Second line connection

Basic second line connection  

The stone connects her two strings of stones on the second line. In this diagram, there is no way that Black can cut them apart. If Black cuts at the circled points, he is caught in a ladder, a chapel in particular.

Dangerous second line connection  

However, the connection on the second line is dangerous because the opponent can cut on one side to be able to cut on the other side in sente.

Here, the stones are in danger. If Black cuts at a and White plays x without thinking, Black can cut at b in sente which allows him to play c and capture the two white stones. In a case like this, where the cut at a does not threaten anything in itself, White should answer the cut by connecting at b herself, and Black will have lost his stone at a. (In addition, White will say 'thank you for removing my weakness' because a black play directly at c would have been a big endgame play, but now is no longer possible.)

Other options: nose-tesuji  

tderz: However sometimes the nose-tesuji might be useful. ( at c is better)
(If Wx, By)
Perhaps White then does not say "Thank you!", but
globally "Eh?.. Aah so nan da.... maita na"

White cannot cut/capture at z, because of Black x-m)

Failed second line connection  

Some connections on the second line just do not work, even if you reply 'correctly' to the cuts. In this example, Black's cuts at either of the circled points will work.

--MortenPahle

Failed second line connection (3-stones)  

Even with a larger distance, the connection does not secure all stones. Black can play at the circled point.

-- Chris

Ko fight for the second line connection  

In response to the above, it looks like White can start a ko fight for the connection.

-- Xavi

Failed second line connection (4-stones)  

Beware of combinations!

-- Chris