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2007-11-19

Problem diagram.
Black's response to White's marked play?

(An amazing pro level example of dynamic positional balance that kyu level players can marvel at, but would find almost impossible to grasp.)

Source:
Go World #38, Winter 1984-85, pp. 29-30
29th Honinbo, Awaji Shuzo vs. Rin Kaiho

Solution follows (or click here to download SGF)

Taking profit.
If Black 1, Rin (White) intended to give up the corner. Through 5. Black takes huge corner profit, but in compensation, White keeps sente, has the aji at A, and can later aim at squeezing Black's marked stones.

How many kyu level players do you think would take White here?!

Hint: none!!

Game line.
Awaji (Black) answers submissively with 1. Through 11, White's group lives, and Black lives small.

Compare the drastic differences with the previous diagram. Yet White cannot be said to be ahead in this diagram! Go figure.

Black variation.
Fighting spirit might demand something like a Black play at 1. If White answers in the corner with 2, Both sides live up to 13, and White has sente. But the result is still reasonable for Black!