BQM154

Bill: My opponent surprised me, first with , then with . What now?

Alex Weldon: I would play at a without hesitation, giving my opponent split shape and making all his stones look weirdly placed. However, you are stronger than I am, so if this corner is confusing you, there must be some sneaky play he can make that I'm not seeing. If he plays simply, at b, then W c looks like enough to me.

Bill: I played at a after great hesitation, and Black played at b. After the game I reflected that, although is hurting, similar sacrifices are made all the time to invade the corner. I have the feeling that I could have done better.

Bob McGuigan: After deleting and the white a black b exchange results in a shape that occurs in a joseki for the outside attachment on the 5-4 approach stone. If that joseki result is locally equal we have to think about whether the presence of the and stones helps or hurts either player.

IanDavis: I'd prefer playing at b myself.

kokiri was my instinctive response also, but up to , i'm not loving black's position. Can black play at a?

Bill: White can attack strongly with , , and . Unfortunately, black+circle breaks the ladder. After B10 White is not so happy.

This could be honte or soft. White is connected. Black's marked stone is hurt, his corner unsettled. I can't see how White can get into trouble after this sequence but maybe it is too mild. So, ...

is more severe and may be interesting idea.

Path: <= Big Question Mark =>

BQM154 last edited by Dieter on July 5, 2008 - 12:47

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