Don't try to cut a bamboo joint

A beginner mistake is trying to cut a bamboo joint.

Bamboo joint  

This is the epitome of a thank you move. The exchange materializes a virtual connection.

The white stones lose a liberty: don't take away your own liberties!

Bamboo joint  

Also White has made a bad trade in influence. The stone can be of help to Black; but the stone cannot help White.

Exceptions to this rule:

• Ko-threats
• When this maneuver exploits the bamboo joint may be short of liberties
• What is fairly common is making a shape that looks like the player tried to cut a bamboo joint.