Don't build influence in the direction of stable positions
Keywords: Strategy, Proverb
Example 1
In this diagram, Black's choice of joseki in the left corner is doubtful. Up to he builds influence in the direction of the marked White stone which is part of a low and stable position.
This pincer may be a better idea. Black will perhaps himself develop a low and stable position at the bottom. Alternatively, he goes for the corner with a.
Maybe Black erred earlier and should have played the avalanche with here, because his marked stone emphasizes influence along the bottom.
Example 2
here makes a big wall, but the stable group (
) renders it ineffective.
Commentary by Kajiwara in Genbi, Shuntetsu, Sentoku: Nihon Igo Taikei 12 (Genbi, Shuntetsu, Sentoku: Outline of Japanese Go History vol. 12), p. 103.