HermanHiddema/Joseki Learning Order

Handicap joseki  

This joseki is mostly played in high handicap games (8-9 stones), where the marked stone is in place. Many beginning players do not truly understand this sequence, but have been taught to play it by stronger players. The concepts that makes white heavy, and that is overconcentrated are quite advanced.

Beginners will often later make the mistake of playing when the marked stone is not present. Without that stone, the - exchange is no good, because it strengthens white while not really protecting the corner (a 3-3 invasion is still possible), and white can make an ideal extension after by playing on the side hoshi (where is in the diagram) or below it. (For full explanation, see: Joseki as a source of bad habits)

4-4 low approach  

As handicaps gets smaller (2-7 stones), joseki start to appear in situations where the side hoshi is still open. Players will learn that the low approach is a normal move, and that playing (or b) in response is also normal. completes this short and simple joseki

4-4 low approach, slide  

Instead of in the previous diagram, sliding like this is also popular. This is another simple joseki, with black defending the corner with and white making a base with

4-4 point, 3-3 invasion  

The 3-3 invasion of the 4-4 point will also surface quite quickly once the handicap goes down. Although this invasion is unusual with high handicap, because it forces black's stones to work together, it will appear regularly once the handicap goes down to 5 or less, where white can try to neutralize the sides before invading the corner.

3-3 invasion, main line  

This is the most common follow-up to the 3-3 invasion. White gets territory in the corner, and sente, while black builds an impressive wall.

3-3 invasion, double hane  

This double hane with is the main alternative. Here black prefers to take the corner, while white gets a strong ponnuki on the outside and retains sente.

3-4 high approach, attach under  

This joseki is one of the first 3-4 joseki in the repertoire of beginners. It is simple and gives both players stable formations. can also be one line higher, at a.

3-4 high approach, attach under (2)  

This variation is also popular, and is generally learned at the same time as the one above.

3-4 high approach, keima  

Another simple joseki that gives both players a reasonably stable shape. is a popular way to avoid the avalanche joseki that can appear after the attachment under .