another juncture point.


[Diagram]
Moves 31 to 40

W7 and W9 to reduce black's lower side and gain even more influence.


[Diagram]
Moves 41 to 47

After some preparatory moves, White launches the double attack of W7. The middlegame is starting.

Black has some cash, but is behind in the balance of power and retains several invasion points.

Eventually White was able to convert his whole moyo, invaded the last corner and won the game.


[Diagram]
End position


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