OngoingGame2 / Move 174 Solution

Ongoing game 2 - Black cannot block  

After , Black tries to capture her stone with . White answers calmly at .

What should Black do next?

Black's block - variation 1  

If Black plays at , White cuts through his position with . Black has to answer at and , otherwise he loses the six black stones on the left.

So, applying the proverb "Your opponent's good move is your good move" Black might try to protect against White by playing at .

Black's block - variation 2  

So let's assume that Black plays here.

Next White plays .

Can you read out the ladder?

Variation 2 - the short ladder (5 connects)  

If Black uses to capture the white stone, he loses very quickly. After the black stones are lost.

Variation 2 - the long ladder (7 connects)  

If Black uses to run, the ladder becomes longer.

Variation 2 - the long ladder (continued)  

After Black's group is in shortage of liberties and Black cannot connect (White would capture at a).

Ongoing game 2 - Black plays it safe  

Note that White still has some good aji around this area.