Territory for thee, but not for me

[Fedya]

It seems as though I've had a series of games recently in which my opponents get moyos and, no matter what I try, nothing seems to stop them from getting a large amount of territory. I build a moyo, and nothing good comes out of it. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to what makes one moyo better than another, and no coherent way to figure out how to deal with my opponents' moyos. Or, there is some way, but I haven't been able to figure out from looking at any of my games what to do with somewhat differently shaped moyos in other games.

(If you couldn't tell, I had white in this game, and was surprised to lose by only 2.5, although my opponent really screwed up. I probably should have had to resign halfway in with a giant dead group.)

[mitsun]

I think you are playing too cautiously. You are concerned with fixing your own weaknesses, but never seem to consider that your opponent has weaknesses for you to exploit. Next time your opponent makes a forcing move, look for ways to resist and fight back, instead of passively defending. And look carefully at your opponents position for weaknesses you can attack. Some specific comments:

is a good invasion/reduction. Part of its strength is that the B group to the left does not yet have a wide base. So it would help if you though of your move partly as a strong attacking move, not just a weak reducing move. Then when B attaches below, you would first thank him, then promptly block on the left side. That way, if B draws back and you connect, the four B stones to the left would become quite weak. With the direction of play in the game, B is strong on both sides, so your stones do become simply a reduction. Still, it is a reasonable reduction, and you have no cause for dissatisfaction yet.

should probably be a solid connection, leaving no peep, and was heavy and got you into trouble. was an attack on your eye shape, more than a threat to make territory. Why not let B connect under, if he wants to invest another move? The B position would be very low, and you have already made a successful reduction. Better alternatives would be to push at J16 and/or jump safely into the center at L14 (as you noted).

was probably an overplay -- just N13 would be safe and thick. Nevertheless, you played consistently through to make good shape and get a reasonable local result. After that, however, you spent way too many moves passively defending the right side group. in particular helps you not at all. Consider something like Q14 or P15, partly defensive, but partly offensive, threatening the three B stones to the left. When trying to settle a weak group, it is important to get counter-play against your opponent's weaknesses if at all possible. was again much too passive. Playing dame to live inside should be your last resort. The same goes for your opponent, who would not want to play there unless you were already surrounded and it was the killing move. In this position, M9 or N8 would be much more positive and useful moves.

The B invasion at H3 was very deep, and you let your opponent settle here without any resistance. If you had to kill this stone, how would you play differently? I suggest playing that way in a future game, just to develop your killer instinct. Moves like :w120: at J2 or :w122: at E2 come to mind. Of course this would become and all-or-nothing attack, but if you are behind why not go for it?

Finally, did you ever consider invading at R17? That seems like the sort of move you hate to see your opponent make against you. It would not be easy to kill that invasion outright.

[DrStraw]

Not really much to add, but I will point out one thing.

is better at K14 to capture the stone. Given that you can make an eye with N18 any time that would take away a lot of the need to later live with that group and so make the game easier.

[Fedya]

Not really much to add, but I will point out one thing.

is better at K14 to capture the stone.

Great googly moogly! I should know that nets are better than ladders for capturing. (Yes, I know the ladder here doesn't work.) My thinking was that either capturing the stone and getting one eye, or running out were now miai.

Given that you can make an eye with N18 any time

This I didn't see at all. I didn't think I had an eye at the top. That having been said, even when I play the first move in a reduction, I generally have difficulty seeing where the eye-space is supposed to come from.

[EdLee]

is better at K14 to capture the stone.

Great googly moogly!

Given that you can make an eye with N18 any time

This I didn't see at all.

Excellent examples of different levels of basics.

Many people here on the forum (and on KGS, etc.) like to ask about the basics/fundamentals.

For example, this other thread, starting at around Post #59.
Will also cross-reference that thread back to here.

[Bill Spight]

I think you are playing too cautiously. You are concerned with fixing your own weaknesses, but never seem to consider that your opponent has weaknesses for you to exploit. Next time your opponent makes a forcing move, look for ways to resist and fight back, instead of passively defending. And look carefully at your opponents position for weaknesses you can attack.

I second that. Very important.