Capping play - contact response

Forceful  

When White caps Black like this, the contact play by Black on one side or the other is a more forceful way to play than the knight's move recommended by the proverb. Both players can expect to be strengthened in what follows. Next White a is usual; White at b is a special technique that has been used by top players, but can lead White immediately into bad shape (Hane at the Head of Two Stones).

Normal  

It is quite normal for White 3, Black 4 and the connection White 5 to happen next. Black can now start a pushing battle with a.

White resists  

Quite probably Black chose to play contact just because the pushing battle after the previous diagram was interesting to him. Therefore White 5 may be natural resistance. Black 6 to cut and the appearance of a windmill after that are the normal development. The fighting in the centre of the board has become serious.

Attach-extend  

Black may want to continue more solidly; in which case Black 4 is appropriate. The table shape Black 8 is good (might be somewhat overconcentrated, too) while White has two cutting points to defend.

Charles Matthews