Go Reviews

Attack and Defense
Kiseido Elementary Go Series, Volume 5
By Akira Ishida and James Davies
Reviewed by Tom Obenchain 10k

      For me, reading Akira Ishida's "Attack and Defense" was the beginning of being able to discern indirect ways of playing in situations in the middle game where before I had seen only somewhat clumsy straight-forward moves. The authors begin with a discussion on the difference between territory and power and then turn to chapters on attacking, presenting both general concepts as well as specific attacking moves. Next come chapters on defense, forcing moves, inducing moves, reduction and invasion, and specific information on invading three-space extensions and on fighting ko. There is also a chapter of problems. I have read the book twice, once at about 22k and again at 15k. With each reading, I feel I ran across concepts to mull over as well as practical moves to use in my next game. I look forward to yet another reading in the near future.

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