Corners, then sides, then center
This phrase is one of the first things a Go player is taught.
- It is easiest to make life in the corners, then on the sides, and least easy in the center. The same goes for territory and a base.
- SO Fight hardest for corners. Letting the opponent get an uneven advantage in a corner you are fighting for will help you lose.
- And please prefer sides over the center.
- It takes only two walls of stones to surround territory in the corners, and three on the sides, compared to four in the center
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/36/c5b12a710b82ed6386c96870e5df4c2d.png)
Corner territory & eyes
8 stones, 16 points
two eyes requires at least 6 stones
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/38/4a2c02d8aa4f373d69b2114921d5ee9b.png)
Side territory & eyes
8 stones, 8 points
2 eyes requires at least 8 stones
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/48/11d96e14251f8d4f1a86953f45f66c09.png)
Center territory & eyes
8 stones, 4 points
2 eyes requires at least 10 stones
See also Why don't we open at tengen.