Two-space cap

Two-space cap  

White 1 can of course be used as a reduction play, but for that purpose the large knight's move cap may be better shape, as explained on that page. One can also use this capping play to attack.

A controversial shape  

When White is using the two-space cap to attack with, Black has this attach-extend method to make shape. This may not be appropriate, though.

A high-handicap joseki  

This play for Black has been taught for dealing with the two-stone cap in high-handicap games. It doesn't mean it is always useful, though. This sequence has been responsible for some joseki as a source of bad habits mistakes.

Ben Malek-Guo  

This is from Farid Ben Malek 6d vs. Guo Juan 7d in the 1998 Obayashi Tournament. Black played 1, but analysis by Kim Seong-june 6d criticises this as unnatural as a way to fight.

Ben Malek-Guo, continuation  

In the game, Black got a bad result: by White 8 he was on the defensive.

Variation 1  

According to Kim, Black must at least take this bulge point in the centre, in order to fight on equal terms.

Variation 2  

According to Kim, it is preferable to attack using this lighter shape.

Connection possibility  

In the background there is this possibility for connection along the edge; so Black should play in confident style.

Charles Matthews