bo-tsugi

    Keywords: Shape, Go term

Bo-tsugi (棒継ぎ), or "pole connection," is a connection which results in a semi-freestanding straight line of three or more stones.

[Diagram]

The 'pole connection'

Correct shape for Black here is the pole connection of B3.

[Diagram]

Forcing instead

This B3 is vulgar.

[Diagram]

Joseki

Shaydwyrm: In this 1-space low pincer joseki, B5 is Bo-tsugi. The natural move for most players would be at "a", and this too is a joseki, emphasizing the left side. The bo-tsugi has the advantage of allowing the link-up at B7, however, forcing white to choose between reducing Black's influence at W6 or separating at "b". If White chooses "b", Black will hane at 6 and treat his marked stone lightly, trading the corner territory for a wall facing the left side.


John F. Bo-tsugi is distinct from pintsugi in that the latter is an alternative to katatsugi and means any solid connection, not just one in a straight line. Bo-tsugi reminds me one of my favourite terms, from France, for a line of stones: baguette.

ilan: Thought for food is the work of go professionals.


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