3-3 point

Approaches to the 3-3 point  

The 3-3 point, on the third line both horizontally and vertically, is a good point, in that it makes territory in the corner, but it is still quite low and makes for a slow development.

However, a play on the 3-3 point in itself can be considered as decisive: no immediate further play is required to settle the corner. AlphaGo showed that 3-3 point is important and it is popular now to intrude there.

The popularity of 3-3 point openings in professional go has increased and decreased according to fashion, since the 1920s (see New Fuseki Era, Shinfuseki post). There were some precedents in the 19th century - for example, Yasui Sanchi played it on move 10 against Honinbo Shuwa in 1838.

For White, the shoulder hit at e, taking influence in the centre, is quite common, but he can also play a kakari at b, c or d. An approach at ''a'' is not so good, in general.

3-3 point enclosures  

If you later wish to develop a 3-3 point stone, a keima to a or ogeima at b, on the fourth line, are most often used. Also possible are c and d.