Ugly descent
Ugly descent or ugly sagari is a tesuji used in some particular types of capturing races in the corner. The name “ugly sagari” was coined by HolIgor.
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.
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.
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.