How to respond to an approach

  Difficulty: Intermediate   Keywords: Opening, Joseki, Strategy

An approach move is a move that is played close to opposing stones, perhaps threatening to attack them. This page explains the most common basic responses to such a move.

Approach Examples

[Diagram]
corner approach  

B1 approaches the marked stone white+circle. In the corner, this is often called a kakari.

[Diagram]
side approach  

B1 approaches the marked stone white+circle


Table of contents Table of diagrams
corner approach
side approach
extending away from a corner approach
extending away from a side approach
blocking a corner approach
blocking a side approach
pincering a corner approach
pincering a side approach
attaching against a corner approach
attaching against a side approach

Possible answers

The most common answers to approach moves are extending away, blocking, pincering and attaching.

Extend away from the approach

[Diagram]
extending away from a corner approach  

W2 extends away from the approach B1.

See also:

[Diagram]
extending away from a side approach  

W2 extends away from the approach B1.

See also: Orthodox fuseki.


Block the approach

[Diagram]
blocking a corner approach  

W2 blocks against the approach B1.

See also: 3-4 Point Distant Low Approach Kosumi

[Diagram]
blocking a side approach  

W2 blocks against the approach B1.


Pincer the approaching stone

[Diagram]
pincering a corner approach  

W2 pincers the approach B1.

See also:

[Diagram]
pincering a side approach  

W2 pincers the approach B1.


Attach against the approaching stone

[Diagram]
attaching against a corner approach  

W2 attaches against the approach B1.

See also:

[Diagram]
attaching against a side approach  

W2 attaches the approach B1.


Tenuki

As they say tenuki is always an option. Responding to an approach is not mandatory, and tenuki may often be the best response.


How to respond to an approach last edited by Jeff on January 23, 2008 - 21:07
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