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Open in the Corner
Path: AboutTheOpening · Prev: · Next: ContinueAlongTheSide
Difficulty: Introductory
Keywords: Opening
Since the corner is where you can most easily make territory, this is where most openings start. The discussion here assumes that you know what is meant by territory and influence, and that you see how both interact and which purposes both have. If not, you should read about influence. (Note: The word "influence" in the previous paragraph is linked to the term atsui. I read the linked atsui section and did not see the connection to influence, but I am very new to the game so there may be a more subtle relation that I have overlooked. In any case you may also be interested in reviewing influence.)
The question is: where in the corner should one play? The question becomes an evaluation of whether you want to gain influence or territory. First of all, a stone on the 1-1 point (a) is useless. It can be captured and doesn't give any territory. A stone on the 2-2 point b is not much better. Although it cannot be captured straight away, it has no serious potential for development, nor does it enclose any major territory. The 1-2 points c fall to the same logic. Quite generally, playing on or below the second line when there is no compelling reason to do so, is a weak move. The 2-3 points g make a slightly larger corner, but it is still much too small. They secure relatively few points, but what is perhaps more important, a move at the 3-3 point d (as well as one on the 3-4 point e)) claims the corner, and on a larger scale. There are no advantages to the 2-3 points to compensate for the larger territory taken by the 3-3 point or the greater possibilities of expansion of the 3-4 point. That leaves the following:
Points other than those five are rare, although not completely unheard of (5-5 point, 6-3 point, 6-4 point). See also: First move in the corner and Special properties of the corner. Path: AboutTheOpening · Prev: · Next: ContinueAlongTheSide This is a copy of the living page "Open in the Corner" at Sensei's Library. ![]() |