Two stars side - pattern 1
Although
occupies an obvious big point, this formation isn't very common in pro games.
The popular move next for Black is
. In answer White usually takes steps to limit Black's framework, for example at the marked points. Even though
isn't a rapidly developing play, it is quite urgent for White to pay attention to this area.
The choice of
has been seen in recent years: it indicates that the original third line play
was made in connection with the lower left corner, and that the left side is still important. The circle-marked point is now one vital point for both sides. White may also choose the square-marked point.
In these examples Black avoids trying for a double-wing formation based on 4-4:
Assuming White to play, this is the widest path sequence: effectively this is a joseki. That does assume that
is a strong stone.
This choice of
is only appropriate when
can become weak. That is, exactly when the exchange Black a- White b will cause Black trouble. Otherwise White would get a heavy group here, without much compensation.
See Two stars side - pattern 2 for the case in which
is on the fourth line.
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/0/6aefdbfe6bff2336f588816e93c20451.png)
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/7/3651ad367c7dcc3b94f1427aa3930fce.png)
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/50/b2a6b446135b6748e037292dc2237b84.png)
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/23/4d2840c52207af3faab426e1bb451409.png)
invites ![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/29/7513e9450bef56edf11f4c17eadd96d6.png)
![[Diagram]](../../diagrams/6/c52cb158952630da2628ebb1c23b571a.png)
2024 the Authors,
published under the ![Sensei's Library [Welcome to Sensei's Library!]](../../images/stone-hello.png)