Well that is interesting. White is inviting a cross-corner game. And with this 3x5 in this direction, there is an emphasis (for white) on the bottom. If I take the invitation, what is the best play in the lower left? Tempted to take the cross-corner, I am deciding between a and b
Both a and b are low on the bottom side, where white is high, which is in line with Go theory, I think. b threatens a shimari that aims towards the left side, but a threatens one that makes the bottom area (marked as *) ideal for both sides as extensions. White won't choose a shimari before an open corner is complete, but if I play b, then I think I'm compelling white to play the empty corner, giving me the most choices: "finishing" a corner in the upper right or the lower left or making an approach on one of white's corner stones.
Aiming a shimari towards the left side, 'b', to me looks uninteresting and not liable to make as interesting a puzzle. But I'm probably being over-zealous with my analysis of move 3.
Dumb question: I can read white's thoughts *after* I make my move?
A cross fuseki with my stones not on the star points. Not something I particularly like, but heck, that's why I played it. I'm hoping that by playing high, I'll manage to get some influence; I think the worst thing that could happen is that my opponent makes a moyo, which I'd probably not be able to invade.
I'd prefer to have the initiative in this game, but being white, I somehow doubt that'll happen anytime soon. I could approach one of the corners, but I don't like this:
I suspect that my opponent will be able to get some profit out of that corner, anyway, and the left looks too black to me. No, given the chance to play cross fuseki, I should play cross fuseki. A 3-4 will provide some nice possibilities for pincers, and I want to practice those. The two 3-4s available look equal to me.
Well, I'll put my plan to action. As white, I wouldn't want to make the shimari, since black could take the extension both sides want. But white would be a bit awkward state if he tries to take the extension before the enclosure.
Unexpected. I thought black would attack -- I suppose the shimari is well-placed, though. Now, I can either enclose my right, or I can attack -- and I think that attacking is the better option. As I said last time, I want sente, and, well, here I have it. Now I just need to not lose it.
By the way, I am going to challenge myself to post the move I expect together with each move of my own. Observers, feel free to complain if I ever forget.
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dabird wrote:
As white, I wouldn't want to make the shimari, since black could take the extension both sides want. But white would be a bit awkward state if he tries to take the extension before the enclosure.
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Hidden until after the opening.
Sevis wrote:
I thought black would attack <*snip*> ...or I can attack -- and I think that attacking is the better option.
(For beginners.) Common misunderstanding at this level. There are no weak groups anywhere on the board, so there is nothing to attack. Approach, yes; attack, no -- two completely different things.
But I'll approach the one that I think I can benefit most from. If white pincers my 3 stone, I will counter pincer, since that gives me a multipurpose move. The pincered 3 stone should be able to handle itself.
On the other hand, if white extends along the top, I can use 3 to build my shimari, 'a', or 'b' if slowing white along the top is warranted (say if 7 is a extension along the top, like 'c').
Thanks for these regular pointers, I really appreciate both the tips and the highlights. As a matter of fact I especially seek out the not-yet-dan-or-almost Malkovich games because for example in Kirby's and magicwand's games after a while I'm not able to follow the more complicated strategic lines of thought .
Somehow I had decided that white would not make such a close pinch, if he decided to pinch. Given that I have a shimari on the left, regardless of what white does with , will be to my advantage.
My plan is to choose a joseki that settles . If in sente, I will make a check/extension, (b-d, depending on white's position). There are many variations in Ishida after , but I'm confident that they will come out in my favour, given my position in the lower left (Dia 2).
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