3-4 point high approach, three-space high pincer

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[Diagram]

Three-high pincer

The three-space pincers against a high approach are very rare. In fact, this B1 is almost never played in professional games (25 occurrences in 150,000 games); the low pincer at a is more common, despite not rating a mention in Ishida. Both positions (with B1 as in the diagram or at a) can arise by a different move order, from white invading against the high or low Chinese opening.

When B1 is the chosen pincer here, White (in pro games) as often as not ignores it (see 3-4 point high approach three-space high pincer, tenuki). When White does reply here, White at b is most commonly played; after that, White at c.

[Diagram]

Outside contact

This normal variation of a 5-4 point joseki, played in the presence of black+circle, was adopted by some top players having White in this position. After W9 Black has sente and black+circle is at a safe distance from White's strength. It is known for Black to play B4 at W5 to avoid this result.

Charles Matthews


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