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Aliases (info)
B44W63B36W42B83

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44PointLowApproach

 

4-4 point low approach low extension, slide, pincer
  Difficulty: Advanced   Keywords: Joseki

[Diagram]
Initial position

The pincer B4 here may occur. White at a next is considered the main continuation, but there are other plays.


[Diagram]
Main line

These plays are still the main line, though increasingly B2 is played directly at B4. White plays W5 for ladder aji.



After these moves, Black needs a further play here. If the ladder works Black can play at b (and then will need to capture shortly). It seems, from pro games, that this is a subtle discussion:

  • this variation is played even when the ladder is bad for Black, and Black must play a now;
  • even if the ladder is good for Black, Black may anyway play a.

Naturally the evaluation of the position after Black at a must depend on the prospects in a fight if White's cutting stone escapes.

[Diagram]
Other ways

The other ideas for White here:


[Diagram]
The tsukehiki variation

Black plays on both sides and takes sente. White stabilizes with a fair amount of profit. Black better treat BC lightly:[1]


[Diagram]
The tsukehiki variation

White has avoided being shut in, while occupying the 3-3 point. Black's two configurations lack a base.



[1] For another way to this position see 4-4 point low approach one-space low pincer, upper contact.



This is a copy of the living page "4-4 point low approach low extension, slide, pincer" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2003 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.