Slow start?

Ian Butler · #1

Another interesting game I played. I won the game by resignation, I think mostly because my opponent used his time up faster than me and was in Byo-yomi quicker. When he was through his 10 minutes, I still had 5 minutes on the clock left.

That said, I have a feeling I was behind most of the time. I think what saved me was that I profited of my opponent's mistakes as soon as he his Byo-Yomi.
I don't need an in-depth review (though always welcome, of course!), but could someone with good direction-skills look through the game quickly and tell me if my feeling is right? Is white, in fact, mostly behind in the game, until the catch at the top right?

Despite that, I'm happy with my game as white. I usually prefer being black and I'm very happy that I kept pressuring my opponent, since one of my "weaknesses" is that I play too defensively at times.

Thanks, much appreciated for any help!

Joaz Banbeck · #2

Yes, you did seem a bit behind through at least move 100. I'll limit my comments to - mostly - the really slow/small moves.

32: What does this do?
Is N6 worth saving? It is not a valuable stone. It was a nice shape-wrecking move, but it has done its job.
Are you trying to kill? It is too late for that. Black can play O3 and/or R2 to make easy life.

38: You are going for a small corner when there are bigger plays. Try R13 if you want territory.
( And, when the board cools down and grabbing the corner is the biggest play, Q2 or R2 is the way to do it. )

86/88/90: What does this accomplish? You are open on both sides.
There are big moves like D12.

98: This is about a three point gote move. If you leave it open, he can push in, but you block with O8.
Again, D12 is big, as are S16 and M12

100: This is good, using your wall, but you can be a bit more ambitious here. Try D12.

104: Again, too small compared to D12.

162: This is not small, but it looks small in comparison to the double sente at O18.
If you get there first, you are threatening to kill his corner. After he defends, then you can come back and play E18.

Ian Butler · #3

Joaz Banbeck wrote:

Yes, you did seem a bit behind through at least move 100. I'll limit my comments to - mostly - the really slow/small moves.

32: What does this do?
Is N6 worth saving? It is not a valuable stone. It was a nice shape-wrecking move, but it has done its job.
Are you trying to kill? It is too late for that. Black can play O3 and/or R2 to make easy life.

100: This is good, using your wall, but you can be a bit more ambitious here. Try D12.

Wow thanks for your quick reply!

32 was more about building/strengthening that wall. If black pushes there, my wall is much weaker. Or is it not such a big difference?

100: can I really play D12? What if black plays E12 next? Or even something like C11 or C12? My white stone seems so far away from that wall and that C6 stone might still be used in some way.

I 100% agree and see the rest of your suggestions/criticism. Thanks once again!

Bill Spight · #4

Quick comment:

:w24:

should extend on the fourth line, to L-04.
:b25:

should atari at L-04.

Bill Spight · #5

Joaz Banbeck wrote:

32: What does this do?
Is N6 worth saving? It is not a valuable stone. It was a nice shape-wrecking move, but it has done its job.
Are you trying to kill? It is too late for that. Black can play O3 and/or R2 to make easy life.

Ian Butler wrote:

Wow thanks for your quick reply!

32 was more about building/strengthening that wall. If black pushes there, my wall is much weaker. Or is it not such a big difference?

Try to avoid moves that do only one thing, especially in the opening. Besides, both the Black group and the White group in the bottom right corner are strong.

Slow start?

Who is online