3-5 point 3-3 approach

    Keywords: Opening, Joseki

Table of contents Table of diagrams
3-3 approach
Black's answers
Attachment
Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Example
Continuation
3-3 approach
Continuation
Continuation
Variation

[Diagram]

3-3 approach

W1 here is an alternative to the common approach at a. It can have a strategic meaning, for example to avoid being pressed into a low position (White a, Black b).



A common transposition

[Diagram]

Black's answers

The normal answer is B1 - this transposes to the 4-5 point 3-3 approach.

The attachment

[Diagram]

Attachment

The outward hane is almost the only move here. A gobase search reveals 48 pro games.

[Diagram]

Variation 1

If W4 here, Black will cut the side he doesn't want. Since this is the same as 4-5 Point, 4-3 Approach, Outside Contact but one line lower, this is likely to be b, in order to capture W4 in a ladder. Therefore, White will usually not choose this variation if the ladder works for Black.

[Diagram]

Variation 2

This variation avoids the ladder but remains low. W6 aims at a or b.

[Diagram]

Variation 3

B3 here is a bit rarer as a search result. White has a small corner but can take sente.

Strategic reasons to choose this move

[Diagram]

Example

For example, B1 is more common in pro games than Black at a. The low stone black+circle can cause Black to dislike being pressed down.

[Diagram]

Continuation

Black's idea is to play tenuki after W6 here. White at a now makes thickness facing black+circle.

For White ignoring the cover play by Black, see 3-5 point 3-3 approach cover, tenuki.


3-3 invasion from Yi-Yi game

[Diagram]

3-3 approach

White is Yi Ch'ang Ho. Black is Yi Se-tol.

[Diagram]

Continuation

W3 is fine technique to create shortage of liberties. W7 and W9 concentrate on the two upper white stones.

[Diagram]

Continuation

B2 instead of a avoids strengthening White. W3 and W5 focus on stabilizing this group and take the initiative. W7 switches to the top, establishing a connection between his influential group and his corner stone.


Other variations

[Diagram]

Variation

W2 is possible, but it follows the low 3-3 point move with an even lower second line move. This may be OK for White if there is a strong White position on the left side.


This is a copy of the living page "3-5 point 3-3 approach" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2016 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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