Contact play for sabaki

There is a saying, Attach to make sabaki. When playing inside the opponent's sphere of influence, an attachment is often indicated.

/Examples

Bill: There are several reasons for that.

• First, an attachment can end up strengthening both sides. Since the invader is weak to start with, that can benefit him.
• Second, the normal response to an attachment is a hane^[1]. By playing a crosscut or counter hane, the player seeking sabaki opens up possibilities. That is light play.
• Third, if the opponent responds with nobi, that can reduce the local possibilities, but runs the risk of being kikasare.
• Fourth, an attachment almost requires the response of a nobi or hane. How the opponent commits himself may resolve the question of future development. See probe.

Comments

Charles Matthews: As a general rule the unsupported contact play will be a sabaki sequence in the making. I've noticed 4 dan players handle these with some confidence. A supported contact play may or may not be seeking sabaki - in the usual joseki it isn't, so the sabaki continuations tend to look like special techniques. My feeling is that 5 dans begin to play them properly. I had a period of studying them intensely in the Chinese style.

^[1] See wrap around the contact play