Squeezing Out the Toothpaste
Squeezing out the toothpaste is a common mistake where a group is pushed through a small gap. The player doing the "squeezing" is often under the impression that they have the initiative, but the end result is usually that they've made their own groups weaker or pushed the opponent into their own territory.
![[Diagram]](diagrams/22/0b89251491c517485938b882c47284e4.png)
One classical example of squeezing the toothpaste is illustrated in this sequence. All of White's moves are perfectly natural, but 
, 
, 
send White squeezing through the small gap between and , weakening both the 
chain and the chain. One possible alternative for Black: Black , White 
, Black , White 
, Black a.
![[Diagram]](diagrams/52/30a3b9ccca9db0eba29faa3b2d26693f.png)
Black plays to strengthen his group, then to prevent the cut. Now he has weakened his center group more than he helped it.
One can argue whether is necessary. But if Black wants to play it, he should play there directly, without the / exchange. (Leading to at , at , at a).
See also
- In Teach Yourself Go Charles Matthews introduced the idea of failing ladder, which is the same but with corners in the toothpaste.
- Small gap
- Driving tesuji: a better way to push the opponent around.
- Mistakes
- Squeeze as a translation of the Japanese word shibori, which is a different meaning of "squeeze" and generally a good thing to do.
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