Da Ya Liang

Definition

大压梁 (dà yā liáng) is a Chinese go term for this shape.

Meaning

The literal translation is "big pressure beam." The idea for Black is to seal White into the side with brute force, resulting in a territorial loss (especially if White ataris, as shown below). The name hints at the imposing momentum.

Studies

• 50 variations are shown in Chapter 2 of the book Sanzi Pu by Guo Bailing. It is available in English under the title "Three-Stone Games."
• 111 variations are shown in Chapter 2 of the book Sizi Pu by Guo Bailing. It is available in English under the title "Four-Stone Games."

Continuations

Two possible White continuations are the extension at a and the atari at b. b leads to many complications. Only one possible continuation after b is shown below.

White extends

This variation depends upon the ladder working for White.

White Ataris

Now White has two choices: the atari of a or the atari of b

Tapir: Isn't a typical case of 1-2-3 principle. If one connects at anyway, should one not play there first leaving more possibilities after Black defends at ? Most notably the cut at a?

Source: Jiang Mingjiu's Ing Goe Internet Class of 24 December 2006.