Avalanche
The avalanche joseki is one of the most famous joseki. The name refers to the typical shape (the similarity will be clearer if you watch the diagram upsidedown). There exist several variants, of which the large avalanche can grow quite complex.
This much-played variation is known as the large avalanche. It starts a number of complicated variations. See large avalanche for these. If either player wants to avoid these complications, White can play at a or play tenuki (move elsewhere) with , or Black can play at a or b with
. These are described in large avalanche simple variations.
With , Black starts the small avalanche. The moves upto
are forced; after this White can play a or b, but b depends on a ladder. See small avalanche for the continuations.
is advisable for those players who are not comfortable with their knowledge of the avalanche joseki. Black steers the joseki to a simple variation without giving in in any way - the result is equal. See nadare connection.
The next variant of the avalanche is when Black plays the double hane of in this diagram. Traditionally, the answer to this move has been a, after which usually Black will try to get influence down the left side, but nowadays the white extension at b is gaining popularity. For the double hane variation, see nadare double hane.
is similar to black a in that it is peaceful and takes territory. For this variation, see nadare descent.