4-4 point low approach attach-block joseki
See attach-block for the fundamental shape here.
A first interesting point about this joseki concerns . Can White omit this play, in order to leave a weakness at the 3-3 point in the corner?
That idea is really in the realm of handicap go: playing the atari is undoubtedly the honte. There is an example from a quickplay game Cho Chikun-Kato Masao 1990-09-09, as here. After Black made strong shape with
, and White invaded at once with
, making miai of a and b.
In general this would be considered a thin way for White to play.
Am I correct in thinking that the choice of depends greatly on the situation along the top side of the board?
and
are in a good position to exploit a play
at the circled point. However, leaving aside the objection that White should have made an approach on the open side, if Black already has a stone in the vicinity of the marked point, would White not be better advised to play at a and seek influence in the centre, or is it simply the case that under those circumstances this is not joseki in the sense of an equitable result being attained?
I agree with you that in that case White a rather than appears to be the correct joseki. In fact, looking at pro games, I find that
is not a very common move: If White wants to make territory, White b is more common; if White goes for influence or thickness, a is. - Andre Engels
In Japan three years ago, I heard Tokimoto Hajime comment about this; saying that amateur players, who like the move at a, may run short of territory. That is, the pro attitude is rather more territorial here.
More variations can be added: I posted this new page to split it from the attach-block shape page. -- Charles Matthews
unkx80: Putting this up for reference.
may be played at a.
Common Mistake
is trying too hard; the corner still has problems left behind. At a is the vital point.
If Black tries to get the two stones with a or c, White will respond with b; and after the capture play .