Life In 19x19

Hi Fredrik

In your first diagram, I would be extremely happy as White to trade "b" for a forced inside capture by Black, resulting in the basic variation you showed earlier on. The acquired influence to me is superior to Black's territory, even if this was White's corner to start with, a remaining cut in the influence and Black having sente. Being Black I would then cut straight away, for if White turns his influence into thickness with another move, I'd prefer that position even if Black has gotten three moves elsewhere. Well, put that way, I realize this may be a matter of style, since truly 3 moves is a lot. But then I still prefer Black separating White as in your lower diagrams. It boils down to me liking influence, I guess.

BTW, I think you write "white" on a few occasions where you mean "black".

Knotwilg wrote:Hi Fredrik

In your first diagram, I would be extremely happy as White to trade "b" for a forced inside capture by Black, resulting in the basic variation you showed earlier on. The acquired influence to me is superior to Black's territory, even if this was White's corner to start with, a remaining cut in the influence and Black having sente. Being Black I would then cut straight away, for if White turns his influence into thickness with another move, I'd prefer that position even if Black has gotten three moves elsewhere. Well, put that way, I realize this may be a matter of style, since truly 3 moves is a lot. But then I still prefer Black separating White as in your lower diagrams. It boils down to me liking influence, I guess.

BTW, I think you write "white" on a few occasions where you mean "black".

Hi Knowilg, you are correct, I edited my point to reflect your last line. (I thought the color was reversed while I was writing the diagrams, sorry about that).

Indeed, for the eye, it looks safer to exchange "b" for an inside capture but professionals usually do not play such ajikeshi.

The reasoning behind it, is that white is already somewhat strong on both sides, and at the current moment (the opening) it is not that valuable for black to break out. The moment white thinks it would be worthwile for black to break out, that is the correct timing to exchange "b". This kind of sente move is very delicate, and require a lot of strength to choose the appropriate timing.

(In addition, if white deems that it would be small for black to break out, then he would invite black to play such a move thus leaving more room for your opponent to "mess" up. )

After the exchange of "b", I think it would be a big overplay to cut immediately for black. Even if you cut the outside, you have already no possibillity to connect back. Because of that, white can fully utlize his thickness to attack the cutting stone which means that their is little value of cutting. (Depending on outside stones, the cut can be possible in the future but without any supporting stones it can't be good)

Why doesn't black play move 31 at Q4?