Orthodox fuseki

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Table of contents Table of diagrams
An orthodox development in modern go
Ideal framework
Wedge to break up the side
Wedge Follow-up 1
Wedge Follow-up 2
Alternative Wedge Follow-up 1
Alternative Wedge Follow-up 2
Improper wedge
Why not wedge high ?
Considered wrong direction of play
Usual plan: two-space extension
Invasion: 1-10
Invasion: 11-14
Invasion: 1-10
Invasion: 11-20
About B7
Box formation
Diagram 2 from The Great Joseki Debates
Diagram 3 from The Great Joseki Debates
Modern Fuseki Variation 1
Continuation

[Diagram]

An orthodox development in modern go

The term orthodox fuseki was coined by Charles Matthews to describe this kind of opening.

This formation with three stones shows a balance of an enclosure, for territory, and a 4-4 point, for rapid development and influence.

Black has often adopted this as an opening since the late 1950s, and since about 1975, when Black's default opening became the 4-4 point, it has never been out of style for long.


Ideal Framework

[Diagram]

Ideal framework

Black by adding BC can get an ideal side framework.


The wedge

[Diagram]

Wedge to break up the side

Therefore White usually plays the wedge at W1 to limit Black's ambitions. White a is also a good wedge here; but White b allows Black a, working too well with the enclosure.

But see Go Seigen on the Star Point - Small Knight's Shimari Fuseki.

[Diagram]

Wedge Follow-up 1

Later White threatens a.

[Diagram]

Wedge Follow-up 2

W3 also has the aggressive option at a.

[Diagram]

Alternative Wedge Follow-up 1

Later White can play a.

[Diagram]

Alternative Wedge Follow-up 2

B2 is somewhat cramped.

[Diagram]

Improper wedge

It is generally accepted that W1 is misplaced, however opinions on the severitiy of the error differ. In any case Black 2 in this diagram feels ideal, and the follow up at 4 or a would make a very large framework. So White 1 is recommended at b, so that Black can only extend to c.

[Diagram]

Why not wedge high ?

This is a stage of the development of the plan. A low move here means that White wants a base at this side. This means a small stable group and nothing more. The group should be solid in order to have some attacking potential. Even in the pro games such groups are often separated and have to live on their own. Later on one may want to avoid being pressed down, but that can happen.


After the wedge

[Diagram]

Considered wrong direction of play

Database search shows that the direction of the play at B7 here is considered wrong.

[Diagram]

Usual plan: two-space extension

Pressing from the side of the shimari helps to create a small moyo at the bottom. White's two-space extension does not reach the keima kakari point and Black can simply defend the corner, not allowing White's group to settle easily.

This does not mean that black won the game. Black does not let the initiative to slip away. But it is only one of the possible plans. In most cases back waits for the development in other parts of the board to determine the direction of play.

Is this good for black? Wouldn't black prefer that the marked stone be at a? White isn't in danger on the right, but black has failed to close the upper right corner.

Shaydwyrm: Take a look at BQM205 for a discussion of just how safe white is on the right. The position is not identical, but is quite similar.


Three space extension from the wedge

The three-space extension is fine. White has no need to fear an invasion.

[Diagram]

Invasion: 1-10

[Diagram]

Invasion: 11-14

This will do for White.

[Diagram]

Invasion: 1-10

[Diagram]

Invasion: 11-20

This is also a way of playing here.


Seeming contradiction with the proverb

[Diagram]

About B7



Jesse: I have learned that one should generally "play from the weaker side." Why is this position an exception? Is it because Black cannot easily attack the White group, or is it because extending from a shimari is just a very high value play, even if it is not the optimal extension? Maybe a later 3-3 invasion would make an extension from the top seem misplaced?

unkx80: Firstly, both black groups are relatively strong. Secondly, the white wariuchi stone can settle easily and hence not easily attacked. Note I said that B7 can also tenuki, because the general principle is for black to wait out until it is clear that which side is better. However, because black has already invested two stones to make a shimari that faces upwards, so it is quite all right for black to play B7 and create a box formation, whereas a box formation is not that likely in the top right corner. It is quite possible for the box formation to be developed into the diagram below, which is quite nice. =)

[Diagram]

Box formation


The great Joseki Debates

Debate #19 from The Great Joseki Debates offers a strong opinion into the right half of the above position. The left half of the board is a little more complex than the original question, and not copied from the book. War Eagle

The Great Joseki Debates: "On the right, each side has an excellent move when play pauses in the upper left. Black wants to extend to B1 in Diagram 2 to expand his corner position. White wants to play W1 in Digram 3 to reduce the influence of Black's corner enclosure while at the same time stabilizing his own stone. Since the difference is between Diagrams 2 and 3 is considerable, both sides will try to come away ... with sente."


NickGeorge: Can anyone provide a link to a professional game(s) using this opening? I'm intrigued...


[Diagram]

Modern Fuseki Variation 1

Harleqin: There exist some games with this opening (e.g. Cho Hun-Hyun vs. Lee Chang-Ho).

[Diagram]

Continuation

Since Black is already very thick, White will usually invade at a next.


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