Finding ko threats

A basic prerequisite when playing a ko is to be able to find ko threats. Here are hints for finding good ko threats.

A ko threat is a play which threatens a follow-up which will give you a certain gain. If a ko threat is also a move you already wanted to play, that is a bonus.

Threats can fall into any of these categories:

• Threats to make dead groups alive or threats to connect two groups so that a previously dead group connects with a living group.
• Threats to kill living groups or threats to disconnect two groups so that one can be killed.
• Threats to reduce your opponent's territory or expand your own.

The first two are normally the largest, as the change of status of a group often means a difference of 20 points or more.

Before going into a ko fight, one needs to

• Count ko threats.
• Understand Ko Threat - Rule of Thumb and ko threat playing order
• In particular, understand local ko threats and double ko threats
• In anticipation of an upcoming ko fight, consider creating potential ko threats.
• Or, by the same token, find ways to eliminate ko threats on the part of your opponent