The One-Eyed Fool (game review #7)

[Ian Butler]

We're nearing the end of this review-series.
Before this game, I was at 3 wins and 3 losses. This game breaks the tie either way. I wasn't actually keeping score and it's not important, but it might be a nice mini-thing within this series! So which way does the arrow point after today's game?

It's probably the most atypical game I've played so far. I tried out things I usually wouldn't really. There are most likely huge mistakes in doing so, but for these aggressive/attacking plays, I am at a deficit, so I need to build up experience.

Was a fun game, though.
I took the advice of some of you kind people here and I WENT TO KILL A GROUP! Instead of being too nice, this time I decided to go after something (not consciously before the game, but during it became a fighting game)

[sleepyEDB]

Very interesting stuff! I'm not familiar with your style, but even to me it was evident that your play in the beginning stages of the game was very different from some of the more wild moves toward the end. It looks like you had fun experimenting and still played pretty solidly (at least from the viewpoint of a 23k!) I also appreciated your comments as I was able to pick up on quite a bit that I don't yet understand, so thank you for that.


sleepy

[Bill Spight]

Congratulation on your play in the bottom left corner.

I have added some variations and comments.

[Knotwilg]

My congratulations for keeping up with the review spree. Your progress is noticeable.

[Ian Butler]

@Sleepy:
Thanks! I'm glad it helps you!

@Bill:
Thanks for those variations. I've heard you talk about the 2x3 space before, but I can't find any information on it online. Does it also go by another name? Thanks!

@knotwilg:
I appreciate that! I've made it a (sort of) objective to achieve the "rank" of 1 dan in my lifetime. Basically this just boils down to a way to motivate me to keep studying and it's more mentally that "1 dan" says something like: you can play Go. I feel like 1 dan would be like getting your diploma: You studied hard, you know some stuff, now the real work can begin.
It won't be a disaster if I don't make it, and if I lose interest in Go along the way, I'll have had my fun, so it's all good. Like I said, it's just a thing to be kept in my head for now. Because if I ever do make it, I won't just say: okay I'm done with Go.
But I feel it's okay to have some ambition. And while ranks are articifial and worthless, it's a way to express a certain strength. I could say 3 kyu, because that's also a high level, but then 1 dan just sounds so much better

Next review coming up in a minute!

[Bill Spight]

@Bill:
Thanks for those variations. I've heard you talk about the 2x3 space before, but I can't find any information on it online. Does it also go by another name? Thanks!

https://senseis.xmp.net/?LGroup

$$B The L-group
$$ ------------------
$$ | C C . . . . . . .
$$ | C C B O O . . . .
$$ | C C B O . . . . .
$$ | . B B O . . . . .
$$ | . O O . O . . . .
$$ | . O . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . .

Click Here To Show Diagram Code

[go]$$B The L-group
$$ ------------------
$$ | C C . . . . . . .
$$ | C C B O O . . . .
$$ | C C B O . . . . .
$$ | . B B O . . . . .
$$ | . O O . O . . . .
$$ | . O . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . .[/go]

The four marked Black stones form an L, hence, the L group. However, I prefer to focus on the six marked points in the corner, as potential eye points.

[Bill Spight]

it's more mentally that "1 dan" says something like: you can play Go.

IMX, making shodan (1 dan) means that you realize that you actually can't play go.

[Ian Butler]

it's more mentally that "1 dan" says something like: you can play Go.

IMX, making shodan (1 dan) means that you realize that you actually can't play go.

You know, you might just be right. But what do I say then, as a DDK?

Maybe I'd rather be 1 kyu forever then, when I get there, and have the illusion left of good play

I think shodan is like a black belt. You master basic techniques (although "master" is saying a lot in Go), but now your real training starts.

But I figure no rank is ever "satisfactory". I bet even 9dan pros are still dissatisfied about this play and their strength more often than not. Ranking is just handy to measure your strength a little bit more objectively. My main goal is just to grow stronger and reach a decent playing level. Shodan is then just a rank that pops out, but who knows. That's for the future. Next immediate subgoal (main goal stays the same) is to become SDK!

[Bill Spight]

I think shodan is like a black belt.

Precisely!