Life In 19x19

This is Gokyo Shumyo, Problem 82 of Section 3 (Ko section), courtesy of Sensei's library.



The answers that can be found online all mention the variation starting with a (at second move). But I was unable to find any resistance, not even ko, to the line starting with b. I provided what I see as the two main lines.

I have probably a serious blind spot as I have been reading these lines again and again for a good two hours now. I'd appreciate your help.

Try connecting it after Black blocks at F19

Maybe is the key. See main line.

Bill Spight wrote:Maybe is the key. See main line.

"My opponent's key point is my key point"

Bill Spight wrote:Maybe is the key. See main line.

I knew I would feel silly the day after, and indeed I do. I repeatedly missed d18 for some reason. Thank you very much.

Jhyn wrote:

Bill Spight wrote:Maybe is the key. See main line.

I repeatedly missed d18 for some reason. Thank you very much.

You're welcome.

That shape for making life comes up surprisingly often in tight spots.

Bill Spight wrote:That shape for making life comes up surprisingly often in tight spots.

I couldn't solve this problem, but I did see this shape in my most recent game. Well, I didn't see it - I could have made life but the group died instead. A dan level player pointed it out to me in the review after.