BQM 526

Black to move.  

I believe that W can live or escape unconditionally. The strongest threats to W would seem to be at a, b, and c. None of those lines seem to lead to an unconditional kill, or even a ko to kill.

tapir: As always all comments without warranty. I don't see how White is going to live unconditionally in the corner after b. However White does not need to live there.

White has no base  

If at , then Black connects at . White is running with no base. Better to probe at or a without the / exchange.

 

Is performing any useful function? The triangle is empty. W has 'c' to look forward to later as well. This is an inverted move order for @ to start.

Or, stay connected and escape  

still feels awkwardly placed here. Defect at 'a' prevents B from attacking .

Black to move.  

Question has been raised: what about probing at a or b before the 3-3 invasion? How does that play out?

Black to move.  

Herman: The standard idea after would probably be , after which there are several options.

Black to move.  

Herman: With moves like this, black can reduce white to only one (potential) eye in the corner, but white has escaped, so black should have a clear plan to continue the attack.

Black to move.  

Herman: blocking on this side allows life, because forces . Black should of course keep in reserve.

 

-- For completion's sake, another path to life.

-- and look slack to allow unconditional life.

Black to move.  

Herman: is a vital point, but the exchange of for allows life again. (The atari at a is pointless, black will sacrifice and squeeze for oshitsubushi.)