White internal chat:
Obviously, there are three options here: split, escape, or tenuki. I tend to play a slightly thin style (heh, slightly) out of a desire to play fast, all over the board. However, I like to think that it's important to consider every option.
As has been suggested we should not split unless we can offer a severe attack. Similarly, we need not defend unless black similarly has a severe attack.
Long story short, I agree with Red. The value of 'a' is that it is a double threat. Not only does it offer a threat against the lone stone, it lets us pressure the larger group, forcing it to run. However, we cannot do that unless we are safe. If we are weak, black will simply lean on us to get out. Thus, 'b', to threaten to separate in good form. As far as the severity of an attack on our stones goes: I think we cannot be killed as it stands. However, black would gain thickness from attacking, which we certainly don't want. If we can make a threat sente enough or valuable enough to be worth that thickness. I think that we should agree to recommend the existing suggestions 'a', 'b', and add a tenuki suggestion, such as C6, E17, or... something. If you guys want to suggest 'a' and 'b', I would appreciate advice on the best tenuki. 'a' and 'b' are both strong moves, so I think they should be suggested, regardless. As I cannot find another comparable local alternative, the third option need not be local.
As has been suggested we should not split unless we can offer a severe attack. Similarly, we need not defend unless black similarly has a severe attack.
Long story short, I agree with Red. The value of 'a' is that it is a double threat. Not only does it offer a threat against the lone stone, it lets us pressure the larger group, forcing it to run. However, we cannot do that unless we are safe. If we are weak, black will simply lean on us to get out. Thus, 'b', to threaten to separate in good form. As far as the severity of an attack on our stones goes: I think we cannot be killed as it stands. However, black would gain thickness from attacking, which we certainly don't want. If we can make a threat sente enough or valuable enough to be worth that thickness. I think that we should agree to recommend the existing suggestions 'a', 'b', and add a tenuki suggestion, such as C6, E17, or... something. If you guys want to suggest 'a' and 'b', I would appreciate advice on the best tenuki. 'a' and 'b' are both strong moves, so I think they should be suggested, regardless. As I cannot find another comparable local alternative, the third option need not be local.
