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Play on the Point of Symmetry
Path: GoProverbs   · Prev:   · Next: CaptureTheCuttingStones
    Keywords: Proverb

In a symmetrical position, play on the point of symmetry.

This Go proverb applies to tactical questions regarding life and death of groups, but also sometimes to more strategic questions regarding invasions/reductions.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Black to play and live.

In the example, Black can keep the group alive in seki by playing on the point of symmetry as shown in the following diagram.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Black plays on the point of symmetry.

Of course, sometimes (as in this example) there is more than one point of symmetry - but the proverb will at least reduce your options.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Black plays on the point of symmetry again.

A possible variation is White playing at 2. Then in this case, Black can apply the same proverb again, by playing at 3. Then a and b are miai, and c and d are also miai, so Black lives with two eyes.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Still alive.

In this way, Black is still alive.


[Diagram]
Diag.: Wrong point of symmetry.

However, if Black plays at the wrong point of symmetry at 1 or a, then White 2 to 6 kills the Black group.



Old Stuff (Begin)

unkx80: It seems that I need to Wiki Master Edit this example because it is not very right, or at best, confusing. Please delete the text from "Old Stuff (Begin)" to "Old Stuff (End)" after reading.

[Diagram]
Diag.: Black to play and live

In the example, Black can keep the group alive in seki by playing on the point of symmetry as shown below:


[Diagram]
Diag.: Black plays on the point of symmetry

Of course, sometimes (as in this example) there is more than one point of symmetry - but the proverb will at least reduce your options :-)

-- Morten Pahle

White can kill Black by playing at 5 or 7 instead of 2. -- Arno Hollosi


[Diagram]
Diag.: Black to live.

:-(( OOPS..

Giving Black a liberty extra, and making it obvious Black cannot run out makes it better. Teaches me to check my examples :-) -- Morten Pahle (10Kyu)


Old Stuff (End)


Dnerra: Sometimes, it also applies to the opening:

[Diagram]
Diag.: Where else would you like to move?


Path: GoProverbs   · Prev:   · Next: CaptureTheCuttingStones
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