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Susoaki

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Referenced by
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TheInfluenceBuzzword
HumourAlmostProverbs
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Submarine
InTheBeginning
ThicknessExample4
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BQM21
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MigeruSQuestion2

 

Open Skirt
    Keywords: Strategy, Go term

In Japanese susoaki. Weakness (almost always near the edge) of a potential territory.

[Diagram]
White's open skirt on the left

This play White 1 isn't much good. Black's play 2, now or later reduces the territorial effect of 1.


[Diagram]
Playing for territory

To make territory here, it is better for White to play 1 this way, securing the corner. Black can still play 2, but this is a low move, and not really urgent. Compare it with Black attacking at b, a much more dynamic attacking idea, or Black at c, a stretched shape that is hard to cut effectively.


[Diagram]
Closing off first

It is also possible for White to close off the open skirt first, making a sensible framework along the top side. Then it becomes urgent for Black to come in at 2 before White closes the corner. This sequence should be OK for both players. One day White may be able to attack Black's group.

Dealing with open skirts is rather a neglected chapter of suji.



Charles Few examples in pro games of exactly that position. One of interest, though.

[Diagram]
O Rissei - Miyazawa Goro

In this game Miyazawa Goro (B) - a player noted for his originality - played B1 and later B3. Then the position was left for a while.



[Diagram]
Continuation

Somewhat later in the game, once White had built up some central influence, White played this way.



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