So for a while now, I've been improving. Most of this has been because I've been looking more after my group health in the opening. I may be taking it too far, however. Yesterday, I realized that when my opponent pincers a stone of mine, I'm hesitant to run. Too often I just jump into the corner for safety. When is running worth the cash your opponent gets from pushing you?
When should white run here? Black will get several stones loosely aiming towards fourth-line territory on the right and often a stable group on the bottom, how can white best compensate? I know I can look at joseki for pincers, but they show how to continue, instead of when to jump in the first place. Also, when should white run after approaching a 4-4, versus the same question approaching a 3-4?
I just realized I was scared of a whole type of opening move, and that this is not okay. I want to start running when it's proper, but I want to only do it when it's a good idea. I've learned recently that white in a big handicap game often has to run, because taking the corner just gives black too much thickness to bear.
Thanks in advance for your help.
as divide-and-conquer, but often White does not immediately play a counter-pincer, but plays elsewhere. And sometimes Black attacks White here later. So you may think that White is running. That is the wrong way to think about it. If White were just running, this would not be joseki. Basically