44PointDoubleLowApproachKosumi

   
[Diagram]

Diagonal answer

Charles Matthews This diagonal play has experienced a revival in pro games, associated with new thinking about central influence and possible tenuki variations.

After B1 here, W2 at the 3-3 point is normal; and now Black plays a, b, or tenuki allowing White at a.

The problem with this joseki for a weaker player is that Black at a can leave a black wall, but without a pincer attacking WC and also with some potential shape problems. Clearly this isn't troubling at pro level, but amateurs can come to grief here.

[Diagram]

Black's answer a

After W2 Black's main options are at e, f and g. Playing g, which is a move useful in handicap games when Black has a stone already at the circled point to attack WC, isn't very forceful here. Black at e is only seen in old games.

[Diagram]

Black presses

Probably B1 is the best idea here, but the bulge play W2 gives Black some shape difficulties.

[Diagram]

Black presses

In games of Hane Yasumasa based on the Chinese opening B1, W2, B3 was used to build influence for Black on a large scale, treating the cutting point at a as secondary.

[Diagram]

White's mistake

This W1 would be a big mistake as it doesn't take advantage of Black's shape problems.


[Diagram]

Joseki

Dieter: This is considered joseki today.



Charles I can't confirm that this is played at all.

[Diagram]

Joseki

When BS is present, yes, this is played in many pro games.


This is a copy of the living page "44PointDoubleLowApproachKosumi" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2005 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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