Enclosure opening - high variant

The earlier idea  

The variant of the enclosure opening with a high enclosure was explored ahead of the version now considered standard. This diagram is probably the classical idea: White approaches low in the right corner, Black's pincer (square-marked stone) combines well with the circle-marked stone to build a framework.

White approaches high  

These days White is more likely to play the high approach White 1. What now? The pincer at a is one plan that is reputable; the pincer at b isn't so highly thought of, for reasons of joseki choice explained on the enclosure opening page.

Black's consistent plan  

An idea tried in a number of pro games is the delayed pincer with Black 6 here, a variant from the standard joseki that is justified here. White next plays at a, or possibly the 'soft' move at b.

White can avoid this by switching to the nadare joseki at White 3, of course.

Charles Matthews