Bulge

The bulge point  

is a bulge play.

It is a hane play, backed up by the marked stone already in place to form a V. Black gains great power locally, this way. Therefore the point is the vital point here: if White takes it instead Black would start to worry about cutting points.

The bulge point  

Locally, bulge play completes the shape of the tiger's mouth or hanging connection.

White takes the key point  

White should by all means play here. (See Anti-bulge.)

Cutting points appear  

Once White has played the bulge point, sets up the cuts at a or b, either of which may be a good tactic. (See Bulge/Discussion)

Peep and draw back  

If the marked stones are added, peep and draw back are more threatening.

See also:

• Big bulge
• Bulge ko