Dropping back

Dropping back  

is dropping back, yielding some ground to Black instead of making the obvious, but potentially heavy extension at a, or a hane at b which will encourge Black to keep on with c.

The English term dodge may also be used, but it has a wider range of meanings. Suggestion: perhaps the military term 'to fall back' i.e. a controlled retreat without panicking or entirely running away, might also be appropriate?

As it may be impractical to play right next to a very strong group, but possible to contain it an increased distance, this is an application of don't play near thickness.

Dropping back  

, , and are one possible follow-up to White's dropping back move. White is treating lightly.

Example 1

A middlegame position  

This is from a game Qian Yuping-Nie Weiping (B) 1989-07-13.

How should White react to ?

First jump back ...  

White concedes first with . Black's wedge invites White a.

Then run along ...  

But White plays . After Black has some sente profit. On the other hand White's shape is improved.

Bad style  

here is quite a bad idea. Black's cut at is strong, and suddenly Black can see some use for the stone.

Example 2

Keima watari: Black 1?  

White connects underneath with , a keima watari.

How to answer and preserve the connection?

Dropping back  

is one form of dropping back. By conceding a little, White stays out of trouble.

Dropping back - Succeed in connecting  

B cannot continue on with .

Immediate cut is wrong  

this way is a bad idea. After White is in difficulties on the left side (reading problem).

Charles Matthews