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Aji
    Keywords: Go term

Definition

Aji means possibilities which are left in a position.

Literally, aji means taste. Taste lingers and it is this lingering feature that applies to what aji means in the context of Go.

Those possibilities are latent and cannot be used immediately, but might come to life if the situation changes. That is why aji is also often translated as potential.

Good and bad aji

Capturing stones with bad aji means that the opponent still has lots of ways to exploit the stones he lost in the exchange. It has often to do with the fact that your stones have bad shape. Doing so with good aji means the opposite.

Claiming territory with bad aji means that there are still many ways for your opponent to reduce or invade it. It has often to do with the fact that your surrounding position is thin. Doing so with good aji means the opposite.

If you have a lot of bad aji, it means that you are bound hand and foot, and cannot fight with full strength, because doing so might make the aji work. Good aji on the other hand, means that you can often do more than would otherwise be possible.

Removing the aji you have against your opponent is a bad idea, and is called ajikeshi. Removing your own aji is good, but often incurs a loss of momentum. Doing so at the right time is called honte.

Examples of aji

Aji Example 1
Aji Example 2
Aji Example 3
Aji Example 4
Aji In Joseki 1


Discussion

HolIgor: I think that the definition given here is a look from the wrong side. I'd rather say that aji is an opponent's possibility, a weakness. It is a weakness or ineffectiveness of the stones that leaves a bad taste. In other words, you have achieved something but the shape of the stones is such that everything may turn upside down yet. A bad taste in the mouth.

Authors:

Morten Pahle
Dieter Verhofstadt (first attempt to WikiMasterEdit)



This is a copy of the living page "Aji" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2004 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.