This game seems to be a prime example of a pattern I've fallen into lately. Notice all the walls I've built...
Anyone have tips for breaking out of this strange obsession?

Hi there. I think for us (low DDK) we should play more... dont just resign at the beginning... specially because for us, its really hard to get a hold of the points in the board. Playing a lot of games help us to get the feeling of the game.

If you like to fight, good, fight. Do you like tsumego? It will make your fighting skill stronger. For example, I was going through you game and this situation showed up.

Main focus: Make the game difficult for your opponent. Attack!

Your main problem is not making walls, it is playing too timidly.

I don't know that you would want to break this alleged obsession. Walls are good things to have.

Rather, I would recommend that you add to your arsenal. Walls are best used like anvils; they provide a surface against which you can crush your opponent. You are building anvils, now you just need better hammers.

As an example, at move 84, you played L4. But you have him pinned aginst your wall, so you can be more aggressive with the hane at L3.

EDIT: I see that Bill is saying much the same thing, but in more detail. Note move 84 in his diagram.

Playing thickly is the safest way to play for a beginner. For some tips on using thickness to attack, here's a brief tutorial by Yao Yun 5d of Gogameworld.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqYNNjuhrTk

Also, you may want to consider replaying pro games. If you've watched the anime series Hikaru no Go, you may have heard of Shusaku Honinbo. I would highly recommend replaying his games, even at 17k. Through replaying them (preferably without commentary, since you will need to gain some experience playing Go before being able to appreciate it; comments are easier to understand when there is some background information to help us put it into context), you will absorb good playing habits that you can apply in your games. As well, your son might enjoy replaying Shusaku games.

You can also replay games by more modern players, if you prefer that. Lee Changho, Shao Zhenzhong, Yamada Kimio, and Sekiyama Riichi are some players that usually play a thickness-based style.

In practice you can replay game records by the player of your choice. The important thing is to play and practice regularly.

Main focus: Make the game difficult for your opponent. Attack!

I try to place stones that I can use to work off of but I hadn't considered using walls in this way. It seems pretty obvious now that it's been said. Thanks!

Okay, I guess I’ve gotta brace myself then …

Greetz, Tom