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

Tenuki variation  

This position is reached in one of several ways. Since the local tally is BBBBWW we can assume White has played tenuki here, but it might be that Black played then , or then , in a normal joseki position (4-4 point low approach low extension, slide, pincer). It also arises from the 4463 enclosure.

Now it is quite urgent for White to make shape here.

Diagonal attachment  

The answer at is a good example for the study of shape: it makes a the vital point locally, but Black at a is an empty triangle so White has something to work with subsequently. This therefore is a good pattern to study.

As usual, research based on pro games shows other ways. In Korea at b is also played, even though this might seem to contradict the slide White played earlier. And in many cases Black reacts to by playing tenuki himself.

Charles Matthews