100ChallengingGoProblemsFor100DaysOfStudy/Problem 14

Problem 14  

The focus is on the stone attacking the Black ponnuki.

My choice  

My (KGS 2d) idea was to sacrifice the stones at the bottom, since their white neighbours are super strong. However, up to I'm not happy with the result.

The book's correct answer  

The solution diagram shows this sacrifice technique, which obviously gives a much better result, after at A captures in a ladder.

KataGo's answer  

KataGo endorses the book's first move and the idea of sacrificing. However, it thinks should hane here and not cut as in the book's diagram. Then can force so that Black's outcome, with at A is little less fortuitous than in the book.

In the book this hane is considered good as well, but it has Black save his stones in that case. KataGo still prefers to take the outside.

The book also discusses my initial choice of capping and finds it too easy going.

My appreciation: like /Problem 1 the book's solution has a straightforward flow after finding the first move. It's clear why sacrificing is the proper thing to do and reminding this relatively standard sacrifice technique is very useful. Details aside, the idea and its execution are confirmed with KataGo.