Was Go Seigen (1914-2014) territory player or for influence?

[LinuxGooo]

These days this question came up in my mind, releated with...
the famous Sixteen Soldiers Game: Go Seigen (1914-2014) vs. Kosugi Tei (1898-1976)

This game was played on 1933-10-10 in the Oteai, between Kosugi Tei (4PD/black) and Go Seigen (5PD/white). White won by resignation.


left: kifu (SGF) of the game | right: mathematical analysis of influence till move 60

How to learn GO ? – Actually we beginners (I belong to) mainly are focussing on Go techniques, e.g. shapes, playing thickness, avoiding overconcentration, learning sequences of moves (tesujis, josekis, fusekis) to get sente and avoid gote etc. …

For becoming a successfully player “reading” (Yomi) and “counting” (for estimating the score and calculating the local count) are essentially skills.

Most players of 21st century in tendency can be seen as followers of the concept of territory; very few prefer the complexe and risky style with playing for influence (e.g. using SanRenSei fuseki and Cosmic style).

Check out the video here plus SGF with an analysis of influence this legendary game was played more than 81 years ago.

[Jingliu]

IMO he was a revolutionary pioneer who tried many ideas/styles to explore the potential of Go as much as possible, so it's pretty hard to categorise him into a specific style.

For beginners I think style is not urgent, as vast majority of beginners' game is decided by several close skirmishes, if you can't fend off opponents' onslaught, you'll lose no matter how stylish your fuseki is. So better to hold a balanced stance with no prejudice on territory or influence, just choose the most natural solution according to circumstances on board, and put effort in improving reading depth and fighting techniques.