Life In 19x19

I played Black in this game, but it was a friendly and the other guy wanted his side analyzed as well. I will link him/her to this thread. I already know move 25 should be E2

16: Normally bad if white does not have a pincer already. It makes black strong without actually protecting the corner properly.

19: Black is strong on the bottom, and can aim at C3 later. This way to play is normally only good for white if he has a pincer, so that black does not have time to play C3.

22: A second line move in the opening, and it doesn't even really threaten anything. Too small!

24: E2 lets black live in the corner but forces black to hurt the outside. It is often the more active way to play (especially when you think it isn't!), and thus better, though I'm not sure about this particular shape.

25: Should be E2

31: Not a valuable move. It makes bad shape, gains 0 points, and asks white to become strong. Perhaps something like O18 is better to protect black's territory whilst hurting white a bit.

39: This move protects 3 points. Far too smnall. Aim at B12 to punish white's low move some more, but more urgently attack F13. Jumping at D11 seems like the right sort of plan. Perhaps E11, which leaves more side aji, is better.

Hi,
I've noticed you've posted quite a few games for analysis in this forum. That's a good thing, because analyzing your own games is one of the best ways to get stronger. However, I've noticed that you mostly post the game as is, and just ask where you made mistakes. This way of working has two distinct disadvantages:
- Analyzing your own games means just that: you learn the most be doing it yourself. Therefore it might be a good idea to look through the game yourself, identify some of the problematic parts in the game, and ask yourself how these situations came to be. Did you make a mistake during the opening, did you let your stones get cut? Did you perhaps no know how to handle a certain move from your opponent? Identify the problems, then try and solve them yourself. Also, show what you have found by adding variations, and markings in the sgf file.
- This brings us to the second part: if you provide a framework and direction for the analysis, players can more easily help you. More importantly, they will be more inclined to do so, because you have shown you're willing to put in the work yourself.

I hope I haven't offended you by saying this, I just thought it might be helpful.

Now, on to the game: (I'm only slightly stronger than you are, so you might want to seek a stronger player's advice on some parts).



I would like to echo the advice other players have already given you, and that is to do an extensive study of the Graded Go Problems for Beginners books, or perhaps James Davies' Tesuji. These will help improve your technique and efficiency in the middlegame, which will mean the difference between a close defeat and a (big) win.

I hope this helps you.

Cheers,
hushfield

Hushfield's review was right on the money, covering the main strategic issues in the opening. I have a few comments on the middle game tactical fighting.

W move 46 looks like an ant attacking an elephant. B should just reply C13 to stay connected. If B later captures the B13 stone, that will more than compensate for any territory reduction above. Plus, the elephant may later get a chance to squash the ant (after it becomes large enough to merit attention).

W move 50 is very bad. Even if B simply blocks, W has no follow-up cut, and the loss of a liberty here would be very painful. Do not push unless you intend to cut.

B move 65 is good, pressing W low to gain strength towards the center. An invasion on the left side by B seems unlikely, so forcing W to take small territory here is fine.

B move 75 looks like a tesuji, but if W simply blocks at G11, there is no cut (W has a geta). However, after move 79, W is captured. B moves 81 and 87 were too timid, missing opportunities to surround and kill. In positions like this, taking time to read out the situation is worth the investment in effort.

B move 101 is needlessly risky. Connect and live for an easy win.

W move 108 should be the tesuji K2. This captures the two B cutting stones. (Do you see the tesuji continuation if B hanes at L2?)

B move 111 is very bad shape -- empty triangle and liberty shortage. M3 is good shape but might still die. Who captures first if B hanes L2? Best strategy is to read everything out here, then if there is no way for B to live directly, switch to P3 or Q3 and see if the corner aji helps.

B move 139 must block at Q13. This move is required shape, whether it works or not, no reading necessary. If W cuts and captures a few stones, so be it.