![]() StartingPoints Aliases (info) Paths Referenced by
|
Small gaps
Difficulty: Beginner
Keywords: Tactics
The small gap is a particular feature of double-figure kyu players' games, which stronger players instinctively avoid in most cases. It usually arises from some kind of play that is too close.
Here's a typical sequence, in which Black is not doing at all well. There are several reasons for that. But look first at the result.
Concentrate on the two
This kind of play, with
Playing
If on the other hand Black doesn't understand the basic principle and plays
This, for example, is an unreasonable fight for Black since White at a is now strong.
Another way to get the feeling that Black has effectively forced White out through a small gap, is to consider this re-ordered sequence (tewari). In this case Bill: Just to add to that last paragraph, dividing your opponent's forces is strong (unless they are already strong). On top of that, the smaller the gap through which you push, the stronger the push that divides them. The basic reason for that is that it is easier for them to connect if you do not separate them. The driving tesuji makes use of this idea. Discussion of initial sequence
If Black wants to attack the white stone, he should prefer to stay a bit further away from it.
If Black does play [1] There is a modern joseki here.
Without the black stones nearby, up to
The interesting thing here, of course, is that Naturally there is a reason for this, in pro play. Black most often continues by capturing at a (honte) removing a possible shortage of liberties. Then White can play at b. This is a copy of the living page "Small gaps" at Sensei's Library. ![]() |