Too close

Path: GiveMeLiberties   · Prev: ShortageOfLiberties   · Next: DontTakeAwayYourOwnLiberties
Path: Mistake   · Prev: Thin   · Next: Zokusuji
  Difficulty: Introductory   Keywords: Tactics
[Diagram]

Too close

These are examples of White playing too close to strong black formations. No good will come of this: White will be short of liberties quickly, while having zero effect on Black.

There are more appropriate ways to help out or use the white+circle stones.

[Diagram]

Somewhat better

These plays by White are lighter and rather better: in the case of white+square White takes a relaxed view of Black a, being prepared to sacrifice the initial stone.

tderz: All these positions will differ more in their purpose than in their lightness. The lower examples are significantly different from above a and not necessarily better. It depends on the surroundings in the game position whether these moves make sense.
(E.g. threaten to attack and/or closing off a moyo, combining these effects)
Position b is vulnerable by black b, the kosumi being a connection, makes it difficult for White to sacrifice with advantage.
Position c has the cut at c.



A basic guideline is only to play for some definite effect. It isn't necessarily being particularly aggressive to fill in liberties on a group of the opponent's. That is one motivation for playing close, but it is mostly unskilful and leads to cutting points and shortage of liberties.

Charles Matthews

See also


Path: GiveMeLiberties   · Prev: ShortageOfLiberties   · Next: DontTakeAwayYourOwnLiberties
Path: Mistake   · Prev: Thin   · Next: Zokusuji
This is a copy of the living page "Too close" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2011 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
[Welcome to Sensei's Library!]
StartingPoints
ReferenceSection
About