Staircase example

On the edge  

The attachment at is a typical tactic in handicap games; and then the counter-hane, , makes the staircase formation.

White's ladder  

White's idea in playing this way is probably that Black may be tempted to capture one stone on the edge; in which case White 6 captures in a ladder.

Connect solidly  

One better way for Black is to connect solidly as shown here. That makes a and b into miai points. This is discussed also at hane-kaeshi follow-up.

Not playing either atari here is in line with the 123 principle. It is useful to know this idea, as a way of playing.

Keep White low  

If Black is strong enough to fight hard here, Black 1 and 3 may make it difficult for White to live.

The pro play  

The staircase isn't often seen here in pro games, because extending with 1 is more like the proper play. Of course, White 1 is heavier, too. The original marked contact play is a technique that is occasionally appropriate.

Kobayashi Satoru - Kato  

In a game Kobayashi Satoru versus Kato Masao played 1990-11-15, the staircase did appear after the 10-3 contact play.

Black connected solidly and succeeded in killing White. On the other hand White managed to break into Black's upper area by means of this sacrifice. Black did win the game.

Continuation  

After these plays White's group is dead as it stands, but Black has become thin on the outside.

Continuation  

Charles Matthews