Big Point

Big point (or big area) is a fuseki concept referring to, in order of descending priority,

• empty corners
• corners with only one move already played where an approach or enclosure is possible
• an empty area along the side

In the fuseki, priority should be given to playing in big areas, if necessary finding ways to take sente in order to do so. Another major issue during the fuseki is to arrange to play in the last big area on the board (oba no tedomari).

Big areas contrast with urgent areas and uninteresting areas (dameba). As the proverb tells us, urgent areas should be given priority over big areas. See play urgent moves before big moves (kyūba before ōba).

The Japanese term ōba can be translated literally as "big place".

Big point is often also used to refer to a any large move at any stage of the game. Big fuseki point can be used to make sure the meaning is clear.

See also take the last big point.