In capturing races like this, the ugly-looking descent like here might be the key to overcome problems with shortage of liberties. In this case, it is the only correct move.

If hanes, then the clamp of is the next move to remember.

puts up a stronger resistance, but the same clamp at still works. While is a tesuji for gaining liberties, White is still ahead by one move because the ugly descent prevents Black from making the approach move at a.

If plays on the 1-2 point instead, then can throw-in. White can only respond by creating a ko with .

This is an elaboration on why in the previous diagram has to start a ko. Because if captures the stone, then after the descent at , Black has the cut at which prevents White's approach at a.

here won't do either. After , White has no good response.

There is also a belly attachment tesuji at , but it only results in a ko, unlike the unconditional capture achieved by the correct ugly descent move.

Example in professional play

“Baduk Doctor” provides an example of the ugly descent (not using this term) that enabled one of the shortest professional wins in history. “Genius girl” Nakamura Sumire found this winning move aged only 11 in an online game with Bai Xinhui in May 2020. She won a corner capturing race and forced resignation in only 49 moves.

See also

• Descent tesuji
• Belly attachment
• Nameless Tesuji
• Tesuji
• Tesuji - the book / Errata