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Ponnuki

 

A Ponnuki Is Worth Thirty Points
    Keywords: Proverb, Shape

[Diagram]
Diag.: ponnuki

The proverb 'A Ponnuki is worth thirty points' tells that the ponnuki shape in this diagram is often very valuable. Especially when played in the center, or some other open space, a ponnuki can exert influence in all directions. The number 30 here is of course just a manner of speaking - what is important is that it is large. One needs a very good reason to allow one's opponent to get one.


[Diagram]
Diag.: tortoise shell

Even better than the ponnuki is the tortoise shell in this diagram, where two stones have been captured. In analogy with the ponnuki proverb, some say that this shape is worth 60 points. Again, one should not take this number too literal, but whatever the value of this position is, it is huge.

-- Andre Engels



The value of a ponnuki depends on wether it appears in the fuseki, the middle game, or the EndGame. Usually the later the game, the less valuable the ponnuki is. The reason for this is, that a ponnuki is thick, which means it is hard (or impossible) to attack a ponnuki. This is because ponnukis can easily be turned into living groups, as they have a rich potential for creating eyes.

A thick shape has strong influence and thus a ponnuki can later be used for attack, for building territory, or as safety haven for retreating invasion stones. By now you should see why ponnukis are worth 30 points.

--ArnoHollosi


BillSpight: I suspect that the 30 points in the proverb comes from the old estimate that a stone is worth 10 points. True, there are 4 stones in a ponnuki, but presumably the shape was formed by capturing one stone, which makes the net number of stones 3. If no mistake has been made by the ponnukier early in the game, 30 points may be an underestimate.

You don't just see ponnuki floating around. E. g.,


[Diagram]
Diag.: Ponnuki not so lucky

Black is obviously overconcentrated.


What the proverb does is warn against this kind of thing.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Not worth it

Black has connected, but at the cost of allowing a ponnuki. The ponnuki is stronger than it looks.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Tewari

If we regard the 3 pairings as roughly equal (although slightly favorable for Black), the ponnuki stone (square marking) is almost a free move.




This is a copy of the living page "A Ponnuki Is Worth Thirty Points" at Sensei's Library.
(C) the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.