3-4 point low approach three-space high pincer taisha

Taisha in the high pincer  

After , White's options include the descent of a and the push of b.

See "Descent variations" and "Push variations" below.

Descent variations

Nie Weiping on Go recommends the following as one possible variation.

Descent variation, high pincer: Nie Weiping's idea  

In contrast to a low pincer variation given above, White cuts with rather than playing at a.

White achieves nice shape with and .

Continuation  

White continues and seals Black in the corner.

Another idea  

A different variation is given in Whole Board Thinking In Joseki when White has made a three-space high pincer.

Continuation  

Charles What seems to be prevalent in current pro games is the Yang Yilun idea, but immediately.

Another idea, revised  

Here and both look like inducing moves. at a ( the Nie Weiping play above) is another, different type of inducing play.

Continuation  

So, it looks like White anticipates of the previous diagram, and reckons that, if we get to here, the exchange of the stones on the square-marked points isn't worth it.

Push variations

Ishida's Joseki Dictionary does not have a taisha descent variation for the three-space high pincer. Instead, the normal "push" variation is given.

Push variation  

Charles There is no settled variation for : White also plays for shape at one of the circled points.