Throwing star shape
The throwing star shape[1] is formed by four knight's moves. It is a strong shape, much like a ponnuki, and is also flexible. Since it takes four moves in a limited area to build, it is also quite slow, however.
Examples from professional play
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/27/2b11ffbf44e9d97ac124e17e8cfc4f9d.png)
Kim Su-chang (W) vs Takemiya Masaki (B)
In this 1992 game, Kim Su-chang uses the throwing star shape to counter the overwhelming influence that Takemiya has built up in the center.
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/26/ffb7ff4fcbb537181ff994919f4ce4a6.png)
Ma Xiaochun (W) vs. Takemiya Masaki (B)
In this 2005 game, Ma Xiaochun utilizes the throwing star shape, again to counter central influence built by Takemiya.
Larger Throwing Star
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/32/15c1fd905916c8e62efcc2bf8e0c9d67.png)
Cho Chikun (W) vs. Yoo Chang Hyuk (B)
This shape is similar to the throwing star but has 2 large knight's moves and 2 small ones. Cho Chikun, famed for his shinogi skills, uses it to make shape inside Yoo Chang Hyuk's moyo. Yoo, one of the worlds storngest attackers, immediately attacks the shape at a. This game is from the 3rd Fujitsu cup in 1990 and is covered in detail in Master Play The Territorial Styles of Kitani Minoru and Cho Chikun.
Examples from amateur play
Uberdude I once made 2 throwing star shapes in the same game next to each other! I'm not claiming they were the best moves, but I thought they were an elegant way to make shape for my group. (1+3+squares is one, squares+circles is other.) I uploaded the game to EGD: http://www.europeangodatabase.eu/EGD/See_Sgf.php?Sgf=1433714710286067G091228A7&Pin1=14337147&Pin2=10286067
[1] This term is not found in literature, but was coined at Sensei's Library, by Herman Hiddema