4-4 point low approach one-space low pincer, upper contact tsukenobi

Complex joseki!  

Many new joseki have been created recently after , and developments probably haven't reached a conclusion.

Many branches  

After , which is certainly a key point for shape, there are numerous ideas for Black to develop the 4-4 point. Black can play a, which is currently popular, b, c, d or the remarkable idea at e.

Closing the corner  

At present in pro games Black often takes the corner with . Then is the way for White to make shape; perhaps White plays at a before playing there, to separate Black cleanly along the edge and threaten to cut on the right.

The earliest idea here was Black at c.

Complicated  

The point of is to threaten the cut at a, so defends actively. Then is an interesting shape. With , we are in the middle of some complicated fighting.

Simple defense  

The simple defense at 1 was previously considered joseki, leading to this variation (now Black 11 at a, White 12 at b, Black 13 at c).

The fact that he ends in gote may be considered an indication that this is not as good for Black as the previous diagram.

On the third line  

The lower play here is an interesting move. White has more difficulty in defending against the cut at a. She can force with the moves to in this diagram, but that does mean that Black has been made strong on the left side.

Descending  

In other pro games here has been played, making miai at a and b.

Solid connection  

For Black to play here may seem rather heavy, but it immediately removes all White's tactics based on cutting at this point. Now is the way to make shape. Then Black will play or a to take territory on the left, depending on any existing black stones there (there is often a black stone at the 4-10 point on the side when Black plays the pincer). White should try to get something in compensation by attacking on the upper side.