Two stars side - pattern 1

  Difficulty: Expert   Keywords: Opening
[Diagram]
Uncommon pattern  

Although black+circle occupies an obvious big point, this formation isn't very common in pro games.

[Diagram]
Black develops  

The popular move next for Black is B1. In answer White usually takes steps to limit Black's framework, for example at the marked points. Even though B1 isn't a rapidly developing play, it is quite urgent for White to pay attention to this area.

[Diagram]
Black develops towards the centre  

The choice of B1 has been seen in recent years: it indicates that the original third line play black+circle was made in connection with the lower left corner, and that the left side is still important. The circle-marked point is now one vital point for both sides. White may also choose the square-marked point.



In these examples Black avoids trying for a double-wing formation based on 4-4:

[Diagram]
Invitation to invasion  

It is considered that playing black+circle and black+square invites W1, an ideal 3-3 invasion.



[Diagram]
Widest path  

Assuming White to play, this is the widest path sequence: effectively this is a joseki. That does assume that black+circle is a strong stone.

[Diagram]
Approaching from the other side  

This choice of W1 is only appropriate when black+circle can become weak. That is, exactly when the exchange Black a- White b will cause Black trouble. Otherwise White would get a heavy group here, without much compensation.



See Two stars side - pattern 2 for the case in which black+circle is on the fourth line.

Charles Matthews


Two stars side - pattern 1 last edited by Stefan on June 20, 2003 - 15:09
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