BQM 18

Reference diagram : Move 35 to be played  

Wu's last move Was . Sakata discusses three possible answers to this peep: connect at a, connect at b, or block at c.

Sakata says: The connection of Black b here, will be followed by White's cut at a, Black d, White c, Black e, White f, Black g, White h and Black's three stones are captured. Then, in brackets, he adds a puzzling statement: (Or else, White will play c as a diagonal move at f), which I restate as Or else, White will play the diagonal move at f instead of c.

Now eat this! Is Sakata saying: "here is a sequence, and well, if that doesn't work, there is another that will work"??? I'm stunned. I read this comment over and over again, and every time I get more bewildered.

Okay, let's try the sequence.

First sequence  

Sakata says that the three black stones are captured. Let's try saving them by attempting the connection underneath, and play a.

Variation 1  

In this variation, White can try whatever she wants, but she's short of liberties. Her five stones get captured.

Variation 2  

Again, White is short of liberties and loses the fight. This answer does not yet threaten the corner. (Please confirm).

Variation 3  

This answer threatens the corner. If Black continues at , then up to , Black is still not alive. If he lives with a, White connects underneath with b.

Reference diagram: Move 35 to be played  

Ah, I've got it. There is a stone missing: . Which changes everything.

And about the stunning remark, I guess Sakata wants to say that White can play either way. It's 8 AM now, and I'm much calmer.

--DieterVerhofstadt