Brief game for a rusty player :]

SHADENINJA · #1

Hey guys I haven't played in a few months and I played this game recently so I wanted a review. It was an even game with 0.5 komi. I played black and my opponent was a 5 kyu. I ended up having to leave the game due to a prior engagement so i resigned, although at the time of the resignation I don't think I was far behind.

Help me get back into the swing of things :p

All comments appreciated

sekoj · #2

A few brief comments on the first 20 odd moves, must go eat!

SHADENINJA · #3

when you say "Odd" does that mean "bad"? Because I use these tactics often and see them from others often as well. Have I interpreted the need for these moves incorrectly? Are there moves that are much better?

topazg · #4

B11 is a bit odd when D10 is at D10 (not D11) as it doesn't do so much against White - you don't have a really severe local followup such as, potentially, D10 yourself (D9 obviously doesn't really work from B11 locally). Also, you leave White the ability to play B10 himself, which could be awkward as it totally blocks Black's progress along the edge - if it's actually underneath the White stone White cannot block it so easily.

sekoj's variation for that move looks very good to me, and makes a lot of sense with regards to direction. At the end of his variation, Black playing H16 is very severe, and if wH16 Black can jump one further, or secure the lower left with a 3-3, or play F8 and continue chasing the other White group.

SHADENINJA · #5

The D8 variation is itneresting, I just have never used it before. My move at B10 was based on a fear of having no base and not wanting to over extend with a white stone so close, but having said that he did press me very low with relative ease so D8 does look better in that sense, especially since it seems to influence a larger moyo.

Thank you both

Joaz Banbeck · #6

17: Ok, maybe you need eye space for your group. If you feel that you must get it now, you can slide down the side to get some, or you could slide toward the corner. Corners are more important than sides. B16 is better for eye space.
Perhaps you wish to attack the lone stone at D10. Its natural extension is southward, around C7 or D7 ( there is not enough room for it to efficiently extend north ). So if he wants that extension, you take it away from him first. To attack you play C7 or C8.

25: This is aji keshi. Until you played this, you probably had an invasion at C3 ( it depends upon what happens around H17/J17 ) Now, he has a solid 10-15 point corner. You got a paltry 2 or 3 points. The exchange of 25 and 26 was not good for you.
Are you worried about life for this group? Strike out boldy into the center with G14!

27: This is timid. At least, if you must play underneath, play C9. But playing underneath may be premature for a group that has room to run. F10 would be a proper starting point to kill his stones. Remember, first surround, then go for eyes. ( Think Blade Runner )

29: This is better. A bit mis-directed, but better. It does start to surround him - which is good - but it does so from the wrong direction.
As the proverb says, when attacking, push him toward your strength. You are stronger in the lower part of the board than you are up top. F10 pushes from the right direction.

Joaz Banbeck · #7

PS: Welcome to L19.

Phelan · #8