Charles Matthews By the way, Black left an incomplete formation:
Charles So I think is probably correct next, and then
is at least very logical. One can then ask about White's subsequent invasion at a. I would say that is too deep, now. Black could try to kill it. A white shoulderhit at b, for example, is a more reasonable way.
Bill: It's hard to say too much without seeing the rest of the board, but
may be a good idea. Also,
looks clearly misplaced.
Charles Here Black might next look at playing a. Since the value of plays in the centre is to do with the large-scale picture, it is as Bill says: not enough context to be close to conclusive.
JoelR: I presume this is the sequence leading to the BQM. If
ends up misplaced, then what should change? It looks to be a valid answer to
. Is
on the wrong side? Having a horizontal wall separating
from
doesn't seem to work well with Black's upper right. See 4-4 point low approach, high extension, invasion
Bob McGuigan: I think
above is a mistake. White gets too much territory in the corner. If Black wants to defend the top side I would expect something like this (as shown on the main page):
White's territory in the corner is less than in the game position. But whether it makes sense to block this way depends on the whole board position and that on the left side particularly.
Alex: Yeah, the point is that, even if Black wants to block off the top eventually (with
here instead of at a), making the
/
exchange first gives White less territory and makes Black's stones slightly more coordinated, although
is still too close. So, why does White play
and allow Black to block off the top side after all? Because
gives Black enough support that he can hane at
instead of playing b, so White will have shape problems.
Charles Certainly this is correct. I was interested to see in pro games that
is not played (
at
is the common play here). Invading at 3-3 makes Black very solid on the left, in this line. That in turn makes Black's enclosure look even better.