3-4 point low approach one-space low pincer, tenuki
White may wish to check a ladder before ignoring the pincer here, since otherwise Black's normal follow-up at a is severe. Black's other play, at b, is unusual with this close pincer.
Can someone show the moves to obtain the ladder ? (and so the check to do first) ? thanks.
Herman Hiddema: The text states that the ladder appears if black answers a at b inthe diagram below. I've included a diagram with what I assume is the ladder in question.
After White at a is much better than at b; but requires a good ladder for White in case Black answers at b.
This is the established joseki. Some ladder aji remains for White at the circled point. Here is standard shape (hanging connection to the second line as good shape).
The alternative here to take sente dropped out of pro practice around 1950. Black becomes thick with the ponnuki
and
, which is sente because White must make the corner live now; and after that White's cut at a is captured in a loose ladder by Black b.
The trouble with White's reply at here, which might be forced by a bad ladder, is that Black develops perfect thick shape.
The other way to play, with here, is rare enough that no definite continuation of the fight after
has emerged in pro games.
See also 3473 enclosure.