Avalanche - double hane

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  Difficulty: Expert   Keywords: Joseki
[Diagram]

Avalanche: double hane variation

B7 is the a variation of the avalanche joseki. Traditionally, this move was answered with White a, but nowadays White b is considered joseki as well.[1]

[Diagram]

Atari

After W1, White captures a stone making shape, while Black takes the key point with B4. Next, a is a large point for both, while b is a nice tesuji for Black. Black c is not considered joseki: Black b is better.

[Diagram]

The vital point

Black a is a big move (note that White is not guaranteed to answer it, though), but if Black wants to increase his influence, Black will play at B1 instead. The forceful response of W2 is White's best answer. Black should not play at B5 with B3, because W3 makes too good a shape. Neither player should place much importance on the white+circle stones in this variation. White can also play W4 immediately at W6 and try to get the best out of the ensuing fight.

[Diagram]

No counterattack

Counter-attacking with W2 only causes problems for White.

[Diagram]

White's possibilities

If Black plays tenuki, W1 is larger than it looks (a black play at the same point is also large). White threatens to cut at a: B2 is a peaceful answer. The value of the white+circle stones is even lower than before.

[Diagram]

A variation

Black can also play atari at B1 before playing B3. Although it looks vulgar, this is a viable way of playing. The correct continuation for Black is B5: other moves do not work out well. After White captures with a, Black can connect either at b or at c.

[Diagram]

White draws back

W1 is a more recent move in this joseki, but already seems to be at least as popular as White a. Because of the possibility in the next diagram, a working ladder is a prerequisite of this move. In this joseki, White has a large follow-up at b.

[Diagram]

White draws back (2)

B2 is another possibility. The position here is the same as in the small avalanche when White plays at W1 rather than a. For the follow-up, I refer to that joseki.


[1] I have the impression that recent examples are rare. Charles Matthews


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