How to read efficiently (specific example, DDK)

[karaklis]

Here is how experienced players approach this problem.

I suppose exprienced players don't need even one second to solve it, because they simply know the shape. Knowing the Cho Chikun elementary problem shapes will probably suffice to become a dan player.

[TheBigH]

Knowing the Cho Chikun elementary problem shapes will probably suffice to become a dan player.

I disagree. You might be able to muddle through to about 10k with only an encyclopedic knowledge of life and death, but without at least some competence at the opening and being able to discern where the "big points" are, you won't get much beyond that. Life and death is not everything.

[karaklis]

Obviously I didn't make myself clear enough. Of course there are many aspects in the game of go. Life & Death is only one of them, though a very important one. What I meant was, that all you have to know about the L&D aspect to become a dan player is covered by Cho Chikun's elementary problems. You need a base from where to read more complicated problems, and that's what Cho's problems offer.

[TheBigH]

Fair enough.