BSR 2003 W112 discussion

Black Sheep Rengo 2003  

Charles In this position the clamp takes advantage of White's shortage of liberties, in a standard way. The question is whether White could have avoided this, earlier.

Assume no tenuki  

Suppose that White hadn't played tenuki after , but had answered at . There is a reading problem here, after is tried.

Assume no tenuki (continuation)  

These plays are inevitable. Then Black has a choice of three directions in which to play atari:at a, b or c.

Black can play at a whenever it seems useful.

Variation 1  

This way Black can break into the centre; but has given away some points on the upper side.

Variation 2  

If Black plays this way, White's shape seems to be good enough after . Up to Black can only make a small dent in White's centre.

There are some other variations to consider: but White 112 in the game seems to have been a 'tenuki too far'.

Variation 3  

Black's best line here seems to be this way to play.