Net example 9

Choice of nets  

Black has a choice of net captures of :

1. Black at a;
2. Black at b (this looks like a ladder but isn't: if white d then black e)
3. Black at c.

Choice of nets (3)  

White cannot actually escape with after .

Choice of nets (3) (continuation)  

After the throw-in here, Black captures the stones (in a ladder, if White connects at ).

Of these three nets, one prefers number 1 to number 3 on the choose the firmer capture principle - though that doesn't always apply when building influence.

After choice 2  

There is a problem with choice 2, namely after . It might depend whether Black actually wanted to provoke the / exchange. If so, choice 2 is better than choice 1.

After choice 1  

In this case White has a forcing play at the circled point. This is still a little too close to Black's influence.

The decision may therefore depend on the direction of fighting.

Charles Matthews