4-4 point low approach low extension, contact

    Keywords: Joseki
[Diagram]

Contact

White plays W1 in order to strengthen the lone stone. Of course Black will expect to become stronger here too: Black at a is probably automatic unless W1 is played as a ko threat.

[Diagram]

Main variation

This variation is normal in contemporary pro games. Next White plays a or b, depending on the position on the upper side and the need to protect her shape.

Black can also play B5 at W6 to trade the corner for a position on the upper side.

[Diagram]

Trading

There can be a number of ways to play this variant, but this is a representative sequence, with White alive in the corner.

In recent years White has tried the immediate cross-cut at W4, raher than the staircase, presumably to avoid this development.

[Diagram]

Solid connection

It is also possible for Black to connect solidly with B1 (according to the advice about the staircase). Both groups then have good shape, and Black may want to make a flanking extension immediately on the left side.

[Diagram]

Double hane is rare

With the knight's move extension, the double hane (osae) B1 is a rare play in pro games (differing from the case of BC at a). There is probably more than one reason for that: White at b can be helpful if White is looking for sabaki here; there is feeling that Black is being forced into Overconcentrated shape, too.

[Diagram]

Bulge play for ko

White's other idea is to play W1 here for a bulge formation. Black probably takes up the challenge of a ko after B2 and W3. The steady play of B2 at a is also seen: White can still provoke a ko with White at b, B2, W3, but this ko is a little better for Black.

Charles Matthews


This is a copy of the living page "4-4 point low approach low extension, contact" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2004 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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