Ko fight example from a pro game - 3

  Difficulty: Advanced   Keywords: Ko, Game commentary
[Diagram]

Start of ko

This is a game between B Zhang Li, 3p, and W Huang Yizhong, 6p, in 2005 (2005-10-08, 7th Chinese League A, round 13, W+R 7.5 komi, [ext] complete game record). White invites a ko with W6, which is necessary to fight the capturing race in the corner. B9 starts the ko.

[Diagram]

B8 at black+circle

W1 is the first threat and it is a local ko threat. B4 is also a local threat. Next W5-B6 prepares W7 which is necessary to continue the ko. W9 is another local threat.

[Diagram]

B4 at black+circle, W7 at W1

B2 is a local threat and W3 must respond again. W9 seems to finish the ko, but . . .

[Diagram]

W6 at white+circle

Black throws in at B1, a tesuji that reminds of the two-stone corner squeeze. B3 then takes the ko, which has become a two-stage ko. Finally, W8 resolves the ko.

The last local threat, at W4, is worth a closer look . . .

[Diagram]

Ko threat white+circle explained

If B1 resolved the ko, W2 connects. B3 cannot resist, as W4 makes miai of a and b. Probably W4 should be played at a immediately.


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