Orthodox fuseki
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This formation with three stones shows a balance of an enclosure, for territory, and a 4-4 point, for rapid development and influence.
Black has often adopted this as an opening since the late 1950s, and since about 1975, when Black's default opening became the 4-4 point, it has never been out of style for long.
Ideal Framework
The wedge
Therefore White usually plays the wedge at to limit Black's ambitions. White a is also a good wedge here; but White b allows Black a, working too well with the enclosure.
But see Go Seigen on the Star Point - Small Knight's Shimari Fuseki.
It is generally accepted that is misplaced, however opinions on the severitiy of the error differ. In any case Black 2 in this diagram feels ideal, and the follow up at 4 or a would make a very large framework. So White 1 is recommended at b, so that Black can only extend to c.
This is a stage of the development of the plan. A low move here means that White wants a base at this side. This means a small stable group and nothing more. The group should be solid in order to have some attacking potential. Even in the pro games such groups are often separated and have to live on their own. Later on one may want to avoid being pressed down, but that can happen.
After the wedge
Pressing from the side of the shimari helps to create a small moyo at the bottom. White's two-space extension does not reach the keima kakari point and Black can simply defend the corner, not allowing White's group to settle easily.
This does not mean that black won the game. Black does not let the initiative to slip away. But it is only one of the possible plans. In most cases back waits for the development in other parts of the board to determine the direction of play.
Is this good for black? Wouldn't black prefer that the marked stone be at a? White isn't in danger on the right, but black has failed to close the upper right corner.
Shaydwyrm: Take a look at BQM205 for a discussion of just how safe white is on the right. The position is not identical, but is quite similar.
Three space extension from the wedge
The three-space extension is fine. White has no need to fear an invasion.
Seeming contradiction with the proverb
Jesse: I have learned that one should generally "play from the weaker side." Why is this position an exception? Is it because Black cannot easily attack the White group, or is it because extending from a shimari is just a very high value play, even if it is not the optimal extension? Maybe a later 3-3 invasion would make an extension from the top seem misplaced?
unkx80: Firstly, both black groups are relatively strong. Secondly, the white wariuchi stone can settle easily and hence not easily attacked. Note I said that can also tenuki, because the general principle is for black to wait out until it is clear that which side is better. However, because black has already invested two stones to make a shimari that faces upwards, so it is quite all right for black to play
and create a box formation, whereas a box formation is not that likely in the top right corner. It is quite possible for the box formation to be developed into the diagram below, which is quite nice. =)
The great Joseki Debates
Debate #19 from The Great Joseki Debates offers a strong opinion into the right half of the above position. The left half of the board is a little more complex than the original question, and not copied from the book. War Eagle
The Great Joseki Debates: "On the right, each side has an excellent move when play pauses in the upper left. Black wants to extend to in Diagram 2 to expand his corner position. White wants to play
in Digram 3 to reduce the influence of Black's corner enclosure while at the same time stabilizing his own stone. Since the difference is between Diagrams 2 and 3 is considerable, both sides will try to come away ... with sente."
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/4/dde24f1baf6cd87f3baeb99c80073326.png)
Diagram 2 from The Great Joseki Debates
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/1/496e101a6c5bf2ff7642ac1adb3b13ff.png)
Diagram 3 from The Great Joseki Debates
NickGeorge: Can anyone provide a link to a professional game(s) using this opening? I'm intrigued...
Harleqin: There exist some games with this opening (e.g. Cho Hun-Hyun vs. Lee Chang-Ho).
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