ImagistsDifficultProblem/Solution

[Diagram]

Three points to make an eye

Black must find a way to either play all of the points marked x or make an eye on the outside. B1 is the only first move.

For the correct solution to this problem see Xuanxuan Qijing Problem 2/Solution

[Diagram]

W1 Descent (B6 is an error)

If white descends with W1, black cuts and the sequence to W5 is forced, allowing black to play one of the three points in sente. B4 is necessary for later. Playing B6 in exchange for W7, as shown in the diagram, is an error.

[Diagram]

W1 Descent (continued)

Black continues by playing another of the three points with B1. Because of the marked stones, this is sente. If white plays W2, B3-B9 captures white's surrounding stones.

Herman Hiddema: This fails if white plays W4 at B9, black is short on liberties. Blacks exchange of B6 (marked black stone) for W7 (marked white stone) in the first diagram is premature.

[Diagram]

W1 Descent (continued, variation)

White can save her stones with this W4, but this is worse than simply playing W2 at B7 because now black has broken out along the side with plenty of room to add a second eye.

[Diagram]

W1 Connects

To avoid the variation marked "W1 descent", white can simply connect back. B2 is the only move that looks possible, but now W3 creates complications. I have not yet solved this variation.


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