4-4 point low approach two-space low pincer

    Keywords: Joseki

The pincer and the common replies

[Diagram]

Two-space low pincer

This is a special-purpose pincer and is not ordinarily found in modern professional play. See below.

[Diagram]

White's common replies

White's ordinary answers are at a, b and c. The jump out at j, standard in old Chinese games, is sometimes seen.


Joseki references

[Diagram]

Joseki

Suzuki and Kitani's Small Joseki Dictionary also state that the two space low pincer is rare. (And that's historically.) However, they give this diagram as joseki, with the comment that you can't say that this is better than having a three space low pincer.

The fact that it is still rare does not mean that expert opinion about it has been revised.

[Diagram]

Slightly favourable

They also say that B3 in response to the double kakari produces a somewhat favorable result for Black.

This was at a time when the usual advice was to attach to the stronger stone, suggesting a play at a instead. Today pro opinion about that advice has changed.


A possible theory

Here is a possible theory as to why it is not common, but keep in mind expert advice on the matter is not final.

[Diagram]

Corner invasion

Consider what happens after White jumps into the corner and the usual follow-ups are played. If now Black played at a, the pincer would feel overconcentrated. On the other hand if he omits a, White jumps out to W1 and the pincer feels slack. Hence it is difficult to find a balanced follow-up for this pincer, locally. This is why the marked stone needs extra purpose in relation to the upper right corner.


This is a copy of the living page "4-4 point low approach two-space low pincer" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2007 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
[Welcome to Sensei's Library!]
StartingPoints
ReferenceSection
About