A favorite joseki of mine.

So I recieved a question from a member of the Advanced Study Room on KGS regarding a joseki that occured in one of our games. It is one of my very favorite moves in the right circumstance. It is (drum roll....) : Hazama Tobi in response to a Nikken taka-hasami. In other words, the diagnol jump in response to a two space high pincer.

This joseki applies to both 3-4 and 4-4 pincers, but has some differences. Today I'll cover both examples.

For 3-4 please navigate starting with 'A'.
For 4-4 please navigate starting with 'B'.

(;GM[1]FF[4]CA[UTF-8]AP[CGoban:3]ST[2]RU[Japanese]SZ[19]KM[0.00]LB[pd:B][qd:A]C[
This joseki applies to both 3-4 and 4-4 pincers, but has some differences. Today I'll cover both examples.

For 3-4 please navigate starting with 'A'.
For 4-4 please navigate starting with 'B'.
(note: sometime the letters A, B, C have been transcribed to 1,2,3 in the .sgf file)


]
(;B[qd];W[dc];B[pq];W[cq];B[oc];W[qo]
;B[pl]LB[om:A]C[So here is the two space high pincer. There are plenty of options in how to play here. Here though, I'll be discussing the diagnol jump at A. In general, the purpose of this move is often to play lightly and try to keep black from getting too thick in center.];W[om]LB[ol:C][pm:E][pn:D][po:A][np:B]C[A settles the situation and has many variations
B is simple and defends the bottom.
C isn't advised, although natural.
D and E are vulgar. White wouldn't play like this if these were good ideas.]
(;B[po]
;W[pm]L[qp][qn]
(;B[qp]L[ro][ql]C[A is correct. B is too soon.]
(;W[ro]L[qm][ql]C[A is natural and standard.
B can be considered for developing the right side.]
(;B[qm]L[pn][ql]C[A, is the best move.
B, is too soon.]
(;W[pn]L[oo][qn]C[A is best.
B is greedy and doesn't take into account the full board.]
(;B[oo]
;W[ql]L[qk][rp]C[A and B are miai. Black may tenuki or continue, both are settled.]
(;B[qk];W[rl];B[pk]
;W[rm]L[rq][rj]C[This move is needed.
White is settled, and although he took gote. He will be able to continue at A or B later. It is joseki.])
(;B[rp];W[qk]))
(;B[qn];W[ql];B[rl];W[qk];B[rn];W[oo];B[pp];W[rk];B[sm]
;W[ok]C[Black's corner is not good enough for white's outside influence.]))
(;W[ql];B[qn];W[pn];B[rl];W[qk];B[rn];W[oo];B[pp];W[rk];B[sm]
;W[ok]))
(;B[ql];W[oo];B[qh];W[op]
(;B[nr];W[pp];B[qq])
(;B[pp];W[oq];B[qm];W[pn];B[qn];W[pr];B[rp];W[rq];B[rn];W[nr])))
(;W[ql];B[qn];W[qm];B[de];W[ro];B[rn];W[pn];B[rp];W[rm];B[so]))
(;B[qn];W[qm];B[qp]
;W[pj]L[ro]C[Black's enclosure isn't useful and white can decent at A is bad aji for B.]))
(;B[np]C[Black can play simply.];W[pm];B[jq]
;W[ql]C[White has succeeded in preventing black from expanding in the center or with his enclosure. Black has developed the bottom and taken sente.])
(;B[ol]C[Pushing up might seem normal, but isn't great.];W[nm]L[nl][np]C[Black has to continue at A.
Black B is too greedy trying to develop both sides.]
(;B[nl];W[mm];B[lk]
;W[nq]L[qe]C[Black has developed well, but the corner is almost entirely captured. White can still reduce or invade later around A. This seems better for white.])
(;B[np];W[nl];B[oj]
;W[lp]C[Getting attacked here is severe. White also threates to invade and attack the right. It is very good for W.]))
(;B[pn]C[Cutting through is what white invites. It doesn't work.];W[op]L[pp][oq]C[Neither A or B work.]
(;B[pp];W[po];B[oo];W[on];B[no];W[pm]
;B[np]TR[pl]C[The marked stone is useless, black takes gote.])
(;B[oq];W[np];B[mq]
;W[on]TR[pn]C[The marked stone isn't useful. Black has bad shape.]))
(;B[pm];W[pn];B[on];W[oo];B[nn];W[no];B[mn]
;W[nq]LB[qe:C][nl:A][qp:B]C[Losing the corner is too big for B. White threatens A, even if black has some aji at B. Black's wall isn't useful because white can settle in the upper right easy in the future (around C).]))
(;B[pd]C[Sakata Eio (W) v. Takagawa Kaku (B)];W[cq];B[pp];W[dc];B[de]
;W[ce]C[White takes territorial appoach to black's high position.];B[dd]C[Avalance is natural for both strategies.];W[cd];B[ec];W[cf]
;B[pj]C[Black plays san-ren-sei for an influenced/moyo oriented game.];W[db]C[This move seems slow, but it is infact very thick. Black's stone might be a liability and allow to easily move into the center making his territorial strategy work. If, black is allowed to play here, it is sente and very large.];B[jd]LB[db:A][qc:B][qn:D][nq:C]C[The most natural way to defend and develop. The size of White A is apparent because it undermines the side (and the corner is still open at B.

Next approach C is best. D is playing into black's strategy]
(;W[nq]C[Most natural approach on the oustide of san-ren-sei];B[kp]LB[lo:B][no:C][qq:A]C[Emphasizes influence, if white into the corner (A) black becomes very thick.

B is the light move trying to keep the center small.

C makes white too low.]
(;W[lo]LB[pn:C][ko:B][mp:D][np:A]C[Black A is the natural move to settle the situation.
Black B isn't a good idea because it ruins the center.
Black C is calm and often easiest.
Black D is vulgar. White wouldn't play like this if it were a good move.]
(;B[np]LB[mp:B][op:A]C[A is best.
B is bad shape.]
(;W[op];B[oo];W[oq];B[pq];W[lp];B[po]
;W[kq]C[White is happy to settle without making the center thick. White is still easy to invade the moyo and has good solid territory. With komi, I prefer white.])
(;W[mp];B[no];W[oq]
;B[pq]TR[lo]C[The marked white stone is poorly placed.]))
(;B[ko];W[ln]
;B[pn]C[Black needs to defend the corner to keep white from easily invading the side which would ruin the moyo potential];W[gp];B[kn];W[lm];B[jl]
;W[lk]LB[nc:E][qc:C][qf:D][ql:A][qq:B]C[Black getting attacked like this is terrible. White invades the center. And black's moyo is open at A-E. Black has a weak group. this is an easy game for W.])
(;B[pn];W[lp]
;B[kq]C[Black's strongest resistance];W[pr]LB[qq:B][mr:A]C[A is best for helping the lone two and attacking.
B is too defensive and ruins black.]
(;B[mr];W[qq];B[nr];W[qp];B[oq];W[qn];B[qm];W[rn];B[pm];W[ko]
;B[jo];W[jn];B[io]
;W[km]C[Black has created a target. White has taken the corner. If white lives easy in center then he is ahead, if black can attack profitably he can create a good game. This is the actual continuation from Sakata v. Takagawa])
(;B[qq];W[hp];B[ko];W[ln];B[jm]
;W[ll]L[qf][nc][qc][ql][fb]C[White is moving into the center while attacking.
Black is open at A-E. So white is satisfied.]))
(;B[mp]C[This cut doesn't work in black's favor.];W[oo]L[op][np][po]
(;B[op];W[np];B[no];W[mo];B[nn];W[lp]
;B[on]L[qn][qq]C[White settles in sente and can play around A or B later.])
(;B[np];W[op];B[oq];W[pq];B[or];W[pr];B[nr]
;W[qp]C[Very bad for B.])
(;B[po];W[on];B[qm]
;W[mo]C[Black is still open in corner and the two stones do not help his position on the lower side.])))
(;W[qq];B[qp];W[pq];B[op];W[oq];B[np];W[mq]
;B[mp]C[Although white has sente. Black is incredibly thick. ])
(;W[no];B[pn];W[pr];B[qq];W[kr]
;B[nm]C[White's position is considered too low. ]))
(;W[qn];B[qo];W[pn];B[np];W[pl];B[qk];W[nm]
;B[nj]C[White is under attack while black builds a center])))

GTL Review #2

It has been a couple weeks since I have updated now, and life has been very busy. Today, I am posting the latest review that I did for the Go Teaching Ladder of a game by two 5 kyus. Both players played very well and I believe that my review was thorough. Feel free to ask any extra questions about the game! Click numbers/letters to navigate the variations. Comments marked with "BW" were questions or comments submitted by the player.

(;FF[4]GM[1]SZ[19]ST[2]CA[UTF-8]AP[SGFC:1.17]PB[Marco1]BR[5k]PW[BruceWayne]WR[5k]KM[6.5]DT[2012-02-04]PC[The KGS Go Server at http://www.gokgs.com/]RE[B+4.5]TM[600]OT[5x30 byo-yomi]RU[Japanese]C[BW - hello reviewer. thank you in advance for reviewing my game. the main reason i decided to submit this game is because i felt very optimistic throughout - i had all four corners and a stable group in the center - yet i lost! although i didn't count, i was surprised that the game was actually so much closer than i had assumed.

Shane - Hello, I'll be reviewing this game. I play under smonds3 (1d) on KGS. Feel free to contact me with any questions.];B[pd]C[This was a game of many opportunities but only some of them were seized. This game had many turning points and there were MANY moments for one of the players to turn the tables. As a result, the game swung back and forth until it came down to who played better yose.

Thanks for the opportunity to look at this game.

( I have included many comments, but the majority were on the first part of the game because this is where there was the most missed opportunities.)];W[dp];B[pq];W[po];B[cd]
;W[ec]L[hd][gc][cg]TR[ic]C[Here white's fuseki goal is to seize the initative by approaching two corner's immediatly. White should try to use this strategy to find a way to develop the 4-4 stone.

Black's most normal response is A (or triangled point), pressuring white while also developing the Q16 stone.

B, is not quite right in this fuseki - see explanation

C, is actual game, and quite passive.]
(;B[cg]L[de][df]C[Black 7 is passive. Black's upper right 4-4 stone is his only unapproached stone, it makes most sense to look to develop this stone by pincering white's approach.


Black 7 is very low and therefore is not as severe on white's approach as even a move at A or B. In addition, because Black 7 is so low, it does not threaten to build a large territory on the right.

Because Black has played passively, it seems best for white to play active ( to be consistant with his two approaches).

It is best for white to look for a natural way to develop his 4-4 stone. See variations.

(Also I have given some examples for how white might play if black decides to pincer white's top side approach)]
(;W[hc]TR[ic][jc]L[dc][df][cf][dd]C[White 8 is very passive too, because black 7 was low, it is not needed to defend so near. If white decides to defend the top with one of the marked points.

Firstly, with this two space extension, black can later play at A which will make white overconcentrated while closing the corner.

Secondly, with white 8 so near, white cannot gain much from the exchange of White B, Black C, White D.];B[fq];W[cn];B[dr];W[cq];B[iq]
;W[qq]LB[hc:8]C[Up to this point, I prefer black's opening. White approached two corner's immediatly to try to gain some initiative. In doing so, he did missed a chance to gain momentum to develop his high 4-4 point stone. Most of white's failed opening was due to White 8.]
(;B[mq]C[Black is already low on this side so another 3rd line move does not make for a very developable position. Playing along the right side takes advantage of the largest open area. See variation.];W[qp]L[pp]C[White 16 is a little soft. 16 at A would be better as it takes a liberty away from black's stone.];B[qm]C[Black 17 is somewhat jealous. Defending in the upper right is larger territorially and more urgent than this stone so near white's strong area.

Because it is so near white's strong group, it will not easily make territory and white is already secure. Black gives white a target. White should attack.]
(;W[oq]C[This move is somewhat big, but white is already settled in the corner (plus he can move out anytime).

This misses the opportunity to attack black's overplay];B[np]L[qj]C[Since white misses the opportunity to punish. Black should fix his shape at A.]
(;W[pk]C[White gets the correct idea to attack. I prefer attacking from one space further so that it is more natural to approach the corner. (see variation)];B[om]
;W[qf]TR[pk]C[White's approach here is good, but this shows why the marked stone should be one point closer to White 22.];B[qh]L[pi]C[Black seeks complications by fighting.

However, considering that this fight is going to push out into the center. Attacking higher at A feels more natural]
(;W[pg]TR[qh]MA[pk]C[This is white's crucial mistake. The marked black stone is weak. Touching weak stones generally makes both groups get stronger (because each stone is likely to get more libeties and extend).

In the fight that comes, white damages his marked stone.

Also, W24 has less effect of the corner.];B[ph]C[White now is at a loss for a good next move.]
(;W[oh]
;B[rk]C[Too passive from B, he can play this later if in emergency.]
(;W[rj]C[This only makes black stronger.];B[qj];W[qk];B[ri];W[rl];B[sj];W[rm]
;B[oi]C[White's attack failed because now black is secure. and white still needs to settle his three stones.];W[qn];B[og];W[nh];B[of]
;W[qc]C[Good! Taking corner is valuable];B[qd];W[rc];B[rd];W[pc];B[oc];W[ob];B[nc];W[nb];B[lc]
;W[sd]C[BW - too soon? i felt like it was double sente.];B[se];W[sc]
;B[re]C[This was good enough for W. The game is now unclear.];W[cb]C[BW - Perhaps a move in the center would be more appropriate at this point? B's influence looks pretty big.

This move is large and almost sente because black's two can now be attacked. Also, it secures these two white stones which could be vunerable if black plays in this area. In short, this corner is security and territory for both, so it is important.
Good move.];B[cj]C[This secures black but maybe is a little too passive. Black's best attitude is to try to build some center and deal with these stones later.];W[ni]C[Very big. Best point. White is starting to take the lead.];B[oj]
;W[pj]L[nj]C[This move is a mistake, black doesn't need this connection.

Pushing again at A would be adequate, then making shape in the center seems easy enough.];B[nj]C[Yes. Black keeps white separated, now the game is unclear again.];W[ki];B[ol];W[pm];B[lj]
(;W[lh]
;B[ic]C[This attachment feels awkward. Black's potential in the center seems most important.];W[kj]
(;B[lk]L[kk]C[Hane at A seems better than the decent.];W[jp]C[I think this is too busy by W. See variation for full explanation.]
(;B[jq]C[Too passive.];W[kp];B[kq]
(;W[jm]C[BW - I felt like I had successfully forced B up to this point and was trying to gain a stable center group.

Yes. White should feel mostly happy. Although there is a better way to secure the center (var.)];B[hd]C[This is very large.];W[hb];B[gd];W[fb];B[jk]
(;W[kk];B[kl];W[jl];B[ik];W[ll];B[km];W[kn];B[lm];W[mm];B[ml]
;W[ln];B[ll];W[no];B[pi];W[hi];B[ii];W[ih];B[hh]
(;W[jh]L[ij]C[Here it is better to capture key cutting stones. (var)];B[hj];W[gi];B[im];W[if];B[jn]
;W[gg]C[BW - last two moves allowed us both to gain stability. Was that a fair trade?

Hmm. Almost. Black seems to be better off because can build more around the center and now white has some bad aji on the lower side. White though was in more trouble than B so he is relieved.];B[cl]
(;W[bm]L[cr]C[BW - At this point I felt good and that I could afford this big endgame move. I had 4 corners and a stable group in the center.

Counting now, I get about 52 for W and 58 B. Oops! Gee, I guess counting works! :) However, that is still surprising to me. Why was my feeling so wrong?

S - A is bigger.];B[bl];W[bc];B[dn];W[do];B[cm];W[bn];B[cr];W[eq];B[er];W[fp]
;B[gq]
;W[en]C[This atari isn't so important.];B[dm];W[br];B[dq];W[bq];B[ep];W[fo];B[mo];W[op]
;B[mn]C[With this black gains a lead.];W[nr];B[mr];W[in];B[jo];W[io];B[il];W[ko];B[jm];W[ip];B[gj]
;W[fi];B[dc];W[db];B[ed]
(;W[bd]L[af]C[Ogeima at A is bigger (monkey jump). If playing the monkey jump, white might have what it takes in territory to win.];B[be]
;W[jd]C[This isn't very large.];B[mb]C[This is an important point.];W[pb];B[lf];W[id];B[jc];W[kd];B[kc]
;W[me]L[ae][nq]C[White 150 is hoping for too much. Now it is time to play large sente moves (A, B, etc...)

The game will be very close.];B[mf];W[kf];B[le]
;W[dh]C[This move isn't that large.];B[ch];W[fe];B[fd];W[fj];B[hf];W[hg];B[ff];W[gf];B[ge];W[he]
;B[ef];W[ae];B[bf];W[cc];B[dd];W[al];B[ak];W[am];B[di];W[bk]
;B[aj]C[As white saw. This doesn't quite work for capture. But whtie can still get something out of it. (var)]
(;W[bj];B[ai];W[bi];B[ah];W[bh];B[ag];W[em];B[dk];W[nq];B[mp]
;W[ms];B[ls];W[ns]
;B[lq]C[Both sides fought hard, and in close games it is good yose that wins. There is a proverb " He who makes the second to last mistake is the one who wins". Here white made some minor yose mistakes and lost. Good game. Thanks for the opportunity to review.

-Shane.];W[hp];B[on];W[oo];B[pn];W[ql];B[nn];W[ok];B[nk];W[hq];B[hr]
;W[ib];B[jb];W[ng];B[nf];W[lg];B[ke];W[je];B[gm];W[ek];B[eh]
;W[ei];B[dj];W[el];B[eg];W[gk];B[gl];W[fc];B[gc];W[gb];B[gp]
;W[go];B[hk];W[sl];B[sk];W[cs];B[ds];W[bs];B[hn];W[gn];B[hm]
;W[ho];B[mi];W[ld];B[md];W[ji];B[li];W[ij];B[fh];W[gh];B[af]
;W[kg];B[ad];W[ac];B[pl];W[qm];B[ia];W[ha];B[ja];W[ma];B[la]
;W[na];B[fk];W[ej];B[ci];W[jj];B[fl];W[fm];B[eq];W[dl];B[ck]
;W[eo];B[ae];W[tt]
;B[tt]TW[aa][ba][ca][da][ea][fa][ga][oa][pa][qa][ra][sa][ab][bb][eb][qb]
[rb][sb][ie][hf][jf][ig][jg][hh][kh][ii][sm][an][fn][rn][sn][ao]
[bo][co][qo][ro][so][ap][bp][cp][pp][rp][sp][aq][pq][rq][sq][ar]
[or][pr][qr][rr][sr][as][os][ps][qs][rs][ss]TB[ka][kb][lb][mc][nd][od][ce][de][ee][fe][me][ne][oe][pe][qe][cf]
[df][pf][qf][rf][sf][bg][dg][pg][qg][rg][sg][bh][dh][rh][sh][bi]
[qi][si][bj][mj][rj][bk][gk][mk][hl][jl][nl][mm][nm][fr][gr][ir]
[jr][kr][lr][es][fs][gs][hs][is][js][ks]C[Marco1 [5k\]: thanks
BruceWayne [5k\]: thx])
(;W[ah];B[bi];W[af];B[nq];W[or];B[on];W[oo];B[pn];W[ql]
;B[ib]C[Game is very close.]))
(;W[af]C[Black's usual response at A doesn't work here.

He will have to play B]L[bf][be]
(;B[bf]
;W[ag]C[Black's territory is gone.])
(;B[be];W[ae];B[ag];W[ad];B[bf]
;W[mb]C[It is still close. But if white plays yose correctly, he should win.])))
(;W[cr];B[er];W[bm]))
(;W[ij];B[ji];W[jj];B[jh];W[hk];B[il];W[im];B[hl]
;W[gl]C[The ladder works for W.]))
(;W[hh]))
(;W[id]))
(;B[hd];W[gc]
;B[jl]L[ki][jp]C[White B now is made to be an overplay. White has to decide how to take care of his heavy center group and take care of the lower side stone (B).];W[hj];B[ip]))
(;B[kk]))
(;W[jh]))
(;W[nd]C[Playing more active from white is better.];B[oe]C[Black would look to keep white separate.];W[qc]C[Taking the corner is a vital point for territory and security for both sides.];B[qd]C[If black wants to keep the right side separated...];W[pc];B[od];W[oc];B[ne];W[md];B[og];W[rd];B[re];W[rc]
;B[qe]C[White gains some very large territory in sente. Black is overconcentrated.]))
(;W[ng]C[Like this would be slightly better for white, but still not quite good enough because black will get to link up and defend the upper right corner.];B[oh];W[og];B[nc];W[nh];B[oj];W[ok]
;B[ni]L[nk][rk]C[White now has two separated groups. Black is threatening a hane at A, and black has the move at B in reserve.]))
(;W[of]C[Jumping like this aims at pressuring the corner and attacking the R12 stone.]))
(;W[pj];B[om];W[qf];B[nc];W[no];B[mo];W[nn];B[nm];W[mn];B[lo]
;W[mm]C[This fight is better for white because black is the only one with a weak group.]))
(;W[qj];B[om];W[qg]
;B[nc]TR[om][qm]C[The marked black stones do not serve much purpose to B. Also B has missed a chance to develop territory on the right side.]))
(;B[qj]C[It is better if Black plays on the largest side and extends his 4-4 stone];W[pr]C[White needs another move here or black will get to develop on both sides and white will be left with an awkward group.];B[nc]TR[pq]C[Black take a comfortable lead here.

Black and white have roughly equivalent groups in the upper and lower left, but black's development of the upper right is superior to white's lower right. Furthermore, black has the aji of the marked stone in reserve.]))
(;W[mq]C[The top side white stone doesn't need to be defended because white played low (continue this varition for full explanation).

White should swtich to this side to develop his star point stone and use his early approach.];B[op];W[mo];B[oo];W[cm];B[pn]
;W[eq]C[White has developed a vast potental and territory on the bottom.];B[gc]C[Black cannot easily take advantage of white's single stone up top because he played so low on the left.];W[df];B[cf];W[cc];B[bc];W[dd]
(;B[ce];W[cb];B[bb]
;W[ff]C[White's stones are difficult to attack. Black is too low on the left.])
(;B[cb];W[ce];B[dc];W[bd];B[cc];W[bf];B[ed];W[de];B[fd]
;W[dg]C[This is not good for B.])))
(;B[hd]TR[ic][id]L[fd][ef][cg]C[Black making a distant pincer seeks to develop his upper right stone. This is most normal because it pressures white, but remains high which works with the 4-4 stone. Moves at the marked points are also equally possible.

A - is white's most normal 'defensive way' to this pincer
B - is white's most agressive way to this pincer
C - is a special strategy which is very useful in this fuseki]
(;W[fd]C[The kosumi is a normal defensive way of moving out, it keeps the black corner stone separated from the pincering stone and seeks to make a base. This move is the most normal given the situation on the top side.

HOWEVER. In this fuseki strategy for white, it is not advisable. Remember that white is looking to develop his 4-4 stone naturally. Continue this variation for more explanation.];B[df]C[It is natural for black to move out his corner stone. (Defending the H16 stone would be poor because white would attack black's corner and build up strong on the left).];W[cb]C[White's most normal move is to play here to establish a base, white also making the two black stones potentially weak.];B[cj]C[Here black settles his two stones. End of joseki.

Although all moves were normal. Black is slightly happier here because his extension has hindered the development of white's lower side stone and also black has the useful stone at H16 which works well with Q16.])
(;W[ef]C[Here white moves out quickly with the aim to counter attack black's pincer stone (although because black is at Q16 this is not advised)];B[cg]C[Black defends his corner stone];W[kd]C[White seeks an early fight, but this fight is harder on white because black is at Q16. If white were in the upper right corner this would be a much better situation for W.];B[gf]C[White now has two groups on black's side of the board. While this is not a 'losing' strategy, it is a difficult road for white.])
(;W[cg]C[This counter pincer aims at developing the left in exchange for a sacrifice of the original approach stone.];B[ed]C[Black protects his corner stone, and keeps white separated.];W[cj]C[White now defends his stone while making a very nice 5 space extension from his 4-4 stone.]
(;B[dc]C[This is needed to close corner. End of joseki

Please look at variation for why this move is needed.];W[mq]C[Now white's fuseki strategy is working well. He has used both of his early approaches to develop his 4-4 stone naturally.];B[op];W[mo];B[oo];W[pm])
(;B[qf];W[dc];B[dd]
;W[cc]C[White is happy to live in corner taking territory in the corner and on the left. Black's wall is not useful here. This is why black must play D17 himself.])))
(;B[gc]C[This pincer is not advised because it doesn't seek to develop the upper right stone (it is low and very far from Q16). Also, white has a good counter measure against this pincer.];W[ee];B[df]
;W[dh]C[This move is useful with D4 in place.];B[ef]C[Black must play here to keep from being enclosed and from letting white connect.];W[gd]C[This attachment is a normal way to make shape for white's top side stones.]
(;B[hc]C[Because white's three are being squeezed, this move gives white less breathing room because it leaves black no cutting point.];W[ff];B[fg];W[gf];B[eh];W[dj];B[dc];W[fc]
;B[kc]C[End of joseki. White is satistifed with getting the extension at D10 and can look to the bottom to develop the other side of his D4 stone.];W[mq])
(;B[hd]C[Although hane here seems normal. It leaves black with a cutting point which is too much to take care of because his group on the left is still unsettled.];W[ge];B[fc];W[fd]
;B[ic]C[There is no time to defend the cutting point.];W[fg])))

Kisei Game 7 - first post

So, I was out of town and busy for the final game of the Kisei tourney. It was an interesting game, that Cho U (Black) won to defend his title. White resigned at the very end, but if the final moves were played it would be B +2.5 . There was a final ko that white couldn't win and if he backed down he'd lose a point by playing in his own territory and there would be no way to catch up.

I have not had time to make detailed comments, so for now, I'll just post the kifu. For my next post (sometime in the next week), I'll try to make some annotated comments.

Enjoy!

(;GM[1]FF[4]AP[Drago:4.12]SZ[19]CA[UTF-8];B[qd];W[dp];B[pp];W[dc];B[lc];W[qn];B[pj];W[nq];B[oo];W[qq]
;B[qp];W[pq];B[rq];W[lp];B[ol];W[od];B[pf];W[qc];B[rc];W[md]
;B[ld];W[pc];B[rb];W[le];B[ke];W[lf];B[kf];W[mc];B[jc];W[nf]
;B[ph];W[ce];B[fq];W[hq];B[cq];W[dq];B[cp];W[do];B[dr];W[er]
;B[cr];W[eq];B[cn];W[gc];B[rr];W[qk];B[qj];W[pm];B[mq];W[mp]
;B[om];W[rj];B[ri];W[rl];B[oq];W[or];B[op];W[si];B[rh];W[ro]
;B[nr];W[mr];B[np];W[lq];B[pl];W[ql];B[pn];W[qm];B[lr];W[nq]
;B[sh];W[sj];B[mq];W[kd];B[jd];W[nq];B[sm];W[sn];B[mq];W[lb]
;B[ms];W[kc];B[jq];W[ho];B[ge];W[ee];B[hc];W[hb];B[gb];W[hd]
;B[ic];W[gd];B[fb];W[eb];B[ie];W[jr];B[dn];W[jp];B[fn];W[ci]
;B[fc];W[fd];B[ec];W[db];B[gp];W[fp];B[fo];W[hr];B[fr];W[fs]
;B[ep];W[gr];B[ck];W[kg];B[jg];W[hg];B[kh];W[lg];B[if];W[ei]
;B[jo];W[kq];B[ko];W[hp];B[ln];W[jh];B[ih];W[ji];B[ig];W[lj]
;B[fg];W[eg];B[hn];W[eo];B[bi];W[bj];B[io];W[fp];B[sp];W[sl]
;B[ep];W[kr];B[ip];W[fp];B[so];W[rn];B[ep];W[iq];B[kp];W[fp]
;B[cj];W[bh];B[ep];W[in];B[en];W[fp];B[di];W[ch];B[ep];W[hm]
;B[gn];W[fp];B[ki];W[kj];B[ep];W[lo];B[km];W[fp];B[rk];W[sk]
;B[ep];W[mn];B[mm];W[fp];B[ii];W[jj];B[ep];W[ll];B[nn];W[fp]
;B[mi];W[li];B[ep];W[mo];B[im];W[fp];B[mh];W[lh];B[ep];W[lm]
;B[bk];W[ed];B[ib];W[ai];B[fp];W[ml];B[jn];W[nm];B[ej];W[dh]
;B[dj];W[pd];B[qe];W[hk];B[fi];W[qb];B[hj];W[ik];B[gk];W[gl]
;B[fl];W[ff];B[gg];W[rp];B[sq];W[ak];B[co];W[es];B[al];W[aj]
;B[bl];W[ra];B[gf];W[ps];B[ns];W[no];B[on];W[ij];B[gj];W[og]
;B[nk];W[pk];B[ok];W[he];B[hf];W[pg];B[qg];W[mj];B[nj];W[oh]
;B[oi];W[eh];B[mg];W[mf];B[pe];W[fh];B[gh];W[kl];B[ka];W[kb]
;B[ja];W[la];B[kn];W[ks];B[ls];W[gs];B[il];W[hl];B[jl];W[ds]
;B[cs];W[gm];B[nl];W[fm];B[em];W[jb];B[ha];W[fa];B[mm];W[qr]
;B[rs];W[nm];B[fe];W[ef];B[mm];W[sr];B[os];W[nm];B[oe];W[ne]
;B[mm])

Avoiding zoku-suji!

Breaking through from Kyu to Dan: Avoiding Zokusuji

I am writing this article because I am now participating in the Advanced Study Room league more, and many of my friends are at the precipice of breaking through to dan level play. In general, the knowledge of opening principles, counting ability, and strategic elements are fairly equivalent between strong kyu and low dan players.

Low dan players often prevail over their kyu competitors in yose and in fights--both of these because of tesuji knowledge and deployment. Or, more importantly, the low dan players avoid zoku-suji or anti-suji more than their kyu counterparts.

These types of plays are sometimes hard to spot without a conscience awareness of the full potential (aji) that is in a position. Zoku-suji are often sente plays, and to an untrained eye often seem to be effective. In actuality, they remove future potential in a situation. Sometimes these plays might be quasi-tesuji, getting the job done but ending gote or with less points. This happens all through the game, but there are many times that this happens in yose.

In fact, this too, is one of the main differences between professionals and extremely strong amateurs.

I have decided to post a few examples of zoku-suji which might seem innocuous at first, but they are actually very large. These are some of the not so minor mistakes that keep kyus from breaking through to dan.

NOTE ABOUT DIAGRAM: Please navigate to move 35 to set up the board for my first two examples of zokusuji in yose. Look for more on this topic later this month about joseki and middle-game.

(;GM[1]FF[4]CA[UTF-8]AP[CGoban:3]ST[2]
RU[Japanese]SZ[19]KM[0.00]
C[Please navigate forward to reach the examples/problems!]
;B[sd]
;W[sc]C[These moves are only for setup! --->]
;B[se]
;W[rd]
;B[re]
;W[qd]
;B[qe]
;W[rb]
;B[pd]
;W[pc]
;B[od]
;W[pb]
;B[oc]
;W[oa]
;B[ob]
;W[na]
;B[mb]
;W[nb]
;B[mc]
;W[nc]
;B[nd]
;W[]
;B[kd]
;W[bc]
;B[cc]
;W[bd]
;B[dc]
;W[cb]
;B[dd]
;W[cd]
;B[ed]
;W[de]
;B[fd]
;W[ee]
;B[hd]
;W[cf]LB[ma:A]C[Okay! The board is now set up for my first two examples for how not to play zoku-suji. These examples are endgame examples, but I will be posting more later from midgame and opening. (keep scrolling down this dialog box)

1) Upper right:
Playing at A seems like the normal endgame move, but would be zoku-suji (anti-suji) removing a greater possibility there. Can you find it? Navigate forward for solution in the upper right.]
;B[ra]LB[qa:A][sb:B][rc:C]C[This move is the real tesuji.
White must submit with A

Resisting at B or C only leads to bad results (click to follow)]
(;W[qa]
;B[ma]LB[pa:A][qc:B]C[Black can now play here. White cannot connect at A or else black will play B. Killing the white group]
;W[qb]
;B[pa]LB[db:A]C[This is 5 points larger than if black had played the normal endgame move. Missing this opportunity would be the equivalent of doubling komi!

Now for the problem in the upper left:

The simple move at A is how many kyu and low dans might play if they were not paying attention. It is zokusuji (antisuji). Eventhough it is sente and large. Here white has a much better play. Can you find it?

Navigate forward for answer. ]
;W[da]LB[fb:A]C[This move is the real tesuji.

Black must drop back all the way to A. See for yourself that black cannot defend any better.]
;B[fb]
;W[fa]C[Now white plays another tesuji]
;B[ga]
;W[ea]
;B[gb]LB[db:A][eb:B]C[This is four points better than if white had simply played A, allowing black to block at B. ])
(;W[sb]C[This resistance will not work! Can you see how to punish?]
;B[pa]
;W[qa]
;B[ma]LB[pa:A][qc:B]C[White cannot connect or else black gives double atari at B. Killing everything.])
(;W[rc]C[This won't work for white either. Can you find the punishment?]
;B[ma]
;W[pa]
;B[qb]
;W[qc]
;B[sb]C[Black creates a ko for the entire corner.]))

Lastly, I will add just a few words of advice

1) Before playing a forcing move, consider whether it removes any potential in your opponent's formations. i.e - AVOID "THANK YOU" MOVES

2) Don't start yose too soon, thereby removing potential for future fighting

3) When it is time for yose, before playing the most obvious moves, look for more clever reductions -- always keeping in mind the value of sente.

4) When one move locally is forcing, it is likely that many nearby moves too are forcing, wait to decide which one is most useful!

36th Kisei Game 6 day 2

Both players fought hard today each in their own respective style. Cho U who is known for his very sharp style and management of weak groups sought out an early territorial lead giving white large thickness. Takao Shinji's style is to often play a patient, thick game -- learned from his teacher Fujisawa Shuko (Hideyuki).

Takao's thickness in the lower left of the board gave Cho U difficulty in finding a proper invasion point. Cho created a ko which seemed as though if he won could produce enough territory win. Takao chose to ignore a ko threat and won a capturing race -- which left Cho U empty handed after the ko fight, forcing a black resignation.

A great game by both. Cho U's innovative fuseki seemed to produce the type of game he was looking for, but Takao's style worked brilliantly. The patience paid off, and he seized a golden opportunity backed by deep reading to win.

Congratulations!

The series which started with four alternating wins for black, has now produced two wins by white. Game 7 will be in one week.

Here are some little quick comments with the kifu below.

(;GM[1]FF[4]CA[UTF-8]AP[CGoban:3]ST[2]
RU[Japanese]SZ[19]KM[6.50]
PW[Takao Shinji]PB[Cho U]
;B[pd]
;W[dc]
;B[qp]
;W[dp]
;B[lq]LB[kq:A][qq:B]TR[op]C[Cho U's exlusive opening as black in this championship series.

This move is very intersting because it discourages an approach on the corner around the marked point--as white would have a hard time settling if he plays directly into black's pincer. It is more territorially tight than a 'mini' chinese move at A. There are not many games with this opening as there are with mini-chinese or traditional Chinese. In some pro examples, white doesn't approach at all, but waits until later in the midgame and dives into the corner at B.

The main idea here, it to play even tighter than the mini chinese, and discourage an approach.]
;W[fq]C[White defends the bottom from further black development there]
;B[ce]C[Black approachs near and low, the most territorially valuable approach.]
;W[ci]C[This three space pincer is ideal for white's formation in the lower left.]
;B[fc]C[This very near counterpincer is somewhat rare, but it generally means that black wants to develop topside influence to work with his 4-4 stone. Here though black has a very interesting plan.]
;W[ed]C[This is most normal for moving out and keeping black separated.]
(;B[cb]LB[fd:A]C[This move in the corner might have been pre-planned. I have never seen it. It would be normal to expect black to push up at A to build a wall of influence towards the right side.]
;W[cc]C[White blocks this way to keep black low on the 2nd and 3rd line up top and white will hope to naturally develop the left side.]
;B[db]
;W[ec]
;B[eb]
;W[fd]
;B[gc]
;W[gd]
;B[hc]
;W[ie]
;B[dh]C[Cho moves his lone stone, seeking to make white's wall ineffective. In this series, Cho U has shown a great ability to manage weak groups.]
;W[di]
;B[eh]
;W[ei]
;B[fh]
;W[gj]
;B[hh]C[Here it seems hard to judge how this early fight will end up. White is making large potential in the lower left (but black can easily disrupt it later). Black is taking territory at the top side and moving out here is pretty safe since white must worry about his top side group's safety.

Its too early to tell, but I slightly prefer black here.]
;W[bg]C[This is valuable, seeks link up or separate the lone black stone.]
;B[df]LB[be:A]C[Black stays connected while preventing White's connection at A.]
;W[hd]
;B[ic]
;W[ke]
;B[jh]
;W[ii]
;B[kg]C[Nice shape, maintains connection and moves further out, pressuring white.]
;W[me]
;B[fi]
;W[fj]
;B[ek]
;W[ej]LB[bo:A][bp:B]TR[ek]C[It seems as though the 'peep' will aid the future invasion around A or B, but the fight up top must be resolved first.]
;B[og]TR[mg]C[A suprising move for sure! White cannot simply jump to the marked point because he would have some connection issues.

This move is very clever, making some potential on the right, helping the weak group, and white still needs to find a way to settle his topside group.]
;W[ng]C[I imagine that touching this stone is the best way for white to keep black's center group separated and under attack. Generally though this type of play will allow black to get stronger on the right side.

It seems though black will still have his center weak group, but will take an advantage in territory. I think the game is going in black's style and favors him.]
;B[nf]
;W[mf]
;B[mg]
;W[nh]
;B[mh]
;W[ni]
;B[mi]
;W[nj]
;B[of]
;W[mj]
;B[lj]
;W[ki]
;B[li]
;W[lk]
;B[kj]
;W[kk]
;B[ji]
;W[ij]
;B[ih]C[After this skirmish, black is safe in the center and has some potential in the upper right. White is still unsettled.

But it is not all bad for White. His influence is very strong on the lower side of the board. He can still make a considerable framework or even provoke a fight by invading the lower 'micro-chinese' formation later.]
;W[nd]C[The only move to keep black's potential smaller and help white make some eye space along the top side]
;B[kc]C[Steals some eyespace and makes territory]
;W[gf]C[Makes 1 eye for sure, but gote.]
;B[ld]C[The vital point
]
;W[kf]LB[bd:A]C[This maintains connection. White mostly secure on the top. The move around A is a potential eye or another potential eye in the center.]
;B[mk]C[And day 1 ends with this fierce cut.

Black seeks to strike first by cutting before white uses his influence to make a fight on the bottom edge.

This will be a very exciting game. It isn't over for white by a long shot, but black has been dictating the flow from the beginning and therefore I think he is leading.

I am hoping white can strike in Day 2 because every go player hopes for a game 7, and also I went by Shinji in Japan so we share the same name :D

]
;W[pi]C[Day 1's sealed move. This move was opened and played after the previous days moves had been layed out to recreate the board from day one.

This gives white breathing room while preventing black territory along the right, and even cramping the upper four slightly.]
;B[jf]
;W[je]
;B[od]C[Black is not only looking to force white to make two eyes, he is trying to secure his corner in process.

Pro's have such good form!]
;W[nc]
;B[ob]
;W[oc]
;B[pc]
;W[nb]LB[jb:A][kb:D][lb:C][jc:B][lc:E]C[White's group is now almost entirely secure.

White even has the forces of white a, black b, white c, etc..

for added security]
;B[ml]C[Time to attend to the very important cutting stone.]
;W[pl]C[Basically the only move for base, threating cutting stones and making a base on the right side]
;B[qh]C[Territorially valuable while depriving white of a base for now.]
;W[qi]
;B[pb]
;W[be]
;B[bf]
;W[cg]
;B[bd]
;W[de]C[Great tesuji. ]
;B[ee]
;W[cd]
;B[dd]
;W[jb]
;B[jc]
;W[de]
;B[cf]
;W[ef]
;B[dg]
;W[bc]
;B[ae]
;W[lb]
;B[kb]
;W[lc]C[Now the top side fight is 100% settled.]
;B[qn]C[Although white's formation on the left needs to be invaded. Black first must protect this corner, and keep the white group under pressure.]
;W[om]
;B[nn]
;W[po]
;B[qo]
;W[lm]
;B[mm]
;W[ln]LB[rh:A]TR[nn]C[I really enjoyed white's play here. Black played the marked stone as a 'sealing in' move with the aim of invading the right. But it seems as though white can make two eyes on the right (because the hane at A is still available).

White's lower left + center moyo is very large.

]
;B[np]
;W[rh]C[Now all that is left is to see how black invades the left.]
;B[cn]C[It is hard to find a good invasion point. It must be deep, because, if black just reduces the center and white keeps the left side, I figured white is ahead by about 10. However, if white goes very low into the corner white might have enough on the outside.

In general, white has a 'thick' style which is slightly different from large moyo style of someone like Takamiya. White creates very thick positions which turn to large territory or give the opponent very difficult decisions to make. Seems like white has made the game even now. But black has a talent for handling weak groups.

Doing a very rough count from here, if black invades and lives here, he will be ahead in points (but not by a large margin--maybe 5-8 points). It depends on how this ends and who starts endgame in sente. ]
;W[co]TR[cn]C[This move seems very obvious to keep black heavy. This is why a good invasion point was difficult to find.]
;B[cl]C[Clever.]
;W[dn]C[Black will create a ko, but does he have enough threats?]
;B[dm]
;W[bn]
;B[bm]
;W[cm]
;B[kd]
;W[fe]
;B[cn]
;W[oo]
;B[no]
;W[cm]
;B[bi]
;W[em]C[A must for white. ]
;B[cn]
;W[pq]
;B[on]
;W[cm]
;B[qg]
;W[rg]
;B[rf]
;W[pn]
;B[pp]
;W[qm]
;B[cn]
;W[qf]C[White seems to have more threats than B. ]
;B[qe]
;W[cm]
;B[ok]
;W[dl]C[Very daring for both. Black must assure a kill. White assures a win now if the group survives because black will have recieved no compensation for losing the ko.]
;B[rj]
;W[ri]
;B[rk]
;W[rm]
;B[pk]
;W[nk]
;B[ol]
;W[qk]
;B[qj]
;W[nl]
;B[nm]
;W[pm]
;B[pj]
;W[rl]
;B[op]
;W[sk]C[This hane assures white the win in this race.]
;B[sj]
;W[oj]
;B[sl]
;W[si]
;B[ql]
;W[sm]C[White now has captured the black stones on the right. Seems as though Whtie has won!]
;B[ch]C[Black follows through on his first ignored ko threat.]
;W[bj]
;B[iq]C[Black cannot afford to capture the white two on the right because the bottom extension is so large for both.]
;W[bh]C[Black now lost the ko, the group on the right and didn't get to even follow through on his first ignored threat. White's territory is about 12 points more than black''s.]
;B[gq]
;W[fr]
;B[jm]
;W[gi]
;B[gh]
;W[km]C[Black resigns.

Congrats Takao! Great play. Game 7 later this month!])
(;B[fd]
;W[ef]
;B[fe]
;W[ee]
;B[gg]LB[cb:B][bc:A]TR[ce]C[A straight forward way of building influence on the topside, and the marked stone has plenty of potential around A or B to live later or reduce white's territory.]))

36th Kisei Game 6 day 1

Like many sports, the Japanese go world has 4 major tournaments- Kisei, Judan, Honnibo, and Tengen. Established 1976, the Kisei is the highest paying title every year - 45,000,000 yen (over 500,000 USD). This year Cho U (on the right) is trying to defend his title against Takao Shinji (left).

Takao emerged as a very strong player in his early 20's reaching. He seemed to slow down after winning the Honnibo and his promotion to 9 dan-pro. He is now seems to be hitting his stride again, rising back to the top of Japanese players. In constrast, Cho U seems to be peaking in his play right now. He has had a great record since 2009 and if he wins this title, it will be his third consecutive Kisei. He currently is 6th all time in Japanese titles (note: modern players have more title games available).

Now with this match it seems as if there the same repeating four names in the Japanese go scene: Cho U, Takao Shinji, Yamashita Keigo, and Iyama Yuta, which some are now calling the "four emperors".

As for this year's championship match, it was back and forth for the first four games with the score tied at 2-2 (black winning every game). Then Cho U took the lead in game five winning with white on Feb 23rd making the score 3-2.

It has come down to a 'do or die' situation for Takao here, and he is playing white. Cho U has been developing a new opening that he has employed now three times as black this series. I am not sure what to call it other than a variant of the micro-chinese fuseki.

Chinese Fuseki (first seen in professional play in the 60's) gave way to innovations - primarily the mini-chinese fuseki in the 90's and then the micro-chinese seen at the beginning of this century. Now though, Cho U seems to be innovating and researching this mirco-chinese relationship without an approach to white's stone. (for clarification see diagrams below)

In this game you will see Cho U's variation on the micro-chinese. As in most modern major championships, each player is given 8 total hours of time per game (then 10 x 1 minute byo-yomi). The games are played over two days, and today Cho U used 3 hours 17 minutes and Takao 4 hours 13 minutes. Below are my brief comments for day one's moves (1 - 67 ).

(;GM[1]FF[4]CA[UTF-8]AP[CGoban:3]ST[2]
RU[Japanese]SZ[19]KM[6.50]
PW[Takao Shinji]PB[Cho U]
;B[pd]
;W[dc]
;B[qp]
;W[dp]
;B[lq]LB[kq:A][qq:B]TR[op]C[Cho U's exlusive opening as black in this championship series.

This move is very intersting because it discourages an approach on the corner around the marked point--as white would have a hard time settling if he plays directly into black's pincer. It is more territorially tight than a 'mini' chinese move at A. There are not many games with this opening as there are with mini-chinese or traditional Chinese. In some pro examples, white doesn't approach at all, but waits until later in the midgame and dives into the corner at B.

The main idea here, is to play even tighter than the mini chinese, and discourage an approach.]
;W[fq]C[White defends the bottom from further black development there]
;B[ce]C[Black approachs near and low, the most territorially valuable approach.]
;W[ci]C[This three space pincer is ideal for white's formation in the lower left.]
;B[fc]C[This very near counterpincer is somewhat rare, but it generally means that black wants to develop topside influence to work with his 4-4 stone. Here though black has a very interesting plan.]
;W[ed]C[This is most normal for moving out and keeping black separated.]
(;B[cb]LB[fd:A]C[This move in the corner might have been pre-planned. I have never seen it. It would be normal to expect black to push up at A to build a wall of influence towards the right side.]
;W[cc]C[White blocks this way to keep black low on the 2nd and 3rd line up top and white will hope to naturally develop the left side.]
;B[db]
;W[ec]
;B[eb]
;W[fd]
;B[gc]
;W[gd]
;B[hc]
;W[ie]
;B[dh]C[Cho moves his lone stone, seeking to make white's wall ineffective. In this series, Cho U has shown a great ability to manage weak groups.]
;W[di]
;B[eh]
;W[ei]
;B[fh]
;W[gj]
;B[hh]C[Here it seems hard to judge how this early fight will end up. White is making large potential in the lower left (but black can easily disrupt it later). Black is taking territory at the top side. Moving out here is pretty safe since white must worry about his top side group's safety.

Its too early to tell, but I slightly prefer black here.]
;W[bg]C[This is valuable, seeks link up or separate the lone black stone.]
;B[df]LB[be:A]C[Black stays connected while preventing White's connection at A.]
;W[hd]
;B[ic]
;W[ke]
;B[jh]
;W[ii]
;B[kg]C[Nice shape, maintains connection and moves further out, pressuring white.]
;W[me]
;B[fi]
;W[fj]
;B[ek]
;W[ej]LB[bo:A][bp:B]TR[ek]C[It seems as though the 'peep' will aid the future invasion around A or B, but the fight up top must be resolved first.]
;B[og]TR[mg]C[A suprising move for sure! White cannot simply jump to the marked point because he would have some connection issues.

This move is very clever, making some potential on the right, helping the weak group, and white still needs to find a way to settle his topside group.]
;W[ng]C[I imagine that touching this stone is the best way for white to keep black's center group separated and under attack. Generally though this type of play will allow black to get stronger on the right side.

It seems though black will still have his center weak group, but will take an advantage in territory. I think the game is going in black's style and favors him.]
;B[nf]
;W[mf]
;B[mg]
;W[nh]
;B[mh]
;W[ni]
;B[mi]
;W[nj]
;B[of]
;W[mj]
;B[lj]
;W[ki]
;B[li]
;W[lk]
;B[kj]
;W[kk]
;B[ji]
;W[ij]
;B[ih]C[After this skirmish, black is safe in the center and has some potential in the upper right. White is still unsettled.

But it is not all bad for White. His influence is very strong on the lower side of the board. He can still make a considerable framework or even provoke a fight by invading the lower 'micro-chinese' formation later.]
;W[nd]C[The only move to keep black's potential smaller and help white make some eye space along the top side]
;B[kc]C[Steals some eyespace and makes territory]
;W[gf]C[Makes 1 eye for sure, but gote.]
;B[ld]C[The vital point
]
;W[kf]LB[bd:A]C[This maintains connection. White mostly secure on the top. The move around A is a potential eye or another potential eye in the center.]
;B[mk]C[And day 1 ends with this fierce cut.

Black seeks to strike first by cutting before white uses his influence to make a fight on the bottom edge.

This will be a very exciting game. It isn't over for white by a long shot, but black has been dictating the flow from the beginning and therefore I think he is leading.

I am hoping white can strike in Day 2 because every go player hopes for a game 7, and also I went by Shinji in Japan so we share the same name :D .

])
(;B[fd]
;W[ef]
;B[fe]
;W[ee]
;B[gg]LB[cb:B][bc:A]TR[ce]C[A straight forward way of building influence on the topside, and the marked stone has plenty of potential around A or B to live later or reduce white's territory.]))

A few extra notes:

1) Overall record between these two players is 28-23 (Cho U leads).

2) Kisei is roughly be translated "Go Saint" (more lit. - board game spirit)

3) Before the modern era only two players were given the title Kisei, Shusaku (1829 - 1862) and Dosaku (1645 - 1702)

The Go Teaching Ladder (GTL) - Review 1

Naturally, there are numerous resources online for studying go. There is one site in particular that I think everyone should know-- The Go Teaching Ladder or GTL <--- link!

This is a community where anyone can request to have a game reviewed. Once a request is made it is assigned to a reviewer, then a few weeks later, the game is returned. That's it. Players who enjoy reviewing games are encouraged to sign up as reviewers, but there is no requirement to complete reviews to get reviews. Also, all reviews are archived, so it is easy to search and find reviews by players from beginner to pro. There is even a function to search for reviews with certain opening configurations (which I find useful). You can sign up for a weekly/monthly newsletter that attaches files for newest reviews only between certain strength points (e.g. - I get e-mailed all reviews greater than 1 dan).

I have recently tried to become more active in this site, and I try to do very thorough reviews. Here is one recent review I completed. Note: Click on letters/numbers to change which variation branch you are on).

(;GM[1]FF[4]CA[UTF-8]AP[CGoban:3]ST[2]
RU[Japanese]SZ[19]KM[6.50]
PW[Georg]WR[10k]DT[2011-12-04]C[Hello. My name is Shane. I'm KGS 1d and I'll be review this game.

The biggest problem in the opening was the way the one space pincer was used and handled by both sides.

In the middle game, players lost sight of the large territorial moves . This was a fairly peaceful positional game with no large weak groups becoming in danger. In these games one must always be aware of sente/gote issues and the size of moves.]RE[W+15.50]VW[]
;B[pc]LB[qd:A]C[Hello. I'm George10k , and here I play white. I don't know the rank of my opponent.

Thanks in advance for the review.

S: So I'm guessing that this game is a live game ? Because you don't have your opponent's rank or name and likewise your name is just George, but maybe I'm wrong... Anyway, this is a very small point (but worth knowing), but normally black's first move if playing a 3-4 point should be at A. This is an old convention because it makes the opponent not have to cross his hand over the first move to make an appoach. Obviously this nuance doesn't matter in online games, but perhaps this is worth knowing.]
;W[dp]
;B[qp]
;W[dd]
;B[fq]LB[cn:B][hq:A]
(;W[hq]LB[cn:A]TR[qp]C[S: This pincer seems a little speculative becuase the presence of black in the lower right. Defending at A for white seems simple and best. This isn't an outright mistake, but if you look at the variations you might see why it is more normal to extend on the left.]
;B[fo]
;W[dn]LB[ip:A][cq:D][kq:B][dr:A]TR[hq]C[Black now can get a pretty good result by pressing at A, or may even try the very agressive B which makes use of the R4 stone.]
(;B[dr]C[This move helps white - see variation on corner invasion.]
;W[cq]LB[dr:9]C[Exchanging black 9 for white 10 is almost always a mistake. It helps white close the corner and black still lacks a base with those stones.]
;B[ip]LB[hp:B][iq:A]
(;W[iq]LB[hp:A][cq:10][dr:9]TR[pq]C[For White 12, pushing up at A first is correct and also will indirectly punish black's exchange of B9 W10.

Playing as in the game at 12 is only correct when black's lower right corner is at Q3 instead of R4. (Please navigate further for explanation.]
;B[jp]
;W[jq]LB[hp:B][kp:A]C[Black should continue at A instead of acutal game at B.]
(;B[hp]LB[kp:B][lq:A]C[This move is no good by B.]
(;W[lq]LB[kp:A]C[George: During the game I also thought about keima at M4 here, and now it seems like a better idea than what I actually played.

Keima at M4 would be too loose, it leaves very bad aji (potential). Your move at M3 is safe and solid, but stronger way is to play nidan bane (two step hane) at A]
;B[nq]
;W[kp]LB[fc:B][pi:C][no:A]TR[nq]SQ[hp][ip][jp]C[Getting this is very big for W. Now the lower side pincer (which could have been a mistake) was huge sucess for white. White developed two groups and black has a potential weak group. Furthermore, this hane by white negates any possible influence or wall that black might have wanted to make with the marked group.

In summary, so far white got two small territories, black only got a semi weak group and the triangled extension from the play so far. White is ahead.]
(;B[no]LB[pe:A][pf:C][qf:B]C[George: I think playing tenuki here was a mistake. I am not even sure if the bottom white group is alive here, but my opponent never punished me for that.

S: Your group is very very comfortable. Only groups that are enclosed or very easily enclosed should be worried about life and death issues. You can move out to the center if he plays G2, also the hane at G4 is large for W. Even emergency attachments aroud O2 are possible. The lower white group is actually much stronger than the black group at G4 which has no clear eyeshape.

Here black 19 has no effect on white and although it protects the invasion at Q3, this is a small concern so early in the game, there are many big points to play. Therefore black 19 is slow and gote. See variaitons for other possible ways for B.]
(;W[pe]LB[qg:A][ph:A][gr:B]TR[kn]C[George: Suppose black plays hane at G2, can white live locally?

S: I wouldn't worry about it , but see variation for the answer to your question.

Given that black is now strong on the lower right, i'd look for a lighter approach to the upper right. Although one cannot say this move is 100% incorrect, I'd prefer R14 or Q14 for the white approach.]
(;B[qg]LB[of:A][pg:B][ph:A]C[I think this near pincer misses the mark. Black can try to build nearer to his strong lower right.

A high pincer at A seems feels better to me.]
(;W[of]C[This move is normal, but I feel that white needs to get creative here because the normal joseki doesn't feel like white is accomplishing much]
;B[mc]
;W[ph]LB[qe:B][qh:A]
(;B[qh]
;W[pi]
;B[qi]
;W[pj]
;B[qk]
;W[pk]
;B[ql]
;W[om]C[So here black developed both sides and white created a wall, yet that wall doesn't seem to be working with the other white stones, so black is better off. Furthermore, this is gote, so black ended sente.]
;B[cf]
;W[ch]LB[cc:A][ef:B][dh:C]C[This pincer seems natural, but others might be playable too (see variation). I like this pincer because black cannot move into the corner at A as usual. Also, jumping to B is sub-par because whtie will get territory and black's wall will be useless because it will only face white's wall.

I think black's best option is to use the more seldom move at C.]
(;B[ef]
;W[fd]
;B[bd]C[Again this slide is very bad suji for B.]
;W[cc]
;B[di]
;W[ci]
;B[dj]
;W[cj]
;B[dk]
;W[cl]
;B[dh]
;W[ic]C[White now has a comfortable winning position.

This is due to black's misplay of white's pincer twice]
;B[em]LB[bc:B][qc:A][mn:A][cr:C]TR[op][pq][qq]C[White has more points currently and the center is difficult for either player to score because have equal influence. The game is now about consolidaing territories and playing biggest points. There are no significant weak groups on either side. I've marked some of the larger points.

There is even still some reduction potential in the lower right for white. Please see that all the largest areas are still along the sides and corners, but both players soon become preoccupied with a center that amounts to less than 5 or so points for either player. Where as all the marked points have a value of over 10.]
(;W[mn]
;B[pn]LB[qc:A]C[Black 49 is very big.

A is largest point left on the board.]
;W[gf]LB[qe:B][jj:A]C[White 50 seems to expand out, yet it scores no new points for white, erases none of black points and doesn't attack any weak groups, so in fact it isn't that useful.

In the actual game, black played A, which seems to score points... yet black still needs too many moves for not enough points.

One way of looking at it is that black needs about 3-4 moves in a row to score about 20-25 points in the center, but a single move at B is worth nearly 20 points.]
(;B[jj]LB[qc:A][jl:A][nr:B]C[George: what should white do now?

A is still large
B is now good to play since black solidified that area and it is sente

Please follow the variation to see how small the center is.]
(;W[jl]LB[bc:D][qc:B][pn:49][cr:C][nr:A]C[White 52 is worried about black territory but doesn't think any about white territory. Again, these plays in the center are almost all dame points.


Here ends most of my comments because the rest is who gets the important points in along the sides and corners. The game is still in white's favor but only by a little becuase black got the move at 49. White got more large points and won the game. Most of the center ended with just a few points for either side.

Good luck to you both, and thanks for letting me review!]
;B[kl]
;W[jn]
;B[il]
;W[im]
;B[jk]
;W[kn]
;B[hm]
;W[hn]
;B[jm]
;W[in]
;B[gp]
;W[fn]
;B[en]
;W[fm]
;B[do]
;W[co]
;B[eo]LB[gj:A][dm:B]
(;W[gj]LB[fk:A][dm:A]C[White should protect at A]
(;B[fk]
;W[gk]
;B[gm]TR[bc][qc][cr][nr]C[My advice is to look up from the local situation more. This is fighting over very small points. The marked areas are HUGE]
;W[hl]
;B[gn]
;W[gh]
;B[nk]
;W[li]
;B[ni]
;W[mg]LB[hi:A][pl:B]C[This move seems dangerous for W.]
(;B[hi]
;W[gi]
;B[ol]
;W[pl]
;B[nm]
;W[nn]
;B[ng]
;W[nf]
;B[nh]
;W[pg]
;B[lh]
;W[mh]
;B[lj]
;W[ml]
;B[ki]
;W[lg]
;B[mi]
;W[jh]
;B[on]
;W[ld]
;B[qd]
;W[lc]
;B[cg]
;W[cr]
;B[ck]
;W[bk]
;B[bl]
;W[bm]
;B[bj]
;W[ak]
;B[bh]
;W[fl]
;B[el]
;W[gl]
;B[qj]
;W[pm]
;B[qm]
;W[mk]
;B[kh]
;W[kg]
;B[hg]
;W[ig]
;B[hh]
;W[hf]
;B[gg]
;W[fg]
;B[ji]
;W[ii]
;B[ij]
;W[hj]C[Now the game favors white. Review ends here.

Thanks!]
;B[mj]
;W[lk]
;B[kk]
;W[bc]
;B[bp]
;W[bo]
;B[mb]
;W[lb]C[George: At this point I had 10 minutes left on the clock, and black had 4, and the game started to become rushed.]
;B[cd]
;W[ad]
;B[de]
;W[ed]
;B[ae]
;W[ac]
;B[be]
;W[md]
;B[oc]
;W[qf]
;B[rf]
;W[ma]
;B[ob]
;W[er]C[George: probably a mistake. Sure, I got some points, but I strengthened black, which allowed him to take points from me.]
;B[eq]
;W[dq]
;B[fr]
;W[ds]
;B[mr]
;W[lr]
;B[is]
;W[jr]
;B[fs]
;W[qe]
;B[re]
;W[mq]
;B[nr]
;W[mo]
;B[np]
;W[nl]
;B[na]
;W[ok]C[George: a blunder.]
;B[la]C[George: obviously, I should have played K18. This ko was a completely unnecessary risk. But I wasn't aware that I was leading.]
;W[ka]
;B[kb]
;W[ma]
;B[ih]
;W[ii]
;B[la]
;W[ja]
;B[cn]
;W[dm]
;B[aj]
;W[al]
;B[dl]
;W[cm]
;B[fe]
;W[ge]
;B[fj]
;W[fi]
;B[ei]
;W[go]
;B[lm]
;W[mm]
;B[ln]
;W[lo]
;B[hr]
;W[js]
;B[gq]
;W[km]
;B[ll]
;W[ff]
;B[ee]
;W[eg]
;B[dg]
;W[eh]
;B[nd]
;W[ne]
;B[ls]
;W[ks]
;B[ms]
;W[jl]
;B[ir]
;W[ik]
;B[ep]
;W[nj]
;B[pd]
;W[oe]
;B[od]
;W[ai]
;B[bi]
;W[mp]
;B[es]
;W[dr]
;B[ho]
;W[gn]
;B[jo]
;W[oi]
;B[jb]
;W[ma]
;B[cp]
;W[ap]
;B[la]
;W[ia]
;B[ib]
;W[ma]
;B[bq]
;W[br]
;B[la]
;W[ha]LB[ma:A][gb:B]
(;B[ma]
;W[hb]
;B[]
;W[])
(;B[gb]
;W[ma]))
(;B[pl]
;W[ol]
;B[ok]
;W[pg]
;B[lo]SQ[kn][mn][kp]C[Now white has some connection problems]))
(;B[dm]
;W[cn]
;B[cm]
;W[bm]
;B[bn]
;W[bl]
;B[bp]
;W[cp]
;B[cr]
;W[bq]C[Black getting all this in sente is too good.]
;B[qe]C[Now the outcome favors black.]))
(;W[dm]))
(;W[nr]
;B[or]
;W[mr]
;B[oq]
;W[qc]
;B[qb]
;W[rb]
;B[pb]
;W[qd]LB[gh:A][jm:B]C[A and B are miai (interchangable points). Its too hard for the center to become territory in this game.]
;B[gh]
;W[jm]TR[ii]C[There is no easy way to make territory even if black can play in the center.]))
(;B[qe]))
(;W[qc]
;B[qb]
;W[rb]LB[pb:B][rc:C][qd:A]C[White can now play here for territory.

This is very large as it also forces black to settle on the top.]
(;B[qd]
;W[rc]
;B[pb]
;W[qe]
;B[pd]
;W[rd])
(;B[pb]
;W[qd]
;B[kc]
;W[op]C[There is almost nothing black can do locally that prevents a reduction. This game is all but won for white here.])
(;B[rc]C[Black cannot take advantage of white's cutting point.]
;W[qd]LB[ra:A][pb:B]
(;B[ra]
;W[pb])
(;B[pb]
;W[rd]))))
(;B[cc]
;W[cd]
;B[dc]
;W[ed]
;B[bd]
;W[be]
;B[bc]
;W[ce]
;B[fc]
;W[fm])
(;B[dh]LB[ci:B][di:A]
(;W[di]
;B[dg]LB[fd:A][cj:B]C[A is most normal.
B although natural neglects the lone corner.]
(;W[fd]
;B[ci]
;W[cj]
;B[bi]
;W[dj]
;B[bh]C[Black is satisfied because he is settled and the left side territory is open as is the corner at 3-3. White, too can be happy with sente some top side potential and the thickness built around D10.])
(;W[cj]LB[bd:B][fd:A]
(;B[fd]
;W[bd]C[White aims to connect under.]
;B[bh]
;W[fc]
;B[gc]
;W[ec]
;B[gd]
;W[bi])
(;B[bd]
;W[fc]
;B[cc]
;W[ic])))
(;W[ci]
;B[ef]
;W[fd]
;B[di]LB[cj:A][dj:B]
(;W[dj]
;B[cg]
;W[ck]
;B[bd]LB[cc:B][ic:A]C[Extending to A is better than B.]
(;W[cc]
;B[hc]C[White now is attacked.]
;W[hd]
;B[id]
;W[ic]
;B[gb]
;W[gd]
;B[jc]
;W[ib]
;B[jb]
;W[ie]
;B[jd]
;W[fb]
;B[hb]
;W[hf]C[White can survive easily, but black get benefit.])
(;W[ic]
;B[cc]
;W[dc]))
(;W[cj]
;B[dj]
;W[dk]
;B[ek]
;W[dl]
;B[bd]
;W[ic]
;B[cc]
;W[dc]))))
(;B[qe]
;W[qh]
;B[pd]
;W[ql]))
(;W[pg]
;B[ph]
;W[og]
;B[qf]
;W[qe]
;B[nd]
;W[ne]
;B[md]
;W[qc]
;B[qb]
;W[pb]
;B[ob]
;W[oc]
;B[pa]
;W[pd]
;B[pb]
;W[od]
;B[nb]
;W[pj]
;B[oh]
;W[nh]
;B[oi]
;W[qi]
;B[qh]
;W[ok]
;B[ni]
;W[mh]
;B[nk]
;W[nl]
;B[mk]
;W[ql]
;B[ml]
;W[nm]))
(;B[gr]TR[lm][kn][ln][gp][nr]C[With all these options it is impossible to easily kill white.])
(;B[ph]LB[md:A][ne:B]C[Black's pincer here feels better.

White could settle at A or create a running battle with B. I think black would welcome either.]
(;W[md]
;B[oe]
;W[of]
;B[ne]
;W[pd]
;B[nc]
;W[qc]
;B[oc]
;W[nf]
;B[me]
;W[rd]
;B[nh])
(;W[ne]
;B[nc]
;W[le]
;B[lc]
;W[pk]
;B[mh])))
(;W[qf]
;B[qd]
;W[pj]
;B[ql]
;W[of]
;B[nd]
;W[rj]
;B[fc])
(;W[pf]C[I like this approach best. White can play flexable on this side.]
;B[qe]
;W[qj]
;B[qf]C[If black pushes. White settles on the right.]
;W[qm]TR[oc][ph]C[Later white has follow-ups at either of the marked points.]
;B[fc]
;W[cf]
;B[db]
;W[gc]))
(;B[fc])
(;B[pi]))
(;W[kp]
;B[ko]
;W[lo]LB[kn:A][lp:B]C[White doesn't have to fear any cut here.]
(;B[kn]
;W[lp]
;B[oq]
;W[ln]
;B[km]
;W[fm]
;B[qe]
;W[jd]
;B[lc]
;W[le]
;B[nd]
;W[kc]
;B[ld]
;W[ke])
(;B[lp]
;W[kq]
;B[mp]
;W[gp]
;B[go]
;W[jo]LB[kn:A][gq:B]
(;B[kn]
;W[ho]TR[lo]SQ[fo][go][fq][dr]C[Black would have a weak group and bad aji at M5])
(;B[gq]
;W[kn]C[Also a sucess for white.]))))
(;B[kp]LB[lq:B]
(;AE[qp]AB[pq]LB[hp:A][iq:12]TR[pq]C[Here if black was at this point, pushing at 12 would now be correct instead of A. (please contiue for full explanation)]
;W[lq]
;B[lp]
;W[mq]
;B[mp]
;W[nq]
;B[np]
;W[oq]
;B[op]
;W[pp]LB[hp:A]C[This cut is only possible because white didn't push up (keep going !)]
;B[qq]
;W[qp]
;B[rp]
;W[ro]
;B[rq]
;W[pn]
;B[or]
;W[nr]
;B[pr]LB[ho:B][hp:A][kq:C]C[If white were enclosed by exchanging A for B, then now he would need C to live, but because he isn't completely enclosed he may tenuki]
;W[qj]
;B[kq]C[This push seems dangerous, but white can breakout.]
;W[kr]
;B[gr]
;W[hr]
;B[ms]
;W[lr]
;B[ns]
;W[go]
;B[gp]
;W[hp]
;B[ho]
;W[gq]
;B[gn]
;W[fr]C[So now white can still live. Sorry for the long winded explanation of when to push up and when to push horizontally.])
(;W[lq]
;B[lp]
;W[mq]
;B[mp]
;W[oq]
;B[nq]
;W[nr]
;B[np]
;W[pr]
;B[op]
;W[qq]LB[qf:B][rp:A]
(;B[rp]
;W[qf]LB[qd:B][qh:A]C[This move is proper approach given black's large wall.

Black's most common answer would be A. Closing corner at B here would be a mistake]
(;B[qd]
;W[pj]C[Black's wall is meaningless. White is very comfortable])
(;B[qh]
;W[qc]
;B[qd]
;W[pd]
;B[rc]
;W[qb]
;B[pe]
;W[od]
;B[qe]
;W[rb]
;B[ne]
;W[oe]
;B[of]
;W[oc]
;B[pf]
;W[fm]C[Black's moyo may seem vast, but personally it seems like it will be hard to consolidate. In contrast, white has three corners and potentialy for all four, also the left side is a very developable area for white.]))
(;B[qf]
;W[rp]
;B[qo]
;W[jd]))))
(;W[hp]
;B[ho]
;W[iq]
;B[jp]
;W[jq]
;B[kp]
;W[lq]
;B[mo]
;W[mq]
;B[op]LB[go:A][cq:10][dr:9]TR[ho][hp]C[Here it is clear that Black 9 scored no point for B and helps white. Also, now white's play at A is larger territorially than normal (see complete line for explanation).]
;W[go]
;B[gn]
;W[gp]
;B[fn]
;W[fp]C[Normally, this would be small because black could still invade the corner at 3-3, but he made a poor forcing move so now the whole lower side would become white territory which is big.]))
(;B[kq]LB[hq:6]C[Although this creates early hostilities that can complicate the game, one can see that this fight favors black and that white 6 was perhaps a mistake.])
(;B[ip]
;W[hp]
;B[ho]
;W[iq]
;B[jp]
;W[jq]
;B[kp]
;W[lq]
;B[mo]
;W[mq]
;B[op]
;W[pe]
;B[ph]C[Although black hasn't made territory yet, his wall is more useful that white's small lower side territory.])
(;B[cq]C[Much later, black may take the corner profit when the outside battle has settled or become unimportant. This variation is just to show how the invasion works.]
;W[dq]
;B[dr]LB[cp:B][er:A]C[A is usual, B is not as good (but possible depending on whole board).]
(;W[er]
;B[cr]
;W[eq]
;B[bo]
;W[bn]
;B[co]
;W[cn]
;B[cp]
;W[do]C[Black can live in sente. Although this invasion must be well timed.])
(;W[cp]
;B[br]
;W[bq]
;B[cr]C[Letting black connect under like this is sometimes possible, but generally slack because black takes territory and is not enclosed. But whole board cicumstances sometimes make this also playable for W.])))
(;W[cn]LB[kq:A][dr:B]C[From here black can set up mini chinese or slide at D2.]
(;B[kq]
;W[pe])
(;B[dr]LB[op:D][cq:C][gq:A][hq:B]C[A for territory or
B for influence.
C is normal but doesn't take the whole board into account (white's stones are all on one side.
D is also good and possible but can lead to early complications.]
(;W[gq]
;B[gp]
;W[hq]
;B[hp]
;W[fr]
;B[eq]
;W[jq]
;B[ip]
;W[kq]
;B[cq]
;W[ck]
;B[oq]
;W[pe])
(;W[hq]
;B[cq]
;W[eq]
;B[er]
;W[fp]
;B[gp]
;W[gq]
;B[fr]
;W[fo]
;B[oq]
;W[pe])
(;W[cq]
;B[iq]
;W[qe]
;B[ph]C[Still one possible game, but i prefer black because the exchange in the lower left helps black develop better globally.])
(;W[op]))))

Go Sanctuary

When one starts to really study go, it is natural to want a very nice set. In my opinion, go is so much about aesthetic and 'feel' that playing on a nice set gives one greater pleasure and even increased concentration. After getting my board back from Japan, I decided to dedicate an area of my home to my go studies.

The board had made it from Japan, but I was missing cushions, a mat, and a nice set of stones for this new board. Finding a mat was simple enough and I bought a rice mat on sale through an online retailer. The stones and the pillows, however, were pricey. Nice stones run hundreds of dollars and zabutons (floor cushions -- lit. sitting futons) are often $50 - $100. It seemed as though my ideal area would have to wait for an influx of cash.

But with a stroke of luck both problems would be solved with in a week. I attended a tournament in Columbus, OH and there was a vendor there who had some beautiful stones for sale that were size 40 (11.8 mm thick). This thickness of stones is the largest size often used in the nicest floor board sets only. He offered me the stones in exchange for lessons! I am so grateful for this.

Lastly, I had been trying to figure out what to do with my large couch 'euro sham' pillows whose cases worn and one coffee stained. Two new black pillow cases made them look great and they are ideal size and firmness for zabutons.

Here are a few pictures of my completed go sanctuary with my beloved Arthur cat.

Go in Japan

In January I had the opportunity to stay with some of my friends in Japan and do a number of things, but I made sure not to miss out on playing igo in Japan.

When I visited Japan I was a KGS 1d, but for a number of reasons ranking are quite inflated compared to KGS or the AGA. I played in a local club as a 3d and went 4-2. After playing a few games it was determined that I was about 5d in Japan!

Here is a photo of the local club in Kani-shi, Gifu-ken.

The club was 1,000 yen (~$14) for whole day or 500 yen if you came for only the latter part of the day. There were two workers, a lady who took the fee,made tea (matcha) and passed out candy, and a man (far left of photo above) who made parings, kept track of results, and rankings.

There were about 15 players there and all players were dan level-- here is some insight to how rankings in Japan get inflated as no one wants to state they are kyu even if they are.

I was also fortunate to visit an artisan igo and shogi board maker's shop while in Japan. This shop I was in Nagoya, Aichi. It also seemed to be the home of the owners. When I first arrived at the shop, I was with my friends who in Japan now--who speak much better Japanese than I do. Unfortunately, it was the type of shop that was 'by appointment' and although the doors were open, the two were upstairs having lunch.

I made an appointment to return in an hour, and my friends had to head by train back to Kani for work. It was quite an adventure going back and speaking very very broken Japanese with the owner and his wife. They were so kind and made tea and pastries as he showed me beautiful kaya wood boards, shell & slate stones, and photos of his father and him cutting some of these trees.

These sets were reasonably priced for the premium quality that they were, but still were too high for my budget. Most of the boards were around 500,000 yen ($6,000) with some being even more expensive. He also offered me a 25% discount on stones, but even a thinner set of slate and shell stones was a couple hundred dollars.

Although I left empty handed, it was one of my favorite excursions in Japan. The traditional craft, hospitality, and pure kindness was touching. Also, I enjoyed the nerve-wracking experience of trying to use what Japanese I knew and my electronic dictionary to try and communicate; I even was proud to what degree I was able to communicate. Here are a few photos of his shop, workshop, and his merchandise.

Even though I did not get to take one his boards home, I did not come back home empty handed. "Recycle Shops" in Japan are very popular, and have incredible items in great condition. Finding a go board in these shops was much easier that I had imagined. Each recycle shop had quite a few boards and sets of stones, but many of them were very worn. After going to about seven or eight shops over the course of a couple days, I found a great board for 3,000 yen (~$40) ! At another store I found some beautiful bowls to complete my set for another 1,000 yen. I imagine that a used set like this would go for hundreds of dollars in the US based on some recent eBay searches.

So lastly, I leave you with a few pictures of my purchase.

Breaking Ground

This is the first post for my new blog about the beautiful game of Go. I will cover some large professional tournaments, my latest thoughts, reviews of mine, games of mine, and from time to time a significant historical game with some of my commentary.

I began playing go in October of 2008 and as of March 2011, I am a 2d (KGS) and have studied with Yilun Yang, 7p and Alexander Dinerchtein 3p.