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StrongGroup

Referenced by
Thickness
FocalPoint
FrameworkTheory
Group
ConsolidatingFram...
KikashiAndInfluence
ThicknessCycle
SanrenseiLowVariant
Priority
ApproachOnTheOpen...
ChineseGoTerms
Armpit
FreeAndFixedBound...
MakeBothEndsStrong
33PointShoulderHi...
InvadingTheFourSt...
ChoiceOfCornerOpe...
BQM55
EccentricWedges
WedgeWhenTheAppro...

 

Strong Groups
    Keywords: Opening, Strategy

Consider the difference between these simple 4-4 joseki.

[Diagram]
White takes up position on the fourth line

Here two frameworks appear. After W3 Black has good invasion points at a or b. In the centre White can aim to play c, Black at d or even e.


[Diagram]
White takes up position on the third line

Alternatively White can play this way. Black has some kikashi to play (f, and the better g). But no invasion. On the other hand the exchange of W3 and B4 means White has no chance to invade the corner.



There is no right and wrong here. The point about the second way to play is that it accords with framework theory: assuming Black's left-side framework is big (part of an omoyo plan), White's secure group limiting it will be useful, and the more so the more intense the fighting becomes. It is easy to overestimate the value to Black of the kikashi here: they are in the correct direction of play for building up in the centre, but central territory can create illusions about its size (there is no territory in the center).

If White's intention is to strive for the focal plays such as c, then it makes more sense to play the first way.

Charles Matthews



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