Hello again,

BLUF, I have no idea how I won this game. The white responses to my approaches were very annoying and I felt I had to play very aggressively, which I think I did alright. Specifically, I want to know how I could have dealt with the bumps better, but as always any comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi Cynosure,

D5 attach (standard sequences exist.)

cross cut probably bad here.

you get a bad shape for yourself here, Black.

can you find a better local move ?

Q14/R14.

, not good.

Thanks EdLee. I can't seem to find the standard sequence at D5 you were talking about, and I can't really find a better local move. Could you please explain a little bit more?

Hi Cynosure, here's one sequence (there are others):

Click Here To Show Diagram Code

[go]$$B
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . 4 3 . . . . . . .
$$ | . . 2 1 . . . . . . .
$$ | . 7 5 O 9 X . . . , .
$$ | . 8 6 0 O X . . O . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ -----------------------[/go]

Click Here To Show Diagram Code

[go]$$Bm11 Cont'd
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . 1 a . . . . . . .
$$ | . 3 O X . . . . . . .
$$ | . 2 O X . . . . . . .
$$ | 4 B B O X X . . . , .
$$ | . O O O O X . . W . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ -----------------------[/go]

Then, B can fix the cut (a).
Here, W gets but W is boxed in the corner.
( But W has other options. )

Compare: if W jumps out instead with :

Click Here To Show Diagram Code

[go]$$W
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . 1 . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . O . X . . . , .
$$ | . . . . O X . . . 2 .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ | . . . . . . . . . . .
$$ -----------------------[/go]

Thank you very much!

should be at c6. Actual play only strengthens Black. In an influence-oriented game, one should avoid getting into fights too early.

should be at m3; after Black's outward influence is strong.

More comments in a bit. I got to head to the store and buy some things

In terms of dealing with these bumps / kicks / diagonal attachments you might want to take a look at sensei's library pages starting here. Your play seems like these kicks left you very anxious about perceived territory. That sense of anxiety comes up again at the move that sticks out most to me in this game: B49 at S2. It's not urgent for either player. It isn't even sente. White fought you over it when he didn't have to and fought you incorrectly. You both seemed hyper-focused on the pittance of points white might've been able to make on that side - in gote. The left side is WAY bigger.

B49 is a gift to white. With correct play he can milk forcing that weak group to live, then play away onto the left side with sente when it is most advantageous. Black gains nothing from these exchanges and will have a very difficult game. B49 didn't become a potentially game-losing move because your opponent incorrectly chose to follow you and then chose the wrong way to fight (trying to kill / take territory).

This seems to be a recurring pattern with the games you've put up for review - perceiving your opponent's territory as bigger and more secure that it really is has lead you to play invasions that are timed incorrectly and have the wrong aims.

So here's a pair of questions for you:

1.) Roughly, what parts of the board can be counted as solid territory for black and white after B48? (Especially those corners where he kicked your approach stones) It'll help to compare your understanding of the board position with some of the dan players here. It may help ease your sense of anxiety over what white was doing kicking your approach stones.

2.) What strategic aim did you feel that B49 advanced?

Hope this helps!
- Marty Lund