Thunkd wrote:gaius wrote: First: the black group around H6
I believe it is dead as I have to fill both f6 and h5 to make it live.
That's not quite correct (see hyperpape's post).
Thunkd wrote:gaius wrote: the black group around C8.
I believe that if I play b9 it lives.
Correct!

Also, if white would play b9, you would die outright. Thus, this is quite a big point for both players.
Thunkd wrote:I need to play moves that achieve other objectives as well as build good shape.
That's exactly right. Finding this balance is a matter of experience and looking at your own games critically. Given that you're posting your game here, the second point should be no problem