Life In 19x19

Here is an OGS game in which I played Black. White wins by resignation. Much obliged in advance for your kind input.

I included a link since I do not know how to obtain SGF files from OGS.

https://online-go.com/game/1338175

Here is the SGF file. On OGS there is a menu on the right side that includes the option to download the SGF file.

I don't really understand Go , however I might have some pointers for discussion:

- IMHO after a double approach it is usual to play 3/3 (C17) for settling. However your move, which is more center-oriented, might be also ok, I really don't know...
- I think the atari is from the wrong side: White secures the corner and you have some floating stones without a base. If you play D15 instead, it looks like you can easily settle your stones and take the corner for yourself (edit: in some variations the latter might depend on a ko, however in any case it seems that you will end up with a single group with eye shape).
- As C14 is practically dead, white is anyway connected. Therefore, saving the "cutting stone" on D13 is probably not the most important thing to do. Better try to improve the shape of the other stones, however I'm not sure about the best move here (H15, J15, ?).
- Your upper left group still needs attention. Actually in the game, the group finally died. Therefore at this time, it would be a good opportunity to reinforce the group.

schawipp wrote:I don't really understand Go , however I might have some pointers for discussion:

- IMHO after a double approach it is usual to play 3/3 (C17) for settling. However your move, which is more center-oriented, might be also ok, I really don't know...

In hindsight, I now recognise that playing at 3-3 would have guaranteed life for my Black group, even if only on a reduced scale.

The actual move 11 was a bit of experimentation on my part. I am attempting to cultivate a fighting-oriented style of play on my part; I think I can better appreciate the benefits of more peaceful styles of play afterwards. This is why I have been studying Classical Chinese games.

- I think the atari is from the wrong side: White secures the corner and you have some floating stones without a base. If you play D15 instead, it looks like you can easily settle your stones and take the corner for yourself (edit: in some variations the latter might depend on a ko, however in any case it seems that you will end up with a single group with eye shape).

I was thinking e13 to support a fighting-oriented game, but the surrounding White stones would have probably made it a not very prudent choice. D15 might've been better in this case. Black's outward influence would not be very useful with the 3 White stones at the upper part of the board. Also, this move would've split the White group in the same area.

- As C14 is practically dead, white is anyway connected. Therefore, saving the "cutting stone" on D13 is probably not the most important thing to do. Better try to improve the shape of the other stones, however I'm not sure about the best move here (H15, J15, ?).

H15 or J-16 would've been good. White has the corner, so Black should've moved out into the center as soon as possible.

- Your upper left group still needs attention. Actually in the game, the group finally died. Therefore at this time, it would be a good opportunity to reinforce the group.

The whole game looks like a poor attempt to channel Huang Longshi, but I noticed recently that I do not do enough fighting in my games and I have been making some efforts to change that.

The one big problem that I see is that a lot of the stones are left weak. B5 and B7 leave two weak single stones surrounded. One or the other's going to have bad things happen to it. It makes it very tough to do anything good with them, and white really capitalizes on the opportunity to attack them.

I understand wanting to complicate and attack, but make sure your groups are settled somewhat or at least able to escape before attacking, or it will not turn out good for you. Look up the term "mochikomi"; I believe it happens a few times during your game.

But then again, I'm not the best player myself, so take it with a grain of salt