Flying Saucer Shape

The critical elements are

1. the black group's weak spots are occupied by White ( stones),
2. the black group is blocked on the second line at both ends ( stones), and
3. these white blocking stones are connected to the rest of the white group ( stones).

It is not critical whether the circled liberties are occupied or not.

For an example of a flying saucer position where the third critical element is missing, see Gokyo Shumyo, Section 1, Problem 23.

For a general treatment, see Two Space Notchers Not Fully Connected.

Black Attempts to Live

White cuts at the other side than the one Black protects, then gives atari. She finishes off with , keeping Black at one eye. The position is symmetric, so if at 3 then at 5.

Black ends up with a 3 point big eye with already at the vital point.

After , Black has a shape similar to six on the second row. He's dead. gives major resistance, but after , she can almost fill Black's eye space with three stones any time.

This reverts to attempt 3.

Applications

• Tsumego From Games 4
• Shikatsu Myoki Tsumego Series 98 - the shape can live by using some outside tactics.