Beginner Exercise 171 / Solution

Solution  

White has two atari possibilities at a and b. makes a shape of rotational symmetry, keeping atari options open.

White connects  

Against here, White uses option a. Black can't connect at for shortage of liberties.

Connects similarly  

And against here, White uses option b. Similarly, Black can't connect at for shortage of liberties.

Failure  

Using atari first fails. a and b are miai for Black to cut.