Splitting Move

   

Chinese: 分投 (fen1 tou2)
Japanese: 割り打ち (wariuchi)
Korean: 갈라치기

A splitting move is a move on the side, splitting two distant opponent configurations, leaving the possibility to extend to one side or the other.

Example

[Diagram]

Splitting move

If Black approaches (either point b), White can extend (to either point a). The two extensions are miai.



Another example

[Diagram]

A different orientation of the shimari

Black will want to approach at either b or c, and white will extend at c or a in response.



Remarks

  • A move on the side, between enemy positions, leaving no room for an extension, is more generally referred to as an invasion, although there are invasions of frameworks that include the possibility of an extension.
  • A move between two enemy stone is called a wedge, although the term wedge may sometimes be used for a splitting move.



Extended example

When the splitting move is pushed toward a hoshi corner, sometimes this pattern is seen:

[Diagram]

White stretches

The exchange of B7 for W8 may be delayed or omitted. An alternative variation has W6 at B7, with Black running out with B3 and White taking the corner.

xela: I think B7 is more commonly played at a (and white replies at b), although I've also seen B7 in pro games. I'm not sure how you'd choose between those two moves; this could maybe be the topic for a separate discussion somewhere (not on this page)?

cynewulf: I think B7 may not be sente enough in some positions, and Black could play at a to make a larger threat. (Feel free to move this discussion, I don't know where it should go.)

(this discussion is linked from Orthodox Fuseki, just as reminder if someone moves it somewhere)

See also: 4-4 point low approach after wedge


This is a copy of the living page "Splitting Move" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2011 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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