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Dynamic Nature of Shape
  Difficulty: Advanced   Keywords: Shape

By comparison with the Korean term, haengma, the Japanese understanding of shape seems perhaps more static than dynamic. However, the static nature of shape may be an amateur misconception.

Below are examples illustrating the dynamic nature of shape.

Example 1

[Diagram]
Not shape (real game)

In Go Seigen: 21st Century Go (Go Seigen Nijuuisseiki no Go), vol. 9, pp. 210 - 211, Go Seigen criticizes W1 for not being shape.


[Diagram]
Shape

W1 is the shape move. If B2, then W3 is just right.

[Diagram]
Variation

If B2, White can play kikashi with W3 and then make a covering play at W5.

Bill: To me, W7 and W5 in this diagram reveal the dynamic nature of W1. Shape is not just about eyes and connections, but about efficient and harmonious development in relation to the rest of the board.

Example 2

[Diagram]
Kikashi stone

In Cool and Collected Chitoku (Taizen Chitoku), p. 49, Yoda suggests the above variation. He says that, since B1 is a kikashi stone, it is easy to throw away, and stepping back with B5 is shape. B a would provoke W b.

Again, shape is not just about eyes and connections, but about harmonious development.



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