Don't try to cut a bamboo joint
Difficulty: Beginner Keywords: Tactics
A common mistake is trying to cut a bamboo joint.[1]
This is the epitome of a thank you move. The exchange materializes a virtual connection.
The white stones lose a liberty: don't take away your own liberties!
Also White has made a bad trade in influence. The stone can be of help to Black; but the
stone cannot help White.
Exceptions to this rule:
- Ko-threats
- When this maneuver exploits the bamboo joint may be short of liberties
Authors
Skelley: When I just learned how to play go I once had a kind of feverish dream in which I figured out how to cut a bamboo joint :)
[1]
Bill: I don't think it is a common mistake.
What I do think is fairly common is making a shape that looks like the player tried to cut a bamboo joint.