One month since I started learning, I'd love your input!

[dracflamloc]

I just played this game last night. Its been one month and a couple days since I started playing. I made some clear mistakes that I probably wouldn't have made on a real board. Sadly the game didn't finish properly since we went into ultra-blitz mode after move 220 since it was getting so late and we both had to leave, but I'd appreciate some critique on the game in general and perhaps some insight on where to move had the game continued.

[edit] game below

[skydyr]

It's easier to look at the game record if you paste the SGF like this:



Specific instructions on how to do this can be found here:
http://lifein19x19.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=833

[dracflamloc]

Cool, thanks!

[cyclops]

After 1 month you cannot expect to beat a 10 kyu at zero handicap. Have a look at how he lays claims to the bigger parts of the board without bothering about details. Until 10 kyu that should be your road to progress.

[dracflamloc]

I didn't expect to win. Just looking for some isolated pointers. Thanks.

Q17 at move 201 would have been a good one for me to see.

[moyoaji]

For every player just starting to learn go the key thing is to look for patterns in the stones. The two most important fundamentals are:

1. Pay attention to when stones can be captured. , for example, is able to be captured in a ladder after the ataris at and . can also be captured by ladder or net after you fix your cutting points at . White could have immediately captured your K11 cutting stones by playing at J11 or your M9 group by playing J8. For you, playing K7 at would capture the three white stones to let you connect back.

2. Pay attention to the connections between stones. In general, try to keep your own stones connected and your opponent's stones disconnected. If you played S11 for all of your stones on that side would be connected with a stronger base than what you got in the game. Your only helps the stone on the bottom, keeping your stones connected helps both groups simultaneously. And, since your stones would be stronger, you can fight back against white's attempted connection with no fear of your group being captured. When you are strong, your opponent is relatively weak and vice versa.

[EdLee]

Hi drac, Welcome.

[dracflamloc]

Thanks guys