Timing

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  Difficulty: Expert   Keywords: Strategy

Although the argument of timing is often used in game discussions, it is not easy to build a concise chapter for this topic. Not without a reason Rin Kaiho is quoted to say Go is timing

Table of contents Table of diagrams
Which order?
Bad timing (7 connects)
Correct timing

Tactical timing

[Diagram]

Which order?

After these joseki plays, Black will play the atari moves at a and b - in some order. Which is correct?

[Diagram]

Bad timing (7 connects)

If Black gets the timing wrong, as here, White can exploit the presence of W2 to make a net on the outside with W8. Now black+circle is misplaced. We assume that Black connects the ko, since there are no ko threats in the opening.

[Diagram]

Correct timing

Black should play the other atari first. In this case White's chance at resistance with c next gives Black an outside ponnuki. White cannot get a good result that way.



Strategic timing

Some aspects:

  • Go is ruled by minimal play - play something only because it is required - so timing is 'recognition of necessary plays'. According to this, 'urgent points before big points' is the master proverb.
  • The idea of a probing type of strategy is to get commitment from the opponent first; and then decide timing and choice of direction.

Theoretically speaking, perhaps the game divides up as game temperature model, plus real timing issues which aren't just a question of sente sidetracks.


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This is a copy of the living page "Timing" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2009 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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