Net example 6

What effect does Black 1 have?  

This is a reading problem based on a net theme. What should happen after ? The point is to do the calculations mentally. White shouldn't be trapped; but how best to escape?(Position taken from New Year's Rengo 2002 B45 variation.)

Variation 1  

The first decision is how to answer Black 1. If with White 2 here, up to 7 in this diagram is expected. Now White must escape from the net, either with White 8 as shown, or with White 8 at a.

Variation 1, continuation  

Now White 2 here really is forced. Black 3 appears to be quite strong. Black is making good use of the five marked stones.

Variation 2  

If White breaks out the other way, Black's shape is worse. But this leaves Black one interesting option.

Variation 2, continuation  

With 1 and 3 here Black can take aim at the marked White stones, on a very large scale.

Ladder  

Obviously White cannot play 2 here, losing the stones in a ladder after Black 3.

White's best answer?  

Therefore White 2 seems best for White to escape. After White 6 there is still some shortage of liberties for the white group; so White must still be careful.

Black trying too hard?  

Black can cut the other way, but that appears to be an overplay

Charles Matthews