Reduction

In that sense it is less ambitious than an outright invasion, which may involve playing right in the heart of the framework in the search for eye space. However reduction is often less risky than an invasion, allowing the reducing group to run away in good order; and it can be just as effective.

The correct point for a reduction is often in the center of the imaginary line on the top edge of the framework (a sector line). The opponent will either protect from the inside direction, in which case the reduction has succeeded, or attack from the outside with a move such as a cap, in which case a jump further into the framework from the initial reducing stone will create the beginnings of a living shape.

(Note that there is no hard and fast distinction between a reduction and an invasion. For instance, if a move is high, but the correct response is a cap, maybe the original move is an invasion, not a reduction.)

Proverbs about reduction

There are some proverbs referring to reduction, such as

• Reduction Is Worth As Much As An Invasion
• Be a little patient, keshi works
• To invade, you should see 20 points in open area. Otherwise, keshi is better. (Yang Yilun)

SL Pages on standard reduction techniques

• Shoulder hit
• Cap
• Knight's move cap
• Large knight's move cap
• Two-space cap
• Ear point