Two stars side - pattern 1

  Difficulty: Expert   Keywords: Opening
[Diagram]

Uncommon pattern

Although BC occupies an obvious big point, this formation isn't very common in pro games.

[Diagram]

Black develops

The popular move next for Black is B1. In answer White usually takes steps to limit Black's framework, for example at the marked points. Even though B1 isn't a rapidly developing play, it is quite urgent for White to pay attention to this area.

[Diagram]

Black develops towards the centre

The choice of B1 has been seen in recent years: it indicates that the original third line play BC was made in connection with the lower left corner, and that the left side is still important. The circle-marked point is now one vital point for both sides. White may also choose the square-marked point.



In these examples Black avoids trying for a double-wing formation based on 4-4:

[Diagram]

Invitation to invasion

It is considered that playing BC and BS invites W1, an ideal 3-3 invasion.



[Diagram]

Widest path

Assuming White to play, this is the widest path sequence: effectively this is a joseki. That does assume that BC is a strong stone.

[Diagram]

Approaching from the other side

This choice of W1 is only appropriate when BC can become weak. That is, exactly when the exchange Black a- White b will cause Black trouble. Otherwise White would get a heavy group here, without much compensation.



See Two stars side - pattern 2 for the case in which BC is on the fourth line.

Charles Matthews


This is a copy of the living page "Two stars side - pattern 1" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2007 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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