I lost this game because I let my opponent build too much in the center.

I was trying to get territory on the side here and there, thinking that if my opponent only has one big chunk of territory, it would be difficult to win. As it turns out, I am giving away too much center, and my side territory is also not a lot.



Some thoughts:

I've checked out josekipiedia and noticed that I should hane for instead of extend.I was afraid of the cut point of P17, and the existence of the black stone at K16 also make hane less desirable.

I play to try to make use of the R14 stone in some way, but this exchange has led black to further build up its center....

I am not sure where to play at that point. And for I probably should hane at G16 instead of entering 33.

is another point where I am not sure where to play.

maybe I should play at N3 instead.


Btw... this is the type of game where I know I got myself into an unfavorable position, but I was never sure exactly what went wrong. Any suggestion to help me to understand all my mistakes would be great. Thanks!

Black was clearly playing for influence. To counter this, should have been played at K16, not at C14. should be at R10. should be at N11 to begin reducing Black's moyo, but given the strength of Black's group on the central right side at this point in the game, playing this move at N11 would be something of a gamble.

Black was distributing his stones widely. White should do the same and fight only when there are enough friendly forces in an area.

When playing against someone that plays influence-oriented game, disregard the need to make territory right away. Otherwise, you have an amashi strategy and this can be difficult to execute if you do not know how to make trade-offs to allow you to stay just a couple points behind your opponent throughout the course of the game. Best thing to do is deal with the moyo first, then take territory either directly or through middle-game fighting. Do not let the opponent get a big moyo, which will them be difficult to reduce. Play 2 or 3 points away from enemy stones to prevent the moyo from being consolidated. As well, those that like an influence-oriented game tend to be good at fighting, so fighting skills are needed to deal effectively with such playing styles. This means polishing your skills at life & death, tesuji, and middle-game fighting.

Two pros that are known for playing for influence are Takemiya Masaki and (if I am not wrong) Hon'inbo Shuei. Study their games! For DDKs, though, it's better to learn from pro that tend toward a thickness-based playing style. Two players that do so are Hon'inbo Shusaku and Chen Yaoye. Thickness-based styles are easier to apply and master.

White's opening was a bit weak compared to Black's. I would recommend that the player holding White replay and study a few games by Gu Li, 9-dan pro. Gu Li is known for playing fuseki very well.

At 54, there is no ladder, so run into the center.

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Occupy Babel!

My impression is that the game was lost at the endgame stage. Black pushed you around and you submitted rather meekly. I estimate that you lost at least 25 points in the endgame stage. Instead of letting black push you around, you should be pushing and probing at his SINGLE territory, which he has to defend. You can keep sente pretty much right thru to the end. Move 86 was where the meekness started. Rather, start with L17, Q8, D6, etc etc. Then, come back and play B17.

I'm not convinced this is true. You can't solely focus on your own territory, but you can absolutely give your opponent a moyo. What you have to do is always carefully evaluate what you're giving them, and look ahead. The danger is that you focus on your own territory to the extent that you let their moyo develop to the point where you can no longer effectively reduce/invade it.

But to keep your opponent from ever having a moyo? That seems impossible, or at least a recipe for playing a one sided game.

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Occupy Babel!