Problem diagram.
White plays.

Source:
Qi Jing Zhong Miao #341 , an ancient collection of mostly kyu level life and death problems.

Analysis:
   Myron Souris

Solution follows    (or click here to download SGF)

Correct.
To see many more variations, play through the SGF. White 1 is a beautifully subtle tesuji that gives White an extra move in all the ensuing freedom races. After Black 2, White 3 is the only move! If Black 4, White 5 exposes Black's shortage of liberties.

Failure.
White 1 doesn't work. Maybe White was hoping for Black to make a mistake by playing 2? One sequence through 7 shows that White can now connect. But see the next diagram.

Black refutation.
But Black can do better by taking the vital point with 2. Now, as the diagram sequence shows, White is the one who has the shortage of liberties.

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