3-4 point high approach, three-space high pincer

Three-high pincer  

The three-space pincers against a high approach are very rare. In fact, this is almost never played in professional games (25 occurrences in 150,000 games); the low pincer at a is more common, despite not rating a mention in Ishida. Both positions (with as in the diagram or at a) can arise by a different move order, from white invading against the high or low Chinese opening.

When is the chosen pincer here, White (in pro games) as often as not ignores it (see 3-4 point high approach three-space high pincer, tenuki). When White does reply here, White at b is most commonly played; after that, White at c.

Outside contact  

This normal variation of a 5-4 point joseki, played in the presence of , was adopted by some top players having White in this position. After Black has sente and is at a safe distance from White's strength. It is known for Black to play at to avoid this result.

Charles Matthews