4-4 point low approach low extension, slide, pincer

Return to parent joseki article: 4-4 Point Low Approach Low Extension, Slide

The 4-4 Point Low Approach, Small Knight Extension, Slide, Pincer is a traditional joseki that can occur after the slide. The purpose of the pincer is to make influence on the outside while giving up the corner. This joseki is sensitive to ladders that may arise from this position.

In response to pincer, White's options are to (A) take the corner or (B) fight for influence. Taking the corner is typically most common.

Table of contents Quick Navigation Overview of 4-4 Point Slide Pincer Joseki Jumping into the corner Jumping out Tenuki Other moves Discussion References

Quick Navigation

Moves are listed by frequency in professional games^[1], which is sensitive to whole-board position. Bolded moves are commonly considered joseki. A potential ladder stone is marked with a circle.

Initial position  

• a, 4-4 Point Low Approach, Small Knight Extension, Slide, Pincer, 3-3 - (joseki) (common) (intermediate)
• b, 4-4 Point Low Approach, Small Knight Extension, Slide, Pincer, Tenuki
• c, 4-4 Point Low Approach, Low Extension, Slide, Pincer, Tsukehiki - (joseki)
• d, 4-4 Point Low Approach, Small Knight Extension, Slide, Pincer, One-Space Jump - (joseki)
• e, 4-4 Point Low Approach, Small Knight Extension, Slide, Pincer, Bump - (rare)

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Overview of 4-4 Point Slide Pincer Joseki

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Jumping into the corner

See main article: 4-4 point low approach low extension, slide, pincer, 3-3

Jumping into the 3-3 point is the most common response to the pincer (~59%) ^[1], almost never a mistake, and well-regarded by AI during the opening. Taking the corner is territorial, guarantees life, and helps white settle quickly.

From this position, Black can seal White in effectively if they have the ladder, but White can potentially resist with the complex "staircase joseki".

Jumping out

See main article: 4-4 point one-space low pincer, one-point jump

This variation transposes to a well-known 4-4 point pincer joseki, and it is played when White is willing to sacrifice territory for influence.

It is fairly common (~12%) ^[1] and well-regarded by AI on an open board.

Tenuki

See main article: 4-4 point low approach low extension, slide, pincer, tenuki

White typically does not want to tenuki, and doing so is not considered joseki. However, it is seen with some regularly in professional games (~15%) ^[1].

Other moves

Discussion

References

• [1] Frequency statistics were obtained from Waltheri's Go Pattern Search using the full database restrained to a local search (accessed August 2021).