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Loss-Making Threats
Path: ForcingAndInitiative · Prev: KoThreat · Next: KikashiSenteDiscussion Path: Mistake · Prev: KyuDisease · Next: Low Path: SecondCourseOnKo · Prev: LocalKoThreat · Next: ThereAreNoKoThreatsInTheOpening
Keywords: Ko
Generally playing a threat just because it is sente, and for no other reason, is a typical novice mistake. When it comes to ko fights, this becomes a more difficult discussion. Ko threats that are loss-making have a special name, sonko, in Japanese; and to become a ko expert one has to pay great attention to the idea. You do need ko threats in a ko fight. Playing loss-making threats is clumsy, and assumes that the ko fight is all that matters. That need not be the case.
Should Black prefer a, b or c here? We assume Black is looking for a ko threat in this part of the board.
Usually playing c is the worst idea. Aftef
From the point of view of avoiding possible loss, Black's best choice is this threat. When White answers at
It isn't clear without more information whether Summary: Threats that come in deeper risk loss; threats from outside risk little. Some examples of a local ko threat that may make a loss. Example 1:
Example 2:
If Black wins the ko, White will regret the exchange of
(We assume that Therefore, even though White has a local ko threat, she should play it only if it is crucial; for instance, if it is necessary to win the ko or if it forces Black to make a losing ko threat of his own. Path: ForcingAndInitiative · Prev: KoThreat · Next: KikashiSenteDiscussion Path: Mistake · Prev: KyuDisease · Next: Low Path: SecondCourseOnKo · Prev: LocalKoThreat · Next: ThereAreNoKoThreatsInTheOpening This is a copy of the living page "Loss-Making Threats" at Sensei's Library. ![]() |