Thanks for the input both
EdLee wrote:
Board 1: S2 is 5-point gote, for both
and
. ( Not 4, because
can capture S1. )
Check, or then there are the ko possibilities that Uberdude mentioned.
EdLee wrote:
Board 2: the diagonal kick not only tries to make a base for
, but also M2 removes all eyespace for
( there may be other
follow-ups, too ).
I seemed to be tired since I missed the clamp at M2
so it affects both white and black bases. Gotcha.
EdLee wrote:
But the "randomly off-center" stones are more of a nuisance for me...
I actually think that the stones become more alive by being off-center, so I really like it
Didn't even notice that the star points are off, that I don't like either!
Uberdude wrote:
1. Corner is more than 4 points. Let's make simplifying assumption Black won't play ko at 2-1...
Yeah, didn't think about the second ko possibility that might make it nasty. I played it out as you explained. I’m always a bit scared of making a ko since I’m not sure if I'm capable of reading ko threats well enough (or in the little time that is in the clock). Also, I feel as if I’m really bad at judging the worth of a ko, I’m sometimes having a hard time understanding why they are so valuable even if they seem relatively small. I guess that comes with experience (and ability to read further). This went a little bit side track from the original question, but given that at some point white would play S2, would it be better for black to make a ko in the lower right in this situation? Any quick tips for ko’s in general?
Uberdude wrote:
So how about the centre? Can you mark 7 points you think will become Black territory...
Somewhere along the lines of that region I was thinking could be turned to territory if black gets to start dictating the exchanges. Still I guess it was more of a feeling thing for me, as I can't really read it out properly in relation to other groups on the board due to my honest lack of skill. DDK power!
Uberdude wrote:
2. It's defending against white g3 which would scoop out all Black's eyespace. It also affects eyespace of white on the right...
Well this makes perfect sense now, I'm still having much trouble recognizing vital points to make a living shape.
Thank you so much for the help!