Two stars side - pattern 2

    Keywords: Opening

In contrast to Two stars side - pattern 1, this is a standard pattern, because of its relation to sanrensei.

[Diagram]

Black uses the fourth line

With BS played high, Black is much more likely to develop from here on a large scale.

[Diagram]

Expand to a double-wing formation

This is the common choice for Black here. This grows the framework based on BS, and gives White no option to pincer.

[Diagram]

White's replies

Of all the possible ways to play now, W1 is the most popular and has a clear meaning: limit the framework first. The other circled points have something to be said for them (on the fourth line no cap is possible; nearer the corner is better for territory).



White may also just take a big point at c for a contest of frameworks. The invasion at a is sometimes played early. Interestingly, if White leaves it late to enter Black's framework, it is usually at b.

[Diagram]

Approaching the upper right

If B1 then W2 is the common answer (may also be at a). The pincer commonly played is at b. Black is expected to jump out then; but in fact there seems to be no set way to play, in what may become a running fight on the upper side.


[Diagram]

White first

White in this position will play W1 in the vast majority of cases. The main alternative is the circled big point. The squared point is tried in a few per cent of cases.

Charles Matthews


This is a copy of the living page "Two stars side - pattern 2" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2005 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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