Dropping back

Path: GoodPlay   · Prev: Dodge   · Next: Dynamic
  Difficulty: Beginner   Keywords: Shape, Tactics

Chinese: -
Japanese: 外す (hazusu)
Korean: -

[Diagram]

Dropping back

W2 is dropping back, yielding some ground to Black instead of making the obvious, but potentially heavy extension at a, or a hane at b which will encourge Black to keep on with c.

The English term dodge may also be used, but it has a wider range of meanings. Suggestion: perhaps the military term 'to fall back' i.e. a controlled retreat without panicking or entirely running away, might also be appropriate?

[Diagram]

Dropping back

B1, W2, and B3 are one possible follow-up to White's dropping back move. White is treating white+circle lightly.



Example 1

[Diagram]

A middlegame position

This is from a game Qian Yuping-Nie Weiping (B) 1989-07-13.



How should White react to B1?

[Diagram]

First jump back ...

White concedes first with W1. Black's wedge B2 invites White a.

[Diagram]

Then run along ...

But White plays W1. After W5 Black has some sente profit. On the other hand White's shape is improved.

[Diagram]

Bad style

W1 here is quite a bad idea. Black's cut at B4 is strong, and suddenly Black can see some use for the black+square stone.



Example 2

[Diagram]

Keima watari: Black 1?

White connects underneath with white+circle, a keima watari.

How to answer B1 and preserve the connection?

[Diagram]

Dropping back

W2 is one form of dropping back. By conceding a little, White stays out of trouble.

[Diagram]

Dropping back - Succeed in connecting

B cannot continue on with B3.

[Diagram]

Immediate cut is wrong

W2 this way is a bad idea. After B3 White is in difficulties on the left side (reading problem).

Charles Matthews

[Diagram]

From a 3-3 joseki - Is this dropping back?



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This is a copy of the living page "Dropping back" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2012 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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