4-4 point low approach, two-space high pincer, without side stone

  Difficulty: Advanced   Keywords: Joseki
[Diagram]

Double kakari

In the absence of the black stone on the side at the circled point, W3 is joseki: a double kakari here isn't an overplay.



White may also invade the corner at the 3-3 point for W3: see below.

[Diagram]

Double kakari (continuation)

Then matters can be expected to take a definite course: up to W6 here is a very well-trodden path in joseki.

After that Black a and b are joseki continuations. Black c is no longer: this variation died a sudden death in 1992 amongst the pros. Klaus: Does annyone know why c is bad ?

[Diagram]

High double kakari

To play W3 high is also possible. Then B4 is still good shape. Next White at a may be the expected answer; but White directly at b has been played consistently enough in pro games since 1994.

[Diagram]

The 3-3 invasion

If White invades the corner to get settled, up to W9 is an invariable joseki.

Bill: Not invariable. B2 can also be at B3.



Most likely, Black nows plays tenuki. There is some question about Black's play here, if Black does add a stone.

[Diagram]

Honte

Adding BC is taught as honte.



[Diagram]

Usually sente

Adding BS is normally treated as sente by White, because Black's move next at a feels severe.



Therefore the exchange BS - White a is often seen here before Black plays away. Black is trying with the play at BS to confine the WC stone on a larger scale. Naturally it still has plenty of aji.

[Diagram]

Taboo

It is forbidden to strong players to think in terms of adding both BC and BS, though. This is Overconcentrated shape. See more at Honte / Discussion.



A compromise is for Black to play at a. This may have been invented by Kubomatsu in 1931. It gives Black a good next move here at b.


Author: Charles Matthews


This is a copy of the living page "4-4 point low approach, two-space high pincer, without side stone" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2004 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
[Welcome to Sensei's Library!]
StartingPoints
ReferenceSection
About