Influence
Each stone has a certain influence on the board. Captured stones have an influence close to zero. Surrounded stones that make a live group, influence only the surrounding group. Stones that are in open space have an influence on that open space and the stones bordering that open space. Influence is a long-range effect. For example: a ladder breaker changes the balance in the opposite corner.
- The stronger a group, the greater its influence on a neighbouring area.
- The more open the neighbouring area, the greater the group's influence.
- The weaker the other groups neighbouring that area, the larger the group's influence.
Jasonred : Can someone give some examples of how influence affects a game? (especially for those territory vs influence trade offs.) Early kyu players probably know that we should be trading strong influence for territory, but sometimes I feel that for weaker players, having 10 points of territory is 10 points of territory, but it's very possible to "waste" the influence you gain.
Velobici: A problem for kyu players is in handling and utilizing influence/thickness. One item I am currently struggling with is using it to attack severely enough to accomplish the eventual conversion of influence/thickness into territory in another part of the board. It seems to be a tough combination of severity that threatens to capture a group without the commitment to capture a group that may lead to desperation capturing races or worse the attacking group becoming the attacked group. Its putting into practice on the go board the concepts illustrated in Geo-Strategic Lessons from Go. Hard stuff.
Jasonred : hmmm... I try stuff like either herding an opponent into large walls I've built, or building a moyo nearby. Also, a nearby group that would otherwise be weak becomes strong because of said wall. But, how about 1-2 stones? How much influence does that gain me, and what do I do with it?
See also:
- Thickness, where this page's description is included.
- About influence.
- InfluenceMap
- Discussion moved to influence function.
- [1] A uniquely Chinese perspective on 势 (shi4) in Geo-Strategic Lessons from Go.