Bill Spight wrote:
Whether the ko can be retaken after pass (in normal play) is not completely clear but may be guessed as passing for a ko (then retake it) is also the basis in hypothetical play.
The Japanese rule are clear. The rules only allow for a stone to be played after another stone. There is no rule allowing for a stone to be played after a pass unless the game has resumed or unless confirming life and death status of a ko.
Bill Spight wrote:
This is not a defintion of resumption and thus the rule seems to me really unclear on that point (I mean retaking a ko immediatly after pass moves), even if I undersatng your guessing.
A ko may only be retaken after a pass in life and death confirmation. While the rules allow for a move to be played after a pass when resuming, they do not allow for retaking a ko that was the last move played (passes are not part of the consideration).
Bill Spight wrote:
What is really the purpose of the resumption? Is it only for resolving some disagreements between the two players on the status of some group of stones, or could it be really a strategic mean to retake a ko by using a pass as a ko threat?
A ko may not be retaken. The only purpose is to resolve disagreements.
Bill Spight wrote:
Hypothetical play is one way of reaching agreement about their status.
Hypothetical play is one way, but it is not the way of the Japanese Rules. The Japanese Rules confirm life and death by the definition of life and death given in the rules, which may be explained in a manner similar to "hypothetical play" but it is certainly very different from play.
Bill Spight wrote:
But it is possible that the life or death of stones depends upon who plays first, and that is why the players do not agree. That is why the player who requests resumption must allow his opponent to play first. Neither player is allowed to benefit from the discussion about hypothetical play. In theory, both players could lose.
Right, the Japanese rules specifically state that both players lose.