Thickness
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Thickness is a high level go concept. Utilizing thickness is an important skill.
Definition
Different Meanings
Thickness is used in different meanings:
- (Great) strength of a group of stones.
- Comparison of strength of all the black versus the white stones on the board.
- General playing style of a player preferring strong stones.
- Playing style of a player preferring strong stones in a particular game.
- The quality or property of being thick.
Strength of a group of stones
The meaning (1) is defined via a group's properties
Historical background
Detailed definitions are in the book Joseki 2 Strategy, which is published in 2011, on pages 77 (informal model) and 90 (theoretical model). Previously only specific kinds or aspects of thickness were considered: For example, a strong formation of stones, typically exerting outward influence (in Japanese: Atsumi) or an overall lack of defects, (in Japanese: /Atsusa). There is a greater variety of types though because each of the three aspects of thickness can vary in its degree.
Implications
Thickness in the meaning (1) as defined above implies further characteristics:
- (outward) influence
- greater thickness means better eye value
- greater thickness means thicker shape and less aji
- greater thickness establishes better board division lines
- outside thickness can be used for making additional territory (nearby or at a distance)
Examples
Nearly all occurrences of thickness in the English go literature have the first meaning. Here are some examples:
Example 1
From the 3-5 joseki. Black's thickness is large, with good eye potential.
In the above diagram, Black's shape is difficult to attack. The white stone will be captured, and there is no local play that would really threaten black's status as a living group. White isn't typically considered thick here because thickness is usually thought of as strength that is facing outward. White is definitely alive, but his strength has little effect on the rest of the board. The principle characteristic of White's formation is that it makes territory, while the principle characteristic of Black's formation is that it radiates influence, which it does because of its strength (thickness).
Example 2
From the 3-4 joseki. Black has territory with thickness, radiating influence along the top side.
Further reading
- Thickness examples
- Thick play examples
- Thickness Cycle
- Thickness Exercises
- Play Away From Thickness
- Don't Build Influence In The Direction Of Stable Positions
- Thick territory
- Deadweight value of thickness
- Potential Value of Thickness
- False thickness
- Thickness attenuation
- Thick plays in the endgame
- Te-atsusa examples
More discussions
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