Quick Questions

Odd seki [#2531]

114.93.107.186: Odd seki (2011-03-21 12:40) [#8374]

GNU Go is stronger than I am in some ways, so I've been playing against it a lot, mostly at 9x9 for tactical practice. I think I've discovered a weakness; it is not good at avoiding seki; I sometimes get away with things I shouldn't. Here's an example, from a 2-stone game with me black. We were here as of move 24, W to play.

White passed, which I suspect is a blunder. I think he should cover the vital point X, but I'm not entirely sure that is necessary. That's my question.

The next few moves were:

Then

We ended up with just a large black territory plus a large seki, complete disaster for White. But where did he go wrong? The pass? Or later?

86.30.188.162: ((no subject)) (2011-03-21 15:25) [#8375]

IGS 5K+: I believe Black 1 is the most important point to play and that White should waste no time in occupying the other key point, White 2.

Up to 8 Black could play a, b, or c to start a ko but I see no chance of her winning any of them. If Black a, White b. If Black b or c, White a.

pashley: Re: Odd seki (2011-04-06 08:11) [#8393]

So you are saying White's pass in the original position is OK because he can defend adequately against Black 1 later?

129.67.184.43: Re: Odd seki (2011-04-21 19:18) [#8420]

IGS 5K+: In this partcular situation the game is complete to my eyes and White is behind on territory. I would pass (I prefer to pass rather than resign if the end-game has already been fought).

In general there is something to be gained from defending this group because otherwise if Black generates some ko-threats elsewhere she can use them to make a seki here.

84.250.84.15: Re: ((no subject)) (2011-04-19 05:07) [#8409]

Black would play at b, and white would have to struggle to salvage even a seki.

129.67.184.43: Black's resistance (2011-04-21 19:16) [#8419]

IGS 5k+: I don't see that White has any difficulties. If Black descends to here then White can respond with . The sequence to leaves Black with nothing.