Tsume Go Strategy

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2
© Copyright 2015 by Thomas Redecker
3
TSUME-GO STRATEGY
Learn to Recognize Vital Points in Go Problems
Thomas Redecker
Have you ever complained about Go problems that are much too difficult
for you to solve? And then lost courage?
Inoue Dōsetsu Inseki’s advice — written down over 300 years ago — is to
study shape. This book helps you do that and overcome your current
weakness in the beautiful field of tsume-go.
Study over 300 problems – based on 47 corner patterns – that are analysed
in great details. Absorb numerous hints that direct your gaze to previously
unrecognized vital shape points.
This book tries a novel approach in offering an important intermediate step

between the main problem diagrams and the respective solutions.
Alternative approaches as well as failures are presented as separate
problems to be solved individually.
4
Copyright Page
First edition.
© 2015, Thomas Redecker, Berlin. All rights reserved.
This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any
manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.
Email: igohatsuyoron120@gmail.com
5
Introduction
“The problems are too difficult!”
… reads a typical complaint which occasionally accompanied the solution

attempts of the participants in the problem corner of the bimonthly
German Go-Journal.
For most of the problems in question these comments were quite

astonishing for me. This was true especially for problems in which it
seemed to me that the correct sequence of moves was clearly guided by
“typical” elements of the problem’s structure, and shape.
Over a long period of time I thought about a suitable kind of presentation

that might help some problem solver to sharpen their view for these typical
shape elements. Lately, I was heavily motivated by what Inoue Dōsetsu
Inseki (who published the most difficult problem ever created – Igo
Hatsuyōron #120) wrote in his afterword to the original edition of his
classic book. He explicitly stressed the importance of studying “shape”,
and also mentioned that this study would become the more important the
stronger you are.
In this book, you will find a very detailed in-depth analysis of 47 (easier)
corner patterns from another classic problem selection, the Gengen Gokyō,
resulting in over 300 individual problems. An evaluation of the difficulty
of Gengen Gokyō’s problems is not easy; you will find quite different
estimates in the literature. It is often said that these problems might be
suitable for players who are at least in the upper single-digit Kyū range.
However, I am firmly convinced that even double-digit Kyū players will

gain a lot for their games by studying these problems from Gengen Gokyō,
especially the easier ones. A large number of the corner patterns that are
given in this book can also be found in any standard dictionary of “Life &
Death”, so these must be very important for weaker players too.
6
“Do not look at the solution!”
… regularly reads the most important advice given to those who want to
solve Go problems. In real games you are on your own as a Go player and
there is no one standing beside you to help with words and deeds.
If you have not found the solution within a reasonable period of time, let’s
say about three to five minutes, it is best to switch over to the next
problem. Perhaps you do not try so fiercely with the second or third
attempt and the correct sequence suddenly falls like scales from your eyes.
Then you can enjoy the fantastic feeling to have found the solution on your
own.
In Western countries you will not find any problem book without
solutions. As a rule there is no teacher available who could answer the
pupil’s question “Correct or not correct?” However, it needs a great
amount of self-control not to turn over to the page with the solution
diagrams too early.
Usually a very important condition is kept back in the advice given in the
headline. This additional part of the advice reads “… before you are very
sure that you have totally solved it.” This implies that only getting the first
move of the solution right, or the main path of the solution sequence, is by
far not enough. In your own games – did you ever experience that your
opponent did not answer your moves as “demanded” by the books, and
caught you by surprise?
Therefore this book tries to follow a middle course. Every problem points
to solution hints and not directly to the solution. These hints specify
crucial points and try to explain important structures, and shape points, of
the problem. If you tried to solve the problem beforehand, and still are not
completely sure about your own solution, in most cases you should be able
to realize whether your solution is likely to be correct or not by reading the
hints carefully.
Subsequently, you will not so often need the solution pages but only in a
7
few remaining cases, perhaps especially with difficult problems. You will
also find the view of your opponent or sequences which do not work
successfully. Most of these sub-variations are presented as separate
problems to make you find their refutations on your own.
And be seriously warned: There is nothing available like an “easy-to-

follow cooking recipe” that tells you to do this first, and to do that second.
This book can do nothing more than give you numerous hints; it is you
alone who will have to find your own individual path for solving Go
problems successfully.
The more difficult a problem is the more the solution is kept hidden below
the surface. This made the composition of clues for the problems in this
book (especially for the later ones) a little bit time consuming. Please take
into account that I am a strong Kyū player only when judging the accuracy
of the presentation. Several sub-variations cannot be found in other books,
and have been developed on my own. Therefore, if you find anything
better, or have a question, or a suggestion, please do not hesitate to report
via the following email address:
igohatsuyoron120@gmail.com
Many thanks go to Marcel Grünauer who painstakingly proofread this

book and worked very hard to polish my English. Paul Lalonde and Bill
Spight were kindly assisting me with very helpful suggestions on “Lessons
learned”.
It is my hope that reading this book first of all is fun, and that it also helps
to eliminate some of the blind spots which have blocked your way to
solving Go problems so far.
Berlin, December 2015

Thomas Redecker
8
Contents
Problem 001 Problem 002 Problem 003
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Problem 046 Problem 047
24
Appendix – An unimaginable shape point
Problem 048
25
Excursus
This collection of “Excursus” gives more detailed explanations on several
shape issues.
You might find these additional texts useful, but their study is not
mandatory for understanding the hints, or the course of the solutions.
Therefore, if the topics covered are well known to you, you might skip
these further explanations.
All the “Excursus” are collected at the end of the book, so it will be
possible to read these on their own.
26
Excursus – Linear shapes vs. bulky shapes
Excursus – Dead eye shapes
Excursus – A descent to the edge of the board
Excursus – The 1–2 points in the corner
Excursus – How to defend a cutting point
Excursus – Real eyes vs. false eyes
Excursus – Adding a second stone for sacrifice
Excursus – Capturing two stones on the edge
Excursus – Cutting points reduce your options for connecting out
Excursus – Bent four in the corner
Excursus – Bent five in the corner
Excursus – One eye beats no eye
Excursus – Mind the environment
Excursus – Cutting a keima (knight’s move)
Excursus – Strike at the waist of a keima
Excursus – The art of reducing third-line territory
Excursus – Capturing a four-stone pyramid shape on the edge
Excursus – Liberties in a bamboo joint
Excursus – Play hane on both sides for an additional liberty
27
Lessons learned
The conclusion of the book provides a collection of core messages
extracted from all the “Lessons learned” that can be found in this book.
Please be well aware that these hints are taken only from failure
variations. So it is still your task to find your own way of identifying the
correct lines of tsume-go problems.
28
1–2 point
Atari
Attack
Capture
Connecting
Dead eye shape
Defence
False eyes
Inside
Knight’s move
Ko
Liberties
Moves
Outside
Sacrifice
Semeai
Snake
Snapback
Two areas
Zigzag line
29
Legend: Important shape points and further points of
interest
This section introduces the symbols, and labels that are used in this book
to highlight various important shape points.
"●"
30
circle
The potential eye space of a group (here a white one) is marked with "●".
Usually, this space is understood as the maximum that could be achieved
(playing own moves for its fortification only).
“e”
31
e e
eyepoint
Sure eye points are marked with “e”.
“△” / “ ” / “ ”
32
deadeyeshape
Dead eye shapes are marked with “△”. These might be partially occupied
(“ ” / “ ”).
33
outsidestrong
Strong positions on the outside (preventing any escape from the corner),
are marked with “ ” / “ ”.
34
outsidedescent
Important descents that have been played on the outside, and which look
deep into the opponent’s position, are marked with “ ” / “ ”.
“●”
35
blackliberties
Liberties of black groups are marked with a black dot (●).
“○”
36
whiteliberties
Liberties of white groups are marked with a white dot (○).
“1” / “2” / “3” / “4” / “5”
37
4 5
2 3 5
libertycount
The liberty count of single stones, and entire groups of stones, is displayed
by using the respective number on all involved stones.
“12”
38
12
12
12point
The 1–2 points in the corner (either occupied, or unoccupied) are marked
with 12.
“✕” / “ ” / “ ”
39
falseeye
False eyes are marked with “✕”, the respective opponent’s stones engaged
are marked with “ ” / “ ”.
40
falseeyeline
Lines of potential false eyes are marked with “✕” / “ ” / “ ”.
41
diagonalconnection
Stones, and groups (at their ends) that are not yet securely connected are
marked with “ ” / “ ”.
These stones / groups may be diagonally adjacent to each other, or have a
hole in-between.
42
zigzagline
A potential zigzag line of stones that should be connected out is marked
with “✕” / “ ” / “ ”.
43
stonecapture
Stones that cannot escape capture, or stones that could become captured
easily, are marked with “ ” / “ ”.
“!!”
44
!! !!
!!
hole
The empty space (= hole) between a group, and the edge of the board, is
marked with !!.
“◇”
45
jump
Points on the edge of the board that will serve as potential candidates for a
jump from a friendly position ( here), are marked with “◇”.
“ko”
46
1 ko
kocapture
The empty point that is left after capturing a single opponent’s stone in a
ko shape (with Black 1 here), is marked with ko.
“n”
47
n n
neutralpoint
Neutral points in a seki are marked with “n”.
“?”
48
? ? ?
? ? ?
uncertainarea
An area where it might be uncertain whether an eye can be developed
there is marked with ?.
49
Variation trees
Some readers reported that they felt a bit lost in the complexity of some
problems with many variations, not really knowing where they were in the
context of the entire problem.
For this reason, I decided to add variation trees besides the problems that
are reduced to the most necessary information. The presentation style
chosen (due to some restrictions of the SmartGo Books format) may be
perceived as not ideal, but I am sure that these additional compilations are
better than nothing.
Please feel free to utilise these compilations as an aid for your navigation
through a dark, deep and twisty forest of leaves.
50
We use a very “condensed” version of the variation tree, showing its
branching points only. The following example shows the variation tree of
problem 001, including additional explanations of the variation levels.
1 start main line

`-> 1 var. for White 1 (I)
`-> 1 var. for White 1 (II)
`-> 1 var. for White 1 (III)
: `-> 3 sub-var. for White 3 (I)
: `-> 3 sub-var. for White 3 (II)
3 continuation main line
`-> 3 var. for White 3 (I)
`-> 3 var. for White 3 (II)
`-> 3 var. for White 3 (III)
6 continuation main line
`-> 6 var. for Black 6
Please note that we display “branching moves” of a superordinate level

only for the main line.
51
In the book, there will be no explanations of the variation levels.
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Legend:
Text in bold font refers to a problem (mainly failure diagrams).
Text in normal font refers to a variation.
○●○●○●○●○
Text in black font between the two lines of small “stones” (here: the
original problem) refers to the current problem.
●○●○●○●○●
All other lines can be tapped for direct access to the respective problem /
variation.
52
Glossary
Atari
atari
The state of a stone or a group ( ) which has only one liberty (○; and
could be captured by the next move). Very often used for the move itself
(here: Black 1) which takes the penultimate liberty.
53
Bamboo joint
bamboo joint
The shape of the four black stones after Black played 1. It is normally
impossible to cut through this strong connection.
54
Descent
descent
A move like Black 1, which descends towards the edge of the board.
55
Double-ko
6
5 4 A 2 1 C 3
doubleko
Two ko, happening simultaneously in the same fight, and serving the same
purpose. If one player captures the first ko (here with Black A / Black 1),
the other player captures the second ko (with White C / White 4). Can
become a large supply of ko threats (here for Black) if there is another ko
on the board.
56
Gote
Losing the initiative. A move which need not be answered.
57
Guzumi
4
5 3
2 1
guzumi
Good bad shape. A shape (usually an empty triangle), which looks bad, but
is good, and effective, in the local context.
58
Hane
hane
A diagonal move played from one’s own stone, in contact with and around
an opponent’s stone. Often facing the edge of the board.
59
Keima (Knight’s move)
keima
A relationship of two stones that is similar to the movement of a knight’s
piece in chess. Black 1 is a keima = (small) knight’s move from .
If the jump goes one line further, like White 2 from , it is called
“ōgeima” (= large knight’s move).
60
Kikashi
2 1
kikashi
Forcing move. A sente move, which often has some additional effect that
might be used later. Often played outside the main flow of play.
61
Ko
ko
2 1
ko-rule
Shape in which the rules prohibit the immediate capture of a single stone
(White 2) that has just captured a single stone at the prohibited point (ko).
62
Me ari me nashi (One eye vs. no eye)
me ari me nashi
Capturing race wherein one side ( ) has an eye (e), the other ( ) hasn’t.
63
Miai
A 1
B 2
miai
Two options with the same value, or purpose. If one player takes one of
them, the other one is left for the opponent (who is often forced to play
there).
64
Seki
seki
Mutual life, shared life. A configuration where groups of both colours
share liberties, and are not independently alive. Neither side may capture
any of their opponent’s stones without losing more points than they gain.
65
Semeai
“Capturing race”. Fight for life and death, usually involving only two
groups.
66
Sente
Initiative. A move which is answered.
67
Shortage of liberties
shortage of liberties
For example, Black cannot play at A to secure two eyes for his group
without putting his own stones ( ) in atari.
68
Snapback
1 3
2
snapback
One side sacrifices a single stone (here White 1, which is captured by
Black 2) in order to recapture a larger opponent’s group (here with White
3).
69
Tesuji
A skilful move that is the best play in a local position.
70
Throw-in
2 1
throw-in
An aid to killing or capturing using a sacrifice stone, which results in a
false eye shape ( , ✕) and which is often used to prevent the opponent
from connecting at that point, or to reduce eye space.
71
Tsume-Go
The field of “Life & Death” problems.
72
Problems
Problem 001
White to kill.
73
< Go to the solution >
< Go to the next problem >
74
All the problem diagrams in this book are interactive, but probably not as
you expected.
I ask for your kind understanding that it was not possible to include entire
solution sequences. There are so many sub-variations available that it
would not really help to have only the main line included; but realising the
entire variation tree is impractical.
Therefore, you will find “level 1” of the variation tree only; this is the next
move, here “1”. The feedback of the program is as follows:
- When tapping on a “correct” solution point, the respective stone will be

displayed.
– When tapping on a “failure” point that is further explained in the book,
the respective stone will be played, but with a red “X” on it.
– When tapping on any other board point, only a red “X” will be shown.
This is useful for two reasons:
– You will be able to check your main ideas to some extent before flipping
the pages.
– You will be shown which failure moves will be explained and their
refutations discussed.
Please kindly note that correct starting points that result from a change in
the order of moves of the solution sequence might not be highlighted as
“correct” in the respective problem diagram.
Next column: Variation tree
75
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Hints
76
Hints
The maximum eye space that Black could achieve (●) is quite winding.
White must be on her guard not to let it become unintentionally divided.
77
Please note that Black might be able to add an additional point to his
potential eye space at the right, on the first line.
< Excursus – Linear shapes vs. bulky shapes >
78
A potential dead eye shape in the corner is marked with triangles (△).
79
Another potential dead eye shape marked (△).
You can understand the central point of these dead eye shapes as a kind of
spotlight that might guide you to a vital point of the problem.
80
A B
Please be well aware that there is no guarantee at all that every highlighted
point can be taken successfully without thinking. Especially if there are
several of these points – as A and B here – additional information is
required to let you choose the right one.
< Excursus – Dead eye shapes >
81
Please note White’s descent to the first line of the board.
This kind of move often plays a decisive role in tsume-go, because it

usually weakens the neighbouring position of the opponent to a large
extent. It therefore might give you a hint which side to begin with.
In particular, it might become easier to connect seemingly enclosed stones

to the outside. In this context, the opponent might fall prey to some kind of
82
shortage of liberties when trying to intercept.
< Excursus – A descent to the edge of the board >
12
12
Black has already occupied the lower 1–2 point (Black 12) in the corner.
Usually, it is a bad idea to let Black get the other 1–2 point (12) on the left
edge too. With stones on both 1–2 points, Black will have established an
eye on the 1–1 point and might easily get a second one nearby.
83
< Excursus – The 1–2 points in the corner >
Black’s -stones are not solidly connected to each other but leave a
cutting point at C.
You will notice that – here in this problem – the edge of the board is near,
so that a white cut is no immediate threat. Additionally, there is Black’s
stone on the first line, also serving to protect the cut.
84
< Excursus – How to defend a cutting point >
In this diagram, a “line of false eyes” is marked ( , ✕).
If White eventually manages to establish own stones at both ends of such a

line, it will result in a false eye of the opponent.
However, White’s supporting stones are positioned only on the third line,
so it might become difficult to establish a permanent stone on the first line
85
here.
< Excursus – Real eyes vs. false eyes >
3 3
3
Black’s partial groups on top have three liberties each, which is not very
reassuring.
In addition, one of these liberties is shared by both groups, so there is the

danger that these may fall prey to some kind of shortage of liberties.
86
< Return to the problem >
Next page: Solution
87
Solution 001
White 1 jumps to the 1–2 point on the left edge.
White will succeed neither by pushing into Black’s corner at the left, nor
by cutting inside.
Tapping on hyperlinks like those above (i.e. the text in blue) will take you
88
to another sub-variation of the current variation tree. This will include
either another problem (for a mistaken choice) or a variation (for an
alternative option).
At the end of these sub-variations you will find a hyperlink that brings you
back again. Hopefully this will ease your attempts to analyze the various
options that are included in the problem.
89
Black has to intercept with 2. Otherwise, the potential size of Black’s
remaining eye space (●) would not be large enough for two eyes, after
having allowed White to connect her stone.
To be continued …
< Return to the hints >
< Continue with the solution >
Next page: Problem (follow-up)
90
Problem 001 (follow-up)
In tsume-go, it is not sufficient to get the first move right. Very often, the
first move of the solution (probably somewhat obvious) only serves as a
kind of “appetizer”, or “door opener”, but the real challenge of the
problem lies deeper. Therefore, here comes a follow-up problem.
91
White to kill.
92
1
>1
>1
>1
> 3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Hints (continued)
93
Hints (follow-up)
One prominent pitfall in this kind of position is a group that could be

easily put into atari and so looks quite attractive at first sight.
Black’s -group on top has only two liberties (●), so there are two
possibilities for White to give atari.
94
However, you should think at least twice before playing an atari! In
particular if you are quite “early” in the course of the solution sequence.
It might not benefit you that this kind of move is absolute sente (in the
overwhelming majority of cases your opponent cannot afford to lose their
endangered group – but please take notice that there are exceptions to the
rule!).
95
In the position above, White’s -stone has also only two liberties, and
very probably will be massively weakened by Black’s answer. In addition,
Black’s reply to such an atari that has been played “early” might serve to
solidify his position decisively.
Next page: Solution (continued)
96
Solution 001 (continued = follow-up)
4 5
3 6
White continues with the somewhat surprising clamp of 3 on the first line.
White will succeed neither with an atari on Black’s three stones on the left
(case 1, case 2), nor by blocking on the outside.
However, starting with this clamp, without having played the preparatory
97
exchange on the left edge, would be too early, and so will fail as well.
Black desperately tries to enlarge his eye space, with moves at 4, and –
after White’s block with 5 – at 6 (alternatively, Black might choose to play
this move on the inside). But now Black’s right-hand group is the second
one that has only two liberties.
The cut of White 7 is double-atari now, leaving Black helpless. Black can
98
only get one eye in the corner, and so is dead.
99
Variation for Black 6
Alternatively, Black might try to give atari from the other side, with a
move at 6 here.
100
7 8
9 10
White will also give atari, with a move at 7, and Black is forced to connect
at 8. With 9, White sacrifices two stones, instead of only one, …
< Excursus – Add a second stone for sacrifice >
101
11
… eventually turning Black’s potential eye into a false one (11, ).
< Excursus – Capturing two stones on the edge >
102
At the very end of every single (sub-) variation you will find a diagram like
this one above, showing the status of the final position.
< Return to previous choice >
You will find hyperlinks “Return to previous choice” at the end of every
sub-variation. Tapping on these will take you (probably back) to the
103
superordinate branching point of the current variation tree. Hopefully this
feature will ease browsing through the various options that are included in
the problem.
Next page: Failures
104
001 Problem (follow-up – failure I)
White just played atari on Black’s three stones on top.
Maybe you wonder about the fact that White’s last (mistaken) move is not
highlighted in the problem diagram, but described only verbally in the text
above. You might remember that this was also the case in the comment of
105
the solution’s main line that linked to this sub-variation here.
The reasoning for doing so is quite simple: I do not want you to memorize,
and to learn, false moves.
Black to live.
< Go to the next failure >
106
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 3
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
107
001 Solution (follow-up – failure I)
4 5
6
Of course Black has to connect with a move at 4.
White can do nothing more than blocking the outside with 5, forcing Black
to secure his second eye with a move at 6.
108
e
e
109
Lessons learned
1 1 1
Think twice before giving atari!
110
Do not overlook that your opponent’s obvious answer move might serve to
partition the winding potential eye space (●) of their group.
111
001 Problem (follow-up – failure II)
White just cut inside Black’s formation, simultaneously giving atari to

Black’s three stones above.
Black to live.
112
113
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 3
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
114
001 Solution (follow-up – failure II)
4 5
6
Of course Black will save his stones that are in atari, with a move at 4.
And again, White can do nothing more than blocking the outside with 5,
forcing Black to secure his second eye with a move at 6.
115
e
e
116
Lessons learned
1 1 1
117
partition the winding potential eye space (●) of their group.
118
001 Problem (follow-up – failure III)
White just exerted pressure from the outside.
Black to live.
119
120
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
121
001 Solution (follow-up – failure III)
6
4 5
Black maximises his eye space with the descent of 4.
White can close the outside with 5 in sente, but Black 6 secures two eyes.
122
e
e
123
Lessons learned
Playing from the outside might help your opponent with solidifying the
borders of the potential eye space (●) of their group.
124
001 Problem (failure I)
White just cut inside Black’s formation.
Black to live.
125
126
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
127
001 Solution (failure I)
Black connects his forces with a move at 2, simultaneously putting

White’s cutting stone in atari.
128
4 5
6 3
Now, White 3 on the first line, the final blow in the correct solution
sequence, does not work any longer. In a real game, White would give
atari at 4 instead, letting Black live with a move at 3.
Black 6 captures White’s cutting stone for an eye.
129
7 8
White can prevent another eye on the bottom, …
130
9
… and eventually White 9 turns this potential eye into a false one, but
Black has a sure eye in the corner, and so is alive. Please note that White’s
last moves are only shown for demonstrative purposes.
131
e
e
132
Lessons learned
partition the winding potential eye space (●) of their group, and –
additionally – greatly weaken your cutting stone that you played “inside”.
133
001 Problem (failure II)
White just reduced Black’s potential eye space from above.
Black to live.
134
135
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
136
001 Solution (failure II)
Black simply divides his potential eye space into two, with a move at 2,
occupying both 1–2 points in the corner.
137
6 3
4 5
As usual, White can close the lower side in sente, but Black will get a
living formation.
138
e
e e
139
Lessons learned
borders of the potential eye space (●) of their group, as well as easily
partitioning it.
140
12
12
Avoid letting your opponent get both 1–2 points (12) in the corner.
141
001 Problem (failure III)
White just played the clamp on the first line.
Black to live.
142
143
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
144
001 Solution (failure III)
A B 2 C
White’s clamp simply was too early. Black responds with 2. White may
consider continuing with A, B, or C.
145
5
3 4 7
6 8
White’s jump to 3 comes too late now, because Black is not forced to
intercept with a move at 5. He will play at 4 instead.
White saves her stone in the corner with 5, but Black manages to build two
single eye points for the life of his group.
146
e
e
147
Variation for White 3 (I)
4 3 5
6
Cutting with 3 does not work either. Again Black saves his group with the
solid move at 4.
148
8 7
In a real game, White might close the bottom, and not insist on making
Black’s eye on the bottom false, with a move at 8, instead. Remember that
Black has his third eye in the corner.
149
e
e e
150
Variation for White 3 (II)
7
5 6 3
4 8
Blocking from the right, with White 3 here, does not work either. Black 4
immobilises White’s stone on the first line.
White’s jump to 5 reduces Black’s territory in the corner, but again, the
solid move at 6 is the match-winner for Black, as far as the life of his
151
group is concerned.
e
e
152
Lessons learned
Consider carefully whether your move (●) – positioned on the border

between “outside”, and “inside” – might force your opponent to enlarge
the potential eye space (●) of their group.
153
Problem 002
Black to kill.
154
155
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 3
2
> 2
Next page: Hints
156
Hints
? ? ?
e ? ? ?
White has a sure eye in the corner at e, so Black’s task is to prevent White
from gaining a second one in the ?-area.
157
There are three partial white groups that are not yet solidly connected ( ).
158
A line of false eyes ( , ✕) develops from the left towards the lower edge.
159
3 3 3
3
Two of White’s partial groups have only three liberties; this makes these
groups vulnerable to an attack.
160
!!
!!
There are two holes (!!) in White’s encirclement. It might be tempting for
Black to push especially into the upper one, but he should think twice
before doing so.
In tsume-go, it is usually not the best idea to play a move only for the
reason that it is absolute sente.
161
Black’s formation on the right ( ) is quite strong, and, what is most
important, also positioned on the second line.
Such a formation highlights the marked point inside White’s area, as a

black move at this point could be quite easily connected to the right along
the lower edge.
162
Next page: Solution
163
Solution 002
Black 1 is the vital point inside White’s formation and is guided by two of
the hints above. This placement is a calm move, not trying too hard.
Immediately attacking White’s two stones on the right instead will lead to
failure (case 1, case 2, case 3).
164
A
B 5 2
4 3
White 2 wants to fulfil two aims, connecting her troops and hindering
Black’s invader from connecting to the outside. Alternatively, White might
consider playing from above, at 5, instead.
Black 3, however, takes advantage of White being short of liberties. If

White intercepts with 4, Black gives atari at 5, and White is helpless. She
is unable to connect at A, because Black simply will capture all the just
connected stones, with a move at B.
165
7
If White captures Black’s single stone at the right, Black gives double-atari
with 7, reaching a similar result as above.
166
167
Variation for White 2
2
4 5 3
White might try this move 2 from above, but Black simply leads his stone
out with 3. The atari of White 4 does not help. Black connects at 5, and
there is the marked line of false eyes ( , ✕) remaining.
White again has only one eye in the corner, and so is dead.
168
Next page: Failures
169
Black just played a clamp at the right.
White to live.
170
171
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 3
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
172
2
A
4 3
White is able to connect her forces with a move at 2. Black 3 connects

underneath (playing at A instead will not work either), and now it is
important for White to jump to 4, the vital point of the problem.
Please note that this is exactly the point Black should have started with.
173
If White played at A instead, giving atari to Black’s stone, Black will
answer with the counter-atari of 4, reaching a ko for the life of White’s
group.
6
8 5 7
Black connects his initially played stone out, but eventually, White secures
two eyes for her group with the move at 8.
174
e
e
175
4 3
6 A 5 B
Pushing once with 3, before trying to connect underneath with 5, does not
benefit Black. After White’s atari of 6, Black is unable to connect at A,
because White would capture with a move at B.
< Excursus – Cutting points reduce your options for connecting out >
176
e
e
177
Lessons learned
If your move – played “inside”, but near your own stones “outside” –
forces your opponent to solidify the borders of their position, carefully
consider your options for connecting your intruder out.
Remember that stones that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕) might
178
suffer from some shortage of liberties, at least – if your pivotal stone
cannot be captured – providing your opponent with some useful forcing
moves to create a living eye shape.
179
Black just played hane on the bottom.
White to live.
180
181
1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 3
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
182
With 2, White occupies the vital point of the problem.
This is exactly the point Black should have started with.
183
3
5 6 4
Pushing from above with Black 3, and giving atari with Black 5 does not
really hinder White from getting two eyes for her group.
184
e
e
185
Lessons learned
Simply reducing from the outside might not be sufficient to reduce your
opponent’s remaining potential eye space (●) decisively.
186
Black just pushed from above.
White to live.
187
188
1
>1
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 3
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
189
4 2
A 3
White is able to save her endangered stones with a move at 2 (the safety-
first measure in a real game might be playing at 4, instead). After the hane
of Black 3 (an alternative option is the placement of A) White connects
with 4, securing two eyes for her group.
190
8
6 5 A 7 B
Black tries his best with 5, but White 6 secures an eye in the corner. After
the atari of White 8, Black is hindered from connecting his stone out
(Black A, White B). Eventually, capturing Black’s single stone will
provide White with her second eye.
191
e e
192
6
4 3 A 5 B
Black’s jump to 3, the vital point of the problem, comes too late now.
White 4 protects the corner, and after the atari of 6, Black is hindered
again to connect his single stone out (Black A, White B).
193
e
e e
194
Please note that White – e.g. if she is unsure about her reading in a real
game – is able to save her corner stones with the move at 2 here,
sacrificing her two stones on the right.
195
3
4 6 5
Black can capture two of White’s stones in sente with 3, and close the
borders with 5, again in sente, but White is alive with two eyes in the
corner.
196
e
e
197
Lessons learned
Simply reducing from the outside might not be sufficient to reduce your
opponent’s potential eye space decisively (●).
198
Connecting stones out which are arranged on the first line, but not solidly
connected to each other (✕), might fail due to some shortage of liberties.
199
Thoughtlessly trying to capture some of your opponent’s stones on the
outside ( ) might leave the bigger fish bounce off the hook, because there
is sufficient eye space (●) in the corner remaining.
200
Problem 003
White to kill (by means of ko).
Probably you are taken by surprise to find the explicit hint in parenthesis
above, making it evident that the correct solution to the problem will result
in a ko fight.
201
This is quite unusual for books on Go problems, and it is also said to be
somewhat counterproductive to the aims that should be reached by
studying such a book. Of course in real games there is no one standing
nearby telling you to be aware of “ko” just now.
However, “ko” is one of my very blind spots, and I would like to assume
that it is not me alone who suffers from this kind of “debility of sight”. For
this reason, the treatment of ko fights in this book will be much more
detailed than usual.
202
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
Next page: Hints
203
Hints
The maximum eye space that Black could get (●) is already divided into
two parts, a larger and a smaller one.
This means that White cannot accept gote in one of these parts, as long as
Black might have the chance to get a living shape by switching to the other
204
one.
If it were this dead eye shape (△) alone, White could kill Black with ease.
Please note that occupying the central point of such a dead eye shape
might not be the only move to be invested in that area.
205
Again, there is a line of false eyes ( , ✕) available to think about.
Please note that the corner is very near, so establishing a permanent stone
on the lower end of this line might become a bit difficult.
206
White has the strong -stones on the left edge, looking into Black’s
formation on that side.
You might wonder why – in comparison with the similar hint before – the
◇-mark is not situated one point deeper. Hopefully you will understand
that – in the overwhelming majority of cases – placing a pivotal stone on
the 1–1 point does not make much sense.
207
!!
!!
There are two holes (!!) in Black’s encirclement.
Please remember that – in the previous problem – starting with pushing

into such a hole did not benefit the attacker.
Next page: Solution
208
Solution 003
White 1 occupies the vital 1–2 point on the left edge.
White will succeed neither by playing a clamp on Black’s two stones on

top, nor by reducing Black’s potential eye space from the outside (case 1,
case 2), nor by choosing the other 1–2 point.
209
3
2
4
Black has no other choice but to build an eye with 2.
White connects out with 3, and Black 4 seems to have gained two eyes for
Black. However, there is still the line of false eyes ( , ✕) active.
210
6 5
White gives atari with 5, and Black 6 opens a ko in the corner.
211
ko
White must find the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
A “direct ko” (often also referred to as “real ko”) is a ko fight that can be
resolved by both sides in only one move, i.e. after ignoring just one of
your opponent’s ko threats.
212
7
White plays the ko threat of 7, but Black ignores this move to capture in
the corner with 8, resolving the ko.
Please note that – when explaining an entire course of a ko fight – ko

threats which are placed outside the problem area (i.e. “are played
elsewhere”; here 7) are displayed in the top right area of the diagrams.
213
e
e
If Black wins the ko.
214
7 8
Let us now assume that White 7 is a valid ko threat, so Black has to

answer with 8. White is able to recapture the ko in the corner with 9.
Please note that answers (here 8) to valid ko threats are also shown in the
top right area of the diagrams, at the point to the right of the respective ko
threat.
215
10
11
Black plays a ko threat of his own, but his move at 10 is ignored by White.
White captures three of Black’s stones with 11, also ending the ko fight.
216
If White wins the ko.
Next page: Failures
217
White just occupied the central point of Black’s eye space on the left.
Black to live.
218
219
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
Next page: Solution
220
2
3 4
The hane of Black 2 hinders White’s intruder from connecting out.

Simultaneously, it threatens to divide the eye space on the left into two.
However, if White keeps that area as only one part, with her move at 3,
Black 4 builds the second eye on the right edge. These two points are miai.
221
e
e
222
4 3
Therefore – in a real game – White will prefer to play 3 from the outside,
forcing Black to secure the life of his group with the move at 4 inside.
223
e
e
224
Lessons learned
? ? ?
? ? ?
If your opponent has two already separated areas in which eyes (?) could
be established for their group, you must not play a gote move in any of
these.
225
12
12
Do not forget that your opponent might benefit from occupying the 1–2
points in the corner.
226
White just reduced Black’s eye space on the left.
Black to live.
227
228
1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
Next page: Solution
229
2 3
Black blocks with 2.
White 3 is atari, but Black simply captures with 4.
230
6 5
Again, there is the miai of White 5 and Black 6, so Black’s group gets a
living shape.
231
e
e
232
Lessons learned
If the potential eye space (●) of your opponent is already divided into two
separate areas, reducing one of these from the outside does not make sense
if you are not able to prevent its partitioning in sente.
233
12
12
Do not forget that your opponent might benefit from occupying the 1–2
points in the corner.
234
White just robbed Black’s potential eye at the right.
Black to live.
235
236
1
>1
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
Next page: Solution
237
3
4 2
Black occupies the central point of the dead eye shape at the left with a
move at 2. White cannot steal the eye in the corner any longer, so Black’s
group is alive.
238
e
e
239
Lessons learned
If the potential eye space of your opponent already is divided into two
separate areas, robbing the eye of the smaller one does not make sense if
the larger one (●) can still be easily divided into two.
240
003 Problem (failure IV)
White just occupied the second end point of the line of false eyes in the
corner.
Black to live.
241
242
1
>1
> 3
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
243
003 Solution (failure IV)
Again, Black simply lives by occupying the vital point of the dead eye
shape at the left, here simultaneously giving atari to White’s single stone
in the corner.
244
e
e
245
Lessons learned
12
12
Do not believe that a 1–2 point in the corner (12) is always the initial clue
to the solution.
246
Your opponent might be able to occupy the vital point of a dead eye shape
(△, ).
247
Do not forget that you must keep a permanent stone on both ends of a line
of false eyes ( , ✕) in order to let this line work effectively.
248
Problem 004
Black to kill.
249
250
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
> 6
6
> 6
Next page: Hints
251
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) consists of seven points, for the time
being of a somewhat bulky type.
252
There are several diagonal connections ( ) in White’s formation,
providing Black with a cutting point in-between.
253
In the same area, there is a line of false eyes visible. ( , ✕).
Please remember the previous problem, where it was not the best idea to
occupy the second end point of this line immediately.
254
White’s potential eye space is quite large, so there is more than one dead
eye shape possible, this diagram showing one such shape (△).
255
Another dead eye shape (△).
Some more are possible, which we will, however, not explicitly show here.
Please remember that the central points of those dead shapes (to be more
accurate: one of these) may lead you to the vital point of the problem.
256
2
3
White’s single stones on the lower edge have only two and three liberties,
respectively, and so are quite vulnerable.
257
Black’s -stones on the bottom are strong, destroying any white idea to
escape here.
Next page: Solution
258
Solution 004
The “usual” solution that can be found in the books starts with Black 1,
reducing White’s eye space from above. Black might also choose starting
with occupying the lower 1–2 point (A) inside.
Black will succeed neither by threatening White’s cutting point, nor by
259
choosing the 1–2 point on the left edge, nor by a clamp on the left edge,
nor by playing a descent at the right.
2
3
White is forced to block with 2, otherwise the size of her remaining eye
space will not be sufficient for two eyes.
Black 3 occupies the central point of the marked dead eye shape.
260
A 4
5
White tries to divide her eye space with 4 (an alternative option might be
the connection at A), but the descent of Black 5 is the fatal blow.
Please note that there are two lines of false eyes ( , ✕) now, making
White helpless.
261
6 7
If White secures her eye at the left with 6, Black 7 makes her eye on the
right false ( , ✕). These two moves are miai.
262
263
B A
7 6
Trying to maximise the eye space by blocking at 6 is useless. Black gives

atari with 7, and White cannot connect at A, due to Black B.
264
265
4
5
White might try the connection at 4 here.
Again, Black descends with 5, using the lack of liberties of White’s -

stones.
266
B 7
6 A
White tries her best with 6, (a move at A instead does not work either) but
Black throws in at 7. White cannot connect at A, because Black will
capture with B. If White captures at B instead, Black A makes the eye on
the bottom false.
267
268
Variation for White 6 (White 4)
8
7 6
As we have seen earlier, maximising the eye space by blocking with White
6 does not help. The descent makes Black 7 an atari, so White is
reduced to only one eye.
269
270
Solution 004 (alternative)
A
2
1
In this problem, Black could also start with occupying the vital point of 1
inside White’s formation.
White answers with 2, trying to divide her eye space.
Please note that this sub-variation might not be available in a real game. If
271
White has strong support on the left side she will be able to answer Black’s
initial placement with a move at A, threatening to connect her stones out.
If Black plays on the outside to stop her from doing so, White will live
with a move at 2.
3
4 6
7 5
As before, Black 3 reduces White’s eye space decisively, before the

descent of Black 5 destroys any white hope for a second eye. Black must
not change the order of moves here.
272
Next page: Failures
273
004 Problem (alternative – failure I)
Black just descended at the right.
White to live.
274
275
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
> 6
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
276
004 Solution (alternative – failure I)
White 4 gives atari on Black’s single stone inside her formation. She must
not try maximising her potential eye space by descending on the left edge
instead.
277
5
6
Black throws in with 5, trying to exploit White’s shortage of liberties at the

right. White 6 simply captures Black’s single stone in the corner.
278
7
After Black 7 captures at the right, …
279
8
A
B
… White secures her second eye by descending to 8 at the left. Black is

unable to further approach at A, so B is a real eye.
280
e
e
281
Lessons learned
Before attacking from the outside, consider carefully whether you leave a
potential eye space for your opponent behind (●) that still has sufficient
potential for partitioning left.
282
004 Problem (alternative – failure II)
White just descended at the left.
Black to kill.
283
284
1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
> 6
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
285
004 Solution (alternative – failure II)
6
5 7
Black 5 in the corner prevents an easy division of White’s eye space, and
after Black 7, resulting in a “bent four in the corner”, White is dead.
It might be tempting to give atari with Black 5 at 6, but this will turn out to
be a decisive mistake.
286
< Excursus – Bent four in the corner >
< Excursus – Bent five in the corner >
287
Lessons learned
Maximising the potential eye space of your group might leave nothing
more than a dead eye shape behind.
288
004 Problem (alternative – failure III)
Black just played atari inside White’s formation.
White to live.
289
290
1
> 1
3>
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
> 6
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
291
004 Solution (alternative failure III)
Of course White has to capture Black’s cutting stone with 6.
292
9
8 7
Black 7 destroys White’s potential eye at the right, but White 8 on the 1–1
point will lead to two eyes for White at the left. After Black captures with
9 in the corner, …
293
A 10
… White gives atari with 10, and Black is unable to connect at A.
294
e
e
295
Lessons learned
296
Otherwise, you might miss the vital point of a dead eye shape ( , △).
297
Black just attacked the cut in White’s encirclement.
White to live.
298
299
1
> 1
3>
> 4
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
> 6
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
300
White immobilises Black’s intruder with 2.
White’s potential eye space has become a long, straight line (●), so Black
will have no chance of preventing two eyes for White.
Paul Lalonde called this type of line “snake”, which I think is a very
301
telling term. In the diagram above, White’s move enchanted an inflexible
crop of points into a vigorous snake that escapes her bloodhounds.
Probably this picturesque description will help you to remember this
shape.
3
4
5 6
Black reduces White’s eye space a bit with 3, but after White blocks with
4, the moves of Black 5 and White 6 are miai. White’s group has come to
life.
302
e
e
303
Lessons learned
Not every central point ( ) of every dead eye shape ( , △) is a really

vital point.
304
Especially if your initial move might force your opponent to turn a
previously bulky eye space into a straight and winding one (●).
305
Black just jumped into White’s position at the left.
White to live.
306
307
1
> 1
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
> 6
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
308
White blocks at 2.
White’s eye space is too large now, Black cannot hinder White from
getting two eyes.
309
7
3 4
8 6 5
This diagram shows one exemplary sequence. Black might also try to play
3 at 8.
310
e
e e
311
4
3 6 5
Another option for Black 3, this time on the second 1–2 point.
The descent of Black 5, in exchange for White 6, creates a shape that we

have also seen earlier. This time, however, White’s shortage of liberties on
the right does not really matter.
312
7
8
After Black’s throw-in of 7, White is able to capture in the corner with 8,

securing two eyes for her group.
313
e
e
314
Lessons learned
Playing “inside”, but forcing your opponent to close the borders of their
then maximum-sized potential eye space, might not be the best idea. Very
likely, the remaining area (●) will be too large to prevent partitioning.
315
12
12
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a real vital point.
316
Black just played a clamp at the left.
White to live.
317
318
1
> 1
> 3
> 4
> 5
>1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
4
> 4
> 6
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
319
2 3
4
Similar to the previous problem, White’s move at 2 is decisive. Black is

unable to keep White’s eye space undivided.
Black 3 and White 4 are miai. Here, White gets an eye on the 1–1 point.
320
e e
321
Lessons learned
Playing “inside”, but prompting your opponent to solidify the borders of

their then quite large potential eye space, might not be the best idea. The
remaining area (●) might be too large to prevent partitioning.
322
12
12
Remember the importance of the 1–2 points in the corner.
323
Black just descended at the right.
White to live.
324
325
1
> 1
> 3
> 4
> 5
>1
>1
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
> 6
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
326
Black’s attack from the right fails because it leaves the occupation of the
problem’s vital point to White’s move at 2.
327
4
3 5 6 8
7
Black tries his best with 3, but after White’s block with 4, there is an eye
space remaining that is winding, favouring White.
White’s move at the lower 1–2 point did the job.
328
e
e
329
Lessons learned
Playing a move from the outside – containing no immediate threat – might

allow your opponent to occupy the vital point for partitioning their eye
space (●).
330
12
12
Remember the importance of the 1–2 points in the corner.
331
Problem 005
332
333
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 4
3
> 3
Next page: Hints
334
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is somewhat bulky, but not symmetrical,
and also has some dents, so Black might have some potential for building
two eyes.
335
There are several diagonal connections ( ) in Black’s formation,
providing White with a cutting point in-between.
336
In the same area, there is a line of false eyes visible. ( , ✕). But again, its
second end point is very near the corner.
337
There is more than one dead eye shape possible, this diagram showing one
of such shape (△).
338
The second potential dead eye shape (△).
339
2
3
Black’s single stones on the lower edge have only two and three liberties,
Next page: Solution
340
Solution 005
1 2
Again, the 1–2 point on the left edge (White 1) is the vital point.
White will succeed neither by threatening Black’s cutting point inside, nor
by playing hane on the left edge, nor by descending at the right.
Black tries to divide his eye space with 2.
341
6 5 4 3
White’s descent of 3 exploits the lack of liberties of Black’s single stones

on the right. White must not try connecting her single stone out instead.
Black closes his territory with 4, but then White 5 is an atari. Black
captures with 6, …
342
ko
… and there is White’s initial stone ( ) remaining in the corner, resulting

in a ko, for which White has to look for the first ko threat.
343
e e
e
344
Next page: Failures
345
White just threatened to connect out.
Black to live.
346
347
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 4
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
348
Of course Black intercepts with 4.
White’s descent of 5 comes too late now.
349
8 7 6
Black again builds an eye on the right with 6, and again White gives atari
with 7. But here there is no ko, because Black 8 captures two white stones.
The initial exchange on the left side ( , ) turned out to have been a
grave mistake.
350
e e
e
351
Lessons learned
Simply playing from the outside might force your opponent to solidify
their position. Thereafter, it might contain sufficient potential (●) for two
eyes, in particular, if it is already divided into two sections.
352
White just played inside Black’s formation.
Black to live.
353
354
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 4
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
355
2
3 A
Black 2 occupies the vital point of the problem.
White 3 and Black 4 are miai for two black eyes now.
A white descent at A will have no effect on the status of Black’s group.
356
e
357
Lessons learned
Missing the vital point in the corner might leave sufficient potential eye
space (●), large enough to be partitioned quite easily.
358
12
12
Do not forget the value of the 1–2 points in the corner for making eyes.
359
White just reduced Black’s eye shape on the left edge.
Black to live.
360
361
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 4
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
362
Black 2 simply occupies the central point of the marked dead eye shape
and lives.
363
e
e
364
Lessons learned
Simply reducing from the outside might leave a dead eye shape (△) in the
corner behind. However, do not forget that it is your opponent’s turn
thereafter, who probably will have no problems with splitting this area
quite easily by occupying its central point.
365
White just descended to the bottom.
Black to live.
366
367
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
368
Again, Black’s concept against a descent on the right is to occupy the vital
point of the problem with 2.
369
4 3
A
White uses her just grown strength at the right to throw in with 3. Instead
of capturing with 4, Black might also think about playing at A.
370
6
7
8 5
Eventually, White manages to make Black’s potential eye on the bottom

false with 5, but Black gets sufficient compensation on the left side, and in
the corner.
371
e
372
4 5
Black might also occupy the second 1–2 point, with his move at 4. White 5
on the bottom, and …
373
6
A
B
… Black 6 on the left side are miai. White is hindered from further
approaching at A, so B in the corner is a real eye.
374
Lessons learned
Simply threatening from the outside might leave a dead eye shape (△) in
the corner. However – especially if your move does not carry an
immediate threat – do not forget that it is your opponent’s turn thereafter,
who probably will have no problems with splitting this area quite easily by
occupying its central point.
375
12
12
Do not let your opponent occupy the 1–2 points in the corner.
376
Problem 006
Black to kill.
377
378
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 6
> 1
> 2
> 6
> 7
> 1
6
> 6
Next page: Hints
379
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) is quite large and also has some dents.
Black must be very careful not to give White the opportunity to divide it
into two parts.
380
There are several diagonal connections ( ) in White’s formation,
providing Black with a cutting point in-between.
381
In the same area, there is a line of false eyes visible. ( , ✕).
382
2
3
White’s single stones on the lower edge have only two and three liberties,
383
Black’s descent of greatly weakens White’s formation at the right.
384
Please remember the solution of problem 004, where the formation of the
marked stones on the right ( , ) had a very special relation to the ◇-
point on the first line in the corner.
385
White’s potential eye space is quite large, so there is more than one dead
eye shape possible, this diagram showing one such shape (△).
386
Another potential dead eye shape (△).
Next page: Solution
387
Solution 006
2 1
Black starts with the throw-in of 1, forcing White to reduce her own eye
space by capturing with 2.
Black will succeed neither by starting with occupying the lower 1–2 point,
nor by playing a clamp in the corner, nor by playing hane on the left edge,
388
nor by giving atari to White’s single stone with a move on the edge, nor by
threatening White’s cutting point inside.
5
3
Thereafter, Black 3 occupies the vital 1–2 point of the problem at the
bottom.
White 4 and Black 5, played on the second 1–2 point in the corner, are
miai now. White 4 at 5 would revert to the solution of problem 004.
389
6 A
7
White 6 is answered by the atari of 7, turning the point of A into a false

eye. White 6 at 7 will not work either.
The shape in the corner is “bent four in the corner”, so White’s group is
dead.
390
391
A 8
7 6
It does not benefit White to solidify her encirclement with 6 here. Black 7
is atari, so White has to connect at 8.
Now, we have “one eye beats no eye” (= “me ari me nashi” in Japanese),
so White is dead again. If White played at A now, there is again the “bent
392
four in the corner”, whilst Black has an eye in the corner, and so could
play at A himself, should it become necessary to take White’s stones off
the board.
< Excursus – One eye beats no eye >
393
Next page: Failures
394
Black just occupied the lower 1–2 point in the corner.
White to live.
395
396
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 6
> 1
> 2
> 6
> 7
> 1
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
397
White plays from above with 2, preparing the division of her eye space.
398
A
3
4 5
The already known procedure of the throw-in of 3, followed by the atari of

5, does not benefit Black here. Black might consider playing 3 at A, but
this will not work either.
399
A
6
White 6 simply captures Black’s stone in the corner. Black is hindered

from further approaching at A, so White has got two eyes.
400
e
e
401
3
5
A B
6 4
If Black plays from the outside with 3, White gives atari with 4. After
White 6, Black is hindered from approaching at A, so White lives with two
eyes.
Black 5 is somewhat tricky, as White must be on her guard and capture
402
Black’s stone in the corner immediately. If White hastily closes her eye
space with 6 at A instead, she will be upset by Black’s atari at B.
e
e
403
Lessons learned
Just playing from the inside might leave a potential eye space (●) that is
too large to prevent partitioning.
404
Black just played a clamp inside White’s formation.
White to live.
405
406
1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 6
> 1
> 2
> 6
> 7
> 1
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
407
White chooses her “usual” answer to this kind of clamp, and occupies the
1–2 point at the left.
408
4
7
6
5 3
Black tries the descent of 3 here, but White maximises her eye space with
4, and eventually …
409
A
8
… gives atari to all of Black’s stones in the corner with 8. Black cannot
connect at A, so White will get two eyes.
410
e
411
Lessons learned
Simply playing from the inside might leave a potential eye space (●) that
is too large to prevent partitioning.
412
12
12
Being able to utilise the 1–2 points in the corner might benefit your
opponent.
413
Black just reduced White’s eye space from above.
White to live.
414
415
1
>1
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 6
> 1
> 2
> 6
> 7
> 1
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
416
4
3
2 5
Again, this is a position where White has to be on her guard. She must
occupy the 1–2 point on the bottom with 2.
Please note that – in a real game – it depends on whether White has strong
support on the left side.
417
8
7 A 6
If White had a strong position on the left side, she would be able to
connect at 6. Otherwise, White has to play 6 at A, and to fight a ko.
After Black 7, she cannot give atari to Black’s two stones, but has to
capture with 8 instead, overturning her shortage of liberties.
418
9
10
If Black is forced to answer with 9, preventing White from connecting out,

White will live with 10.
419
e
e
420
6 7
Otherwise, White’s remaining option is this move 6 inside, resulting in a

ko.
421
ko
However, even this ko would be a success for White, as Black has let slip
away the unconditional death of White’s group.
422
e
e
423
424
Lessons learned
Simply reducing from the outside might not be sufficient to reduce the
remaining potential eye space (●) to such an extent that partitioning is
prevented.
425
12
12
Being able to utilise the 1–2 points in the corner might benefit your
opponent.
426
Black just played atari at the right.
White to live (by means of ko).
427
428
1
>1
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 6
> 7
> 1
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
429
4 2
A
Here again, there is – considering a real game – the relation with a

probably strong white position on the left side.
If White is strong on the left side, she is able to connect at 2. Otherwise,

she will have to play at A, instead.
430
Black 3 first reduces White’s eye space and thereafter, …
6
9
8 5 7
… Black 5 to 9 try to establish a “bent four in the corner”. White might

consider giving atari in the corner first with 6 at 8, but this will result only
in a change in the order of moves.
431
11
10
White 10 frees herself from the outside atari, and if Black is forced to
answer on the left edge, …
432
12
White captures in the corner with 12.
433
ko
White has got an approach-move ko, which is favourable for her.
434
From White’s point of view, this ko fight is of the “direct ko” type. This
means that White is able to resolve the ko by ignoring just one black ko
threat (not displayed in this diagram).
435
13 14
15
Let us further consider the following ko fight, from Black’s point of view.
Black plays a valid ko threat with 13, and then recaptures with 15.
436
16
18
17
Black ignores White’s ko threat of 16 and connects in the corner with 17.
After White captures with 18, we get the standard shape of a “naked”
“bent four in the corner”.
437
21
20 19
As usual with this shape, Black occupies the 1–2 point with 19.
438
ko
Now, the position has become a “direct ko”. Both sides can resolve the ko
by ignoring one opponent’s ko threat.
439
22
23
Black has to ignore White’s ko threat of 22 to be able to connect at 23,

thereby killing White.
440
In total, Black had to ignore two white ko threats, not only one (as typical
for a “direct ko”). White’s first ignored ko threat (16) makes up for the
additional move at 17 that was played locally by Black to reach a “direct
ko”. Usually, such additional local moves are played on the outside,
further approaching the opponent’s position. Thus, this type of ko got its
name of “approach-move ko”.
441
442
White 6 plays at the 1–1 point in the corner, hoping for a black mistake.
443
8
9
7
It is correct for Black to calmly play at 7. He must not follow his instincts
to capture White’s just played stone.
White is forced to close the borders of her potential eye space with 8.
Now, the time has come for Black’s capture in the corner. We have got the
same ko as seen before.
444
ko
445
5 4 3
2
The sequence that is usually given in the books begins with White 2 on the
lower 1–2 point, …
446
6
… again resulting in a ko.
447
A
ko
However, this ko is a “direct” one, which means that Black will win the ko
fight by ignoring only one white ko threat (not two, as seen above).
Additionally, Black has the internal ko threat of A at his disposal, making

this ko even more unfavourable for White.
448
7
8
9
This sequence is shown here.
449
10
11
Black 11 ignores one white ko threat to connect the ko.
450
451
Lessons learned
452
Simply reducing from the outside might not be sufficient to prevent
partitioning of the remaining potential eye space (●).
453
006 Problem (failure V)
Black just captured a single white stone in the corner.
454
455
1
>1
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 6
> 1
> 2
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
> 7
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
456
006 Solution (failure V)
10 9
White 8 is forced. Black 9 tries establishing a “bent four in the corner”.

But White 10 recaptures, and there is a ko in the corner.
457
ko
White has got an approach-move ko, which is favourable for her. Black
has to look for the first valid ko threat.
458
459
11 12
13
Let us further consider the following ko fight.
Black plays a valid ko threat with 11, and then recaptures with 13.
460
14
White has an internal ko threat at 14. This move frees her from the outside
atari, and …
461
15
16
… if Black is forced to answer on the left edge with 15, White takes the ko
again.
462
17 18
19
Black 17 is another valid ko threat.
463
20
22
21
Black ignores White’s ko threat of 20, and connects in the corner with 21.
After White captures with 22, we get the standard shape of a “naked”
“bent four in the corner”.
464
25
24 23
As usual with this shape, Black occupies the 1–2 point with 23.
465
26
27
Black has to ignore a second ko threat (White 26) to be able to connect at

27, thereby killing White.
However, Black must have two more valid ko threats than White, and
additionally has to ignore two of White’s, so – in a real game – we could
consider White’s group to be virtually alive.
466
467
Lessons learned
ko
Do not start a ko fight (too) early! This might affect the relationship of ko
threats in your opponent’s favour.
Usually, it is best to capture the ko last.
468
006 Problem (failure VI)
Just for the sake of completeness: Black just threatened White’s cutting
point at the right.
White to live.
469
470
1
>1
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 6
> 1
> 2
> 6
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
471
006 Solution (failure VI)
White immobilises Black’s intruder with 2.
472
3
4
5 6
There is no way Black could hinder White from splitting her eye space.
473
e
e
474
Lessons learned
Missing the vital point inside might not hinder the opponent from creating
an elongated potential eye space (●).
475
Problem 007
476
477
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
4
> 4
Next page: Hints
478
Hints
Black’s eye space is already divided into two, and seems to be large
enough for two eyes.
479
However, there is a line of false eyes ( , ✕) in sight, giving some hope
back to White.
480
Additionally, there are so many black groups ( ) that are not yet solidly
connected.
481
2 2
Last but not least, Black’s two-stone group on the left edge has only two
liberties, and so is vulnerable to an attack.
Next page: Solution
482
Solution 007
A
1
White 1 on the 1–2 point brings the line of false eyes to life, here by
threatening to capture Black’s two -stones with a snapback, starting with
the throw-in at A.
White will not succeed by descending to the lower edge.
483
2
6 5 4 3
Black prevents this snapback by taking the point of 2 himself. The

procedure from White 3 to Black 6 is already known to us.
It is not correct for Black to play on the 1–1 point in the corner too early
with his move 4.
484
ko
White gets a ko, but has to look for the first ko threat.
485
e e
e
486
Next page: Failures
487
Black just played atari on the 1–1 point.
488
489
1
> 1
4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
490
White gives atari with 5, and Black captures White’s intruder with 6.
491
7
White 7 again results in a ko, but …
492
ko
… this time White captured first, so Black has to carry the burden of
finding the first valid ko threat.
493
494
e
e
495
Lessons learned
ko
Starting a ko too early usually benefits your opponent, at least by changing

the parity of the ko in their favour.
496
White just descended to the right.
Black to live.
497
498
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
499
2 4
3
As “usual” after a mistaken descent on the outside, Black occupies the

vital point of the problem inside. After 2, Black has two eyes for sure.
500
e
501
Lessons learned
Simply threatening from the outside might still allow your opponent to
divide the remaining potential eye space (●) successfully.
502
Problem 008
Black to live.
503
504
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 5
4
> 4
Next page: Hints
505
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space is quite bulky, but it is his turn, so it is likely
that Black will have the chance for division.
However, Black must be aware that his position is full of weaknesses.

Therefore, an approach of the “safety first” kind might be called for.
506
This is the first problem that contains stones which are already in atari.
White’s -stone on the left edge has only one liberty (○).
However, we are in tsume-go, and usually such stones, or groups, in atari

want to make you believe that capturing these immediately will solve the
problem with ease. In the majority of cases, you should refrain from
following such thoughts.
507
Before, you will have to ask yourself whether the survival of such stones,
or groups, in atari might be mandatory for the life of your position in
question. Usually, it will not.
At the right there is a cutting point to defend.
508
This cutting point comes along with a line of false eyes ( , ✕).
509
3
3
Black’s group on the bottom has only three liberties, and so is very
vulnerable.
510
Black’s -stone has only one liberty (●), and so is in atari.
In tsume-go, it might be not be best idea to follow your instinct of saving

such stones.
However, this black stone in atari must have an effect on the problem,
otherwise it would not be present on the board. You will realise that this
stone reduces the number of liberties of White’s stone below.
511
Last but not least, a potential dead eye shape (△) inside Black’s
formation.
512
And a second one (△).
Next page: Solution
513
Solution 008
Black 1 occupies the vital point of the problem, effectively protecting the
cutting point between his -stones.
Black will succeed neither by capturing White’s single stone at the left,
nor by playing a turning move there.
514
4
2 3 5
White reduces Black’s eye space on the left with a move at 2, but – due to
Black’s marked stone on the left edge – Black’s blocking move at 3 is also
an atari, so White has to capture with 4. She cannot play at 5 instead.
Eventually, Black 5 secures two eyes for Black’s group.
515
e
e
516
4
5
It does not benefit White to occupy the central point of Black’s three-point
eye space (△) with 4. Black captures two white stones with 5, and, …
517
6
A
B
… even after White’s throw-in with 6, now has become the “owner” of the
point of A, so B is his second eye.
518
e
e
Next page: Failures
519
Black just captured a single white stone on the left edge.
520
521
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 5
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
522
This time, White has to occupy the second 1–2 point in the corner. She
must not let Black getting the chance to do so himself, as this would be
equivalent to two eyes for Black.
523
4 5
3 6
Black already knows that a move at 4, aiming at a division of his eye

space, will not serve to eliminate his weakness at the right.
Therefore, he occupies the primary vital point of this problem at 3. White

has no other choice but to give atari with 4. Black connects his forces with
5, and then White captures with 6 for a ko.
524
ko
This is a direct ko, and Black has to look for the first ko threat.
525
526
e
e e
527
Lessons learned
Think twice before capturing a single stone that is in atari!
Solidifying the outside borders this way might leave a dead eye shape (△)
inside.
528
12
12
Take into account that your opponent might not allow you to occupy both
1–2 points in the corner.
529
Black just made a turning move in the corner.
White to kill.
530
531
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
532
White 2 occupies the vital point of the problem, killing Black. Black’s
initial move was too restrained here, reducing the size of his potential eye
space himself.
533
3
4
Black 3 takes a liberty of White’s stone on the bottom. Otherwise, the

marked line of false eyes ( , ✕) would trigger a snapback with Black’s
two-stone group at the right.
White gives atari from the outside with 4, leaving Black helpless.
534
A 5
B
Even if Black connects with 5, his remaining eye space will be too small
for two eyes. A and B are miai. Playing at B instead will not help either.
535
536
7
5 6
If Black 5 gives atari to White’s single stone first, White answers with the
counter-atari of 6 on the right. After Black captures two stones with 7, …
537
8
… White 8 on the left edge makes Black’s potential second eye false.
538
539
Lessons learned
Intentionally reducing the potential eye space on your own from the
outside might leave a dead eye shape (△) behind that can be successfully
used by your opponent.
540
Problem 009
White to kill.
541
542
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
Next page: Hints
543
Hints
Black’s maximum potential eye space is bulky, but also quite large. There
are some dents too, so White must be on her guard.
544
There is a cutting point in Black’s formation, between the -stones.
545
As usual, this can be combined with a line of false eyes ( , ✕).
546
White’s position on the left edge ( ) is quite strong, lurking for a stone at
◇ that wants to connect out.
547
3
Black’s single stone has only three liberties, and so is vulnerable.
548
Last but not least, an exemplary potential dead eye shape (△) in the
corner.
Next page: Solution
549
Solution 009
White 1 occupies the 1–2 point in the corner, which often plays a very
decisive role in tsume-go.
White will succeed neither by playing hane on the left edge, nor by playing
a clamp on Black’s single stone.
550
2
3
Black is forced to intercept with 2. If he played at 3 instead, his remaining

eye space would not be large enough for two eyes after White connected
underneath with a move at 2.
551
5
6
4
8 9 7
Black 4 attacks White’s intruders (maximising the potential eye space with
7 instead might be another idea), but the atari of White 5, and the
following hane at 7, reveal Black’s shortage of liberties. Eventually,
Black’s group dies.
552
553
5
6
9
8 4 7
Black might try to maximise his eye space on the bottom with a move at 4.
However, there is Black’s shortage of liberties again, making the attempt

of Black 8 fruitless.
554
Next page: Failures
555
White just reduced Black’s eye space from above.
Black to live (by means of ko).
556
557
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
558
2 3
Of course Black blocks with 2. White’s cut at 3 follows naturally.
Please note that the central point of the marked dead eye shape (White 3,
△) is not yet occupied by White.
559
5
9 6 7 8
Here it is Black who temporarily occupies the second 1–2 point with 6,
which also is the central point of the dead eye shape mentioned above.
Thus, this results in a ko in the corner.
560
ko
This is a direct ko; Black must find the first valid ko threat.
561
562
e
e
563
Lessons learned
Reducing your opponent’s eye space from the outside might run into
problems if you are hindered from occupying the central point of the just
created dead eye shape (△) immediately thereafter.
564
12
12
Letting your opponent occupy both 1–2 points in the corner (maybe
temporarily) might lead to complications.
565
White just played a clamp inside Black’s formation.
566
567
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
568
We have often seen this hane of Black 2 as a refutation of a white clamp

on the second line.
569
3
7 4 5 6
We revert to a sequence that we have already seen just before. White needs
a ko in the corner to kill Black’s group.
570
ko
This is the same direct ko as before; Black has to find the first valid ko
threat.
571
572
e
e
573
Lessons learned
Starting with a move inside your opponent’s potential eye space might run
into problems if you are hindered from occupying the central point of the
just created dead eye shape ( , △) immediately thereafter.
574
12
12
Letting your opponent occupy both 1–2 points in the corner (maybe
temporarily) might lead to complications.
575
Problem 010
Black to kill.
576
577
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
> 12
3
> 3
Next page: Hints
578
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) consists of ten points and is the largest
one so far. It has some dents at the right, and at the left too.
579
White’s only weakness is the cutting point between her two -stones.
Please note that White’s potential eye space is quite elongated, so that
there is the danger that, if there was no white weakness to be exploited any
longer, Black’s efforts would only end in vain.
580
As usual, the cutting point is accompanied by the line of false eyes shown
( , ✕).
581
Here in this problem, in the same area, there is also a second one available
( , ✕).
582
Black’s descent on the first line greatly weakens White’s formation
nearby.
583
3 3
White’s two stones on the right have only three liberties, and so are
vulnerable to an attack.
Be warned that – if we take the last hints together – there might be the
danger of some “overkill”, as far as these two stones are concerned. This is
a very strong hint that you must consider very carefully to what extent
these two stones play a decisive role in the entire problem.
584
Instead of concentrating your efforts on White’s two stones, you might
remember the correlation of the line of false eyes ( , ✕), Black’s descent
, and the point of ◇ on the lower 1–2 point of the corner, which proved
to be important in an earlier problem.
585
Of course there are also potential dead eye shapes inside White’s
formation. This diagram shows one of these.
586
And here comes another one.
Next page: Solution
587
Solution 010
2 1
B A
The cut of Black 1, hitting White’s only real weakness, is the correct point
to begin with.
Black will succeed neither by starting on the lower 1–2 point in the corner,
nor by playing hane on the left edge, nor by pushing into White’s
588
formation from the bottom right.
White’s strongest answer is the atari of 2 here. She might also think about
A, or B, instead.
Black 3 occupies a decisive 1–2 point in the corner.
Please do not try to capture White’s two -stones instead, which would be
possible now. Be warned that the bigger fish would bounce off the hook.
589
4
White must capture with 4, because her eye space in the corner alone
would not be sufficient for two eyes.
590
6
7 8
A 9 5
Of course Black is forced to prevent White from getting a sure eye at the
right, with a move at 5.
White tries to maximise her eye space with the move at 6 on the left edge,
but Black occupies the second 1–2 point too, with a move at 7, and White
is dead.
Eventually, White 8 denies Black access to the point of A, so Black must
591
finally play at 9, making White’s eye at the right false. At the left, we have
got a “bent four in the corner”.
592
3 2
If White gives atari from below with 2 here, Black also continues with
occupying the lower 1–2 point. This merely results in a change in the order
of moves.
593
3
2
Occupying the vital 1–2 point in the corner instead lacks resistance. Black
simply stretches with 3, and White’s group is dead as it stands.
594
5
7 4
8 10 9 A
Please note that Black is not forced to answer White’s move at 4 in the
corner. It is likely that you will encounter the resulting shape on the lower
edge again, so here follows a detailed explanation.
On the left, White cannot get more than one eye (White 6, Black 7, or vice
versa). White must capture Black’s two stones on the lower edge, and now
the counter-atari of Black 9 is the decisive tesuji. Please note that White is
unable to intercept with a move at A.
595
After White captures two stones with 10, …
12 11
A
… Black throws in with 11. Again, White is hindered from closing the
border of her formation with a move at A. If White captures at the left
again with 12, …
596
13
… Black connects on the lower edge, with a move at 13, making White’s
potential eye false ( , ✕).
597
598
Variation for White 12 (White 2 (II))
12
If White captures the other black stone on the lower edge, …
599
13
… Black gets a simple snapback.
600
Next page: Failures
601
Black just played atari on White’s stones on the right.
White to live.
602
603
1
> 1
> 3
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
> 12
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
604
6
4 5
White’s stones that are in atari are not really important.
White occupies both 1–2 points in the corner with 4 and 6, gaining life for
her main forces. White might also change the order of her moves here.
605
e
e
606
Lessons learned
While your are busy with capturing some unimportant stones, your
opponent might use the opportunity to occupy the vital point of the
remaining dead eye shape (△).
607
Black just occupied the lower 1–2 point in the corner.
White to live.
608
609
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
> 12
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
610
2
4 A
White covers her only weakness with the solid connection at 2.
Thereafter, Black has no chance to prevent White from gaining a living

shape. If Black reduces White’s eye space from above with 3, White 4
builds a sure eye on the lower edge. Starting at the right, with a move at A
611
instead will not benefit Black either. Black might think about playing at 4
himself, but this will not lead to the death of White’s group.
A
6 5 B
8 7
Black’s intruder cannot connect out, so White lives with two eyes.
Please note that White does not block at A with her move 6. After the
exchange of Black 7, White 8, Black would give atari at B, reaching a ko
for the life of White’s group.
612
e
e
613
Variation for Black 3 (I)
6 5 10
4 9 7 3
If Black reduces White’s eye space from the right, starting with 3, we get a
similar result. White lives with two eyes.
614
e
e
615
Variation for Black 3 (II)
6
3 5 4
Black 3 tries to build a dead eye shape inside White’s formation.
However, White’s block of 4 is sente on the bottom, forcing Black to add

another stone at 5.
White 6 threatens to get a second eye on the left edge, which Black
616
prevents with 7.
Black has reached a seki now, but only in gote. In a real game, Black
might think twice before choosing this line of play.
n n
n n
617
Lessons learned
12
There is no guarantee that occupying a 1–2 point in the corner will kill the
opponent’s group.
The remaining line of empty points around (●) might offer various chances
to divide the remaining eye space into two parts.
618
Black just reduced White’s eye space from above.
White to live.
619
620
1
>1
> 3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 5
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
> 12
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
621
3 2 4
Here, White covers the weak point in her encirclement with the diagonal
move at 2. Black 3 and White 4 are miai now.
622
7 6 5 8
Black tries to force White into a shortage of liberties, but in the end, it is
the black stone at 5 that is short of liberties, and so unable to connect out.
Black might also try to play 5 at 7.
623
e
e
624
6
5 7 8
Probably this Black 5 is even more tricky. There might be the danger of a
seki in the corner, …
625
9
10
… but Black 9 and White 10 are miai. White lives with territory.
626
e
e
627
4 3
This diagram shows the aforementioned miai relationship.
628
7
8 6 5
Black cannot reduce White’s eye shape decisively.
629
e e
630
Lessons learned
Simply reducing your opponent’s potential eye space (●) by only one point
might not be sufficient to kill.
This is especially true if your move is far, far away from the sole weakness
of your opponent’s group, thus containing only a minimal threat.
631
Black just reduced White’s eye space from the bottom right.
White to live.
632
633
1
>1
> 3
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
> 12
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
634
Again, White fixes her weakness with the solid connection at 2.
635
3
4
6 5
Further reductions from either side do not benefit Black. White gets a
living shape in the corner. Starting inside White’s formation with 3 at 6
will not lead to success either.
636
e
e
637
4 7
5 3 8
Black’s placement of 3 is answered by White with 4 on the left-hand 1–2

point. Black is unable to prevent White from splitting her eye space.
Eventually, White lives with more territory than above.
638
e
639
Lessons learned
Simply reducing your opponent’s potential eye space (●) by only one point
might not be sufficient to kill.
This is especially true if your move allows your opponent to cover the only
weakness in their formation, making your move counter-productive.
640
Problem 011
White to kill.
641
642
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
Next page: Hints
643
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space is partly elongated, partly bulky, with a dent
on the left.
644
? ? ?
e ? ? ?
The 1–1 point in the corner (e) is a sure eye for Black. White will have to
prevent a second one in the ?-area at the right.
645
Black has several cutting points to consider, between all the diagonal
connections ( ).
646
There are two lines of false eyes, with a shared end point on the bottom.
647
3 3 3
2
Black’s group on top has only three liberties, so it is vulnerable to an

attack.
Black’s single stone at the right has only two liberties and so is even more
vulnerable. However, we are in tsume-go here, and you should be aware
that you usually should refrain from giving atari or even capturing a stone
in the very beginning of your solution sequence.
648
White’s formation of -stones on the right is very strong, and lies in wait
for a white stone at the ◇-point, which could be easily connected to the
outside.
649
One of several potential dead eye shapes (△).
650
And, as usual, a second one.
Next page: Solution
651
Solution 011
White 1 occupies the vital point of Black’s eye shape. Again, this is a very
calm move, not trying too hard.
White will succeed neither by capturing Black’s single stone at the right,
nor by giving atari from below.
652
5 A 2
3 4
After Black’s connection with 2, Black 3 threatens to connect out.

Alternatively, Black might consider to play with 2 at 3 himself, or at A.
Cutting with 5 makes it impossible for Black to approach White’s

intruders from the right.
653
7
Black tries to do so from the left with the descent of 6, but is stopped by
White 7.
White could give atari to Black’s partial group at the right, from the
outside, so Black is dead.
654
655
3 A
2
Black might try to defend his weakness at A with the diagonal move at 2
here. However, White 3 cuts on the other side, threatening a snapback at
the point of A. Black is helpless, and should stop here.
656
A 4
C B
It does not help Black to additionally connect at 4, he will only die in gote.
Black is still unable to approach White’s intruder at A, and the atari of B in
the corner does not make sense, either; White simply captures with C.
657
5
6 B
Playing the descent of 6 in the corner is stopped by White 7. Black lacks

liberties, and so cannot approach at B.
658
659
B 2 A
Black 2 from above tries to cover both cutting points, A and B, at least for
the time being.
660
5
4 3
But White can connect underneath to the outside with the move at 3.
Black 4 is no real threat, because there will be no shortage of liberties on

the lower edge. White 5 captures two of Black’s stones, not only one, so
there will be no ko.
661
Next page: Failures
662
White just played atari on Black’s single stone.
Black to live.
663
664
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
Next page: Solution
665
2
3
Black 2 gives counter-atari, forcing White to capture with 3.
666
6 A 4 5
The descent of 4 provides Black’s group with a living shape.
Please note that Black does not play at A instead. After White 4, Black 5, a
ko would develop for the life of his group.
667
e e
668
Lessons learned
Think twice before giving atari to a single stone!
In particular if your opponent does not have any means available to

prevent this stone from becoming captured.
669
Do not leave a potential eye space for your opponent behind that is
elongated, and ready to become partitioned.
670
White just played atari from below.
Black to live.
671
672
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 2
Next page: Solution
673
3 2
Here, Black tries the inside move at 3, instead of capturing Black’s single
stone, which we have seen before.
674
5 4
6
White connects her stone in atari with 4. White’s cut with 5 creates a
shortage of liberties for Black at the right, but is useless, because Black
has sufficient liberties in the corner to give atari with 6 from the left.
675
e
e
676
Lessons learned
677
Your opponent might not connect the threatened stone immediately, but
concentrate on creating a winding eye space for their main group instead.
678
Problem 012
Black to kill.
679
680
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 2
> 1
2
> 2
> 6
4
> 4
Next page: Hints
681
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) is elongated, and winding. So Black must
be careful in choosing his first move.
682
One of White’s weaknesses is the cutting point between her -stones.
683
!!
!!
There are two holes (!!) in White’s encirclement.
684
The “usual” line of false eyes that is correlated with White’s cutting point.
Please note White’s stone near that line’s end on the bottom. It might
become difficult to place a permanent black stone here.
685
Another line of false eyes.
But please be aware that capturing only two of White’s stones might not
do the job.
686
There are two black descent ( ) on the first line, one on each side of
White’s position. These look forward to black stones on the ◇-points.
687
4 4 4
3 3
White’s marked groups have three and four liberties, respectively.
However, Black has descended ( ) on both sides, so these groups may be

shorter of liberties than it looks like at first sight.
688
12
12
White has already occupied one of the 1–2 points in the corner. Black
might want to prevent White from taking the other one.
Next page: Solution
689
Solution 012
Black starts by occupying the second 1–2 point in the corner, destroying
any white hope of an eye point below.
Black will succeed neither by threatening White’s cutting point, nor by

playing the cut immediately, nor by pushing into White’s formation on the
690
bottom, nor by playing a jump on the first line (case 1, case 2).
2
1 3
A
White 2 is the usual reply to Black 1 given in the books. Another option
for White would be the point of A.
Please note that this move took a liberty of White’s partial group, so Black
3 becomes a real threat.
There are several ways Black can go wrong with 3. However, most of
691
these are largely independent from the exchange of Black 1, White 2, so
we will examine these later, in the failure problems that are related to
Black 1.
4 6
5 A 7
White 4 immobilises Black’s intruders. Connecting at 6 instead will not

benefit White either.
Black jumps to 5, leaving White helpless. White 6 and Black 7 are miai.
692
White is unable to intercept at A, so her group is dead.
693
B 4
A 5
White might try the connection at 4. Black 5 reveals the fact that White’s
eye space is not large enough for two eyes. A and B are miai.
694
695
B
4 3 5
6 2 A
The diagonal move at 2 is another white option.
Black 3 aims at White’s shortage of liberties on top, Black 5 at White’s

shortage of liberties on the right. As a result, White is unable to maximise
her eye space with a move at A.
696
After White captures with 6, (she might try to play at B, instead) …
8 7
A
… Black throws in at 7, and there is White’s problem with A again.
697
11
10 9
Black 9 is the final blow. White 10 and Black 11 are miai.
698
699
It does not help White to close her eye space on the left with the move at 6.
700
8 7 A
Black gives double-atari with 7, and White cannot capture at A, due to

snapback.
701
10 9
A
Black throws in at 9, keeping the threat of a snapback after White A alive.

If White captures with 10, …
702
11
… Black connects with 11, making White’s eye on the bottom false ( ,
✕). White’s group only has an eye in the corner, and so is dead.
703
Next page: Failures
704
Black just played a peep inside White’s formation, threatening the cutting
point at the right.
White to live.
705
706
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 2
> 1
2
> 2
> 6
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
707
4
3 5 2
8 6 7
White connects her troops with 2.
Black tries his best with 3, but this move comes too late now. White
captures three of Black’s stones with 8, …
708
10
9
… making miai of Black 9 and White 10.
709
e e
710
Lessons learned
Starting inside on the wrong point, simultaneously forcing the opponent to

cover one of his weaknesses, might not affect a long string of empty points
(●) that contains various options for partitioning the remaining eye space.
711
Black just cut into White’s formation.
White to live.
712
713
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 2
> 1
2
> 2
> 6
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
714
2
4 3
White gives atari with 2. Capturing with 4 ensures her two eyes.
715
6
7
5
White is not forced to answer Black 5 locally, as shown here with 6, for
demonstrative purposes. She might even play elsewhere. Black 7 captures
two white stones, …
716
8
… but recapturing with White 8 decides the matter.
717
A
B
White is the “owner” of the point of A, so B is a real eye.
718
e
e
719
Lessons learned
Trying to capture some of your opponent’s stones ( ) might be too short-

sighted.
While you are very busy with creating a false eye in that area, your
opponent might be able to create two real eyes elsewhere (●).
720
Black just reduced White’s eye space from the right.
White to live.
721
722
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 1
> 2
> 1
2
> 2
> 6
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
723
A 4 3 5
6 2
White saves her endangered stones with a move at 2. In a real game, White
might consider to play at A in the corner instead as a safety-first measure.
Black’s further attempts lead to nothing.
724
e
e
White has two eyes and lives.
725
2 4 3
5
In a real game, when you are probably unsure about the validity of your
reading, you might rely on the “safety first”-move at 2 in the corner,
occupying the second 1–2 point for White.
Black will be able to capture two of your stones with 3 and 5, but you will
726
get life for the larger part of your group in sente.
e
e
727
Lessons learned
Reducing the opponent’s eye space (●) from the outside by only one point,
primarily in an attempt to capture two unimportant stones ( ), might not
be sufficient to kill the entire group.
Your opponent might get the opportunity to cover one of their weaknesses,
728
keeping a sufficient number of empty points (●) for two eyes.
729
Black just jumped a bit on the first line.
White to live.
730
731
1
>1
>1
>1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 1
2
> 2
> 6
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
732
5
6 4 A
2 3
White gives atari with 2. In a real game, connecting at A instead might

also be a valid option.
Thereafter, White secures two eyes for her group with the move at 4.
733
e
e e
734
4
3 5 2
6
In a real game, you might get the idea of connecting at 2 instead.
Black 3 occupies the vital point of the problem, but now, White is able to
maximise her eye space with the move at 6 on the bottom.
735
9 7 8
In the further process, both sides capture one stone, for an eye each.
736
n
e e
Black got a seki, also meaning that White’s group is alive, but only in
gote. White will get over having got no territory, because this is even
better than having lost her entire group, with Black choosing the correct
starting point.
737
Lessons learned
Reducing the opponent’s eye space (●) from outside, primarily in an

attempt to capture two unimportant stones ( ), might not be sufficient to
kill the entire group.
Your opponent might get the opportunity to cover one of their weaknesses,
738
keeping a sufficient number of empty points (●) for two eyes.
739
Black just jumped deep into White’s position, on the first line.
White to live.
740
741
1
>1
>1
>1
> 2
> 1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 6
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
742
4
3 5 2
6
White connects her troops with 2. Black 3 does not help here, because
White 6 ensures two eyes.
743
e
e
744
Lessons learned
Jumping too deep into your opponent’s formation, simultaneously forcing

the opponent to cover one of their weaknesses, might not affect a long
string of empty points (●) that contains various options for partitioning the
remaining eye space.
745
Problem 013
White to live.
746
747
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 4
> 1
> 1
Next page: Excursus – Mind the environment
748
Excursus – Mind the environment
One implicit assumption in tsume-go says that the environment outside the
position shown does not have any effect on the problem given.
However, you surely know that this is not the case in real games, and there
might be positions in tsume-go too, where environmental considerations
749
come into play.
We have already examined one example; the problem’s setup (Black to

kill) is given in this diagram again.
The outcome after White’s move 8 in the solution sequence is not so clear-
cut as it should have been.
750
9
10
If we assume a strong white position ( ) on the left side, Black must play
at 9 in order to prevent White from connecting. Thereafter, White lives
with 10 in the corner.
751
10
11
On the other hand, assuming a strong black position on the left side, Black
will play 9 inside White’s formation, killing White’s group. White has no
chance to get a second eye on the outside.
752
The current problem under examination seems to have no “environment”
at first sight, due to Black’s strong encirclement on the outside. However,
in a certain sense, it consists of an aggregation of two individual problems.
First, there is a problem in the corner. White’s -group might want to

live, but it is dead as it stands.
753
Second, there is a problem on the side. White might want to capture
Black’s -stones, but will be unable to successfully separate these from
their supporters on the right.
754
2
1
3
If White wanted to reach her aim in the corner, she would need two moves
(1 and 3), in a row. It would be necessary that Black played 2 elsewhere,
e.g. on the side.
755
2
3
1
Also, if White wanted to reach her aim on the side, she would need two
moves (1 and 3) in a row again. It would be necessary that Black played 2
elsewhere, e.g. in the corner.
756
Let us come back to the problem in question.
The marked points (●) can be understood as the “environment” of the

problem in the corner, related to White’s -stones..
757
In the same way, the marked points here (●) can be understood as the
“environment” of the problem on the lower side, related to Black’s -
stones.
All that White needs – to bring the inter-dependency of both “sub-

problems” to life – is a dual-purpose move.
Desperately called for are “two” White 1 in both sequences shown above,
758
which enable White to fulfil the respective tasks – under the assumption
that Black will be forced to end in gote in “the other one” of both sections
of the problem – and which occupy the same point.
Next page: Hints
759
Hints
White’s maximum eye space in the corner consists of six points of the
bulky type.
760
Black has positions on the outside, of which the upper one is very strong.
761
!!
!!
White’s encirclement has two holes (!!).
762
Therefore, either this dead eye shape (△), …
763
… or this one will come into play, so that White will be unable to live in
the corner, even if she plays first.
764
3
3
Black’s two-stone group has only three liberties, so it is vulnerable to an

attack.
However, three liberties for this group – combined with lacking white
support at the right – imply that a “direct” attempt to capture these, i.e.
starting with a move that takes a liberty of this group immediately, is very
likely to result in failure.
765
However, Black’s support at the right ( ) is quite far away, making the
connection to his endangered group quite weak. Thus, we can be sure that
there must be a way to capture Black’s two stones.
Next page: Solution
766
Solution 013
B
A
1
White’s descent of 1 is the match winner, usually given in the books, and
threatening to the left, as well as to the right. However, White has the
alternative options of A in the corner, and B on the right, for her first move
also.
767
All other moves will fail. White will succeed neither by immediately
attacking Black’s two stones on the right (case 1, case 2), nor by trying to
get a living shape in the corner (case 1, case 2, case 3).
2
3
4
Black prevents two eyes for White’s group in the corner, with the
sequence to 4.
768
9
8 5
7 6
10
White has sente now to start the attack on Black’s two stones with a move
at 5. Black 6 tries to connect to the right, but White 7 undermines the
wished-for connection.
A short ladder results, and …
769
12 13
11
… eventually Black is unable to save his stones.
White got an eye in the corner, and another one on the bottom, so her
group is alive.
770
e
e
771
Solution 013 (alternate I)
4
5
1 6
2 3
In the books, you may not find this white move 1 on the left-hand 1–2
point in the corner, also leading to success.
White must occupy the other 1–2 point with 2 to prevent easy life for
White in the corner. However, then there is again White’s sente descent,
772
here with 3. Black prevents two white eyes in the corner, with the
sequence to 6, …
… but White 7 decides the matter for White again.
773
e
e
774
Solution 013 (alternate II)
5
4 1
3 2
6
Also missing in most books is White attacking at the right first with 1 here.
After the “usual” procedure until 6, …
775
9
7 8
… White again plays the descent of 7. Black 8 saves his stones on the
right, but White 9 ensures White’s life in the corner.
776
e
Next page: Failures
777
White just attacked Black’s two stones from above.
Black to kill.
778
779
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 4
> 1
> 1
Next page: Solution
780
5
4
2 3 8
7 6
Black saves his endangered stones with the sequence to 8.
Playing White 5 at 7 does not help either.
781
10
9
14
15
11
12 13
In the corner alone, there is no life for White.
782
16
Black 16 is the final blow.
783
784
Giving atari from below with 5 here does not benefit White either.
785
8
Due to Black’s outside strength there is no ladder to develop.
786
787
Lessons learned
An attempt to capture two opponent’s stones on the outside for your

second eye will fail if your opponent is too strong in that area.
788
White just played hane from below.
Black to kill.
789
790
1
>1
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 4
> 1
> 1
Next page: Solution
791
9
6
7 2
3 8
4 5
Black saves his two stones with the guzumi of 2.
As before, there is no way for White to get two eyes in the corner.
792
10
Also, there is no white support on the outside, so White’s enclosed group

is dead.
793
794
Lessons learned
An attempt to capture two opponent’s stones on the outside for your

second eye will fail if your initial move does not also serve to strengthen
your eye shape in the corner.
795
White just played in the corner.
Black to kill (by means of ko).
796
797
1
>1
> 5
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 1
> 1
Next page: Solution
798
3
2
6
5 4
Black 2 is the vital point now to prevent a living shape for White’s group.
However, please do not be too careless to miss Black’s hane at 4.
799
11
10 7
9 8
12
Here, White attacks with 7 on the outside again. After the known sequence
to 12, …
800
13
… White captures with 13, and …
801
ko
… reaches a ko for the life of her group.
802
e
e
e
803
804
14 15
16
Black might consider connecting with 14, …
805
ko
… so that it will be White who has to look for the first valid ko threat.
806
807
e
e
e
808
Lessons learned
A preparatory sente move, played too far away from your object of desire (
), might not guarantee success.
809
Black just played a second stone in the corner.
White to live.
810
811
1
>1
> 5
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
Next page: Solution
812
11
10 7
9 8
6 5 12
White’s descent of 5 is sente to live in the corner, so Black’s two stones on

the outside will fall prey to White outright again.
813
13
Black is unable to connect his three stones that are in atari, so White is
unconditionally alive.
814
e e
815
Lessons learned
Do not give your opponent the opportunity to play a multi-purpose move

that threatens to the left (●), as well as to the right ( ).
816
White just played on the lower 1–2 point in the corner.
Black to kill.
817
818
1
>1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
Next page: Solution
819
9
3 8 5
2 4 7 6
Black occupies the other 1–2 point, preventing easy life for White in the
corner.
White 5 starts the known sequence on the outside,. but …
820
10 A
… Black decides the matter with the descent of 10.
Please do not hastily capture White’s single stone with a move at A instead
as White 10 would start an uncalled-for ko again.
821
822
Lessons learned
), might lead to failure.
823
White just descended to the left edge.
824
825
1
>1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 4
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
826
9
8 5
4 7 6
3 2 10
Black’s hane of 2 prevents a white descent at the same point. After Black 4
in the corner, the story continues at the right, as usual.
827
11
White 11 starts a ko fight.
828
A
ko
This ko is advantageous for White, compared with those seen above,

because it is Black who has to find the first valid ko threat. Here, Black
does not connect at A just now, as he might have done in a sub-variation
seen before.
829
12 13
14
Black plays a valid ko threat with 12, and recaptures the ko with 14.
830
16
15
17
Both side have an internal ko threat at their hands, White with the
connection at 15 …
831
18 19
20
… and Black with the connection at 18. White must look for the next valid
ko threat in this direct ko.
832
ko
833
834
e
e
e
835
Lessons learned
), might not guarantee success.
836
Problem 014
White to kill.
837
838
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 4
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
5
> 5
Next page: Hints
839
Hints
Black’s potential eye space is half winding, half bulky.
840
12
12
White has to consider that Black has already occupied a 1–2 point in the
corner. It might be important for White to hinder Black from also taking
the second one.
841
The configuration in the corner makes this three-point dead eye shape (△)
more likely than …
842
… this five-point one (△) at the right.
843
!! !!
!!
However, there are three holes (!!) in Black’s encirclement. White will
have to find out which of these one is the most important one.
844
There is one line of false eyes ( , ✕) visible on top.
845
And another one ( , ✕) on the bottom. But please remember that
connecting stones to the outside that are arranged on a zigzag line may not
be possible.
846
3
3
Black’s right-hand group has only three liberties, and so is quite

vulnerable.
But please remember that it might not be the best idea to concentrate your
efforts on really capturing some of your opponent’s stones, just because
this task seems easy to carry out.
847
White has strong formations ( ) on both sides. These are looking forward
to stones on the ◇-points.
848
!!
There is also a hole (!!) in White’s encirclement that is covered in a

somewhat unusual style, with the -stone. We are in tsume-go, so this
kind of unusual formation must have been chosen on purpose.
849
!!
A black attempt to break out through this hole might be securely escorted
to White’s strong -stones on the left edge.
Next page: Solution
850
Solution 014
2
1
4 3
The exchange of White 1 on the second 1–2 point and Black 2, denying
White the connection along the left edge, is already known to us from a
similar position.
White will succeed neither by playing a clamp at the right, nor by trying a
851
placement on the first line, nor by playing a clamp on top, nor by pushing
through the hole in Black’s formation.
The hane of White 3 reduces Black’s potential eye space, and

simultaneously takes a decisive liberty from Black’s two stones above. In
this problem, White might change the order of moves and start the solution
sequence with this hane on the bottom right.
White, however, must be on her guard after Black’s block with 4, and not
follow some kind of instinct here when seeing a cutting point in the
opponent’s formation.
852
8
5
9 7 6
White 5 pushes from above into the remaining hole of Black’s position.
Black has no other choice but to connect at 6.
White must not change the order of moves here, with playing 5 at 7.
Thereafter, White 7 is atari, and White 9 completes a dead eye shape.
853
11
10
White does not fear any breakout of Black’s group, because Black’s
wandering stones can be easily kept within White’s outer encirclement.
854
855
In this problem, White could change the order of moves and start with this
hane of 1 at the right. Black’s two stones above have only two liberties
left, decisively weakening Black’s position overall.
856
5
2 3 7
4 6
Black tries a variation with occupying the second 1–2 point with 2.
The clamp of White 3 threatens to connect either to the right, with a move
at 4, or to the top with 5 here. Black might consider playing 4 at 7, but this
will not help him either.
After White 7, Black’s group is dead.
857
858
6
4
7 5
Black 4 here does not help Black either.
White 5 is atari, so White can securely connect out all of her stones on the
bottom with 7.
859
Next page: Failures
860
White just played another move inside Black’s formation.
Black to live.
861
862
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
863
6
7
8
Black 6 simply closes the remaining hole in his formation. White 7

prevents Black from getting two eyes in the corner, but then Black
captures at 8, and gets a seki, equivalent to life for his group.
864
B A
Later – in a real game – Black must occupy both A and B to keep the seki
stable.
865
n
n
866
Lessons learned
!!
Do not force your opponent to cover the weak point of their formation if
you cannot really do so in sente.
If you leave miai behind, between partitioning the remaining eye space,
and further solidifying the outside, you will fail.
867
Black to live.
868
869
1
>1
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
870
B 2
A
5 4 3
This sequence is independent from a preceding exchange of White A,

Black B.
Black connects all his forces by closing the upper hole in his formation,
with a move at 2. White tries to connect her stone out with 3.
871
But Black throws in at 4, decisively reducing the liberties of White’s
stones. Capturing with 5 does not help White here.
6
A B
Black gives double-atari with 6, and White is unable to connect at A, due

to Black B.
872
e e
873
Please remember that you need a lot of liberties for your endangered
stones if you want to connect them out along a zigzag line ( ).
874
Lessons learned
!!
Forcing the opponent to cover their weak point (!!), in an attempt to

capture some stones, might be fruitless, and only benefit the opponent.
875
Remember that a shortage of liberties might hinder you from connecting
stones out that are placed on a zigzag line ( , ✕).
876
White just jumped on the first line.
Black to live.
877
878
1
>1
> 4
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
879
Black 2 hinders White’s intruder from connecting out.
White’s initial move had only one purpose – threatening to connect out –
and so it is not very astonishing that Black got life with ease.
880
e
e
881
Lessons learned
!!
Playing a move inside that only forces the opponent to solidify their
position (!!) but does not include a second aim, e.g. preventing the division
of the remaining eye space (●), is useless.
882
Black to live.
883
884
1
>1
> 4
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
885
2 4
3
Black 2 creates a sure eye in the corner, and simultaneously immobilises

White’s intruder.
The hane of White 3 is a desperate attempt, but Black 4 decides the matter.
Black has got another eye on the edge, and so lives.
886
e
e
887
Lessons learned
Do not play a move inside that allows your opponent to partition the eye
space (●), if it does not carry a second threat of successfully connecting
out.
888
White just pushed through the hole at the top right.
Black to live.
889
890
1
>1
> 4
> 1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
891
2 4 3
Black’s two -stones are heavily attacked, and run the risk of being
captured.
However, we have already learned that – in tsume-go – stones that might

be captured with ease are not necessarily very important ones.
892
Black decides to occupy the second 1–2 point, the vital point of this
problem with 2.
He does not intend to try to “rescue” his stones on the right with a move at
3 instead, because these stones would get lost anyway after the death of
Black’s entire formation (White would continue with the sente move at 2
on the left edge, entering a change in the order of moves of the correct
solution sequence).
White can capture Black’s -stones in sente, but Black 4 secures life for
the larger part of Black’s original formation.
893
e
e
894
Lessons learned
Do not try to capture some opponent’s stones ( ) on the outskirts of their

position if connecting these stones is not mandatory for your opponent.
Consider carefully whether the remaining potential eye space (●) might
become successfully transformed into two eyes by two moves in a row.
895
Problem 015
White to live.
896
897
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 3
> 6
> 1
2
> 2
Next page: Hints
898
Hints
White’s maximum eye space seems to be very large, but is bulky. In

addition …
899
Black’s formation at the right is very strong, greatly weakening White’s
position in the neighbouring, and still open, area.
900
White’s stones ( ) are not yet securely connected.
901
There are many lines of false eyes ( , ✕) available, of which we will
display only a few.
902
This ( , ✕) is another one.
You will easily find some more on your own.
903
2 2
White’s stones on top have only two liberties, and so are extreme
vulnerable to an atari.
However, we already know that – in order to kill – it might not be the best
idea to begin with an atari. Conversely, this implies that – in order to live –
you will have to think twice whether it will be really necessary to solidly
connect such stones in the first place.
904
3 3
White’s single stones, at the right, and at the left, have only three liberties,
and are vulnerable to an attack too.
905
Black’s position on the left is as strong as his position on the bottom.
906
All of Black’s stones are so strong, and all of White’s stones are so weak,
so that you will have to think about your primary aim while solving this
problem.
In positions like this one – with a great strength imbalance – you will have
to decide between separating your potential eye space, or saving every
single one of your stones.
907
Next page: Solution
908
Solution 015
The descent of White 1 stresses the corner, where life can be gained easier
than on the side.
White will succeed neither by protecting one of her cutting points with a
diagonal move (at the left, at the right), nor by solidly connecting the
909
cutting point at the right.
A
3 2 4
5
Black attacks White’s eye space from the right with 2, (a move at A
instead, will lead to a similar result) and 4, but can do nothing more than to
reduce White’s territory. But this reduction does not affect White’s living
shape.
910
e e
911
3 2
5 4
It may be just a matter of taste to cut at 2 immediately. Black will lose a ko

threat, but …
912
8
9 6
7
… the overall result is the same as before. White’s eye space consists of
four points in a row, so White is alive.
913
e
e
Next page: Failures
914
White just played a diagonal move in the corner.
Black to kill.
915
916
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 1
> 3
> 6
> 1
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
917
3 2
5 4
Black cuts at 2, simultaneously giving atari to White’s two stones above.

Alternatively, Black might play at 4 immediately.
Black 4 is the second atari, …
918
6
… resulting in a false eye ( , ✕) for White on the bottom.
919
9
8
7 10
The corner alone is too small for two eyes. White’s group is dead.
920
921
3
4 2
The clamp of Black 2 here might look more elegant, but the final result is
the same as above.
White 3 and Black 4 are miai for making White’s potential eye false ( ,
✕).
922
923
Lessons learned
If defending, avoid playing a move that leaves a dead eye shape (△) in the
corner behind, but does not really cover your weaknesses, ( ) and …
924
… ( , ◇), on the outside.
925
White just connected some of her stones.
Black to kill.
926
927
1
>1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 6
> 1
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
928
A 5
3 2 4
Black plays the clamp of 2. The hane of 3 is White’s strongest reply (a

move at A instead is too simple). Black’s peep of 4 forces White to
connect at 5.
As we have seen in the hints, White’s maximum eye space is quite large,
929
so Black must be on his guard here. He will not succeed by continuing
from the outside.
8 9 7
6
Black 6, occupying the second 1–2 point in the corner, is correct here.
White tries to expand her eye space with 7.
930
10
11
Black 10 limits White’s potential eye space.
In the corner, there is a dead eye shape visible ( , △), so White has to
maximise her eye space with the descent of 11 to create additional points
inside.
931
14
13
15 12 16
However, Black 12 creates an eye for Black.
White has none so far, so she must try to capture Black’s group that is
inside her formation. However, the sequence to Black 16 shows that White
is one liberty short. Her group is dead.
932
e
933
3 5
4 6
The descent of White 3 here simplifies the matter for Black. The diagonal
move at 6 on the outside massively reduces White’s potential eye space.
934
12 7
11 9 8 10
The room that is remaining in the corner is much too small for two eyes.
White’s group is dead.
935
936
Lessons learned
Just connecting on the outside usually does not help in partitioning the
potential eye space (●) of your group.
937
!!
!!
!!
If your opponent is strong on both sides ( ) and your encirclement is full

of holes (!!) and …
938
? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ?
… the area inside your formation (?) is quite large and bulky, it might
become difficult for you to handle your opponent’s miai of connecting
some of their stones out, and establishing some permanent stones inside.
939
Black just played a diagonal move on the outside.
940
941
1
>1
> 2
> 1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 6
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
942
9
10 7 8
White 7 occupies the second 1–2 point in the corner that has been
contemned by Black.
White gains a ko in the corner, which is a success for her.
943
ko
White has to look for the first ko threat for this direct ko.
944
945
e
e
946
Lessons learned
Do not play from the outside if your opponent might able to utilise the
central point of a seemingly dead eye shape ( , △).
947
12
12
Remember that occupying both 1–2 points in the corner massively benefits
the defender.
948
White just played a diagonal move at the right.
Black to kill.
949
950
1
>1
> 2
> 1
> 3
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
951
4 3
2 5 6
Black’s move 2, occupying the vital point of the problem, decides the
matter again.
The bottom alone is not large enough to provide White with two eyes.
952
953
Lessons learned
!! ? ?
? ?
? ? ?
Even after defending some of your weaknesses in only one place – but
leaving a decisive hole (!!) in another one – it might become quite difficult
to establish two eyes in an area on the side that is three lines wide (?),
especially if your opponent is very strong in the environment.
954
?
? ? ?
Using an area in the corner that has a width of three lines (?) instead will
massively increase your chances to end successfully.
955
Problem 016
White to kill.
956
957
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
Next page: Hints
958
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space is very elongated, and only contains a tiny
bulky element.
959
Black’s troops are not yet solidly connected ( ).
960
There is only one line of false eyes ( , ✕) available.
961
!! !!
!!
There are two holes (!!) in Black’s formation, one on the left, the other one
on top.
962
3
3 3
3
Black’s partial group at the right has only three liberties, so it is quite
963
White’s descent is aiming at the point of ◇ on the left edge.
964
5
5 5
But here Black’s group in the corner has five liberties, making it quite
resilient.
Next page: Solution
965
Solution 016
4 2
1
B 3 A
White wedges into Black’s shape with 1.
White will succeed neither by pushing into Black’s formation on the left
edge, nor by jumping to the left-hand 1–2 point, nor by trying a placement
on the first line.
966
Black has no other choice but to intercept with 2, but then White’s descent
of 3 will become decisive.
Black 4 maximises his eye space. This move is Black’s strongest reply, as
it contains several hidden traps. Giving atari with a move at B instead is
much too simple.
Please note that Black is unable to give atari from the right with a move at
A.
967
Black’s move at 4 here, giving atari to White’s two stones, is too clear-cut
to be successful.
968
A
5
6
White jumps to 5 in the corner, and Black is hindered from intercepting at

A. Black 6 only captures two stones.
969
7
Eventually, White connects with 7, and Black is dead again.
970
To be continued …
971
White to kill.
972
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 5
973
5
A
White 5 might be a surprising move, as it is self-atari. However, this move

establishes a shortage of liberties on the left too. Black is hindered from
playing at A.
White will succeed neither by giving atari at the right, nor by occupying
974
the 1–2 point on the first line.
Black’s only remaining option is to capture with 6.
975
A 7 B
But after White 7, there is Black’s shortage of liberties again. Both A and
B are taboo for Black, so his group is dead.
976
Next page: Failures
977
White just played atari at the right.
Black to live.
978
979
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
Next page: Solution
980
6 7
Black gives counter-atari with 6, and lets White capture five of his stones
with 7.
981
8
However, Black 8 makes two eyes in the corner, so parts of Black’s

original formation survive.
982
e
e
983
Lessons learned
984
Especially if your opponent might be able to sacrifice the endangered
stones ( ) and concentrate on partitioning the remaining eye space (●)
instead, using two moves in a row.
985
White just occupied the lower 1–2 point in the corner.
986
987
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
988
7
6
White has chosen the wrong 1–2 point in the corner. Black gives atari with
6, and White naturally captures with 7, …
989
A
ko
… gaining a direct ko in the corner, for which Black has to search for the
first ko threat.
Once White runs out of valid ko threats, she will give atari at A, capturing
at least Black’s -stones.
990
991
e
e
992
Lessons learned
ko
There is no guarantee that every 1–2 point in the corner is always the
deciding blow for killing an opponent’s group.
If you want to occupy a 1–2 point in the corner, be well aware that a ko-
option might develop on the 1–1 point for your opponent (ko), due to the
993
very special characteristics of the corner of the board.
994
Black to live.
995
996
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
997
3
2 4
Black blocks with 2, and his eye space is too long to become successfully
endangered.
998
e e
999
Lessons learned
It does not make sense to force your opponent to secure a formation that
includes five empty points in a row (●).
1000
White just jumped to the 1–2 point in the corner.
Black to live.
1001
1002
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1003
Black 2 divides the eye space of his group.
1004
5 3
4
6
Eventually, White has to connect her single stone on the left edge with 5,
so Black is able to live with two eyes on the bottom, with the descent of 6.
1005
e e
1006
Lessons learned
If your opponent’s potential eye space consists of a long, straight, line of

points (●), which provides them with multiple options for partitioning, it
might not lead to success to immediately attack that line.
Some preparatory measures might be called for.
1007
Black to live.
1008
1009
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1010
3
4 2
Black 2 solidly closes the hole in his formation, and again his eye space
consists of too many points in a single row.
1011
e e
1012
Lessons learned
It does not make sense to force your opponent to secure a formation that
includes five points in a row (●) if only one point of that line is already
occupied by one of your stones.
1013
Problem 017
1014
1015
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 8
2
> 2
> 8
3
> 3
5
> 5
> 5
> 14
10
> 10
Next page: Hints
1016
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) seems bulky.
But please note that the eye space can be divided easily, mainly due to its
dent at the top right, which White will have to prevent.
1017
There is a cutting point between Black’s -stones, but it is well protected.
1018
Therefore, it is more likely that at least one of the lines of false eyes ( ,
✕), which proceed along the edge of the board, will become important.
Black’s potential eye space is quite large, so it might not be unlikely that
both of these lines will come into play.
1019
White’s positions on the outside ( ) are strong, lurking for stones on the
◇-points on the edge.
However, the corner area is still empty, and Black can close the borders of
his territory easily. Thus, having the sheer size of Black’s potential eye
space in mind, it does not seem very likely that some ◇-stones alone can
do the job. It might be too easy for Black to create some division of the
corner area.
1020
3 3
4 4 3
3
Black’s partial group at the right has only three liberties, so it is vulnerable
to attack.
Black’s group at the left has four liberties, but one of them is shared with
the group at the right. Shortage of liberties may become relevant here.
Next page: Solution
1021
Solution 017
A
1
White’s clamp 1 at the right occupies the vital point of Black’s formation.
It prevents a black move at the same point, with which Black would divide
his eye space. Black’s group at the right would also gain some liberties,
strengthening this group decisively, and so help Black in keeping the
1022
empty point above as an eye point.
Please note that Black has to prevent White from cutting at A, because this
would be atari on his stones on the right.
White will not succeed by playing this clamp on the left edge.
3 2 4
The hane of 2 is Black’s strongest option. Black will not succeed by

descending instead.
1023
Thereafter, White has to give atari with 3. She will not succeed by
lengthening her stone with a second move on the second line.
To be continued …
1024
1025
1
> 1
> 3
> 8
2
> 2
> 8
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 5
> 14
10
> 10
1026
6 5 7
9 8
The same procedure as on the bottom follows on the left edge, with the
clamp of White 5, and Black’s hane of 6.
White will succeed neither by connecting her two stones immediately, nor
by giving atari to Black’s stones on the right.
1027
White connects her three stones with 7, and Black has to give atari with 8
in the corner in order to prevent White from completing a dead shape
inside his formation. White captures with 9, and …
ko
… gains a direct ko for the life of Black’s group. Black must find the first
valid ko threat. There is no way for Black to avoid this ko.
1028
1029
e
e
1030
10
11
Hastily connecting at 10 instead is of no use for Black. White will give

atari at the right with 11, and the ko in the corner has lost its meaning.
1031
Next page: Failures
1032
White just connected her stones inside Black’s formation
Black to live.
1033
1034
1
> 1
> 3
> 8
2
> 2
> 8
3
> 3
5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 14
10
> 10
Next page: Solution
1035
The simple turning move at Black 6 ends the discussion.
1036
9 8
10
7
White’s atari of 7 does not create a shortage of liberties for Black. White 9
reduces Black’s territory a bit, but there remain five points in a row,
sufficient for two eyes.
1037
e
e
1038
Lessons learned
Playing inside might not really attack your opponent’s weakness (here the
cutting point between the -stones).
There might remain a long line of points (●) for the potential eye space
that could still be divided into two, creating a living shape.
1039
White just played atari on the outside.
1040
1041
1
> 1
> 3
> 8
2
> 2
> 8
3
> 3
5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 14
10
> 10
Next page: Solution
1042
6
7
Of course Black connects at 6. White plays the same clamp of 7 as in the

correct solution sequence.
1043
8 A
9 10
But here – after Black’s hane of 8 – White is unable to connect her stones
with a move at A, and so has to play on the 1–1 point with 9. Black 10
opens a ko for the life of Black’s group.
1044
ko
White has to look for the first valid ko threat, therefore this variation is
less advantageous for her than the correct solution. In addition, this ko will
become an approach-move ko for White.
1045
e e
e e
1046
11 12
13
White captures the ko with 13, after having played a valid ko threat with
11.
1047
15
14
A
16
But here Black is able to connect on the left edge with 14 (he might
capture with A as well). White gives atari with 15, and Black 16 recaptures
the ko.
1048
17 18
19
White 17 is the second valid ko threat.
1049
20
21
White must have two more valid ko threats than Black to win the ko fight.
1050
1051
14
It does not make a difference whether Black 14 captures one of White’s

stones inside his belly.
1052
15
White 15 captures on the left, simultaneously giving atari to Black’s

group.
1053
B
A
16
Black continues the capturing of single opponent’s stones with 16, and
starts a ko that has changed place a bit. White is unable to connect at A,
due to Black B.
1054
ko
As before, White must have two more valid ko threats than Black to win
the ko fight.
1055
Lessons learned
1056
12
ko 12
Forcing your opponent to cover some of their weaknesses (here the cutting
point between ), might not lead to a change in the order of moves, but
change the parity of whose turn it is in another area of the problem instead.
If a ko in the corner is likely, you will become the one to search for the
first valid ko threat.
1057
White just placed a second stone inside Black’s formation.
Black to live.
1058
1059
1
> 1
> 3
> 8
2
> 2
> 8
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
5
> 5
> 5
> 14
10
> 10
Next page: Solution
1060
7
8 4
5 6
The block of Black 4 is the first step to create a winding shape inside
Black’s formation.
White’s atari of 5 comes too late now. Eventually, Black’s eye space is
much too long for a dead shape inside.
1061
e
e
1062
Lessons learned
Further playing inside is useless if your opponent is forced to establish an

eye space (●) which consists of too many points in a row.
1063
Black just descended to the bottom.
White to kill.
1064
1065
1
> 1
> 3
> 8
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 8
3
> 3
5
> 5
> 5
> 14
10
> 10
Next page: Solution
1066
A
4 3 5
White 3 is a second clamp.
White connects her stones with 5, utilising the large free space inside
Black’s formation. Please note that the cutting point of A became
important again.
1067
6
7 A 8 9
The connection at 6 is Black’s only move.
But then White 7 prepares a dead eye shape in the corner. Black tries to
prevent White from completing her aim with the move at 8 (playing at A
instead will not work either). Eventually, White 9 makes Black helpless, as
he cannot approach White’s intruders any further.
Black’s group is unconditionally dead.
1068
1069
8 9
This Black 8 here does not help either. White captures with 9, and …
1070
11
10
… Black is unable to give atari to White’s stones again. We have reached

“one eye beats no eye”, so Black’s group is dead.
1071
e
1072
Lessons learned
Just closing the potential eye space on one side might not be sufficient to
survive if the remaining area is threatened to become filled with a dead eye
shape ( , △).
1073
This is especially true if the chosen move does not really cover some of the
other latent weaknesses ( , ✕ / ) that are included in the position and
which the opponent might be able to exploit successfully.
1074
White just played a clamp in the corner.
Black to live.
1075
1076
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 8
2
> 2
> 8
3
> 3
5
> 5
> 5
> 14
10
> 10
Next page: Solution
1077
2 4 3
A 5
Black plays the hane of 2.
After the second clamp of White 3, there is no simple change in the order
of moves, because Black is no longer forced to answer with the hane of A.
Alternatively, White might try to play at 4 instead.
1078
Black separates both white intruders with 4. White connects underneath
with 5, …
… but is should become evident that White’s -stones are positioned on a

zigzag line, and so must worry about their connection to the outside.
1079
8 7
White saves her stones on the right with the connection at 7, but Black 8
occupies the second 1–2 point in the corner, securing two eyes for Black.
1080
e
e
1081
3 4
5 6
Crawling with 3 here does not benefit White either. Black 4 partitions the
eye space successfully, and there remains no potential for White to prevent
Black from getting two eyes.
1082
8 7
Black must be aware that White’s descent of 7, closing White’s territory at

the right, is sente.
If – in a real game – Black is able to carry a slight local loss, he might play
elsewhere with 8 in order to keep sente.
1083
e
e
1084
Variation for Black 8 (White 3)
B A 9
If Black does not answer locally, White 9 establishes a seki in the corner.
The points of A and B are taboo for both sides.
1085
e
n n
1086
Lessons learned
Attacking the wrong weakness first might allow your opponent to occupy
the central point of a dead eye shape in the corner.
1087
In addition, your opponent is not forced to follow your attempt by simply
changing the order of moves of the correct solution sequence.
A previous defect in your opponent’s position – i.e. lines of false eyes ( ,

✕) – …
1088
… might turn into a weakness of your own attackers – i.e. shortage of
liberties along a zigzag line ( , ✕).
1089
Problem 018
1090
1091
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 1
4
> 4
> 5
> 4
> 5
Next page: Hints
1092
Hints
Like in problem 016 above, Black’s maximum eye space is predominantly

elongated, with only some minor bulky tendencies.
1093
Black’s formation consists of two partial groups which are only loosely
connected ( ).
1094
This is accompanied by the “usual” line of false eyes ( , ✕).
1095
And a second line of false eyes ( , ✕).
1096
!!
!!
This is the first time that we encounter a hole in black’s encirclement (!!)
that is bordered by two black stones ( ), which form the shape of a keima
(= knight’s move).
< Excursus – Cutting a keima (knight’s move) >
< Excursus – Strike at the waist of a keima >
1097
Next page: Solution
1098
Solution 018
2
1
3
White cuts through Black’s formation, occupying the waist of Black’s

keima with her move at 1.
White will succeed neither by pushing into Black’s formation on the left
edge, nor by occupying the left-hand 1–2 point.
1099
Of course Black has to close the hole at 2, after which White plays the
descent of 3.
Now, Black has to either capture White’s intruders – in order to live with
all of his stones – or to create two eyes in the corner – living at least with
the left-hand part of his troops.
To be continued …
1100
1101
1
>1
> 2
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
4
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 5
> 4
> 5
1102
Hints (continued = follow-up)
Black’s -groups and White’s -groups at the right cross-cut each other.
1103
3 3 3
3
One two-stone group each is involved in a “local” semeai. Both groups

have only three liberties. Of course – under these circumstances – White
would be able to win this “local” semeai, capturing Black’s two stones on
the right.
However, we are in tsume-go here, so you will have to think about whether
this “easy-to-fulfil” approach will also guarantee the death of Black’s
partial group at the left.
1104
?
? ?
White’s two -stones form a dead eye shape, so capturing these alone will
not be sufficient for two black eyes.
Black will have to build another eye in the ? area in the corner, which
White will want to prevent.
1105
4
4 4 4
4
Black’s partial group at the left has four liberties. However, due to the
special circumstances of this problem, it is in danger of suffering from a
shortage of liberties.
1106
These special circumstances are shown here. White’s position on the left
edge ( ) is very strong, looking forward to a white stone on the 1–2 point
at the left (◇).
1107
Black’s strongest continuation is to block the left side with the move at 4.
Please note that Black took one of his own liberties with this move.
Black will not succeed by taking a liberty of White’s two stones (case 1,
case 2).
1108
A
7
6 5
White’s jump with 5 onto the 1–2 point in the corner reduces Black’s main
group to only two liberties.
The atari of Black 6 at the 1–1 point is Black’s only remaining option. He
must set his hopes on a ko fight, after White captures with 7.
If – in a real game – White had absolutely no chance to benefit from this

ko fight, she could consider capturing Black’s two stones on the right, in
1109
sente, with a move at A.
ko
This is a direct ko, for which Black has to look for the first valid ko threat.
1110
1111
e
e
1112
5
A
8 6 7
In a real game – if Black has an overwhelming amount of valid ko threats

– White might simply capture Black’s two stones on the right, starting
with the move at 5.
Black is forced to live small, and in gote, with the sequence to Black 8.
1113
White cannot approach at A, so Black has gained two eyes in the corner.
e
e
Next page: Failures
1114
Black just played a diagonal move on the first line.
White to kill.
1115
1116
1
> 1
> 2
> 1
4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 4
> 5
Next page: Solution
1117
6 5
White punishes a typical Black mistake with the atari of 5 on the first line.
White must not push into Black’s formation on the left edge instead.
Black is forced to capture with 6.
1118
7 9
8 A
B
White 7 on the left edge reduces Black’s eye space decisively, and
simultaneously creates a shortage of liberties on the left. After his
connection at 8, Black is hindered from giving atari to White’s two stones
with a move at A.
White 9 results in a shortage of liberties on the right. Black cannot occupy

the point of B, so his group is dead.
1119
1120
Lessons learned
Before starting the hunt on opponent’s stones, consider your own liberties
(●) carefully.
1121
!!
Please remember that you will lose at least one of these for sure, as long as
you will be forced to close a hole (!!) in your formation.
1122
White just reduced Black’s eye space on the left edge.
Black to live.
1123
1124
1
> 1
> 2
> 1
4
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 5
Next page: Solution
1125
6
7 8
Of course Black blocks at 6, keeping as much of his eye space as possible.

White 7 comes too late now. Black is able to give atari at 8, securing two
eyes.
1126
9
It does not benefit White to capture with 9.
1127
10
Black simply recaptures with 10 and is alive with two eyes.
1128
e
e
1129
Lessons learned
Before reducing from the outside, ask yourself whether your opponent’s
“natural” reply will be useful to create two partitions of their potential eye
space (●).
1130
Black just took a white liberty on the second line.
White to kill.
1131
1132
1
> 1
> 2
> 1
4
>4
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
Next page: Solution
1133
6
5
8 7
White again occupies the vital point of 5 on the left edge. She must not
occupy the lower 1–2 point instead.
The sequence to Black 8 is forced.
1134
9
A B
White 9 at the right completes the double shortage of liberties from which
Black’s group suffers so much. A and B are taboo for Black.
1135
1136
Lessons learned
Before starting the hunt on opponent’s stones, consider your own liberties
(●) carefully.
1137
!!
Please remember that you will lose at least one of these for sure, as long as
you will be forced to close a hole (!!) in your formation.
1138
018 Problem (follow-up – failure IV)
White just occupied the lower 1–2 point.
Black to live.
1139
1140
1
> 1
> 2
> 1
4
>4
> 5
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
1141
018 Solution (follow-up – failure IV)
7
6
8
Be careful which 1–2 point you choose.
Black 6 closes his territory without losing a liberty of Black’s left-hand

group. White 7 does not help any longer, because Black is able to
successfully give atari from the inside with the move at 8.
1142
e
e
1143
Lessons learned
12
12
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a really vital decisive point.
1144
Before further playing inside your opponent’s formation, ask yourself
whether you might force your opponent to secure an elongated eye space
(●) which easily can be divided into two.
1145
3
3 3 3
3 3 2 3 3
2 2
In addition, consider the liberty count carefully.
1146
Black to live.
1147
1148
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
> 1
4
> 4
> 5
> 4
> 5
Next page: Solution
1149
4
2 3
7 6 5
Black blocks with 2, maximising his remaining eye space. An alternative

option to consider might be playing at 3 instead.
White cuts Black’s keima with the already known move at 3, but White’s
atari at 7 does not benefit White any longer.
1150
A
8
Black gives atari from the right with 8, and White will not play at A, due
to a snapback.
1151
e
e
1152
4 2
5 3 6
Black 2 here, at the right, might be possible too, but is not so clear-cut as
Black’s reply shown above.
White 3 takes the central point of the potential dead eye shape inside
Black’s formation. Black’s block of 4, and his descent of 6, however,
1153
result in an eye space that is too large to be killed.
In a real game, White will stop the sequence here.
Just because gaining a seki only in gote (!) might be too painful for White,
White might want to wait for a suitable moment in the endgame phase of
the game.
1154
n n
1155
Lessons learned
Do not force your opponent to create a potential eye space that consists of
a long straight line of still unoccupied points (●). The sheer length of this
line might prevent you from creating a dead eye shape inside.
1156
? ?
? ? ? ? ?
Do not consider it a matter of course that your opponent will not have any
options to change the order of moves, regarding the fight of filling the
empty space (?) inside his formation.
1157
White just occupied the 1–2 point on the left edge.
Black to live.
1158
1159
1
>1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
> 5
> 4
> 5
Next page: Solution
1160
4
2
3 A
Black 2 closes the right-hand hole in his formation.
White too tries her best by taking the second 1–2 point, but Black’s block
at 4 decides the matter.
In a real game, White would play 3 at 4, letting Black live with a move at
1161
A.
5
6
A 8 7
Eventually, White cannot hinder Black from gaining two eyes with the
sequence to 8. The point of A is taboo for White, so Black lives with two
eyes in the corner.
1162
e
e
1163
Lessons learned
Do not assume that your opponent will be eager to capture any single stone
just because it is not yet connected to the outside ( ).
You might have overlooked that there is an opportunity to create a viable

eye space (●) for their group somewhere else, while you would like to
1164
invest a second move, saving your pivotal stone.
1165
Problem 019
Black to kill.
1166
1167
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Hints
1168
Hints
White’s maximum eye space is quite large, containing ten points (●). The
somewhat elongated shape might make it likely that a reduction from the
outside is called for.
Starting from the inside instead might result in a sudden recognition that
1169
White’s remaining eye space will be too large to prevent partitioning.
!!
!!
!!
White’s position has two holes (!!), both of which are at the edge of the
board. The hole on the lower edge is larger than that on the left side, so
Black might want to start his efforts there.
1170
Black’s position in this area is largely strengthened by his descent to the
second line, which looks deep into White’s position, e.g. the ◇-points.
< Excursus – The art of reducing third-line territory >
1171
Please note that White’s group has three liberties (○) on the outside. This
is a clear sign that a shortage of liberties will become no issue for White.
1172
But shortage of liberties might become an issue for Black. Black stones,
which will become arranged on the marked zigzag line ( , ✕), must be
aware that connecting out might be facing insurmountable obstacles.
1173
A second zigzag line of this kind (✕).
Next page: Solution
1174
Solution 019
2 1
Indeed, Black starts by reducing White’s potential eye space from the
right. He uses the somewhat restrained keima of 1, not trying too hard.
Black will succeed neither by playing a large knight’s move, nor by even
jumping one point further.
1175
White’s jump of 2 to the first line prevents a further black advance, at least
for the time being.
To be continued …
Next page: Problem (continued)
1176
Problem 019 (follow-up I)
Black to kill.
1177
1
>1
> 2
> 2
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
1178
Solution 019 (continued = follow-up I)
4
A 3
Black 3 connects his initial stone out, simultaneously preventing any

attack on this stone.
Black will not succeed by giving atari to White’s stone (case 1, case 2).
White 4 closes her encirclement on the bottom, trying to keep her potential
1179
eye space as large as possible. Occupying the lower 1–2 point with a move
at A instead will not work either.
To be continued …
1180
6
5
4
White 4 might try to save her group by occupying the lower 1–2 point.
However, Black takes the other one with 5, and after White’s block of 6,
…
1181
8 7 9
… Black 7 demonstrates that White’s eye space in the corner alone is too
small for two eyes.
1182
1183
Problem 019 (follow-up II)
Black to kill.
1184
1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
1185
Solution 019 (continued = follow-up II)
7
8 6 5
9 A
Black 5 occupies the vital point of White’s shape.
Black will succeed neither by playing a clamp on the left edge, nor by
occupying any of the 1–2 points (at the left, on the first line), nor by
playing a hane on the left edge, nor by giving atari with a move on the first
1186
line.
White 6 hinders Black from cutting at the right of 5. White might consider
playing at 9 instead, occupying the lower 1–2 point in the corner.
Now, the time has come to reduce White’s eye space decisively with the
move at 7 on the left edge. White must block with 8.
Thereafter, Black 9 on the 1–2 point of the corner prevents a white move
at the same point. White cannot partition her eye space with a move at A,
…
1187
… so Black has established a dead shape ( , △) inside White’s
formation. White’s group is dead.
1188
12
6
White 6 occupies the lower 1–2 point, hoping for the second one.
1189
8
7 9
Of course Black is faster with 7, simultaneously threatening to connect

under on the left side.
White blocks with 8, but Black 9 again completes a dead eye shape.
1190
Next page: Failures
1191
019 Problem (follow-up II – failure I)
Black just played a clamp in the corner.
White to live.
1192
1193
1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1194
019 Solution (follow-up II – failure I)
6 8 9
7
As usual with Black’s clamp on the second line, White answers with the
hane of 6.
The atari of 7 is Black’s strongest continuation. But White gives double-

atari with 8, and Black is forced to capture White’s single stone on the
1195
bottom with 9.
10 A
White is not forced to play the ko of A, but simply captures in the corner
with 10, securing two eyes.
Connecting two stones with a move at A is only gote for Black, so it is

likely that – in a real game – White will be able to capture these two stones
too.
1196
e
e
1197
Lessons learned
12
12
If you force your opponent to defend by occupying a 1–2 point in the

corner, you will have to make sure that the other 1–2 point cannot be also
taken. Otherwise you might not be able to prevent two eyes in the corner
area (●).
1198
019 Problem (follow-up II – failure II)
Black just played on the 1–2 point at the left.
White to live.
1199
1200
1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1201
019 Solution (follow-up II – failure II)
Of course White blocks with 6. Black 7 occupies the second 1–2 point too.
1202
8 A 10
9
White 8 prevents a dead eye shape in the corner.
Black 9 aims at a ko, but White calmly connects at 10. White has too many
outside liberties left, so Black cannot successfully establish a “bent four in
the corner”. Sooner or later – in a real game – White will play at A to
capture Black’s stones in the corner for two eyes.
1203
e
e
1204
Lessons learned
If you force your opponent to maximise the potential eye space (●) of their
group, you might encounter difficulties when trying to prevent
partitioning.
1205
019 Problem (follow-up II – failure III)
Black just played hane on the left edge.
1206
1207
1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1208
019 Solution (follow-up II – failure III)
6
7
White again blocks on the left side with 6. Black 7 occupies the second 1–
2 point in the corner.
1209
10 8 11
9
Thereafter, it develops a ko for the life of White’s group.
1210
ko
White has to find the first valid ko threat for this direct ko.
1211
1212
e
e
1213
Lessons learned
Thoughtlessly reducing from the outside might not be sufficient to

generate an opponent’s shape that is bulky enough for an easy kill.
1214
019 Problem (follow-up II – failure IV)
Black just occupied the lower 1–2 point.
1215
1216
1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1217
019 Solution (follow-up II – failure IV)
White 6 tries to partition her eye space, for the time being.
1218
8 9
7
Black has the atari of 7 at his disposal, and eventually we get the same ko
as seen before.
1219
ko
White has to look for the first valid ko threat.
1220
1221
e
e
1222
Lessons learned
If you place a move inside your opponent’s formation – missing the vital
point – but do not really prevent the division of the remaining eye space
(●; at least for the time being), you might have to work harder than
necessary.
1223
019 Problem (follow-up II – failure V)
Black just played atari on the lower edge.
White to live.
1224
1225
1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1226
019 Solution (follow-up II – failure V)
7 8 A
6
White gives counter-atari with 6, simultaneously occupying the lower 1–2

point of the corner.
Black 7 on the 1–2 point on the left edge prevents two eyes for Black in
1227
the corner. Capturing White’s single stone on the bottom, with a move at
A instead will not work either.
White then captures Blacks pivotal intruder with 8, …
9
10
… forcing Black to connect his stones on the left with the move at 9.
White 10 secures two eyes for her group.
1228
e
e
1229
Black might try to capture on the bottom with 7 immediately.
1230
10 8
9
After White’s double-atari of 8, Black will connect with 9. White 10

occupies the second 1–2 point too, providing White’s group with two eyes.
1231
e
e
1232
Lessons learned
12
12
Think twice before giving atari to a single opponent’s stone!
And be warned of a counter-atari on a 1–2 point in the corner.
1233
Remember that trying to connect stones out that are arranged on a zigzag
line ( , ✕) might benefit your opponent.
1234
Only a few opponent’s forcing moves might be sufficient to divide a living
eye space (●).
1235
019 Problem (follow-up I – failure I)
Black just played atari.
White to live.
1236
1237
1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1238
019 Solution (follow-up I – failure I)
4
5
White gives counter-atari with 4, and Black is forced to capture with 5.
1239
7 8
9 6
The same procedure starts a second time, with White’s move at 6.
1240
10
12
14 13 11
White has sufficient liberties left for her own group, so she can take
advantage of Black’s massive shortage of liberties, hindering Black from
successfully connecting all of his stones out.
White begins with the descent of 10, and eventually captures Black’s two
stones in the corner with 14, for two sure eyes.
1241
e
e
1242
Variation in the problem’s setup
A
B
Please note that the (standard) shape that serves as the basis of this
problem is also available with all of White’s outside liberties occupied (
).
In this case, White’s group lacks sufficient liberties to enable both moves
1243
of A and B on the left edge.
10
Under these special circumstances, White is forced to capture with 10,

starting a direct ko for the life of her group.
1244
11
12
Black has an internal ko threat at 11, after which …
1245
ko
… the final ko will have changed place.
1246
e e
e e
1247
1248
Lessons learned
1249
Remember that connecting out some stones which are arranged on a
zigzag line ( , ✕) might suffer from a shortage of liberties.
1250
019 Problem (follow-up I – failure II)
Black just played atari on the bottom.
White to live.
1251
1252
1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1253
019 Solution (follow-up I – failure II)
5 6
4
Again, White gives counter-atari with 4, and Black is forced to capture

with 5. After White’s atari of 6, …
1254
8 7 9
… Black tries his best with the clamp of 7, but he will fail due to White’s
hane of 8. Black cuts with 9 at the right, but no ko will develop here.
1255
10
11
White simply gives double-atari with 10, and …
1256
12 A B
… eventually captures in the corner with 12. Black would need two
additional moves (B and A) to save his stones that are in atari, so it is very
likely that White will capture these too.
1257
e
e
1258
Variation in the problem’s setup
If we again assume that all of White’s outside liberties have gone ( ),

then White is hindered from giving double-atari at A.
1259
10
She must start a ko instead.
1260
ko
Black has to find the first valid ko threat.
However, White is favoured in this ko fight, as she needs to ignore only

one of Black’s ko threats, while Black must ignore two of White’s.
1261
e e
e e
1262
Please note that – as an exception to the rule – we have explicitly placed

the ko threats played.
1263
17 16
Now, White is able to open a second ko in the corner, with the atari of 16.
1264
ko
This time, White has to find the first valid ko threat.
1265
If Black wins the second ko too.
Please note that Black ignored two ko threats of White.
1266
e
e
If White wins the second ko.
The number of ignored ko threats is balanced.
1267
Lessons learned
Be warned of a counter-atari on the first line.
1268
Remember that connecting out some stones which are arranged on a
zigzag line ( , ✕) might suffer from a shortage of liberties.
1269
Black just made a large knight’s jump on the first line.
White to live.
1270
1271
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 2
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1272
3 4
2 5
White knows that she cannot break Black’s connection to the right. She
sets her hopes on creating some kind of shortage of liberties for Black’s
stones with her moves at 2 and 4.
White must not immediately block the corner instead. However, White
1273
might change the order of moves here, with playing at 4 first.
8 7
9 6
White 6 and 8 are the next steps in creating a long zigzag line of black
stones on the lower edge.
1274
10
The double-atari of White 10 is decisive.
1275
12 11
Black must connect one of his stones in atari, else White would get a
double-ko on the bottom, equivalent to life for her group. Eventually,
White captures with 12, and opens the ko for her life.
1276
ko
Black must look for the first valid ko threat.
1277
e
e e
1278
1279
5 2
4 3
White might change the order of moves, with the sequence to Black 5,
shown here.
1280
6
A 7 8
The atari of White 6 is another white option to create a ko shape. The solid
extension of Black 7 could also be played at A to the same effect. White 8
starts a direct ko.
1281
ko
Black has to look for the first valid ko threat.
1282
e e
1283
1284
Lessons learned
Remember that connecting out stones that are arranged on a zigzag line (
, ✕) might suffer from a shortage of liberties, making your work much
harder than expected beforehand.
1285
White just blocked the corner area.
Black to kill.
1286
1287
1
>1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1288
6 5
3 4
Black’s solid extension to 3 prevents any issues that are related to a

potential shortage of liberties of his stones on the bottom. White tries to
maximise her remaining eye space in the corner, with the sequence to 6.
Please note that there is only a dead eye shape (△) in the corner.
1289
8 7 10
9
Black 7 occupies the vital point of the corner shape. White’s hane of 8 is
frustrated by Black 9, denying White access to the second 1–2 point in the
corner. White 10 captures two black stones, but …
1290
11
… this is not sufficient to get an eye on the bottom. Black throws in with
11, turning White’s potential eye into a false one ( ). White has only one
eye in the corner, and so is unconditionally dead.
1291
1292
Lessons learned
If you are too cautious with defending your potential eye space (●), it
might become too small.
1293
In any case you must be able to hinder your opponent from occupying the
central point of a dead eye shape (△). Otherwise you cannot prevent death
of your group.
1294
Black just jumped deep into the corner.
White to live.
1295
1296
1
>1
> 2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 5
> 7
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1297
White simply closes her territory at the right with the move at 2.
1298
5
3
4 6
Black has no chance to successfully hinder White from partitioning her

eye space. Thus, we show only a “simple” example, for demonstrative
purposes.
First, Black reduces White’s eye space from above with the combination
of 3 and 5.
1299
11
9 10 7 8
Then, Black tries his luck on the bottom with the jump to 7, but White 8
hinders Black’s intruders from connecting out. Inside White’s formation,
…
1300
12
… there is no dead eye shape available. Even if White had no outside

liberties, she would be alive in seki, at least. Here, she lives with territory.
1301
e
e e
1302
Lessons learned
Thoughtlessly placing one of your stones too far inside your opponent’s
potential eye space (●) might result in this stone becoming an integral part
of the large territory of a living group.
1303
Problem 020
White to kill.
1304
1305
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 9
2
> 2
> 7
> 2
> 2
> 2
8
> 8
Next page: Hints
1306
Hints
If we consider the maximum size of Black’s potential eye space as

“usual”, assuming the additional stones of Black’s encirclement positioned
at right angles to already existing ones, we will get the marked area (●).
This area is quite elongated, with some bulky tendencies at the right.
1307
However, there is a “gap” (□) between Black’s position, and White’s
strong -stones on the left side. In contrary to the problems discussed so
far, these -stones, which are lurking to the ◇-point on the right edge, are
not placed directly adjacent to Black’s stones, i.e. at the □-points.
1308
Therefore, we might probably have to consider this extended version of
Black’s maximum eye space, containing two additional ●-points.
1309
B A C
Taking White’s aim of occupying the ◇-point on the left edge into
account, the above-mentioned assumption can be justified by a potential
black move at A, which probably might carry the double threat of
occupying either the point of B at the left, or the point of C at the right.
1310
!! !!
!!
There are two holes (!!) in Black’s encirclement, the larger one being on
top.
Please note that White would force Black’s eye space to become a single
straight line if she started immediately with pushing into the hole on top.
1311
4
4 4
Black’s partial group at the right has four liberties. Nevertheless, these
stones are quite vulnerable to an attack, due to White’s strong -stone in
their direct neighbourhood.
1312
The special shape of White’s strong position at the right ( ) makes it
obvious that here is no chance for Black to escape into the open in this
area.
1313
Black’s formation consists of two partial groups that are quite far away
from each other.
We have learned already that capturing very weak stones alone might not
do the job. If we imagine White only capturing Black’s -stones, by
assuming white stones on the ✕-points, there still remains a potential
maximum black eye space in the corner which consists of four points in a
row. White must be on her guard to not let parts of Black’s stones jump off
1314
the hook.
Next page: Solution
1315
Solution 020
White starts with the hane of 1 from the right, pushing into Black’s
potential eye space. Please note that this move handles Black’s potential
eye space in the same way as if it were only a first-line area (i.e. by
reducing on the edge, from the outside).
1316
Please also note that this move reduced the liberty count of Black’s right-
hand group to only three.
White will succeed neither by trying to reduce Black’s potential eye space
from above (case 1, case 2), nor by occupying the lower 1–2 point.
C 2
B A
D
Black 2 tries to keep most of his eye space, but this move has the decisive
drawback that it does increase the liberties of Black’s group at the right.
1317
However, playing at A, B, C, or D instead will not work either.
4 3 6
White 3 advances further into Black’s position and is the second move on
the first line (again similar to reducing a first-line area from the outside).
Please note that Black’s group above is reduced to only two liberties.
Black blocks White’s further approach on the bottom with the move at 4,
but then White 5 from above is atari. Black is forced to capture two of
1318
White’s stones with 6.
7
? ?
White 7 pushes again into Black’s position.
Black might get an eye at ? on the bottom, as well as in the corner, but
each one only in gote. This means that Black would need at least two
moves in a row to survive White’s attack. Not to mention the need to
connect his partial groups.
1319
12 10 11
8 9
Black connects his troops with 8. White 9 creates a false eye on the
bottom. These two moves are miai.
After the sequence to Black 12, there is not enough room in the corner for
two eyes, even if White played elsewhere now.
1320
1321
9 8
Black 8 and White 9 are miai, as is shown here. Black’s forces are
separated, with no hope for life.
1322
1323
3
4 2
Black might think of this move 2, trying to build an elongated shape on the
first line that is long enough for the life of his group. White 3 forces White
to connect at 4. Now the litmus test follows.
1324
5
6
7 A
The keima of White 5 reduces Black’s eye shape from the other edge too.
Black blocks with 6, and White 7 occupies the vital point of the corner.
Black is dead. White 7 could be played at A too to the same effect.
1325
1326
Variation for White 7 (Black 2 (I))
9 8 7 10
White could also choose this variation for her move 7. Black 8 and 9 are
miai. Black 10 captures two stones, but …
1327
11
… this results in a false eye ( ). Black has only one eye in the corner, and
so is dead.
1328
1329
3
2 4
Playing Black 2 on the other side does not work either. Again, White 3
forces White to connect at 4 and reaches a position that is similar to what
we have seen just before.
1330
5
6
7 A
After the reduction with White 5 on the left edge, White 7 becomes the
fatal blow. Black’s potential eye space is not large enough for two eyes.
1331
1332
Variation for Black 2 (III)
2 A
3
B
Black 2 might try to close the gap in Black’s position from the left. But
White’s attachment of 3 leaves Black helpless. White threatens to connect
her stone out, either with A or with a move at B.
1333
4
6 7 5
Black 4 and White 5 are miai. Black 6 forces White to connect at 7, and
creates a shortage of liberties for White on the bottom.
1334
10 11
9
B
8 A
After Black 8, the point of A is an eye, because White is hindered from

further approaching with a move at B.
Again, the keima of White 9 prevents Black from getting another eye on
the left edge. Black 10 and White 11 are miai, but Black will not get a real
eye here.
1335
1336
Variation for Black 2 (IV)
Of course Black’s descent of 2 to the first line is much too trivial. White 3
ends the discussion about the life of Black’s group.
1337
Next page: Failures
1338
Black to live.
1339
1340
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 9
2
> 2
> 7
> 2
> 2
> 2
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
1341
2
3
Black 2 defends the bottom line, and thereafter the hane of White 3 comes
too late.
1342
6
4
A 5
The exchange of Black 4 and White 5 is the same as in the correct

solution, but here, Black can capture on top with 6, instead of being forced
to give atari on the bottom with A.
1343
8
A 11
9
10 7
Of course White proceeds on the bottom with 7 and 9. But Black 8

effectively defends Black’s remaining eye space on the left, preventing
White’s keima of A, and the block of Black 10 on the bottom is atari on
White’s four stones.
White captures some of Black’s stones with 11.
1344
12
Eventually, Black 12 on the 1–1 point in the corner secures two eyes for
Black’s remaining group in the corner.
1345
e
e
1346
Lessons learned
Do not force your opponent to solidify their formation using a move ( )

that might be the source of a weakness of your own afterwards.
1347
When trying to separate an opponent’s position, be well aware that your
opponent might sacrifice one part of it ( ) in order to live with the other
one ( ).
1348
Black to live.
1349
1350
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 9
2
> 2
> 7
> 2
> 2
> 2
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
1351
3
4 2
A
Black defends the bottom line with 2 and 4. Black’s remaining eye space
consists of at least four points in a row (●), and so Black is alive.
Alternatively, White might consider playing 3 at A, reducing Black’s

potential eye space from the bottom right.
1352
e e
1353
Again, White might try the hane of 3 as her second move, but Black
maximises his potential eye space with the move at 4 on top.
1354
8
6 5 A 7 B
White 5 prevents an easy division of Black’s potential eye space, but –

after Black 6 and 8 – White is unable to connect her intruder out. White is
hindered from playing at A, due to Black B. Black’s second eye is in the
corner.
1355
e e
1356
Lessons learned
Do not force your opponent’s potential eye space (●) to become a long line
of points, additionally enriched with a dent in its centre. You might be
forced to invest a lost move inside, instead of successfully only reducing
from the outside.
1357
White just occupied the lower 1–2 point in the corner.
Black to live.
1358
1359
1
>1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 9
2
> 2
> 7
> 2
> 2
> 2
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
1360
4 3
Black 2 closes the large gap in Black’s formation to some extent. The hane
of White 3 can now be answered with the diagonal move at 4.
1361
7 6
8 5
A
White 5 prepares a dead eye shape inside Black’s formation, and the keima
of White 7 reduces on the left edge. After the block of Black 8, however,
Black’s remaining eye space consist of a winding line of five points, so
Black is alive.
In a real game, the point of A will become relevant now. But this issue is
only a question of endgame.
1362
9
If White connects with a move at 9, she reaches a seki, but only in gote.
Black has no territory in the corner.
In a real game, White might consider playing elsewhere instead.
1363
n
n
1364
10
If White does not play in the corner, Black might get the change to play at
10 himself, creating two eyes. Now, Black lives with territory.
1365
e
e
1366
Lessons learned
There is no guarantee that a 1–2 point in the corner is always vital!
Consider carefully whether your move might really become part of a dead
eye shape, particularly if your opponent’s potential eye space (●) is quite
large.
1367
Problem 021
White to kill.
1368
1369
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 7
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Hints
1370
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is already divided into two sections.
1371
A
?
Both sides need sente for a move at A, either to destroy the potential eye at
?, or to turn ? into a real eye. But a move at A will be gote in itself. Thus,
it can be expected that action will start on the bottom.
Black’s maximum eye space on the bottom (●) is quite large, so there
might be options for Black to create two eyes here. White must not be too
careless.
1372
!!
!!
!!
There are two holes (!!) in Black’s encirclement, the larger one being on
the bottom.
1373
Please note that the hole on top is difficult to access for White, due to
Black’s stone .
On the other hand, White’s strong position on the bottom, with her descent
to the edge of the board, heavily undermines Black’s position in that
area.
1374
Next page: Solution
1375
Solution 021
2 1
The jump to 1 on the first line decisively reduces Black’s eye space,
threatening to proceed further. Please note that White is not trying too
hard.
White will succeed neither by jumping one point further, nor by playing a
1376
throw-in on the left edge, nor by threatening Black’s cutting point from the
inside.
The diagonal move at 2 is Black’s only option available. Black must keep
his potential eye space as large as possible, simultaneously putting some
pressure on White’s attacker.
Please note that there are variations of this problem available in the books
that start after the exchange displayed above.
To be continued …
1377
White to kill.
1378
1
> 1
> 7
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
1379
Hints (continued)
Now, Black’s maximum eye space is partitioned into three parts. White
must prevent black eyes in (at least) two of these to be successful.
1380
There are two lines of false eyes ( , ✕) visible on the edge of the board,
…
1381
… and another one ( , ✕) in the centre.
1382
A
4 3
The throw-in of White 3 might be somewhat surprising, because it is self-

atari.
White will succeed neither by playing atari from above, nor by threatening
Black’s potential eye space from above, nor by throwing in on the left
1383
edge, nor by playing a bamboo joint on the bottom right.
Black captures with 4. Alternatively, he might consider connecting at A.
6 5
White 5 makes the potential eye in the centre false ( , ✕), and threatens
to do the same with Black’s potential eye in the corner. White will not
succeed by giving atari from above instead.
Black 6 secures this eye, but only in gote, so White 7 destroys Black’s
1384
hopes for life of his group. Black 6 and White 7 are miai.
1385
Black might secure his eye in the corner with this Black 4.
Again, the throw-in of White 5 makes the potential eye on the left edge
false.
1386
7
Thereafter, Black would need two moves in a row to build an eye in the
centre. This means that his group dies, because Black 6 and White 7 are
miai.
1387
1388
White just played atari.
Black to live.
1389
1390
1
> 1
> 7
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1391
A
8
6
B 7
Black 6 is double-atari, immobilising White’s stone inside his

encirclement. It is best for White to save one of her stones with 7.
Capturing at B instead will not work either.
1392
Black 8 captures White’s single stone below, preventing a ko for the life of
his group (after Black A, White B).
e
e
1393
If White captures Black’s stone on the bottom, …
1394
8
A B
… White cannot connect at A – after Black’s double-atari of 8 – due to

Black B. Eventually, Black will capture at A, gaining two eyes for his
group.
1395
e
e
1396
9 10
Please note that – with the move at 9 – the tesuji of creating a four-stone
pyramid, in order to establish only one eye in this area in sente, is not
available for White here.
< Excursus – Capturing a four-stone pyramid shape on the edge >
1397
12
A
11 B
Occupying the vital point of Black’s eye shape on the bottom with 11 is
gote, so Black is able to secure his second eye on the left edge with 12.
There is a white stone missing at A, so White B is no threat at all to make

the eye on the bottom false.
1398
e
1399
Lessons learned
Think twice before giving atari to a single opponent’s stone.
Your own stones might suffer from a counter-attack.
1400
Connecting stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕) might
suffer from a shortage of liberties.
1401
White just played atari on the bottom.
Black to live.
1402
1403
1
> 1
> 7
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1404
Black 4 connects the stone in atari, simultaneously securing an eye on the

1–1 point in the corner.
1405
6
A
5
White 5 and Black 6 are miai. In a real game, White might capture two of
Black’s stones, with a move at A, hereafter, but this is only gote.
1406
e
1407
Lessons learned
You will have to consider beforehand whether your own stones might
suffer from a counter-attack after your opponent’s obvious answer.
1408
White just played from above.
Black to live.
1409
1410
1
> 1
> 7
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1411
A
4
Black 4 closes the hole in his formation on top.
If Black is quite unsure about the continuation here, he might consider

playing at A.
1412
A
7 6
5
The tesuji of White 5 comes too late now. Playing at 6, or at A instead will
not work either.
After White captures with 7, …
1413
8 A B
… Black gives double-atari with 8. White is hindered from connecting at

A, due to Black B, so Black got a living shape.
1414
e
e
1415
White might try the solid move at 5 here, but Black 6 decides the matter.
Again, Black has two eyes.
1416
e
1417
White 5 and Black 6 are miai for the life of Black’s group.
1418
e
e
1419
Alternatively, if Black is quite unsure about the further development on the

bottom, he might connect on the left edge with 4, saving the main part of
his troops.
1420
5
6 A
White can do no more than to reduce Black’s territory a bit with 5 in sente.
The move at A, capturing or connecting two black stones, is only

endgame.
1421
e
1422
Lessons learned
Attacking from the outside might help your opponent with solidifying their
formation, especially when the potential eye space is already prepared for
partitioning.
1423
Your opponent might not save every single group that is in danger of
getting captured ( ), but concentrate on building two eyes in another area
(●) instead.
1424
White just played a throw-in on the left edge.
Black to live.
1425
1426
1
> 1
> 7
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
>3
>3
> 4
> 5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1427
5
6
4
Black maximises his eye space on the bottom with 4. White 5 reduces
Black’s eye space a bit, but cannot prevent Black from building two eyes.
1428
e
e
1429
Lessons learned
Destroying only one of three options for creating an eye might not be
sufficient to kill an opponent’s group.
1430
021 Problem (follow-up – failure V)
White just reduced Black’s eye space on the bottom.
Black to live.
1431
1432
1
> 1
> 7
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
>3
>3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1433
021 Solution (follow-up – failure V)
4
A
5
6
Black 4 secures his eye on the left edge, and the following atari of White 5
does not threaten the life of Black’s group.
Again, there is the point of A left, for either capturing or connecting

Black’s two stones on the right. But this move is gote, so it is only an
1434
endgame matter.
1435
Lessons learned
Destroying only one of three options for creating an eye might not be
sufficient to kill an opponent’s group.
1436
White just jumped deep into Black’s formation.
Black to live.
1437
1438
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1439
Black 2 secures an eye in the corner. The throw-in of White 3 destroys the
potential black eye on the left edge.
1440
7
4 6
5 8
But Black 4 and 6 threaten White’s intruder(s) on the first line,

simultaneously solidifying Black’s shape above.
If White prevents a black eye in the centre with 7, Black captures with 8
for his second eye on the bottom. In a real game, White will save her two
stones on the bottom with a move at 8 instead.
1441
9
10
White’s atari of 9 is simply answered by the connection at Black 10.
1442
e e
1443
Of course in a real game White would save her stones on the lower edge
with 7, allowing Black to get his second eye in the centre.
1444
e
1445
Lessons learned
? ?
Be careful with jumping deep into your opponent’s position when there are
several options remaining for creating eyes.
Be well aware that – usually – you will have to connect your stone out in
order to prevent it from turning into an opponent’s eye.
1446
White just played a throw-in on the left edge.
Black to live.
1447
1448
1
>1
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1449
?
4 ?
? 3 2
Black’s jump of 2 to the first line of the board might be somewhat

surprising, so we will discuss alternative ideas later (case 1, case 2).
White 3 is an interesting reply, but Black 4, capturing White’s intruder,

opens an option for black eyes in four places (?, 3). In a real game, White
1450
will play from the outside instead.
6 5
8
White 5 destroys the option at the right in sente. But White 7, destroying
Black’s potential eye on top, is gote, so Black is able to capture White’s
stone in the corner for two eyes.
1451
e e
1452
5
6
4 3
White might play from the outside only with 3 and 5, but the result is
similar to that shown before. Black gets a living shape in the corner.
1453
e
e
1454
Lessons learned
Destroying the smaller one of two already separated areas in which your
opponent’s could create eyes might not be sufficient. The larger part alone
might contain sufficient potential for partitioning.
1455
Black just protected his eye shape with a bending move on the second line.
White to kill.
1456
1457
1
>1
> 7
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1458
3
4
First, White 3 reduces Black’s potential eye shape from above.
1459
7 5 6
White 5 occupies the vital point on the lower edge, threatening to connect
out to his allies at the right. Black intercepts with 6, but then White 7 is the
final blow. Black cannot get two eyes in the corner any longer.
1460
1461
Lessons learned
!!
!!
When trying to solidify your formation on the outside, pay attention to

holes left that could be attacked by your opponent in sente.
1462
Your effectively remaining eye space might be too small for two eyes,
especially when your opponent is strong on the outside ( ).
1463
Black just tried to maximise his eye space on the right.
White to kill.
1464
1465
1
>1
> 7
> 1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 6
> 3
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1466
6
5
7 3 4
White jumps to 3, forcing Black to intercept with 4. White 5 threatens to

connect out and to separate Black’s troops. Black connects with 6, but
White 7 creates a dead eye shape in the corner. Black 6 and White 7 are
miai.
1467
1468
8 9
7
Black might try this move 6, securing an eye on the 1–1 point in the
corner. However, his partial group at the right suffers from a shortage of
liberties and is captured with White 7 and 9.
1469
1470
Lessons learned
When maximising your potential eye space, consider whether you are only
surrounding a dead eye shape.
1471
White just played deep into Black’s formation.
Black to live.
1472
1473
1
> 1
> 7
> 1
2>
2>
> 6
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 5
> 5
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 9
Next page: Solution
1474
Black blocks with 2. This move does not really hope to capture White’s
stone, but to be able to solidify Black’s formation in the following process.
1475
8
6
4 5 3 7
White must connect her pivotal stone out, with the sequence to 7.
Black 4 created the first eye in the corner, and Black 8 finally the second
one on the left edge.
1476
e
1477
Lessons learned
?
?
?
Be careful with jumping deep into your opponent’s position when there are
several options remaining for creating eyes, including the capture of your
stone.
Be well aware that – while you are busy with saving your stone – your
1478
opponent might get the opportunity to solidify their position.
1479
Problem 022
White to kill.
1480
1481
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
6
> 6
Next page: Hints
1482
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is elongated on the bottom line, and bulky
in the centre.
1483
A dead eye shape ( , △) inside Black’s formation.
1484
3
3 A
3
White’s two stones inside Black’s belly have only three liberties, making it
unlikely that White will be able to access the cutting point of A
successfully. Black’s single stone at the right has also only three liberties,
but this weakness is eased by the fact mentioned above.
1485
A line of false eyes ( , ✕) on the bottom.
1486
4
4 4 4
4
4
Black’s partial group in the centre has four liberties. There are sufficient
outside liberties left, making it unlikely that this partial group will suffer
from a shortage of liberties.
1487
!!
!!
There are two holes (!!) in Black’s encirclement, one on the bottom right,
one on the left edge, near the corner.
Please remember the special properties of the 1–2 points in the corner,
which might favour the defender here.
1488
The second line of false eyes, in the corner.
1489
Black’s troops are not yet securely connected ( ).
Next page: Solution
1490
Solution 022
2 3
1 4
White 1 occupies the vital 1–2 point in the corner.
White will neither succeed by playing hane on the left edge, nor by playing
hane on the bottom right.
However, she might change the order of moves here, with starting at the
1491
point of 3.
Black is forced to maximise his potential eye space with the descent of 2.
Otherwise, his remaining eye space would not be sufficient for two eyes.
White 3 reduces Black’s group at the left to three liberties. White’s three
stones have three liberties too, so Black must reduce these to two liberties
with the move at 4.
5 6
1492
White cuts with 5, and Black connects with 6 here. Capturing White’s two
stones in the corner will not help either.
Eventually, White 7 captures Black’s stones in the corner in cascading

snapbacks.
We show the respective sequence here, just for the sake of completeness.
1493
9
1494
10
1495
11
1496
1497
If does not help Black to capture White’s two stones with 6.
1498
8 7
White again throws in with 7.
1499
9
A B
After White’s atari of 9, Black is hindered from connecting at A, due to

White B.
Even if Black were able to connect his stones, there would be the dead eye
shape ( ) inside, so his group dies anyway.
1500
1501
1
A 2
White might change the order of moves with 1 here, also reducing the
liberty count of Black’s corner group to three. Black’s descent at 2 (instead
of A) does not affect the semeai in the corner.
1502
5
4
3 6 7
White wins the semeai in the corner by one move.
1503
Next page: Failures
1504
White just played hane on the left edge.
Black to live.
1505
1506
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1507
Black maximises his eye space with 2, which is now too large to prevent
partitioning.
1508
8
6 7
5
3 4
White tries the placement of 3, forcing White to block to the right with 4.
Eventually, Black’s group at the right has one liberty too many, so Black
can give atari with 8, saving his entire formation.
1509
e
1510
Lessons learned
Playing from the outside might help your opponent to solidify their
elongated potential eye space.
1511
White just played hane on the bottom.
1512
1513
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
1514
4 5
3 2
Black blocks with 2, simultaneously trying to partition his eye space.
The exchange of White 3 and Black 4 is already known to us. And again,
White plays at 5.
1515
6
However, Black is able to capture with 6, due to White’s mistaken pivotal

hane on the first line.
1516
8
7 9
Thereafter, a ko develops, with the sequence to White 9.
1517
ko
Black has to look for the first ko threat in this direct ko.
1518
1519
e
1520
Lessons learned
Playing from the outside might help your opponent to partition their
potential eye space – at least for the time being.
1521
Problem 023
White to kill.
1522
1523
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
4
> 4
Next page: Hints
1524
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is elongated on the bottom line, and bulky
in the centre.
1525
A dead eye shape ( ) inside Black’s formation.
1526
3
3
3 A
3
White’s three stones inside Black’s belly have only three liberties, making
it unlikely that White will be able to access the cutting point of A
successfully. Black’s single stone at the right has also only three liberties,
but this weakness is eased by the fact mentioned above.
1527
A line of false eyes ( , ✕) on the bottom.
1528
4 4
4 4
4
4
Black’s partial group in the centre has four liberties. There are sufficient
outside liberties left, making it unlikely that this partial group will suffer
1529
!!
!!
There are two holes (!!) in Black’s encirclement, one on the bottom right,
one on the left edge, near the corner.
Please remember the special properties of the 1–2 points in the corner,
which might favour the defender here.
1530
The second line of false eyes, in the corner.
1531
Black’s troops are not yet securely connected ( ).
Next page: Solution
1532
Solution 023
White 1 occupies the vital 1–2 point in the corner.
White will not succeed by playing hane on the lower edge, nor by playing
hane on the left edge, nor by adding a fourth stone inside Black’s
formation.
1533
A
3 2
Here, Black 2 tries to maximise his eye space on the right. Please note that
the area above is larger than in the previous problem.
But despite this fact, White 3 returns to the path of the solution seen there.
Black might consider playing 2 at A, or at 3, but none of these alternative

moves will work either.
1534
5
6 4
White gives atari with 4, and captures two of Black’s stones with 6.
Playing 4 at 5 will not lead to success either.
1535
A
But White recaptures with 7 in the corner, reducing Black to only one eye
in the centre.
Please note that even after Black connected the cut of A, there will be a
dead eye shape remaining in his belly.
1536
1537
7
4 5
8 6
The descent of Black 4 returns to the already known procedure in the

corner. Black 8 does not help, because …
1538
10 9
… White gets a snapback with the throw-in of 9.
1539
11
White is forced to capture with 11. Otherwise, her four stones in a row
would form a living shape if taken off the board.
1540
1541
2 3
6 5 4
The descent of Black 2 results in a change in the order of moves.
1542
9
7 8
Again, there is the snapback in the corner, after the atari of White 9.
1543
1544
5
6 2 4 3
Black’s potential eye space in the centre is larger than in the previous
problem, so he might try this atari of 2 on the first line. The hane of White
3 reduces Black’s eye space from the right, and White 5 results in a false
black eye in the corner. Black gains a liberty by capturing with 6, but …
1545
7 B
… White simply connects with 7. Even if Black also captured at A, he

would have to connect at the cutting point of B, so there is no seki, but a
dead black group.
1546
Next page: Failures
1547
White just played hane on the lower edge.
1548
1549
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1550
4 5
3 2 6
Black blocks with 2, simultaneously trying to partition his eye space. The
exchange of White 3 and Black 4 is already known to us. And again,
White plays at 5.
However, Black is able to capture with 6, due to White’s mistaken pivotal
1551
hane on the first line.
7 9
Thereafter, a ko develops, with the sequence to White 9.
1552
ko
Black has to find the first valid ko threat for this direct ko.
1553
1554
e
1555
Lessons learned
Playing from the outside might help your opponent to partition their
potential eye space – at least for the time being.
1556
Black to live.
1557
1558
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1559
5
2 3 4
Black maximises his eye space with 2, which is now too large to prevent
partitioning.
White tries the placement of 3, forcing White to block to the right with 4.
1560
8
6 7
Eventually, Black’s group at the right has one liberty too many, so Black
can give atari with 8, saving his entire formation.
1561
e
1562
Lessons learned
Playing from the outside might help your opponent to solidify their
potential eye space.
1563
Black to live.
1564
1565
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 2
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1566
A
3 2
Contrary to the previous problem, here there is no change in the order of

moves.
Black 2 simply immobilises White’s four stones. White 3 on the lower 1–2
point tries to induce the mistaken descent of Black A.
1567
6
4
5
But Black simply captures White’s four stones in a row inside his
formation to get two eyes for sure.
1568
e
1569
Lessons learned
Do not create a line of your stones inside your opponent’s formation that is
too long and that could become captured easily, but carries no real threat to
connect to the outside.
1570
Problem 024
White to kill.
1571
1572
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
Next page: Hints
1573
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space on the bottom (●) is quite large, with strong
bulky tendencies. However, it doesn’t seem to be very difficult to partition
this area.
1574
White must be on her guard in this problem. On the top there is already a
second area in which Black could build an eye (●). This implies that White
cannot allow Black to establish an eye in the bottom area in sente.
1575
Black’s partial groups are not yet connected ( ), leaving several cutting
points for White to exploit.
1576
2
Black’s single stone in the corner has only two liberties, and could be
easily cut and captured by White. However, we already know that White
should think twice before capturing a single opponent’s stone like this one.
1577
3
3
Black’s partial group at the right has only three liberties, and so is
vulnerable to an attack. However, Black’s potential eye space is quite large
and already divided into two. Capturing these two stones alone might not
be sufficient to kill Black’s entire group.
1578
There is the marked line of false eyes available ( , ✕). Please remember
that White will have to establish a permanent stone on both ends of this
line to make it effective.
1579
White’s position at the right is strong, looking forward to a stone on one of
the marked points (◇).
1580
However, we have also to consider that it might become difficult to
connect stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕).
Next page: Solution
1581
Solution 024
2 1
The placement of White 1 hits the weak point of Black’s formation. It

threatens to cut on the left and is also situated on the second end point of
the marked line of false eyes.
White will neither succeed by cutting in the corner, nor with by playing a
1582
clamp on Black’s two stones on the right, nor by playing a hane at the
bottom right.
Black must capture White’s intruder; otherwise, he has no chance of

getting a second eye on the bottom. The connection at 2 is mandatory.
6 5
A
3 4 7
The diagonal move at 3 threatens to connect out to the right, so Black has
to intercept with 4. White 3 at A instead will not do the job here; nor will
1583
do the hane of 4.
The cut of White 5 is decisive, and establishes a snapback.
Black can only get one eye; Black 8 and White 9 are miai.
Please note that does not affect the solution. Its purpose is only to
bedazzle your mind.
1584
Next page: Failures
1585
White just played her second move on the second line, threatening to
connect out.
Black to live.
1586
1587
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 5
Next page: Solution
1588
7 6 5
Black can afford to save his two threatened stones on the right with the
connection at 4. White connects under with 5.
Black throws in with 6 to create a shortage of liberties on White’s side.
1589
10
8 9 B
Black 8 creates an eye in the corner in sente. White must connect at 9,

otherwise Black will give atari at A, and White cannot save her stones with
a move at 9, due to Black B.
Thereafter, Black gets his second eye on top with 10.
1590
e
1591
Lessons learned
Before threatening some opponent’s stones that could be easily cut off (
), consider whether capturing these will really affect your opponent’s main
forces.
1592
Connecting stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕) might
result in a shortage of liberties.
1593
Black to live.
1594
1595
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
Next page: Solution
1596
The descent of Black 4 secures an eye in the corner at the 1–1 point.
White 5 captures two of Black’s stones, but these are more or less
unimportant. Saving White’s single stone on top with a move at 6 does not
work either.
1597
Eventually, Black 6 builds the second eye.
1598
6 8
White will be worse off territorially when saving her single stone on top
with her move at 5.
Black blocks with 6. White’s cut of 7 is not decisive, because Black is able
to capture with 8, getting sufficient liberties for his stones on the right.
1599
B
10 A 9
White’s atari of 9 on the outside is sente, so Black will answer with 10.
Later, White has the additional ko threat of A, which Black should answer
by connecting at B.
1600
e
1601
Lessons learned
Before threatening some opponent’s stones that could be easily cut off (
), consider whether capturing these will really affect your opponent’s main
forces.
1602
White just cut on the left.
Black to live.
1603
1604
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
Next page: Solution
1605
2
3
Of course Black gives counter-atari with 2, simultaneously creating an eye

on the bottom.
White will capture in the corner with 3, …
1606
4
… so Black gets his second eye with 4.
1607
e
1608
Lessons learned
Capturing opponent’s stones ( ), just because this could be done with

ease, might give your opponent options to strengthen their remaining
potential eye space (●).
1609
White just played a clamp on the second line.
Black to live.
1610
1611
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
Next page: Solution
1612
Black blocks the corner area with a move at 2.
1613
4
White 3 captures two of Black’s stones, but this cannot be helped.
As “usual”, Black 4 on top secures Black’s second eye.
1614
e
1615
Lessons learned
Threatening some opponent’s stones that could be easily cut off ( ) might
give your opponent options to strengthen their remaining potential eye
space.
Carefully consider whether your opponent could sacrifice these
1616
endangered stones in order to make their main forces live (●).
1617
Black to live.
1618
1619
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
Next page: Solution
1620
Black 2 occupies the vital point of the problem, simultaneously securing

an eye above, and in the corner.
1621
e
e
1622
Lessons learned
Only slightly reducing your opponent’s potential eye space from the
outside might not be sufficient if that potential eye space still could be
partitioned easily (●), and your initial move does not carry an independent
second threat.
1623
Problem 025
White to kill.
1624
1625
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
3
> 3
> 5
> 3
4
> 4
Next page: Hints
1626
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space is quite large (●) and already contains some
white stones (●).
1627
Black’s groups are not yet solidly connected ( ), leaving several cutting
points between them.
1628
2 2
2
However, White’s three-stone group in the corner has only two liberties,
and so is in immediate danger of getting captured outright.
1629
3 3
2
2
Black’s stones on the left edge have only two or three liberties. If we take
the cutting points between them into account, it might be difficult for
Black to approach White’s enclosed stones from the left.
1630
On the bottom, there is a strong white formation ( ) which looks forward
to jumping to one of the ◇-points.
1631
Please remember that there are circumstances that allow the opponent to
get only one eye with capturing three stones in a row ( ).
Next page: Solution
1632
Solution 025
White 1 gives atari in the corner. White is in a hurry, because her three
stones have only two liberties.
White will not succeed by playing a large knight’s jump from her position
at the right.
1633
B
2
A
Of course Black connects his threatened stone with 2.
Please note that the point of A is taboo for Black now, making a
preparatory approach-move at B necessary.
To be continued …
1634
1635
White to kill.
1636
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 5
> 3
4
> 4
1637
White’s diagonal move at 3 is decisive. It is a large knight’s jump from

at the right, and so securely connected to the outside.
On the other hand, it sets up the marked line of false eyes in the corner ( ,
3).
1638
White will neither succeed by playing a keima in between, nor by trying to
connect with a diagonal move played at the right.
4
6 5
Black 4 gives atari to White’s three stones in the corner, but White is able
to connect her pivotal stone to the outside with the solid move at 5.
Playing at 5 instead does not benefit Black either.
Black 6 captures three of White’s stones, but …
1639
7
… White simply recaptures with 7. Black has only one eye and is helpless.
1640
10
12 9
11 8 13
As “usual”, Black is unable to break the connection between White’s two

-stones. His group has only one eye, and so is dead.
1641
1642
6 5
4 7
Black might try to separate White’s corner stones from their allies at the
right, but we already know that he will fail.
1643
8
In principle, we have the same position as above. Capturing three stones

with Black 8 is useless.
1644
9
Again, White recaptures with 9.
1645
17 16
10
14
12 11 13 15
Black does benefit neither from the series of atari on the bottom, nor from
trying to expand his eye space on the left side with 16. He cannot get more
than only one eye.
1646
Next page: Failures
1647
Black to live.
1648
1649
1
> 1
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 3
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1650
6
5 4
Black 4 cuts through the waist of the keima at the right and is decisive.
White 5 and Black 6 are miai.
1651
7
White 7 wants to capture Black’s stones on the left edge, but comes too
late.
The atari of Black 8 guarantees life for his group.
1652
e
e
e
1653
5
6
The atari of White 5 does not help either. Black blocks the corner with the
counter-atari of 6 and is alive.
1654
8 7
White can connect her pivotal stone with 7, but Black 8 closes the borders
of Black’s territory.
It does not really benefit White that Black was unable to break the
connection between her two -stones.
1655
e
1656
Lessons learned
Please remember that a shared small knight’s jump on the first line ( )
alone usually does not provide a secure long-distance connection between
two groups ( ).
It might be cut easily by your opponent.
1657
White just played a diagonal move at the right.
Black to live.
1658
1659
1
> 1
3
>3
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1660
Black 4 blocks the corner by occupying the vital point of the problem.
1661
5
White 5 attacks Black’s stones on the left, but Black is one step faster in
the semeai with 6.
1662
e
1663
Lessons learned
You will have to carefully consider which side to choose for the placement
of your large knight’s jump on the first line in order to securely connect
two of your groups.
Your opponent might be able to destroy the desired connection between
1664
your stones ( ) with ease.
1665
White just played a diagonal move on the first line.
Black to live.
1666
1667
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
> 5
> 3
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1668
2
3
Black gives atari with 2. But here the counter-atari of White 3 does not
work any longer.
1669
A
4
Black is not forced to connect at A, as in the correct solution, but simply

captures White’s three stones with 4.
1670
5
Recapturing with White 5 does not help.
1671
6
Black 6 blocks the outside, and White is unable to prevent two black eyes
in the corner.
1672
e
1673
Lessons learned
2 2
2
Your endangered group needs sufficient liberties to allow its connection to

the outside via a large knight’s jump on the first line.
Otherwise, the desired connection ( ) might be destroyed easily by your

opponent.
1674
Problem 026
White to kill.
1675
1676
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 3
> 3
> 7
> 3
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
Next page: Hints
1677
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is quite large, with bulky tendencies.
Please note that Black is the owner of the corner already, and might have a
sure eye on the 1–1 point.
1678
Black’s position consists of a lot of partial groups that are not yet solidly
connected ( ), leaving cutting points between them.
1679
3 3
3 3
3 3 3
Black’s partial groups on top, and at the right, have only three liberties
each. This makes them quite vulnerable to an attack.
1680
Three of the liberties of the aforementioned black groups are shared (●), so
Black is in danger of suffering from a shortage of liberties on the right.
1681
For White, there is the marked line of false eyes available ( , ✕). Please
remember that this line becomes valid only if there is a permanent white
stone on its second end.
1682
2 2
White’s group on the bottom that looks into Black’s formation, has only
two liberties.
1683
This group is not yet solidly connected ( ) to their strong allies at the
right. Please remember that capturing these two stones on the first line –
after recapturing, which is possible here – will provide Black’s group
above with a non-approachable liberty on the edge of the board. White has
to take this weakness of her own into account.
1684
Additionally, connecting stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line (✕,
) might run into problems, due to a shortage of liberties on White’s side.
Next page: Solution
1685
Solution 026
A 1
Black’s eye space is so large that White has to begin from the inside.
White 1 hits the very weak point of Black’s formation and is threatening to
cut at A and to capture Black’s two stones in the corner.
1686
2
Black has no other choice but to immediately connect with 2. Playing on

the other side of White’s intruder instead is much too simple.
1687
3 2
4
Any other move (e.g. 2 here) will White allow to cut with 3,
simultaneously exploiting Black’s shortage of liberties. Black cannot
hinder White from capturing some of his stones.
1688
To be continued …
1689
White to kill.
1690
1
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
> 3
> 7
> 3
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
1691
White connects at 3. This very calm move pre-empts any shortage of

liberties on White’s side.
White will neither succeed by trying to connect out with a diagonal move
on the first line, nor by bumping her head against Black’s stones on the
1692
right, nor by cutting at the right, nor by pushing once more from the
bottom right.
A
5
C 4 B
Black’s diagonal move at 4 is answered by White 5, threatening to cut at

A, or B, or to give atari at C.
Black 4 played at B, A, or 5 instead will not work either.
1693
6
8 9 7
Black 6 connects the upper cutting point, but then White takes the other
one with 7. Black 8 secures an eye in the corner, but White captures with
9, preventing another one.
1694
10
11
After Black’s atari of 10, White can safely connect with 11, due to her
initial “safety first”-move .
1695
1696
6 5
7 4
It does not help Black to block with 4. White cuts with 5, and eventually
sets up a snapback with the atari of 7.
1697
1698
4
7
6 5
Connecting the upper cutting point with Black 4 is of no use either.
White 5 pushes into Black’s area, and Black cannot hinder White’s
intruders from connecting out.
1699
1700
Variation for Black 4 (III)
4
5 A
Bumping the head against White’s single stone with Black 4 is answered
by the hane of White 5.
Black cannot intercept at A, so his group is dead, with only one eye in the
corner.
1701
Next page: Failures
1702
Black to live.
1703
1704
1
2
> 2
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
> 7
> 3
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1705
4 6
Black intercepts with 4, and after the cut of White 5, it becomes evident
that White was aiming at a snapback.
But here White has two weak stones on the outside, which are in atari, so
Black will capture these with 6. Please note that Black gains two liberties
1706
by this move, not only one.
A 7
White recaptures with 7, but is hindered from further approaching with a

move at A. The snapback position is nullified, so Black can give atari with
8 successfully.
1707
e
e
e e
1708
Lessons learned
Before aiming at capturing an opponent’s group by means of snapback,

make sure that your surrounding groups are free of weaknesses.
1709
White just played her second move inside Black’s formation.
Black to live.
1710
1711
1
2
> 2
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 7
> 3
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1712
4 6
Black closes his territory with 4, simultaneously giving atari to White’s

two stones on the bottom.
The cut of White 5 does not help, because Black 6, capturing two stones,
decides the relationship of liberties in Black’s favour.
1713
A 7
White recaptures with 7. Please note that playing at A instead would

reduce the liberties of White’s inside group to two. Black’s group at the
right has also two liberties left, so Black will win the semeai.
1714
10
8 9
Connecting with White 9 comes too late now. Black’s atari of 10 decides
the matter.
1715
e
e
1716
Lessons learned
Do not underestimate that capturing some of your surrounding stones

might increase the liberty count of an opponent’s group that is under
attack.
1717
White just cut in the upper right.
Black to live.
1718
1719
1
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
> 3
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1720
6
4
5
Black 4 gives atari from the right.
White tries to connect out with the atari of 5, but Black simply captures
with 6, giving atari to White’s stone below.
1721
8 7 A
White 7 is atari again, but Black captures one white stone with the move at
8, gaining a living shape. Playing 7 at 8 is fruitless.
Connecting or capturing four white stones with a move at A is only

endgame. In a real game, White would have played 7 at A, also forcing
Black to capture with 8.
1722
e
e
e
1723
8 7 A B
Connecting the atari with White 7 does not make sense. Black 8 gives atari
to White’s three stones which cannot connect to the outside (White B,
Black A).
1724
e
e e
1725
Lessons learned
Do not forget that establishing a line of false eyes needs permanent stones
on both ends.
1726
Connecting your stones out might not be possible if there is a cutting point
in the line of your (potential) supporters.
1727
White just pushed once more into Black’s formation.
Black to live.
1728
1729
1
2
> 2
3
>3
>3
>3
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
Next page: Solution
1730
4 5
Black simply gives atari with 4, closing the borders of his territory. White
is forced to connect at 5, because capturing three stones in a row would at
least provide Black with sufficient liberties.
1731
9
10 8
6
7
Black has too many liberties left in the corner, so trying to exploit Black’s
shortage of liberties on the right ends in vain.
1732
e e
1733
Lessons learned
When offering three of your stones to an atari of your opponent, you

should take into account beforehand that your opponent might accept that
offer.
1734
Problem 027
White to kill.
1735
1736
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Hints
1737
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is quite elongated, with a tiny bulky
element at the right.
1738
Black’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected. The -stones form a
knight’s move, so playing at the waist of this keima might become a valid
threat.
1739
4
4 4 4 A
However, Black’s partial group in the corner has four liberties, so playing
at the waist of the keima (A) might not work immediately without a
preparatory move beforehand.
1740
There is a dead eye shape (△) in the corner available.
1741
Another dead eye shape (△) on the bottom.
1742
This five-point dead eye shape (△) might not really come into play,
because the 1–1 point is still available for Black as an eye point. However,
this shape might give you a hint for one of the vital points of the problem.
1743
White’s formation on the right is strong, but the -stones are positioned
only on the third line. This implies that the support for reducing Black’s
potential eye space from the right is quite weak.
1744
There are two lines of false eyes ( , ✕) available, with a shared end-point
on the first line. However, it might become difficult for White to establish
a permanent stone there, due to the weak connection to White’s -stone at
the right.
1745
?
? ? ? ?
White’s -stone at the far right seems to be positioned quite unusually.

We are in tsume-go, so this might be a hint that White would have to
consider some potential for black eyes in the marked area (?) on the
bottom.
Next page: Solution
1746
Solution 027
White 1 starts by occupying the 1–2 point in the corner, robbing Black any
hope for getting sufficient eye shape in the corner easily.
White will neither succeed by playing hane at the right, nor by cutting
through the waist of the keima, nor by pushing into Black’s formation
1747
from above, nor by descending at the right, nor by jumping diagonally to
the first line.
Please note that Black’s group in the corner has only three liberties left.
2
A B
Black maximises his potential eye shape with 2, which is his strongest
answer. Simultaneously, he tries to neutralise some of White’s pressure on
his corner group.
1748
Alternatively, Black might consider to connect his troops with a move at
A, or to head to the right with a move at B.
To be continued …
1749
White to kill.
1750
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
>2
>2
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
1751
A B
3 4
White is unable to cut immediately, so she jumps to 3, again threatening

Black’s corner group.
She will neither succeed by pushing in the corner, nor by playing hane at
the right, nor by descending at the right.
1752
Black’s jump to 4 on the first line is Black’s strongest answer. Black might
consider again to connect at A instead, or to head to the right with a move
at B.
To be continued …
< Continue with the problem >
Next page: Variations
1753
4 5
Black might think about connecting at 4 immediately, but after White’s

hane of 5, his remaining eye space is too small for two eyes.
1754
6 7
A 9 8
Trying to capture White’s intruders with the cut of 6 does not work.
The atari of White 7 forces Black to play descent with 8. Playing at A

instead will not work either.
Thereafter, White 9 connects out by setting up a snapback on Black’s

stones on the right.
1755
10
12 11
Black’s atari of 10 is useless. White 11 is an atari too, and after Black 12,
…
1756
13
… there comes White’s snapback with 13.
1757
14 15
White’s shape on the outside is very strong, so Black can only get one eye
in the corner.
1758
1759
Variation for Black 8 (Black 4)
8 9
It does not benefit Black to change the order of moves with Black 8 here.
Again, White’s move at 9 is decisive.
1760
10
11
If Black gives double-atari with 10, White 11 captures Black’s single stone
at the right.
1761
12
Black captures two white stones with 12, but will only get a false eye.
1762
13
White recaptures with 13, and Black is dead.
1763
1764
A
4
The hane of Black 4 would be a valid idea to save parts of his stones if
there was no white stone at , or at A, which will hinder Black from
escaping along the bottom.
1765
5 6
9 7 8
White cuts with 5 in the corner, and captures Black’s stones there with the
sequence to 9. In the meantime, Black got an eye for his remaining partial
group at the right.
1766
A
10 11
The attachment of Black 10 would work if there was no white stone

waiting at or at A.
Please note that there are some books which do not have in their
problem’s setup, making the solution ambiguous.
But here, due to White’s strong position on the outside, White is able to
block with 11, leaving no cutting point at A behind that could be exploited
1767
successfully by Black.
12
15 14 13
Black tries his best with the connection at 12, but White’s hane of 13
decides the matter. After White 15, Black is reduced to only one eye.
1768
1769
Problem 027 (continued = follow-up II)
White to kill.
1770
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
>4
> 8
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
1771
6 7
5
White connects her two stones in the corner with 5, creating a dead three-
point eye shape.
White will neither succeed by playing hane at the right, nor by descending
at the right, nor by giving atari to Black’s stone on the bottom.
1772
Black tries his best with the atari / connection at 6, but the hane of White 7
destroys Black’s potential eye space on the right decisively.
8 9
12 A 10 11
Black 8 tries to capture White’s single stone.
White 9 is atari, and after White’s second atari with 11, Black is unable to
play at A, due to shortage of liberties. Therefore, he captures White’s three
stones in the corner with 12 instead. It seems that he gained a living shape
1773
there, but this will become a false conclusion.
13
White 13 captures Black’s two stones on the right, gaining sufficient

liberties for her own two stones.
1774
14
15
Black 14 and White 15 are miai now, so Black is dead.
1775
Next page: Failures
1776
027 Problem (follow-up II – failure I)
White just played hane at the right.
Black to live.
1777
1778
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1779
027 Solution (follow-up II – failure I)
6 7
8
Black closes his territory with 6.
White has to protect her just played stone at the right, e.g. with 7.
Thereafter, Black 8 divides his eye space for two eyes.
1780
e e
1781
8 9
7 10
White’s key move of the correct solution, here played with 7, does not
work any longer.
Black 8 captures White’s single stone at the right for the second eye.
1782
e
e
1783
Lessons learned
Be careful with forcing your opponent to solidify their potential eye space
(●) from the outside, especially if this consolidation is combined with a
threat to partition it.
You must exclude beforehand that additional potential for your opponent’s
1784
eyes will suddenly arise in an area that you lost sight of (?).
1785
027 Problem (follow-up II – failure II)
White just descended at the right.
Black to live.
1786
1787
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
>5
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
Next page: Solution
1788
027 Solution (follow-up II – failure II)
Black maximises his potential eye space with the block of 6.
1789
7 8
The cut of White 7 is no real threat, because Black has sufficient liberties
on the right to give atari with 8.
1790
e
e
1791
Lessons learned
Threatening your opponent’s potential eye space from the outside does not
make sense if – after your opponent has closed a hole in his formation – a
straight line that is too long (●) and that could be partitioned easily
remains inside.
1792
027 Problem (follow-up II – failure III)
Black to live.
1793
1794
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
>5
> 7
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
1795
027 Solution (follow-up II – failure III)
Black closes his territory with 6 again.
1796
8 9
7 10
White 7, creating a dead eye shape in the corner, does not really help.
White’s initially played stone is captured by Black 8.
1797
e e
1798
Lessons learned
1799
You might help your opponent in consolidating his potential eye space (●).
1800
If your forcing stone is not yet solidly connected to the outside, it may
become prey to a sudden attack, probably turning into one of your
opponent’s eyes.
1801
027 Problem (follow-up I – failure I)
White just played a second time in the corner.
1802
1803
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1804
027 Solution (follow-up I – failure I)
Black’s partial group in the corner has only two liberties left, so Black
must give atari with 4.
1805
7 6
5
White 5 gives counter-atari, and Black is unable to connect his single

stone. He must create a ko shape with 6. White 7 captures the ko, …
1806
ko
… and Black has to look for the first ko threat.
1807
1808
e
e
1809
Lessons learned
When threatening to capture your opponent’s stones, carefully consider

whether you are forcing your opponent to partition their potential eye
space (●) – at least for the time being.
1810
027 Problem (follow-up I – failure II)
Black to live.
1811
1812
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1813
027 Solution (follow-up I – failure II)
Black blocks with 4.
1814
5
6
White is forced to protect her single stone at the right with 5, so Black’s
descent of 6 secures an eye space that is large enough for two eyes.
Playing 5 at 6 will not work either.
1815
e
e
1816
White tries to initiate a ko with the double-hane of 5.
1817
6 8 9
7 10
But there will be no ko because White’s stones on the bottom are not close
enough. Black cuts with 6, and has sufficient liberties to give double-atari
with 10.
1818
e
e e
1819
Lessons learned
Do not force your opponent to solidify the borders of their potential eye
space if this consists of a long, straight row of points (●), when you are
hindered from preventing its partitioning by playing inside afterwards.
1820
027 Problem (follow-up I – failure III)
Black to live.
1821
1822
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
>3
>3
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1823
027 Solution (follow-up I – failure III)
The diagonal move at Black 4 occupies the vital point of the corner shape,
which White despised.
1824
8 7
6 5
White’s diagonal move at 5 is answered by Black 6 on the first line. White

has no chance to destroy Black’s second eye at the right.
1825
e
e
1826
The keima of White 5 does not work either.
1827
8 7
6
Black gives atari with 6, and again White cannot hinder Black from taking
the point of 8, securing his second eye.
1828
e
e
1829
Lessons learned
Threatening the opponent’s potential eye space from too far away might
present the vital point of the remaining eye space (●) to your opponent
unnecessarily.
1830
027 Problem (variation I)
Black just connected his troops with a move on the second line.
White to kill.
1831
1832
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1833
027 Solution (variation I)
The hane of White 3 reduces Black’s potential eye space decisively.
1834
4 5
Black 4 tries to keep the remaining eye space as large as possible, but after
White’s connection at 5, …
1835
7 6
…there is the miai of Black 6 and White 7. Black has only one eye and is
dead.
1836
1837
Lessons learned
Do not reduce your potential eye space (●) on your own, unforced by your
opponent.
1838
You might be unable to kill two birds with only one stone: Maximising
your potential eye space to the necessary extent, and occupying the vital
point for partitioning it.
1839
027 Problem (variation II)
Black just played hane at the right.
White to kill.
1840
1841
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1842
027 Solution (variation II)
3 4
5
White 3 immediately cuts through Black’s lines. She will not succeed by
blocking at the right instead.
After Black’s block of 4 at the right, White 5 captures Black’s corner

stones.
1843
6 7
Black 6 tries to make life for his remaining troops at the right, but
makes White 7 a fatal blow. Black is unable to get a second eye on the
bottom.
1844
8
11 10 9
One exemplary sequence is shown here. Black is unable to divide his

remaining eye space.
1845
1846
Lessons learned
?
? ?
Sacrifice parts of your formation ( ) only if you will be able to generate

two eyes in another area (?) for the rest.
Otherwise, surviving your opponent’s attack might only be temporary,

unnecessarily prolonging the agony.
1847
027 Problem (variation II – failure I)
White just blocked at the right.
1848
1849
1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1850
027 Solution (variation II – failure I)
Black 4 maximises the potential eye space. White will not succeed by
capturing Black’s single stone at the right, so …
1851
9 8
5 6 7
… she has to continue on the inside with 5. Black 6 occupies the vital
point of the problem, after which the counter-atari of White 7 sets up a ko.
1852
ko
Black has to find the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
1853
1854
e e
e e
1855
Lessons learned
Threatening a single opponent’s stone ( ) is fruitless if your opponent has

the option to strengthen their potential eye space (●), while you are too
busy with capturing something unnecessary.
1856
Black to live.
1857
1858
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1859
Black blocks with 2, and will live.
1860
6
3
5 4
White secures her single stone at the right with 3, which gives Black the
opportunity to maximise his potential eye space with the descent of 4 on
the bottom.
Trying a move inside, e.g. White 5 here, is fruitless. Black 6 generates an

eye space that consists of five points in a row and which can be partitioned
easily.
1861
Playing White 5 at 6 will not work either.
e
e
1862
5
6
If White threatens from above with 5, Black 6 simply closes the borders of
his formation. Black’s eye space consists of four points in a row, so his
group is alive.
1863
e e
1864
Lessons learned
Forcing your opponent to solidify the borders of their potential eye space
(●, ?), resulting in a long line of empty points, makes it mandatory that
you will be able to play inside successfully.
If you are unable to prevent partitioning, your attack from the outside will
1865
fail.
1866
White just cut through Black’s position.
Black to live.
1867
1868
1
>1
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1869
2
4
3
Black simply captures White’s intruder with 2 and 4. There is no

remaining way for White to prevent two eyes for Black’s group.
1870
e
e
1871
Lessons learned
3 5 5
3 3 3 2
Before starting an attack, consider the liberty count of all the involved
groups carefully.
1872
If your attacker cannot prevent capture, your unnecessary sacrifice might
become part of a living shape of your opponent (●).
1873
White just pushed into Black’s position from above.
Black to live.
1874
1875
1
>1
> 5
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1876
Of course Black blocks with 2.
1877
4 3 5
6
As “usual”, White’s hane of 3, trying to reduce Black’s potential eye

space, suffers from the need to invest a second move on the outside after
Black connected his troops with 4. The descent of 6 makes Black’s group
alive.
1878
e e
1879
Lessons learned
Forcing your opponent to close holes in their formation might leave an eye
space behind (●) that is too large to prevent partitioning.
1880
Black to live.
1881
1882
1
>1
> 5
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1883
Black 2 jumps to the second line, closing his territory to the right. This
move secures four empty points in a row (●), so White will have no
chance of killing Black.
1884
5
6 8 7
3 4
White 3 on the lower 1–2 point comes too late now. Here, Black is able to
divide his potential eye space with 4. White’s further attempts with 5 and 7
serve to reduce Black’s territory, but eventually, Black lives with two eyes.
1885
e e
1886
Lessons learned
Threatening your opponent’s potential eye space from too far away ( )
might present one of the problem’s vital points to your opponent
unnecessarily.
1887
Forcing your opponent to solidify their formation might leave an eye space
behind (●) that is too large to prevent partitioning.
1888
White just played a diagonal jump to the first line.
1889
1890
1
>1
> 5
> 1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
> 3
> 5
> 3
> 5
4
> 4
> 8
> 4
5
> 5
> 7
> 5
> 5
Next page: Solution
1891
Black must hinder White from connecting her pivotal stone to the outside.
Black 2 also serves to keep the potential eye space as large as possible.
1892
4
3 6
7 5 8
White 3 activates the other hole in Black’s formation, which Black must
close with 4.
White 5 creates a ko shape, and finally, Black 8 starts the ko fight for the
life of Black’s group.
1893
ko
This time, White has to start the search for valid ko threats.
1894
e
e e
1895
1896
Lessons learned
Not every point of your opponent’s potential eye (●) space is a vital one.
1897
Be prepared that your intruder – with no reasonable chance to connect to
the outside ( ) – must survive on its own.
1898
This is especially true if your opponent’s potential eye space is too large to
be filled with a dead eye shape ( , △) alone.
1899
Problem 028
Black to kill.
1900
1901
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
Next page: Hints
1902
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) is elongated, a long line of empty points.
1903
White’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected. At the right the waist
of the keima waits to be exploited by Black.
1904
White’s single stone at the left has only one liberty (○). We already know
that capturing such a stone in the very beginning is usually no good.
1905
There are two lines of false eyes ( , ✕) available for Black.
1906
4 4 4
4 4 4
4 4 4
White’s main groups have four liberties each. This is not so much; White
might be forced to take her own decisive liberties.
Next page: Solution
1907
Solution 028
2
1 3
4
Black 1 hits the vital point of the problem.
Black will neither succeed by occupying the lower 1–2 point in the corner,
nor by capturing White’s single stone on the left edge.
White is forced to intercept with 2.
1908
Black 3 destroys White’s potential eye at the right, simultaneously
reducing White’s right-hand group to only two liberties.
White 4 pre-empts a black atari at the same point, also trying to partition
her potential eye space.
6
8 5 7
Black 5 on the lower 1–2 point forces White to connect with 6. Otherwise,
a false eye on the left edge would result.
1909
Black 7 is a double-atari, and White captures two of Black’s stones with 8.
10
A 9
Black throws in with 9, and White is unable to capture with a move at A,

due to snapback. Therefore, she captures the other two stones with 10.
1910
11
Again, Black throws in with 11. This is a double-atari, combined with a

double snapback, so White is helpless.
1911
Next page: Failures
1912
Black just played on the 1–2 point in the corner.
White to live.
1913
1914
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
Next page: Solution
1915
3 2
White 2 occupies the vital point of the problem. Black 3 captures at the
left, but cannot prevent life for White’s group.
1916
4
White 4 closes the borders of her territory and lives with two eyes.
1917
e
e
1918
Lessons learned
Playing inside your opponent’s potential eye space must not force your
opponent to partition it quite easily.
1919
Black just captured White’s stone on the left edge.
White to live.
1920
1921
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
1922
2
3 4
Again, White lives by occupying the vital point of the problem with 3.
This results in a change in the order of moves of the previous sub-
variation.
1923
e
e
1924
Lessons learned
Think twice before capturing a single opponent’s stone.
1925
Before playing from the outside, in order to reduce your opponent’s
potential eye space, carefully consider whether its remaining size will be
sufficient to create two eyes.
1926
Problem 029
Black to kill.
1927
1928
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 6
> 1
Next page: Hints
1929
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) has a bulky part in the corner and
potential for partitioning in the bottom right.
1930
However, White’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected ( ).
1931
At the right there are two lines of false eyes available ( , ✕), with a
shared end point on the first line. Therefore, it seems likely that White can
only count on the corner area for making a living shape.
However, it might cost Black sente to keep a permanent stone on that end
point.
1932
There is a dead eye shape (△) visible in the corner.
1933
Another dead eye shape (△) in the corner.
1934
White’s partial group at the right has two outside liberties (○) left. This
means that a shortage of liberties will not come into play here.
1935
White’s partial group at the right consists of three more stones ( ) than is
really necessary for this problem. The size of this group might make you
think that capturing it alone could solve the problem.
Next page: Solution
1936
Solution 029
2
1
Black 1 occupies the vital 1–2 point in the corner.
Black will succeed neither by playing hane on the bottom, nor by blocking
on the left edge, nor by occupying the other 1–2 point in the corner.
Connecting with 2 is White’s strongest reply.
1937
3
The hane of Black 3 makes White’s potential eye at the right false ( , ✕).
1938
A
4 5
White blocks with the atari of 4, keeping as much of the corner area as
possible.
Please note that Black has to connect with 5 to prevent White from getting
an eye at A. This means that Black ends in gote on the bottom right, which
makes it evident that the exchange of , had to be played beforehand.
1939
7
8 6
White continues on the left edge with 6 to generate an eye space in the
corner that is as large as possible.
Black 9, however, eventually creates a “bent four in the corner”, so

White’s group is dead.
1940
Next page: Failures
1941
Black just played hane on the bottom.
White to live.
1942
1943
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 6
> 1
Next page: Solution
1944
2 3
White 2 occupies the vital point of the problem. Black 3 prevents a white
eye on the bottom.
1945
4 B 5
A
White 4 occupies the second 1–2 point in the corner too and secures two
eyes for White.
As an endgame issue, Black can capture six of White’s stones with 5, but
only in gote. Black is hindered from further approaching at A, so B is a
real eye for White.
1946
e
e
1947
Lessons learned
When reducing your opponent’s potential eye space from the outside, do
not leave the vital point of a dead eye shape (△) behind to be occupied by
your opponent.
1948
In tsume-go, do not let yourself be confused by a large bunch of stones (
) that might be in certain danger of getting captured by you.
Your opponent might willingly sacrifice these stones in order to live with
the rest of their formation.
1949
Please note that the marked stones ( ), which enlarge a potential “victim”,
do not have any effect on the life-and-death situation in the corner.
1950
Black just blocked from the outside on the left edge.
White to live.
1951
1952
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 6
> 1
Next page: Solution
1953
White connects her endangered stone with the solid move at 2.
1954
A
6 4 3 5
The hane of Black 3 makes a potential white eye false, as “usual”, but
White’s atari of 4 forces Black to connect at 5.
Eventually, White 6 on the vital lower 1–2 point in the corner secures two
eyes. Playing at A would be possible too, but – in a real game – would
provide Black with more ko threats in the corner.
1955
e e
1956
In principle, White could also live with the descent of 6 on the left edge.
But this would give Black more ko threats in the corner, beginning with
Black A.
1957
Lessons learned
Reducing your opponent’s potential eye space from the outside is fruitless
if you leave a long line of empty points (●) behind that could be
partitioned quite easily.
1958
Black just occupied the 1–2 point on the left edge.
White to live.
1959
1960
1
>1
>1
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
1961
White 2 occupies the “correct” 1–2 point.
1962
3
4
6 5
Black cannot connect his pivotal stone out, so White 4 secures an eye at
the left. In a real game, the hane of Black 5 should be kept in reserve, as a
ko threat. White 6 results in easy life for her group.
1963
e e
1964
Lessons learned
12
12
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a vital point.
1965
Before playing inside, carefully consider whether your move really serves
to stop the division of your opponent’s potential eye space (●).
1966
Problem 030
White to live.
1967
1968
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 5
2
> 2
> 3
> 6
4
> 4
> 4
6
> 6
Next page: Hints
1969
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) seems to be quite large, with sufficient
options for partitioning, but …
1970
… White’s position consists of so many stones that are not yet solidly
connected ( ). Black has a lot of cutting points to exploit.
1971
2
White’s single stone on the left edge has only two liberties and is in
imminent danger of getting captured. In this case, will destroy a large
part of White’s potential eye space, so you will have to consider whether
the then remaining parts will be sufficient to create two eyes.
1972
4
White’s single stone in the corner that has three liberties can also become
cut off easily ( , ✕). However, the corner is near, so this stone might be
able to withstand a partial semeai with Black’s single stone above, which
currently has four liberties.
1973
Black’s -stone inside White’s formation already occupies the central
point of a dead eye shape ( , △).
1974
2 2
2
White’s stones in the upper right have only two liberties. It is very likely
that Black will be able to create a false eye ( , ✕) in this area. In other
words – getting an eye or destroying a potential eye in this area will be
gote.
Next page: Solution
1975
Solution 030
White has to connect at 1 on top, further relying on the special properties

of the corner for getting life.
White will not succeed by connecting in the corner.
1976
C
5 B
2
3
A 4
The cut of 2 is Black’s “natural” answer.
Playing hane at 2 instead will not work either.
The descent of White 3 to the left provides White’s stones in the corner
with three liberties, as many as Black’s stones above have.
The hane of Black 4 reduces this number of liberties to two again, but
Black is hindered from further approaching at A, so White wins this partial
1977
semeai in the corner with playing at 5.
For his move 4, Black might consider giving atari with a move at B, or
throwing in at C, instead.
6
A
7
The hane of Black 6 destroys White’s potential eye on the left edge, but
the connection at White 7 provides her with the second eye in the centre.
Black might consider attacking at A instead.
1978
e
e
1979
7 6
Black could destroy White’s potential eye in the centre with giving atari to
White’s two stones with 6.
After White captures with 7, …
1980
9
… the atari of Black 8 finally makes White’s eye false ( , ✕). But there
is the potential eye on the left edge remaining, so White lives with 9.
1981
e
e
1982
The atari of Black 4 is a bit tricky, so White has to be on her guard.
1983
6 8
7
5
Of course White connects her single stone with 5. But now, she is unable
to save her two stones on top after the atari of Black 6. White 7
immobilises Black’s three stones inside her formation. Capturing with
Black 8 is sente, but …
1984
9
… White 9 simply captures Black’s stones and is alive.
1985
A
Even if Black occupies the vital point of △ of the three-point eye space,
White has two options remaining (A and B) for getting another eye.
1986
e
e
1987
4 6
5
Black might try to play the throw-in of 4 earlier. But after White’s “usual”
reply of 5, capturing two white stones with Black 6 is only gote.
1988
7
Even if White plays elsewhere with 7, there is the miai of Black 8 and
White 9. Further capturing or connecting at A is only endgame.
1989
e
1990
After Black’s hane of 2 on the lower edge, …
1991
5 4
3
A
… White’s connection at 3 is usually given in the books.
Alternatively, White is able to also play at A.
Black throws in with 4, …
1992
8
7 6
… and makes White’s potential eye in the centre false with the atari of 6.
White 7, however, makes miai of Black 8 and White 9, so White gets two
eyes for the life of her group.
1993
e
e
1994
Variation for White 3 (Black 2)
White is able to return to the path of the solution shown above with the
descent of 3.
1995
4 5
Black tries the move at 4 on the left edge, because he does not want to
revert to the path of the solution. White 5 secures an eye in the centre.
1996
6
7 8 9
Black tries to create a shortage of liberties on White’s side with the hane of
6 and the throw-in of 8.
Changing the order of moves here, and playing the throw-in at 8 first, is a
bit tricky, so White must be on her guard.
1997
11
A
10
Black 10 is atari. Connecting at A is out of the question, because White

would destroy her second eye, so she captures on the left edge with 11
instead.
1998
13 12
Eventually, White 13 gives atari to Black’s three stones, and White is

alive.
1999
e
e
2000
Variation for Black 6 (White 3 (Black 2))
7 8 9
6
If Black 6 is played earlier, White must be careful and take a liberty of

Black’s three stones with 7. Thereafter, we get a similar result …
2001
11 10
… to what has been shown before.
2002
e
e
Next page: Failures
2003
030 Problem (failure)
White just connected in the corner.
Black to kill.
2004
2005
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
2
> 2
> 3
> 6
4
> 4
> 4
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2006
030 Solution (failure)
Black 2 captures White’s stone above, and White’s entire group is dead as
it stands.
2007
4
7 6
5 A
Even is White continues with the descent of 3, creating an eye in the

corner, Black can play elsewhere with 4. White has too many weaknesses
in the centre.
White 5 covers one of these, but the atari of Black 6 reveals the other one.
Playing 5 at A instead will not work either.
2008
8
After Black 8, there is only a false eye ( , ✕) in the centre. White is

dead.
2009
2010
8
6 5
7
Trying it the other way round, with White 5 in the centre, does not help
either. Black gives atari with 6, and the miai of White 7 and Black 8 makes
sure that White’s group will die.
2011
2012
Lessons learned
Do not give your opponent the opportunity to capture important stones (

).
2013
? ?
?
? !!
The remaining parts of your formation might have too many weaknesses (
, !!) that cannot be covered easily.
You might need too many moves in a row to establish two eyes (?) for
your group.
2014
Problem 031
White to kill.
2015
2016
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 2
2
> 2
4
> 4
Next page: Hints
2017
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space seems to be quite large, with sufficient

options for partitioning, but …
2018
… there are already two white stones ( ) inside Black’s formation, which
will want to connect out.
2019
Black has several partial groups that are not yet solidly connected ( ),
leaving cutting points for White to exploit.
2020
12
12
White will have to consider that Black already has occupied one 1–2 point
in the corner and will want to also take the other one on the bottom line.
2021
3
3
Black’s partial group at the right has only three liberties, and so is very
2022
There is one line of false eyes visible ( , ✕), with both end points already
occupied by white stones.
2023
White’s formation on the lower edge is strong ( ). But White must be
aware that connecting stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕)
might run into a shortage of liberties.
2024
? ?
White’s formation on the left edge ( ) is also strong, severely restricting

Black’s eye-making potential in the marked areas (?).
Next page: Solution
2025
Solution 031
White’s descent of 1 works both to the right, and to the left.
White will succeed neither by connecting her two stones in the corner, nor
by attacking Black’s two stones on the right.
2026
5
2
A 3 B 4
Black’s atari of 2 does not help now, because White is able to save her
stone in the corner with the descent of 3. Black can neither give atari in the
corner at A, nor separate White’s forces with a move at B, due to a
shortage of liberties on his side. The shape of White’s four stones in the
corner is called “bamboo joint”.
Black 2 and White 3 are miai.
2027
< Excursus – Liberties in a bamboo joint >
Black 4 closes the hole on the first line, but White cuts with 5, and Black
will be unable to capture this stone.
These two moves are miai.
6
8
7
A 9
Black tries his best with the atari of 6 and the forcing move at 8. However,
after White’s connection at 9, Black is unable to give atari in the corner
2028
with a move at A, so White will win the partial semeai with Black’s three-
stone group at the right.
Of course this means that all of Black’s stones are dead.
2029
Black’s connection with the move at 4 here sets his hopes on creating a
shortage of liberties for White’s stones in the corner. After White’s hane 5,
…
2030
7
6
… Black throws in with 6.
2031
10 8
12 9 13 11
As before, Black has to admit in the end that White has one liberty too
many.
2032
2033
Black’s atari 2 from below does not help either.
2034
6
5
3 7
4
White connects her endangered stone with 3. Black 4 and White 5 are
miai. Black is unable to capture White’s stones that are inside his
formation.
2035
Next page: Failures
2036
White just solidly connected her stones in the corner.
Black to live.
2037
2038
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
2
> 2
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
2039
The turning move at Black 2 hinders White from connecting out.
2040
5 4 3 6
The hane of White 3 aims at creating a shortage of liberties on Black’s

side, but after White’s atari of 5, Black is able to capture with 6.
2041
7
8
White 7 forces the connection at Black 8.
2042
11 10 12
9
13
14
White’s further attempts are fruitless. Please note that Black could get a
living shape by occupying the lower 1–2 point at any time within the
sequence shown.
2043
e
e
2044
Lessons learned
Do not create a group of your own inside your opponent’s formation if

your opponent can easily stop it from connecting out, and their remaining
potential eye space (●) is so large …
2045
… that it cannot be filled entirely with a dead eye shape ( , △).
2046
White just threatened Black’s two stones on the right.
Black to live.
2047
2048
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
2
> 2
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
2049
2
A
Black is able to connect his stones with 2. Alternatively, especially if he is

in a hurry, Black might consider playing at A immediately.
2050
4
6 5 3
White 3 connects underneath. Black 4 threatens to the left, as well as to the

right. White saves some of her stones with 5, allowing Black to capture her
single stone in the corner with 6 and to create sure eyes for the life of his
group.
Please note that the descent of Black 6 is only shown for demonstrative
purposes. White has no chance left for killing Black’s group in the corner,
even if Black omits this move.
2051
e
2052
If – in a real game – Black is unsure about his reading abilities, he might

consider simplifying the matter with playing 2 in the corner immediately.
2053
3
Capturing (or saving) Black’s two -stones on the right – and

simultaneously saving (or capturing) White’s two -stones – with a move
at 3 is gote, and so only an endgame issue. But the fate of these two stones
does not affect the status of Black’s group in the corner that is alive
already.
2054
e
e
2055
Lessons learned
Do not try to capture some unimportant stones (✕) of your opponent. The
bigger fish may bounce off the hook.
2056
line ( , ✕) might suffer from a shortage of liberties on your side.
2057
Problem 032
2058
2059
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 4
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
2
> 2
> 4
> 2
> 3
> 9
Next page: Hints
2060
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is quite large and bulky. Both sides have
a lot of room to navigate in.
2061
There is a cutting point between Black’s -stones, but which White
cannot exploit immediately.
2062
3 3 3 2
White’s three stones on the bottom have three liberties, but are quite weak.
Black’s single stone at the right has two liberties, so White’s three stones
are safe – but only for the time being.
Black might have options available that kill two birds with one stone –
threatening White’s three stones, and also providing support for creating a
living shape in the corner.
2063
There are two lines of false eyes visible ( , ✕). However, remember the
latent weakness of White’s stones on the bottom. It might be difficult for
White to bring both lines into play simultaneously.
2064
White has to consider the fact that connecting stones out which are
arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕) might suffer from a shortage of liberties
on her side.
2065
3
Black’s single stone that blocks the corner on the bottom has only three
liberties, and so will become the primary target for an attack.
2066
4 4 4
4
4 4 4
Black’s upper group has four liberties, but one of them is shared with his
single stone on the bottom. White might hope for the marked line ( , ✕),
but has to take the weakness of her own stones on the bottom into account.
Next page: Solution
2067
Solution 032
The clamp of White 1 occupies the vital point of Black’s shape. This move
makes use of Black’s weaknesses, and simultaneously takes White’s
weakness on the bottom into account.
White will succeed neither by playing hane on the lower edge, nor by
2068
playing a clamp on the left edge.
2 A
Black 2 separates the outside from the inside – for the time being. Please
note that White is hindered from giving atari at A, due to .
Black will succeed – in reaching a ko for the life of his group – neither by
descending in the corner, nor by connecting his cutting point.
2069
3
4 5
White’s only chance is to play inside with the atari of 3.
Black is unable to connect, and so plays the hane of 4. White captures with
5, starting a ko fight for the life of Black’s group.
2070
ko
Black has to find the first ko threat for this direct ko.
2071
2072
2073
13
11
14 12
Locally, White will most likely continue with 11. Black must be on his
guard, because his upper group is short of liberties, and cut off – for the
time being.
Black simply captures White’s three stones on the bottom with 12 and 14,
while White leads her stones in the corner out.
2074
C A
D B
E 16 15
F
White 15 blocks from the outside, forcing Black to build two eyes with 16.
Please note that an endgame ko remains in the corner, starting with the
sequence from Black A to White F.
2075
e e
Next page: Failures
2076
Black just descended to the lower edge.
White to kill.
2077
2078
1
> 1
> 4
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 2
> 3
> 9
Next page: Solution
2079
5
3 4
Again, White’s single stone in the corner is separated from the outside. But
here – contrary to the solution – White’s three -stones are not under
immediate pressure.
White is able to continue in the corner, and her move at 3 threatens to cut,
2080
so Black connects at 4.
It will not benefit Black to play at A instead, threatening White’s three

stones on the right.
White 5 is the second threat to connect to the outside.
7
8
6 A
10
11
9
Black 6 prevents this connection and also takes a liberty of White’s

intruders. But eventually, White gets an eye in the corner with 11. Black is
2081
short of liberties, and so is unable to give atari at A. “One eye beats no
eye”.
2082
5
4 A
Black 4 prevents White from giving atari to the bottom immediately (now
at A), in sente. But this move comes too late now.
2083
8
7
6 9
Black 6 tries to use the special properties of the corner to win the semeai
with White’s stones. However, White’s group has too many liberties,
allowing White to capture with 9 and to erase the shortage of liberties on
the bottom.
2084
10
11
White 11 wins her the semeai. Black’s group is dead.
2085
2086
Lessons learned
!!
Closing one of two holes in your formation in gote – instead of threatening

some opponent’s stones ( ) – will allow your opponent to exploit the
remaining one (!!) immediately.
2087
When leaving two weaknesses behind ( / , ✕), remember that you
might not be able to cover both of these simultaneously.
2088
Consider whether the opponent’s intruders (●) might hinder you from
splitting your potential eye space (●). If so, you must have a way to
capture your opponent’s stone(s) that are inside your formation.
2089
?
?
?
Consider whether your opponent might be able to make their intruder(s) (

) the owner of the corner. If so, you might suffer from a shortage of
liberties on your side.
2090
Black just connected the cutting point in his formation.
White to kill.
2091
2092
1
> 1
> 4
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
2
>2
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 9
Next page: Solution
2093
3 4
Black’s connection is a bit tricky, so White must be on her guard here.

White 3 occupies a vital 1–2 point in the corner.
White must not mistakenly play at 4 instead.
It is White now, who “possesses” the corner, so Black is forced to
2094
intercept with 4. Again, White 5 threatens to connect out.
9
6
8 A
10 7
11
This results in a change in the order of moves from what we have seen
before. White’s eye in the corner gives her the edge.
2095
e
2096
Lessons learned
!!
!!
When covering only one of your weaknesses, make sure that you do no
leave too many holes behind (!!).
2097
?
?
?
Consider whether your opponent might be able to make their intruder(s) (

) the owner of the corner. If so, you might suffer from a shortage of
2098
White just played on the first line.
2099
2100
1
> 1
> 4
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
2
>2
> 4
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 9
Next page: Solution
2101
4 5
Black throws in with 4, aiming at creating a shortage of liberties for

White’s stones on the bottom.
2102
7 6
Black 6 is the second throw-in, serving the same purpose.
2103
10 8
9
11
Black 8 is the first step to approach White’s stones in the corner, and
White tries to get sufficient liberties with 9 and 11.
2104
12
A B
However, Black 12 is an atari, and White cannot connect at A, due to

Black B.
Black already has a sure eye above, so the tesuji of connecting at A, in

order to reduce the corner area to only one eye, is not available for White
here.
2105
e
e
e
2106
The hane of White 9 is the first step to initiate a ko fight for the life of
Black’s group.
2107
10
12 11
After Black’s atari of 10, White cannot connect in the corner, and so plays
on the outside with 11.
2108
ko
A two-step approach-move ko results, but which – in a real game – White

cannot really assume to win.
2109
e
e
e
e
2110
13 14
15
We will show now, what happens if White starts the ko fight with the ko
threat of 13.
2111
16
18
17
White cannot answer Black’s ko threat of 16, but has to play an approach
move with 17.
2112
19 20
21
The ko fight continues.
2113
22
24
23
Again, White cannot answer Black’s ko threat of 22, but has to play
another approach move with 23.
2114
25
Finally, White 25 connects the ko.
Please note that White would need two more valid ko threats than Black,
and additionally had to ignore two of Black’s ko threats, so – in a real
game – Black’s group could be considered to be virtually alive.
2115
2116
Lessons learned
Remember that connecting stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line (
, ✕) might suffer from a shortage of liberties.
2117
Black to live.
2118
2119
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
2
> 2
> 4
> 2
> 3
> 9
Next page: Solution
2120
3
2 A
Black 2 maximises the remaining eye space, and White’s cut of 3 follows
naturally.
2121
4
But here Black is able to capture with 4.
Black must not connect his stone in atari instead.
2122
5
6 A
After White’s atari from above at 5, Black connects at 6. White is hindered

from giving atari at A, due to .
2123
7
White 7 tries to connect out, utilising the fact that Black’s group above is
short of liberties.
2124
9
10 8
Black 8 continues on the lower edge, letting White have what she wanted
with 9. Eventually, Black 10 captures three of White’s stones for the life of
his group.
2125
12 11
White 11 and Black 12 are miai for two eyes for Black’s group.
2126
e e
2127
Lessons learned
Remember that connecting stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line (
, ✕) might suffer from a shortage of liberties.
2128
Black just connected on the third line.
White to kill.
2129
2130
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
2
> 2
> 4
> 2
> 3
> 9
Next page: Solution
2131
White simply connects at 5. This move frees her from the otherwise
threatening shortage of liberties along the bottom.
2132
6
Black 6 continues in the corner, and White captures with 7.
2133
8
10 9
11
Black cannot approach at 10 immediately, so White can take her time to

immobilise Black’s single stone at the right with 9. Eventually, she
connects at 11, and Black’s group only has one eye.
2134
2135
Lessons learned
Your opponent might think twice before capturing a single stone of yours
that is in atari.
2136
Forcing your opponent to solidly cover one of their cutting points ( , ✕)
…
2137
… might solve the challenge of connecting stones out that are arranged on
a zigzag line ( , ✕).
2138
White just played a clamp on the left edge.
Black to live.
2139
2140
1
>1
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 5
> 5
2
> 2
> 4
> 2
> 3
> 9
Next page: Solution
2141
Black 2 threatens to capture White’s three stones.
2142
3
A
5
6 4
It might be best for White to connect underneath on the left edge with 3.
Black might gain territorially if White plays at 5 instead.
After Black’s atari with 4, White blocks the outside in sente with 5. This
might be more profitable than forcing in the corner with a move at A.
Black 6 captures White’s three stones on the bottom.
2143
7 8
White 7 robs Black’s potential territory in the corner, so he has to secure

two eyes with 8.
2144
e e
2145
Immediately blocking on the bottom with 3 is thoughtless. Black’s descent

of 4 secures an eye space that is too large to prevent partitioning.
2146
8
6 5
7
White tries her best with 5 and 7 but Black 8 captures one of her stones.
Playing White 5 at 7, or at 6 instead, will not work either.
2147
10
9 12 A 11
White 9 is a desperate attempt to cause some shortage of liberties, but

White is handicapped by Black’s -stone at the right. She is unable to
play at A immediately. Black 12 securely captures White’s two stones in
the corner.
2148
e
e
e
2149
Variation for White 5 (I) (White 3)
6
8 5
7 9
The attachment of White 5 does not work either.
After Black 6 and 8 we have reached a similar situation as before.
2150
10
Black 10 ends the discussion now.
2151
e
2152
Variation for White 5 (II) (White 3)
8 5 7
6
White 5 tries to create a dead eye shape, but after Black 8, it is quite
evident that Black still is the owner of the corner, which provides him with
his second eye.
2153
e
2154
Lessons learned
Avoid own weaknesses ( ) in two places when attacking your opponent.
2155
? ? ?
? ? ?
? ? ? ? ?
? ? ? ? ? ?
Your opponent’s area of interest (?) might suddenly become too large,
making it impossible for you to attack successfully.
2156
While you might be able to destroy potential eyes of your opponent in one
area (●), …
2157
… your opponent might create a living shape in the other one (●). And
vice versa.
2158
Problem 033
2159
2160
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 2
2
> 2
> 3
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
Next page: Hints
2161
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is elongated, with several options for
partitioning.
2162
There are some dead eye shapes available, but which do not fill Black’s
potential eye space completely. This diagram shows one of these (△), at
the left.
2163
Another one (△), at the right. White must hinder Black from solidifying
the borders of his formation too easily.
2164
!!
On the left edge, there is a hole (!!) in Black’s formation. However,

White’s stones there ( ) are not yet solidly connected. Therefore, White
might encounter difficulties in successfully reducing Black’s potential eye
space from this side.
2165
!!
There is another hole in Black’s formation (!!), at the right, with White’s
strong descent to the first line ( ) nearby. But Black has several options
for splitting his potential eye space, so White might not want to start here
immediately.
2166
On the top of Black’s formation, there is one line of false eyes visible ( ,
✕).
2167
?
?
The formation of Black’s -stones is surrounded by White’s strong -

stones. White might have chances to hinder Black from getting an eye in
the ?-area easily.
2168
On the bottom there is another line of false eyes (✕), with the support of
White’s descent ). However, White will have to take into account that
neither end point of this line is as yet occupied.
Next page: Solution
2169
Solution 033
The placement of White 1 destroys Black’s hopes to get life easily with a
move at the same point.
White will succeed neither by pushing once more in the corner, nor by
pushing on the bottom right, nor by playing a throw-in at the right.
2170
A
Black 2 hopes to partition the potential eye space in such a way that either
one eye on each side will result, or two eyes at the right.
Alternatively, Black might change the order of moves with connecting at

A instead.
However, Black should not insist on closing his potential eye space
instead, neither at the left, nor at the bottom right.
2171
3
However, White 3 pushes into Black’s potential eye space from the right.
The marked false eye ( , ✕) implies that Black will need two moves in a
row to remove his weaknesses at the right in order to create a second eye
in this area.
White must not push from the left instead.
2172
A
B
4
Black has no other choice but to stop White’s further intrusion with 4. This
makes the moves of Black A and B miai for the life of his group. But
White has another choice.
2173
6
A 7
5
White 5 gives atari to destroy Black’s potential eye at the right. Black is
unable to connect his endangered stone, because this would leave him with
a false eye above. Therefore, he has to connect at 6 instead, forcing White
to start a ko fight with capturing at 7.
Black will not get a better result by capturing White’s two stones with a
move at A.
2174
ko
Black must search for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
2175
2176
e
e
2177
Black cannot get rid of the ko fight by capturing White’s two stones on the
bottom with 6.
2178
8
9
A 7
The placement of White 7 creates a similar position as we have seen

before, so Black again has to initiate a ko fight with the connection at 8.
Black must not capture at A instead.
2179
ko
Black has to look for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
2180
2181
e
e
2182
Variation for Black 8 (Black 6)
But capturing once more on the bottom with 8 is a futile mistake.
2183
9
A 10
White 9 makes Black’s potential eye false, and additionally creates a miai
between Black 10 and A.
2184
11
Eventually, White 11 kills Black’s group.
2185
2186
As an alternative option, Black can connect at 2, as an answer to White’s

initial placement.
2187
7
6 5 4 3
On the lower edge, this results a change in the order of moves.
White might try to play 3 at 6, but this will not make a decisive difference.
2188
ko
This is the same direct ko as in the solution above. Black must look for the
first valid ko threat.
2189
2190
e
e
2191
Variation for White 3 ( Black 2)
4
3
White might try to insert the forcing exchange of White 3, Black 4, in the
corner, but this will not make a decisive difference.
2192
8 9
7 6 5
Even after this exchange, White is forced to create a ko shape on the

bottom with 5 and 7.
2193
ko
As “usual”, Black has to find the first valid ko threat for this direct ko.
2194
2195
e
e
Next page: Failures
2196
White just pushed into Black’s potential eye space on the left edge.
Black to live.
2197
2198
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 2
2
> 2
> 3
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
6
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
2199
Black covers his weakness at the right by connecting with 4.
2200
7 5 6
After the forcing exchange of White 5, Black 6, White reaches a seki by

connecting inside Black’s formation with 7, but only in gote.
2201
n n
2202
Lessons learned
When reducing your opponent’s eye space from the outside, do not leave a
potential eye space behind (●) that might be easily partitioned by your
opponent.
2203
Black just closed his potential territory on the left edge.
2204
2205
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 2
2
>2
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
2206
The push of White 3 …
2207
6
7
5 4
… starts the “usual” ko-shape-building sequence on the bottom.
2208
A ko
This time, however, the ko has become an approach-move ko, which is

disadvantageous for Black. There is no black stone at A, so Black is
unable to finish the ko by just connecting it. White would create a dead
eye shape ( , △, A) thereafter.
2209
2210
8 9
10
Black plays a valid ko threat with 8.
2211
11
13
12
White 11 is a ko threat that Black has to ignore in order to approach

White’s stones in the corner with 12.
2212
14 15
16
Black 14 is another valid ko threat.
2213
17
18
Black ignores another ko threat of White in order to connect with 18.
Black needed two (more) valid-ko threats than White to win the ko, and
additionally he has to ignore two of White’s ko threats. This ko clearly
favours White.
2214
e
e
2215
Lessons learned
!!
When you are forced to close one of two holes (!!) in your formation, …
2216
… but cannot stop your opponent from successfully addressing a line of
false eyes (✕), …
2217
… do not be so kind as to let an opponent’s intruder have as many liberties
(○) as possible.
2218
Black just closed the hole in his formation at the bottom.
White to kill.
2219
2220
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 2
2
>2
> 3
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
2221
3
4
White 3 reduces Black’s potential eye space in the corner. She must not
throw-in at the right instead.
2222
5
Thereafter, White 5, creating a false eye ( ), reduces Black’s potential eye

space on the right.
2223
6
Black 6 …
2224
7
… and White 7 are miai. Black can only get one eye and is dead.
2225
2226
Lessons learned
!!
Do not leave a hole (!!) in your formation behind that could be attacked by
your opponent in sente, threatening to connect an intruder out.
2227
Consider carefully whether you would need two moves in a row to
successfully partition your remaining potential eye space (●).
2228
White just played a throw-in at the right.
Black to live.
2229
2230
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 2
2
>2
> 3
> 2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
2231
Black maximises his potential eye space with the move at 4 in the corner.
2232
6
5
White 5 prevents a black move at the same point, which would easily
create two eyes. Black captures White’s single stone with 6, connecting his
troops.
2233
7
White can get a seki with 7, but only in gote.
2234
n
n n
2235
Lessons learned
potential eye space behind (●) that …
2236
… might be too large to be filled with a dead eye shape ( , △).
2237
White just pushed in the corner.
Black to live.
2238
2239
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 2
2
> 2
> 3
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
2240
2241
3
4
White can reduce Black’s territory with 3, …
2242
6 5
… and 5, but cannot prevent two eyes for Black’s group.
2243
e
e
2244
Lessons learned
potential eye space behind (●) that could be easily partitioned by your
opponent.
2245
White just pushed on the bottom.
Black to live.
2246
2247
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 2
2
> 2
> 3
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
2248
Again, Black 2 occupies the vital point of the problem.
2249
4
3
White 3 and Black 4 are miai, so Black’s group cannot be killed by White.
2250
e
e
2251
3 A
B 4
If White pushes into the corner with 3, White blocks in the bottom with 4.
Black is the “owner” of the point of A, so B is a real eye.
2252
e
e
2253
Lessons learned
opponent.
2254
!!
!!
Remember that you will need two moves in a row to attack two holes (!!)
in Black’s formation successfully.
2255
033 Problem (failure VII)
White just played a throw-in at the right.
Black to live.
2256
2257
1
>1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
2
> 2
> 3
> 2
> 2
> 3
3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
2258
033 Solution (failure VII)
Black 2 takes the vital point of the problem.
Black should not capture White’s single stone at the right instead.
2259
4
3
White 3 reduces Black’s territory on the bottom.
2260
5
6
White 5 and Black 6 are miai. Black will get two eyes for the life of his
group.
2261
e
e
2262
In a real game, you might capture White’s single stone with 2 here, as a
kind of reflex. But this is not correct.
2263
4
5 3 7 6
This will cost you some points, but not really endanger the life of your
group. Even if White occupies the vital point of 3, she cannot get more
than a seki, but only in gote.
2264
n
n n
2265
Lessons learned
opponent.
2266
!!
!!
Remember that you will need two moves in a row to attack two holes (!!)
in Black’s formation successfully.
2267
Problem 034
White to kill.
2268
2269
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Hints
2270
Hints
The environment is different from the previous problem, as is Black’s

formation. However, Black’s maximum eye space (●) is the same,
elongated, with several options for partitioning.
2271
Black’s formation is weaker than in the previous problem, because the
connection between Black’s partial groups ( ) is weaker, especially at the
right.
2272
White’s position at the right is very strong ( ). Black will have no chance
to escape here.
2273
!!
!!
!!
There are three holes (!!) in Black’s formation for White to exploit.
2274
There is a dead eye shape visible (△) in the corner.
2275
Black’s -stone is far away from the corner. Threatening this stone alone
might not be the best idea.
Next page: Solution
2276
Solution 034
The placement of White 1 destroys Black’s hopes to get life easily by

playing a move at the same point.
White will not succeed by playing hane on the left edge, nor by playing
hane on the lower edge, nor by pushing from above.
2277
A
2
Black 2 secures the corner for Black, aiming at getting an eye on the 1–1
point, and a second one on the bottom, by capturing White’s intruder.
Alternatively, Black might consider playing at A instead, which offers a

lot of options for both sides to go wrong.
2278
A 4 3
The hane of White 3 threatens to connect White’s pivotal stone out, so

Black must block with 4.
No other move will do the job for Black, because White has the dead eye
shape in the corner ( , △) at her disposal.
2279
5
B 7
6 A 8
White 5 pushes from above, making miai of Black 6 and White 7.
Please note that Black is unable to connect at A – due to his shortage of

liberties – and so captures White’s single stone at the right with 8.
Connecting at B instead, will not work either.
2280
10
9
White cuts with 9, …
2281
11
… eventually creating a false eye with the throw-in of 11. Black has only
one eye in the corner and is dead.
2282
2283
8
9
Connecting on top with 8 here will not benefit Black either. White simply
captures with 9.
2284
10
Black 10 recaptures two white stones, but this will not lead to an additional
eye for Black.
2285
11
White also recaptures with 11, and Black has only one eye.
2286
2287
6
7
If Black solidifies the borders of his formation with 6, White 7 is the final,
fatal blow. Black cannot get more than one large eye.
2288
Next page: Variation
2289
034 Problem (variation)
Black just played at the top right to maximise his potential eye space there.
White to kill.
2290
2291
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2292
034 Solution (variation)
3
4
Black has chosen to play on the right, so White plays on the left.
White 3 denies Black access to the corner in sente. The remaining space on
the bottom will not be large enough for two eyes for Black, due to the
cutting points in his formation.
2293
White will succeed neither by playing hane at the right, nor by creating a
second cutting point in Black’s formation, nor by occupying the lower 1–2
point, nor by adding a second stone to the right on the first line.
A
B
7 5 6
The placement of White 5 threatens to connect to the outside, so Black

must block with 6. White 7 creates a dead eye shape.
Please note that there is no seki – even after a black move at A – because
2294
Black will have to connect at B in the corner, sooner or later.
Next page: Failures
2295
034 Problem (variation – failure I)
2296
2297
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2298
034 Solution (variation – failure I)
Black must keep his potential eye space as large as possible, and he does
so with the atari of 4.
2299
5
White 5 gives counter-atari from the outside. Connecting on the bottom

right instead would be slightly worse for her, due to the remaining
weakness in her encirclement which might result in a potential ko-threat
for Black.
2300
6
Capturing with Black 6 is correct here. Black should not play at the lower
1–2 point instead; he would need more ko-threats than here to win the
fight.
2301
8 A
7 10 11 9
White plays the forcing exchange of White 7, Black 8, in the corner first
before giving atari to the right with 9.
Playing at 9 immediately would benefit Black.
Black is unable to connect at 11 immediately (White will give another atari

with 10), and so connects at 10. Please note that Black does not play at A
here; this move would provide White with an internal ko threat at 10.
2302
Eventually, White 11 starts the ko fight for the life of Black’s group.
ko
2303
2304
e
e
2305
Lessons learned
not leave an area behind (●) which still includes several options for
partitioning.
2306
034 Problem (variation – failure II)
White just played atari at the right.
2307
2308
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
3>
> 5
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
> 7
●○●○●○●○●
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2309
034 Solution (variation – failure II)
8 A 9
Black 8 prepares for a second eye in the corner.
Please note that Black is unable to connect at 9 instead. White would give
atari at A, exploiting Black’s shortage of liberties on the right.
White 9 captures, and starts a ko fight for the life of Black’s group.
2310
ko
Black has to look for the first valid ko threat in this approach-move ko that
favours him.
2311
e
e
2312
10
11
A
White ignores Black’s ko threat of 10, and captures with 11. Black should
not build an eye in the corner instead (by playing on the left-hand 1–2
point); the ko would become a direct one again.
Connecting at A instead will give a similar result.
2313
ko
This capture opens another ko (ko) that is intertwined with the first one.
From the standpoint of White, we have entered the second stage of this ko.
2314
12
13
White has to ignore another black ko threat (12) in order to finish the ko
with the capture of 13.
2315
2316
12 13
11
We get a similar result if White connects on the first line with 11 instead.
With this kind of play, the ko turns into an approach-move ko, also
disadvantageous for White.
Black 12 secures an eye in the corner, hoping to win the ko for a second
2317
one.
14
15
White has to ignore another black ko threat (14), in order to finish the ko
with the capture of 15.
This is the same result as before. We have just exchanged for .
2318
2319
Lessons learned
When setting up for a ko fight, do not allow your opponent a remaining

potential eye space (●) that still might become partitioned by two moves in
a row.
Your kindness will make you need more ko threats than necessary.
2320
034 Problem (variation – failure III)
Black just played in the corner.
2321
2322
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
3>
> 5
> 6
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
> 10
●○●○●○●○●
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2323
034 Solution (variation – failure III)
11
After Black’s previous descent in the corner, securing an eye at the 1–1
point, White captures with 11. The ko fight has become a direct one again.
2324
ko
2325
2326
e
e
2327
Lessons learned
Unnecessarily making an approach move of your own, instead of

recapturing in a ko fight, will benefit your opponent by one ko threat.
2328
034 Problem (variation – failure IV)
2329
2330
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
3>
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 6
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2331
034 Solution (variation – failure IV)
Of course White 7 captures the ko.
2332
ko
Black has to look for the first valid ko threat in this ko, which – from his
point of view – has become an approach-move ko, disadvantageous for
him.
2333
2334
8 9
10
Black 8 is his first valid ko threat, enabling Black to recapture the ko with
the move at 10.
2335
12 13
11
White simply connects on the first line with 11. Black cannot connect the
ko, but is forced to play an approach move with 12 to create an eye in the
corner.
2336
14 15
16
A
Black 14 is the second valid ko threat that is answered by White.
Please note that the atari of A is no valid ko threat for White.
2337
17
18
Black has to ignore White’s external ko threat of 17. He connects the ko

with 18.
Black needs two more valid ko threats than White to win the ko fight.
2338
e
e
2339
Lessons learned
When caught in the preparation for a ko fight, do not forget to create

approach-move difficulties for your opponent.
Your kindness might change the status of ko threats needed to win the
fight, favouring your opponent.
2340
034 Problem (variation – failure V)
White just connected at the right.
2341
2342
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
>2
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2343
034 Solution (variation – failure V)
Black answers with a connection of his own at 6. This move creates an

eye, for the time being.
2344
9
8 7
White 7 attacks this potential eye at the right, and Black cannot connect his
stone that is in atari. Black 8 gives counter-atari instead and finally White
9 starts a ko fight for the life of Black’s group.
2345
A
ko
Black must look for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
However, if Black has strong support on the outside, pushing through the
hole of A in White’s encirclement might become the source of internal ko
threats for Black.
2346
2347
2348
Lessons learned
!!
When caught in the preparation of a ko fight, do not let your opponent

strengthen their formation.
Pushing through a hole in your own encirclement (!!) might serve as an

internal ko threat for your opponent if there is strong support waiting in the
2349
outskirts.
2350
034 Problem (variation – failure VI)
White just played at the right, on the third line, in order to create a cutting
point in Black’s formation.
Black to live.
2351
2352
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
5 >
6 >
7 >
> 10
> 11
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2353
034 Solution (variation – failure VI)
The descent of 4 maximises Black’s potential eye space on the right, and
also closes one of the holes in his formation.
Black should neither occupy the lower 1–2 point in the corner, nor the left-
hand one, nor play hane at the right, instead.
2354
A 5
White 5 hinders Black from playing at the same point, thereby getting a
sure eye at the right.
Please note that this move also activates a line of false eyes ( , ✕, 5).
Playing at A first will make no difference to the outcome.
2355
6
Black 6 connects at the left, simultaneously taking an important liberty of

White’s two stones below, thereby erasing White’s above-mentioned
threat.
2356
7
10 9 8
White 7 reduces Black’s potential eye space from the left, but the atari of 8
gives Black’s group a living shape.
White tries her best with 9, sacrificing another stone. Black captures with
10, and …
2357
11
… White naturally recaptures in the corner with 11.
2358
12
However, as we already know, capturing three opponent’s stones means an

eye for the defender. Eventually, Black 12 secures the second eye.
2359
e
e
2360
The “usual” kikashi of White 5 in the corner has no effect on the solution.
2361
A
6 8
10 7 B 9
Black defends his eye space with the descent of 6.
Again, White tries her best with the move at 7, aiming at a line of false
eyes at the right. The connection at Black 8 is decisive now. White 9 tries
to set up a snapback at the right, but Black is able to give atari in the
corner with 10.
If White played at A with 9, Black would give atari at B, resulting in a
2362
change in the order of moves.
e
e
2363
Lessons learned
Before attacking from the outside, carefully consider whether you leave a
potential eye space behind that is so large that you would need two moves
in a row to prevent its partitioning.
2364
034 Problem (variation – failure VII)
Black just descended to the first line.
2365
2366
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2367
034 Solution (variation – failure VII)
7
6 5
White gives atari with 5, and Black has to answer with the counter-atari of
6. After White captures with 7, there is a ko again.
2368
ko
However, this ko is disadvantageous for Black, because White has internal

ko threats. This means that the ko has become an approach-move ko, from
Black’s point of view.
2369
2370
8 9
10
Black plays his first valid ko threat with 8. After Black recaptures the ko
with 10, …
2371
12 13
11
… White simply connects with 11.
Black is unable to connect at 13, because White 12 would destroy Black’s

second eye in the corner.
2372
14 15
16
A
Black 14 is Black’s second valid ko threat. Black is unable to play at A

instead, due to shortage of liberties, in order to build his second eye, and
therefore he must continue with the ko fight.
2373
17
18
Black would need two more valid ko threats than White to win the ko
fight, not only one.
2374
e
e
2375
Lessons learned
!!
!!
When playing inside your own potential eye space, do not leave two holes
(!!) in your formation behind, one of which your opponent can attack in
sente.
2376
You might encounter massive difficulties with defending both of these
holes successfully, especially if there is a dead eye shape ( , △) waiting
inside already.
2377
034 Problem (variation – failure VIII)
Black just descended to the left edge.
2378
2379
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
3>
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2380
034 Solution (variation – failure VIII)
7
6 5
White plays the “usual” sequence that establishes a ko shape at the right
with 5 and 7.
2381
ko
Black has to look for the first valid ko threat in this approach-move ko that
is disadvantageous for him.
2382
2383
8 9
10
Black 8 is a valid ko threat, enabling Black to recapture with 10.
2384
A 13
12 11
White 11 simply connects on the outside, and Black has to answer with the
approach-move at 12 – played inside his own formation – that establishes a
sure eye on the 1–1 point in the corner.
Black is unable to connect the ko with a move at 13 instead, because a

white move at A would be atari.
2385
14 15
16
Black needs a second valid ko threat (14) to continue the ko fight.
2386
17
18
Black ignores White’s move at 17 to connect the ko with a move at 18.

Black has two eyes now.
However, Black would need two valid ko threats more than White to win
the ko fight.
2387
e
e
2388
Lessons learned
!!
Before trying to maximise your potential eye space – simultaneously

closing one hole in your formation – carefully consider whether you left a
hole (!!) behind that can be attacked by your opponent in sente.
2389
You might encounter massive difficulties with splitting your potential eye
space successfully, especially if there is a dead eye shape ( , △) waiting
inside already.
2390
034 Problem (variation – failure IX)
Black just played hane at the right.
White to kill.
2391
2392
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
3>
> 4
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2393
034 Solution (variation – failure IX)
6 5 7
The placement of White 5 attacks Black’s massive weaknesses at the right.

Black 6 prepares for capturing White’s single stone at the left, thus White
7 cuts at the right.
Connecting with 6 at 7 does not work either.
2394
9 10
8 A
Please note that White does not save her two stones on the right by
capturing Black’s single stone with A. Black 9 would provide Black with
his second eye.
2395
11
Eventually, White 11 throws in, making Black’s eye at the right false.
2396
2397
Connecting at the right with 6 does not benefit Black either.
2398
9 8
7
White 7 gives atari, leaving Black helpless. There is no chance left for
Black to create a living shape.
2399
2400
Lessons learned
When trying to defend one of the cutting points in your formation, do not
create an additional one.
2401
Your opponent might get the opportunity to create a false eye ( , ✕).
2402
Additionally your remaining eye space might be already filled with a dead
eye shape.
2403
3 3 3
3 2
2
Do not forget to count the liberties of your still unconnected groups.
Remember that shared liberties might result in a sudden shortage of

liberties.
2404
034 Problem (variation – failure X)
White just added a second stone on the first line, threatening to connect out
along the left edge.
2405
2406
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
4 >
4 >
4 >
> 6
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2407
034 Solution (variation – failure X)
Black is forced to answer with the descent of 4, after which White’s

kikashi on the first line will have no significant effect on the solution.
2408
5
It is correct for White to play hane from the right with 5.
For further sub-variations, please refer to the lines of play above, where
White’s kikashi in the corner has been played later than here (case 1; case
2).
2409
7
6 8
Of course, Black 6 blocks White’s further access to the corner. Again, it is

correct for White to give counter-atari from above with 7. Black is unable
to connect, and so has to capture with 8.
2410
10 11 9
After White’s atari of 9 from the outside, Black plays the solid move at 10,
and awaits White capturing with 11, thereby starting the ko fight for the
life of his group.
2411
ko
Black must find the first valid ko threat for this direct ko.
2412
2413
e
e
2414
Lessons learned
!!
Before playing a move inside your opponent’s formation, enforcing the

closure of one hole (!!) in their formation, …
2415
… carefully consider whether you leave a potential eye space for your
opponent behind (●) that still could be partitioned easily by your opponent.
2416
034 Problem (variation – failure XI)
White just added a second stone on the first line, threatening to connect out
to the right.
Black to live.
2417
2418
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2419
034 Solution (variation – failure XI)
4 5
Black 4 intercepts White’s way out, after which the descent of White 5
attacks at the right, aiming at the well-known ko shape there.
Black must not occupy the lower 1–2 point instead.
2420
8
6 7
Black 6 in the corner starts another path to ko. White gives atari at the
bottom with 7, and Black captures two white stones with 8.
2421
10
A 11
9
White’s throw-in at 9 is forced.
The connection at Black 10 at the right might be better than playing at A

instead. This kind of play might provide Black with internal ko threats if –
in a real game – he had a strong formation on the outside.
2422
ko
2423
2424
e
e
2425
Lessons learned
!!
Before playing a move inside your opponent’s formation, enforcing the

defence of one hole (!!) in their formation, …
2426
… carefully consider whether you leave a potential eye space for your
opponent behind (●) that still could be partitioned easily by your opponent.
2427
034 Problem (variation – failure XII)
White to kill.
2428
2429
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2430
034 Solution (variation – failure XII)
5 A
The solid extension of White 5 simply threatens to connect out to the right.
Please note that White did not try to connect her stones out with a move at
A instead. Black would intercept at 5 – for the time being – and force an
uncalled-for ko fight.
2431
7 A
6
Black 6 and White 7 are miai. The point of A is a cutting point on Black’s
side, so there will be no seki here.
2432
2433
Lessons learned
!!
!!
If you suffer from two holes (!!) in your formation, do not allow your
opponent to attack one of these from the inside in sente, …
2434
… if there is a dead eye shape waiting that might be brought into action by
your opponent.
2435
2436
2437
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 9
> 1
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2438
Black 2 occupies the vital point of the problem, immediately securing an

eye at the right. White must set her hopes on destroying Black’s potential
eye above 2.
2439
4 3
The atari of White 3 is the only move. Black captures with 4, and starts a
ko fight for the life of his group.
2440
ko
White has to look for the first valid ko threat in this approach-move ko,
which is disadvantageous for her.
2441
e
e
2442
5 6
White 5 is a valid ko threat, so she is able to recapture with 7.
2443
8
10
White ignores Black’s ko threat of 8, and connects on the left edge with 9.
White might consider further capturing instead.
2444
11
12
13
White has the internal ko threat of 11 at her disposal, which Black must
answer with the connection at 12. White takes the ko with 13 again.
2445
14
15
White ignores a second black ko threat (14), and connects in the corner
with 15.
White must be able to ignore two black ko threats in order to win the ko
fight. Therefore, this ko is quite disadvantageous for her.
2446
2447
White could treat this ko as a multi-stage ko by capturing Black’s corner

stone with 9. However, this will have no effect on the outcome of this sub-
variation.
2448
10
11
Again, White will have to ignore a second black ko threat (10) to win the
ko, here with the connection at 11.
2449
2450
Lessons learned
When reducing your opponent’s potential eye space from the outside, you
should avoid leaving an area of empty points behind (●) which could be
partitioned easily by your opponent.
2451
2452
2453
1
>1
> 9
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2454
Black blocks White’s further approach into the corner with the atari of 2.
2455
3
White pushes from above with 3, and Black 4 occupies the vital point of
the problem.
2456
6 5
7
White second push with 5 prevents easy life for Black’s group. She must
not play hane on the left edge instead.
Black 6 builds an eye in the corner, setting his hopes on the ko fight that
starts with White 7.
2457
ko
This is a direct ko. Black must look for the first valid ko threat.
2458
2459
e
e
2460
White might interchange the miai points of White 3 and Black 4. There is
no effect on the outcome of the forthcoming ko fight.
2461
7
6
5 8
White inserts the kikashi of White 5 that threatens to connect out on the
left edge, and simultaneously turns Black’s eye in the corner into a single
large one.
Playing 5 at 7 immediately will have no effect on the outcome.
Thereafter, White gives atari from above with 7, and Black captures with
8.
2462
10 11 9
After White’s second atari from the outside with 9, Black is hindered from
connecting at 11 (White would give atari at 10), and so solidifies his shape
at the left with the solid connection at 10. White 11 starts the ko fight for
the life of Black’s group.
2463
ko
2464
2465
e
e
2466
White might consider giving atari to top first with 5. If both sides follow
the correct path, this only results a change in the order of moves.
2467
6
It seems best for Black to capture at the right with 6.
2468
8
7 10 11 9
White inserts the kikashi of White 7, Black 8, in the corner before

continuing at the right with the atari of 9. Again, White 11 starts the ko
fight for the life of Black’s group.
2469
ko
Black must search for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
2470
2471
e
e
2472
Lessons learned
When reducing your opponent’s potential eye space from the outside, you
should avoid leaving an area of empty points behind (●) which could be
partitioned easily by your opponent.
2473
2474
2475
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
3>
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2476
Black connects at the right with 6, leaving a ko shape in the corner behind.
2477
8 7
After the “usual” atari of White 7, Black captures with 8, starting the
“usual” ko fight for the life of his group.
2478
ko
White has to find the first valid ko threat in this two-stage ko / approach-
move ko that favours Black.
2479
e
e e
2480
9 10
11
White 9 is the first valid ko threat. After White recaptures the ko with 11,
…
2481
12
A
13
… White has to ignore Black’s ko threat of 12 in order to capture with 13,

entering the second stage of this ko.
White could have connected at A – as a kind of approach move – instead,

to an identical effect on the outcome of the ko fight.
2482
14
15
Black 14 is the second ko threat that White has to ignore. White’s

connection at 15 ends the ko fight.
White had to ignore two of Black’s ko threats to win, thus this ko fight is
disadvantageous for her.
2483
2484
Lessons learned
ko
Avoid a ko fight at the 1–1 point in the corner if your own stones are
arranged only on a zigzag line.
Remember that usually you will be unable to finish the ko in one move –
by connecting it – due to a shortage of liberties on your side.
2485
White just pushed from above into Black’s formation.
Black to live.
2486
2487
1
> 1
> 9
> 1
3>
> 5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 3
> 5
> 6
> 7
> 10
> 11
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 6
> 5
> 3
> 3
> 4
6
> 6
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
2488
The descent of Black 2 secures sufficient eye space in the corner.
2489
3
4 6 5
White can do no more than to capture one of Black’s stones with 3 and 5
in sente. Black lives with two eyes.
2490
e
e
2491
Lessons learned
not leave an area of empty points behind (●) which could be partitioned
easily by your opponent.
2492
Do not try to capture a single opponent’s stone that is positioned on the
outskirts of their formation.
Your opponent might willingly sacrifice that stone if he is able to easily

partition his remaining potential eye space (●) instead.
2493
Problem 035
Black to live.
2494
2495
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 5
2
> 2
> 10
> 2
> 3
> 6
> 9
> 18
> 18
Next page: Hints
2496
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space is large and bulky.
2497
But Black will have no chance of getting a living shape if he does not find
a way to prevent White’s two -stones in the corner from connecting to
the outside ( , ✕).
2498
Additionally, there is a cutting point between Black’s -stones to
consider.
2499
Last, but not least, there is a dead six-point eye shape ( , △) in the
corner.
Next page: Solution
2500
Solution 035
B
A
1
Black 1 kills two birds with one stone. It protects against the cut of White
A and also against a white move at B.
Black will not succeed by playing hane on the left edge either.
2501
A
2
B
3
If White cuts at the right with 2, Black 3 occupies the second 1–2 point in
the corner too.
White might consider playing at A or at B instead, but to no effect on the

outcome.
2502
A 4
5
White’s atari of 4 is fruitless, because White is hindered from continuing

with A after Black’s connection at 5.
2503
6
7
Black’s initially played stone ( ) also hinders White from connecting out.
Black is alive with two eyes.
2504
e
2505
White 2 on the left edge threatens to connect out.
2506
5
3
4
Of course Black has to cut with 3. White 4 gives atari, in an attempt to

create a dead eye shape inside Black’s formation. Black captures with 5.
2507
7
White 6 prevents Black from occupying the second 1–2 point in the corner
for an easy eye on the 1–1 point.
2508
8
White attacks from the outside, starting with 8, and Black simply connect
with 9.
Black must not occupy a liberty of White’s stones instead.
2509
10 12
11
13
Eventually, Black’s group has one liberty too many and so will capture
four white stones in a row in the sequence to 13.
White has to option of playing 10 at 11.
2510
e
2511
Variation for White 10 (White 2 (I))
10
White can reach a seki by playing inside with 10, but only in gote.
2512
n n
2513
A
2
3
White might try the turning move at 2 here, but she is stopped by Black 3
on the lower 1–2 point.
Black might also connect at A.
2514
5
4 6
White is unable to successfully attack Black’s stones in the corner, so

Black’s group lives.
2515
e
2516
Variation for Black 3 (White 2 (II))
Black might change the order of moves and connect at the right with 3
here.
2517
7
4
5
6
White 4 tries to connect out, but Black cuts with 5. The atari of White 6
inside Black’s formation is fruitless; Black simply captures one of White’s
stones on the left edge with 7.
In a real game, it will be better for White to connect with 6 at 7.
2518
8
10
White has to block with 8 on the left edge to hinder Black from escaping
White’s encirclement. Black 9 on the second 1–2 point in the corner
secures life for Black’s group. After White’s atari of 10, there will be no
ko, …
2519
11
… because Black simply captures four white stones with 11.
2520
e
e
2521
Variation for White 6 (Black 3 (White 2 (II)))
In a real game, White will block on the left edge with her move 6 here.
2522
7
Black 7 occupies the second 1–2 point in the corner for two sure eyes.
2523
e
e
Next page: Failures
2524
Black just played a move inside his formation.
2525
2526
1
> 1
> 5
2
> 2
> 10
> 2
3>
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
> 9
●○●○●○●○●
> 18
> 18
Next page: Solution
2527
10
White 10 captures on the left edge, creating a ko shape, but there will be
no ko fight starting just now. The best Black could get – by connecting the
ko – would be a seki.
2528
12 11
Instead, Black 11 gives atari, and White has to capture two of Black’s
stones with 12.
2529
13
14
Black 13 throws in, aiming at a snapback. White captures with 14.
2530
15
Black 15 recaptures six white stones.
2531
17
16
However, the created empty shape inside Black’s formation is quite bulky,
giving White further opportunities.
White cuts with 16, and Black has no choice to start the ko fight on the left
edge now with 17.
2532
ko
White has to find the first valid ko threat in this approach-move ko, which
will be disadvantageous for her.
2533
e
2534
18 19
20
B A
White 18 is the first valid ko threat of White.
The ko fight to come is quite disadvantageous for White, so – in a real

game – she might prefer to play at A, or at B, instead.
2535
23
21 22
Black 21 saves his endangered stone on the left edge, forcing the atari of
White 22. After this internal ko threat, Black is able to recapture with 23.
2536
24 25
26
White 24 is the second valid ko threat that is answered by Black. White

recaptures the ko with 26.
2537
28 27
Black 27 – positioned on the second 1–2 point – starts a forcing sequence

in the corner.
2538
30
29 31
32
Black 29 throws in, and White will connect the ko with the move at 30.
Thereafter, Black’s atari of 31 sets up a snapback.
2539
33
Black 33 recaptures four of White’s stones.
2540
36
34 35
But again, the created empty shape has its weaknesses.
White 34 gives atari, and Black is forced to create a ko shape with the
counter-atari of 35.
2541
ko
Black has to find the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
2542
e
e
2543
39 38 37
However, White would not have chosen the initial approach-move ko if

she would lose this second ko. Thus, we can assume that the ko fight will
continue.
Black 37, played on the outside, threatens to cut successfully and is an

internal ko threat for Black. White will answer at 38.
2544
40 41
42
White 40 is another valid ko threat. After White recaptures with 42, …
2545
43
44
… she ignores Black’s ko threat of 43 in order to finish the ko with the

connection at 44.
However, White needed three more ko threats than Black and had to
ignore one of Black’s ko threats to win the ko fight. This ko is very
disadvantageous for White, so that – for a real game – we can consider
Black’s group to be virtually alive.
2546
Therefore – in a real game – White will not choose this line of play until
its very end.
2547
18
In a real game, White might not fight the ko on the left edge, but continue
inside Black’s formation with 18 here.
2548
19
21
20
Black 19 connects on the left edge. White 20 threatens to create a dead eye
shape, so Black has to add another move with 21. Black’s group lives in a
seki now.
2549
n
2550
18
White could also give atari with the move at 18 that is displayed here.
2551
19
20
21
As before, Black 19 connects on the left edge, and Black is forced to

accept gote with the move at 21 to prevent White from establishing a dead
eye shape. Black is alive in seki.
2552
n
2553
Lessons learned
Even if you fight a ko for the life of your group, please remember that
capturing a bulky shape of opponent’s stones (●) might not be enough to
create a living shape.
2554
This is especially true if your capture leaves a cutting point ( ) on the
second line behind.
2555
Remember that a snapback ( , ) does not guarantee leaving an eye
space behind that could become partitioned easily.
2556
Black just played hane on the left edge.
White to kill.
2557
2558
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
2
> 2
> 10
> 2
> 3
> 6
> 9
> 18
> 18
Next page: Solution
2559
2 4
White gives atari with 2, and Black has to connect with 3. White 4 creates
a dead eye shape in the corner, and Black is helpless.
2560
A
6
5
Black 5 on the lower 1–2 point comes too late now.
Connecting at A instead will not work either.
White simply connects with 6 and Black is dead.
2561
2562
5
8
6 7
Black 5 immediately connects his partial groups, but then White 6

occupies the vital point in the corner. The atari of 7 does not really help,
because White is able to connect with 8, creating a dead eye shape in the
corner again.
2563
2564
Lessons learned
Before you play a move to hinder some of your opponent’s stones from
connecting out, carefully consider whether these might become part of a
dead eye shape (●) inside your formation.
2565
This is especially true if you are forced to take a cutting point of your own
( ) into account. Remember that you might not be really free in your
actions.
2566
Problem 036
White to live.
2567
2568
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
Next page: Hints
2569
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) is quite large and bulky. However, it is
very likely that it will at least become cut in half.
2570
White’s -stones on the bottom right are not yet solidly connected,
leaving a grave cutting point for Black to exploit.
2571
Black might be able to connect his single -stone inside White’s position
to his waiting allies at the right, capturing White’s -stones in the process.
White has to take this black option into account. In this case, she has to
consider whether the remaining eye space would be sufficient to create
two eyes.
However, we already know that capturing stones, which could be taken
2572
immediately, might not be the best idea for the start of the solution
sequence. This implies that defending such stones might be of the same
(low) value, provided that the defender still has other options.
!! !!
White has to meet another challenge. Her position is open on the left edge,
leaving a large hole (!!) there.
2573
Black’s descent of on the left is looking forward to occupying one of
the ◇-points on the left edge, thereby massively reducing White’s
potential eye space from this side.
White will have to find a way that copes with both of Black’s threats at the
same time.
2574
Black’s single -stone inside White’s position could be captured easily by
White. However, please remember that we are in tsume-go here. Capturing
a single opponent’s stone alone might not result in sufficient eye space.
Next page: Solution
2575
Solution 036
White 1 occupies the left-hand 1–2 point in the corner, preventing a black
large knight’s jump to the same point, which would massively reduce her
White will succeed neither by blocking on the left edge, nor by taking a
2576
liberty of Black’s single stone, nor by connecting her stones on the right.
5
4 2 3
6
Black 2 is one of Black’s options now (in a real game, Black would cut at
3, instead).
White has to connect the cutting point of 3. Black 4 and 6 aim at creating a
dead eye shape in the corner.
2577
A 7 8
However, White is able to prevent that dead eye shape by occupying the
point of 7 herself. Black captures with 8, creating an eye for his enclosed
group, and sets his hopes on the fact that White cannot immediately
approach with a move at A.
2578
10
9
11
White’s connection at 9 is an approach move in the corner. Eventually,

White has sufficient liberties left for giving atari in the corner with 11.
2579
e e
2580
3 2
4
In a real game, Black will cut with 2.
White 3 blocks the corner and is also an atari, so Black is forced to capture
with 4.
2581
6
7
White 5 occupies the second 1–2 point in the corner, securing a living
shape for White. Black 6 reduces White’s territory to the minimum size,
but cannot hinder White from building two eyes with 7.
2582
e
e
Next page: Failures
2583
White just blocked the corner on the left edge.
Black to kill.
2584
2585
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
2586
3 2
4
Black’s cut with 2 is a natural reply. White 3 blocks the corner on the
bottom too, and Black has to capture with 4.
2587
7
6
10 5
9 8
Here however, White’s remaining eye space is too small for two eyes.
The moves from White 5 to Black 10 show an exemplary sequence. Black

creates a dead eye shape in the corner, so White’s group is dead.
2588
2589
Lessons learned
If you cover one weakness of your formation ( ), but have to leave

another one ( ) on the other end of your formation that your opponent is
supposed to exploit for sure, …
2590
… carefully consider whether your potential remaining eye space (●) will
be sufficient to guarantee two eyes.
2591
White just immobilised Black’s single stone.
Black to kill.
2592
2593
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
2594
Black jumps deep into White’s potential eye space with 2. The bottom
alone is too small for two eyes.
2595
4
3
5 6
White tries her best with 3, but she cannot hinder Black from connecting
his pivotal stone to the outside with 4. White 5 and Black 6 are miai, so
White has only one eye and is dead.
2596
2597
Lessons learned
!! !!

another one (!!) on the other end of your formation …
2598
… that your opponent is supposed to exploit for sure ( , ◇), …
2599
2600
White just connected the cutting point at the right.
Black to kill.
2601
2602
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
Next page: Solution
2603
Black jumps deep into White’s potential eye space with 2. The bottom
alone is too small for two eyes.
2604
4
3
White tries her best with 3, but she cannot hinder Black from connecting
his pivotal stone to the outside with 4. There is no chance remaining for
White to build two eyes on the bottom.
2605
2606
Lessons learned
!! !!

another one (!!) on the other end of your formation …
2607
… that your opponent is supposed to exploit for sure ( , ◇), …
2608
2609
Problem 037
Black to kill.
2610
2611
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
4
> 4
6
> 6
Next page: Hints
2612
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) is quite large and bulky.
2613
White’s formation is not as strong as it might look like, because there is a
large dead eye shape (△) lurking in the corner.
2614
Black’s stones on the left edge ( ) are strong. White will be unable to
escape here into the open. Additionally, these stones are waiting for
friendly intruders that want to connect out.
2615
B
A
White’s formation is not yet solidly connected ( ). There is no real

cutting point yet, but White will have to take into account that the points of
A and B have some kind of miai relationship.
2616
Black’s formation at the right ( ) is strong, but is arranged only on the
third line. This slight “weakness” makes it likely that reducing White’s
potential eye space from this side might not be so easy.
2617
A
This slight “weakness” will also affect the marked line of false eyes ( ,
✕). Its implementation might run into problems for Black, because the
cutting point of A is as yet unprotected.
Next page: Solution
2618
Solution 037
The hane of Black 1 successfully reduces White’s potential eye space from
the outside.
Black will not succeed by occupying the 2–2 point in the corner instead.
2619
4
3 2 5
A
White 2 blocks on the bottom. Black 3 takes the miai point in the corner.
Additionally, White might consider jumping to A, threatening to capture

Black’s stone with a move at 5.
White 4 hinders Black from connecting his single stone out to the left
edge, after which Black connects on the bottom right with 5.
Capturing Black’s stone with 4 at 5 does not work either.
2620
9
6
7 8
White 6 occupies the 1–2 point at the left in an attempt to partition her
potential eye space. The descent of Black 7 not only prevents two eyes in
the corner, but also threatens to connect out on the bottom.
White has to block with the descent of 8. The hane of Black 9 is the fatal
blow. White has only one eye, and so is dead.
2621
2622
White 6 might try to occupy the lower 1–2 point in the corner.
2623
7
8
Black 7 takes the other 1–2 point, and the descent of 8 is a desperate
attempt to maximise White’s potential eye space.
2624
9
10
11
The hane of Black 9 reduces White’s eye space first, so that Black 11
finally creates a dead eye shape.
2625
2626
4 5
6
Capturing Black’s initially played stone on the bottom with 4 and 6 does
not benefit White.
2627
9 8
7
10
11
Black plays at 7, and White cannot prevent Black from connecting out.
White 8 and Black 9 are miai, as well as White 10 and Black 11. White has
only one eye and is dead.
2628
2629
White 2 occupies the vital point in the corner.
2630
4 3
But now, Black 3 further reduces White’s potential eye space on the
bottom. After White 4, …
2631
6
5
9
8 7
… the placement of Black 5 is another step to reduce White’s group to

only one eye. The hane of Black 7 is the final blow. White 8 and Black 9
are miai, so White’s eye space has become too small for two eyes.
2632
2633
A
2
White might try the jump to 2, which also aims at the cutting point of A.
2634
4 3 5
Black forces once more with 3 before connecting at 5. Again, White’s

corner has become too small for two eyes.
2635
8
7
6
10 9
White tries her best with 6, but the sequence from the placement of Black
7…
2636
11
… to Black 11 successfully reduces White to only one eye.
2637
Next page: Failures
2638
Black has just occupied the vital 2–2 point in the corner.
2639
2640
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 2
4
> 4
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2641
2
A 3
4
White 2 prevents Black’s connecting out to the left edge. The hane of
Black 3 is too late now. We will not see a change in the order of moves
from the solution, because White jumps to 4 on the first line instead of
simply blocking with A.
2642
5
A
B
Black’s hane of 5 on the left edge threatens to connect out with a move at
A so White has no time to cut at B, capturing .
2643
6 A
9 8 7
The hane of White 6 prevents the above-mentioned escape, after which

Black 7 is tesuji. If Black simply played at 8 instead, White will cut at A,
capturing for her second eye.
White 8 must give atari on the second 1–2 point, and Black 9 starts a ko.
2644
ko
2645
11
10
But instead of looking for a valid ko threat outside the corner area, White
gives atari with 10, forcing Black to capture with 11.
2646
12
White captures with 12, and this is the real start of the ko fight for the life
of White’s group.
2647
ko
Now it is Black who has to look for the first valid ko threat in this direct
ko.
2648
e
e
2649
2650
Lessons learned
When occupying a central point of your opponent’s large potential eye

space (●), …
2651
… you should avoid forcing your opponent to cover one of their decisive
weaknesses ( ) in the borders of their position.
2652
Your intruder might lose its central position within your opponent’s
remaining potential eye space (●), …
2653
12
12
… suddenly activating some unexpected vital shape points in the corner

(12) that could be successfully addressed by your opponent.
2654
Problem 038
2655
2656
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Hints
2657
Hints
?
?
White’s maximum eye space (●, “?”) is quite elongated, with only one
bulky element at the right. Please note that White has several options for
partitioning.
2658
White’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected ( ), leaving several
points for Black to exploit.
2659
!!
!!
In the top left, there is a large hole (!!) in White’s formation. But Black
will have to ask himself whether this weakness should be addressed in a
direct manner.
2660
2
White’s single stone at the right has only two liberties. Simply capturing
this stone must take the remaining potential white eye space into account.
2661
At the right there are two lines of false eyes ( , ✕) visible. However, it
might become difficult for Black to establish a permanent stone at its
second, and shared, end on the first line.
2662
4 4 4
White’s partial group at the left has four liberties. This is not so much here,
because the corner is near, and there is a cutting point for Black to exploit.
2663
At the left there is another line of false eyes ( , ✕) available. But again, it
might be difficult to establish a permanent black stone at its other end on
the bottom.
2664
Black’s formation at the right ( ) is strong, so White will have no chance
to escape into the open.
Next page: Solution
2665
Solution 038
A
1
Black 1 prevents easy life for White’s group – by occupying this 1–2 point
in the corner herself – and also threatens to continue with A, capturing
White’s three stones in the corner.
White’s attempts to build a second eye on the bottom right must also
2666
provide some means to protect against Black’s threat mentioned above.
White cannot afford losing the corner, because her potential eye space on
the bottom alone is not large enough for two eyes.
Black will succeed neither by giving atari from below at the right, nor by
jumping to the centre of White’s formation, nor by capturing White’s
single stone at the right.
A
? 2 ?
2667
The descent of 2 might be White’s strongest reply. This move threatens to
build an eye at one of the marked points (?).
Alternatively, White might consider answering with the move at A.

However, she must not diagonally connect her partial groups, with a move
one point to the left.
5
4 3
The hane of Black 3 tries to destroy White’s potential eye at the right, but
2668
White gives counter-atari with 4, so Black has to capture with 5, starting a
ko fight for the life of White’s group.
ko
White has to look for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
2669
2670
e
e e
Next page: Failures
2671
White just closed the hole on top in her formation.
2672
2673
1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2674
A
3
The jump to Black 3 is tesuji, threatening to capture White’s three stones

in the corner, with a move at A.
Black could also play one point to the left instead. However, he must
neither play one point to the right, nor capture White’s single stone at the
2675
right.
White 4 is the same move as in the solution, defending both of her cutting
points.
White will succeed neither by jumping to the first line, nor by connecting
her cutting point at the left.
2676
7
A 6 5
Black has no choice but to return to the course of the correct solution, too
with 5 and 7.
Black might insert the move at A in the corner before.
2677
ko
Again, White has to look for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
2678
2679
e
e
2680
Black 5 connects his two stones in the corner, again threatening to capture
White’s three stones above.
2681
6 9
8 7
White is forced to connect at 6. Thereafter, Black’s atari of 7 results in the

known ko shape at the right.
2682
ko
White must search for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
2683
2684
10 11
12
White 10 is a valid ko threat, so she is able to recapture the ko with 12.
2685
14
13
If – in a real game – Black lacks sufficient ko threats, he might connect on

the bottom with 13, forcing White to finish the ko with 14. Now, White
lives in seki, which means without territory.
2686
n n
2687
038 Problem (variation I – failure I)
White just attached on the first line.
Black to kill.
2688
2689
1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
3>
> 4
> 3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2690
038 Solution (variation I – failure I)
6 7
5
Black is hindered from cutting immediately, on both sides.
But after the connection at Black 5 on the bottom line, White’s three
stones in the corner are again in danger of getting captured. White tries her
best with the atari of 6, and Black cuts at the right with 7.
2691
D
8 C A B
Currently, cannot escape (White A, Black B, White C, Black D), so

White captures Black’s three stones in the corner with 8, hoping that Black
will miss the correct continuation.
2692
A 9
Black must be on his guard and capture at the right with 9.
Mistakenly playing at A instead will allow White to save her single stone
at the right with a move at 9.
2693
11
10
Now, White 10 and Black 11 are miai. White cannot get more than one
eye, and so is dead.
2694
2695
Lessons learned
Choosing the wrong starting point for partitioning your potential eye space
(●) …
2696
… will end in vain if your chosen move does not defend against your
weaknesses – here: cutting points between , and …
2697
… a potential dead eye shape ( , △) for your opponent – simultaneously.
Your opponent might be able to attack one of your weaknesses in sente

first before launching the final blow to another one.
2698
038 Problem (variation I – failure II)
White just connected her cutting point at the left solidly.
Black to kill.
2699
2700
1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
3>
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2701
038 Solution (variation I – failure II)
5
6 7
Black has to cut on the right with 5. White tries the move at 6 in the
corner, after which Black simply captures White’s single stone at the right
with 7.
2702
8
9 10
White 8 is fruitless, because Black 9 creates a false eye, sacrificing two

stones instead of only one.
2703
11
Black recaptures with 11, and White has only one eye in the corner.
2704
2705
Lessons learned
Solidifying your position on the outside, as a preparation for splitting your

potential eye space (●) might be fruitless …
2706
… if you leave a decisive weakness behind ( ) that can be addressed by
your opponent to successfully destroy your options for building two eyes.
2707
Black just played another move in the corner.
2708
2709
1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2710
White 4 occupies the vital point for defence, covering both cutting points –
for the time being.
Giving atari on Black’s two stones in the corner instead is worse for her.
2711
6 9
5 8 7
Black 5 crawls on the first line, and after the forced connection of White 6,
we have reached a change in the order of moves from a sub-variation seen
earlier. Finally, we enter the “usual” ko fight at the right.
2712
ko
White has to look for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
2713
2714
10 11
12
White 10 is a valid ko threat, enabling her to recapture the ko with 12.
2715
14
13
If Black – in a real game – runs out of valid ko threats, he will simply

connect on the bottom right at 13. White is forced to connect at 14 in order
to live in seki.
2716
n n
2717
038 Problem (variation II – failure I)
White just played atari on the first line.
2718
2719
1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
>2
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2720
038 Solution (variation II – failure I)
7 6
5
White’s cutting point at the right is still unprotected, so Black’s counter-

atari of 5 carries a double threat. White has no other option than to answer
with another counter-atari of her own at 6. Black captures with 7, and
starts a ko fight for the life of White’s group.
2721
ko
White has to find the first valid ko threat in this approach-move ko, which
is disadvantageous for her.
2722
2723
8 9
10
White 8 is the first valid ko threat. But after White recaptures the ko with
10, …
2724
13 12
11 A
… Black has an internal ko threat with 11, which threatens to connect out,
and to turn White’s potential eye point into a false eye. White 12 (or A)
prevents this, so Black 13 recaptures the ko.
2725
14 15
16
2726
17
18
To win the ko with 18, White would need two more valid ko threats than
Black.
2727
e
e e
2728
Lessons learned
Think twice before giving atari to opponent’s stones that might become
easily captured.
2729
Do not forget about your decisive weaknesses ( , ✕).
2730
038 Problem (variation I – failure III)
Black just played inside White’s formation.
White to live.
2731
2732
1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
3>
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2733
038 Solution (variation I – failure III)
The diagonal move at White 4 blocks Black’s escape path to the right.
2734
8
6 7 5
Further attacking from the outside with 5 and 7 does not benefit Black.
White 6 partitions her eye space, and eventually, White connects securely
at 8.
2735
e
e
2736
Lessons learned
When playing a stone inside your opponent’s formation that addresses two
lines of false eyes ( , ✕) simultaneously, remember that your initially
placed stone must survive in order to become a stable end of those lines.
2737
Before playing one of your stones at the centre of an opponent’s
formation, carefully consider whether your opponent might be able to
cover one of their weaknesses ( ) in such a way that you will become
unable to exploit another one successfully.
2738
038 Problem (variation I – failure IV)
Black just played atari on White’s single stone at the right.
White to live.
2739
2740
1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
3>
> 4
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2741
038 Solution (variation I – failure IV)
4
5
The counter-atari of White 4 is sente, forcing Black to capture with 5.
2742
7 8 6 A
It is mandatory for White to play descent with 6, creating an eye shape that
consists of five points in a row.
White must not play at 8 instead, because the sequence of Black 6, White
A, unnecessarily results in a ko fight for the life of White’s group.
Black 7 and White 8 are miai, so Black is unable to prevent White from
partitioning her eye space.
2743
e
e
2744
Lessons learned
Think twice before giving atari to a single opponent’s stone which can be
captured easily.
2745
Your opponent might be able to maintain a sufficient amount of eye space
(●) that could be partitioned with ease.
2746
White just defended against Black’s cut with a move at the second line.
Black to kill.
2747
2748
1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
3>
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
2749
4 3
5
Black 3 and 5 simply capture White’s single stone at the right, effectively
reducing White’s potential eye space.
2750
7 6
White 6 and Black 7 are miai. White cannot get two eyes, and so is dead.
2751
2752
Lessons learned
When covering only one of two main weaknesses in your position, take
into account that your opponent is likely to exploit the other one
immediately.
2753
Do not forget about dead eye shapes ( , △) within your remaining
potential eye space, which might become too small for partitioning.
2754
Black just played atari from below at the right.
White to live.
2755
2756
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 3
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2757
White’s jump to 2 on the first line secures an eye space that consists of
four points in a row (●).
2758
5
6 4 3
Black can get some profit with 3, and also further reduce White’s territory
with 5, but is unable to really threaten White’s eye shape.
2759
e e
2760
Lessons learned
Think twice before giving atari to a single opponent’s stone which can be
captured easily.
2761
Your opponent might be able to maintain a sufficient amount of eye space
(●) that could be partitioned with ease.
2762
White to live.
2763
2764
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2765
3
2
The diagonal move at White 2 blocks Black’s escape path to the right.
White must not play on top of Black’s intruder instead.
So Black tries his way upwards with 3.
2766
B
5
4
A 6
White 4 gives atari to Black’s pivotal stone, letting Black connect another
one to the outside with 5.
White must not block Black’s path instead.
It will not benefit Black to play at A instead.
Eventually, capturing with 6 creates a living shape.
2767
White’s liberty of B is important here. If this point was occupied by a
black stone, Black would connect at 6 with 5, and White would not be able
to intercept at 5, due to her shortage of liberties.
8 7
The block of Black 7 is sente, forcing White to answer at 8. White’s

formation has a lot of cutting points, but no false eyes.
2768
e
e e
2769
The hane of Black 5 tries to establish a ko shape, but in vain.
2770
A
6
White simply gives double-atari with 6 and lives. Again, the liberty of A
benefits White.
2771
e
e
2772
Lessons learned
When playing a stone inside your opponent’s formation that addresses two
lines of false eyes ( , ✕) simultaneously, remember that your initially
placed stone must survive in order to become a stable end of those lines.
2773
Before playing one of your stones at the centre of an opponent’s
formation, carefully consider whether your opponent might be able to
cover one of their weaknesses ( ) in such a way that you will become
unable to exploit another one successfully.
2774
12
If you will be unable to stop your opponent from occupying the 1–2 point
in the corner, the 1–1 point in the corner will become an eye for sure.
2775
White just hindered Black from connecting out.
Black to kill.
2776
2777
1
>1
>1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2778
Black 5 takes an important liberty of White’s stones on the right. White is

helpless, because she cannot give atari at A, due to her shortage of
liberties.
2779
A 6
Connecting at White 6 is useless, as the point of A is still taboo for her.
2780
7
B 9 8 A
Black can put his mind at ease and play elsewhere. White 8 in the corner is
stopped by Black 9, creating a shortage of liberties on the left too. Even
capturing with B in the corner does not enable White to occupy the point
of A.
2781
2782
Lessons learned
When aiming at immobilising some cutting stones of your opponent ( ),

…
2783
3
3 3 3
3 3 3
… do not forget about your own shortage of liberties.
2784
White just played on top of Black’s single stone.
2785
2786
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2787
5
A
B 4 3
The atari of Black 3 threatens to connect his pivotal stone out, but White
blocks in the corner, with the atari of 4. Black 5 threatens to continue with
A, turning and B into false eyes.
2788
6
White captures with 6.
2789
8 7
9
Black is forced to capture at the right with 7, starting a ko fight. White has
an internal ko threat at 8, threatening to partition her eye space with a
move at 9. After Black 9, …
2790
10
… White recaptures at the right with 10.
2791
ko
2792
2793
e
e e
2794
Lessons learned
!!
!!
!!
When defending weaknesses in your position, do not allow your opponent

to attack all of the remaining holes (!!) in sente.
2795
Black just played atari on White’s single stone at the right.
White to live.
2796
2797
1
>1
>1
> 2
> 4
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 3
> 3
> 4
> 4
> 5
> 2
Next page: Solution
2798
2
3
The counter-atari of White 2 is sente, forcing Black to capture with 3.
2799
5
6
4
The descent of White 4 secures an eye shape that consists of at least four
points in a row.
2800
e e
2801
Lessons learned
Think twice before giving atari to a single opponent’s stone that could
become captured easily.
2802
You might leave a remaining potential eye space (●) for your opponent
behind that is too large to prevent partitioning.
2803
Problem 039
White to live.
2804
2805
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 5
> 7
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Hints
2806
Hints
White’s current maximum eye space (●) is still incomplete, and so might
be too small for establishing two eyes.
There is a miai relationship between the marked two points. To unlock this
relationship, some preparatory actions will be needed.
2807
Black’s formation at the right is strong, so there will be no options for
White in this area.
2808
2 2
However, there are two separated white stones on the left edge, which
create a slight weakness in Black’s encirclement ( ), despite the fact that
these stones have only two liberties. These two stones imply that Black’s
corner stones are not yet solidly connected to the outside.
2809
3 3
3
2
Black’s partial groups / stones in the corner have three / only two liberties.
Black must stop White from capturing these, else she will get a living
shape quite easily.
2810
12
12
Please note that Black is the current owner of the corner. From Black’s
point of view, occupying any of the yet empty 1–2 points of the corner
might help a lot.
2811
On the other hand, Black might be hindered from successfully connecting
his two single stones on the bottom, because capturing the resulting shape
( , △) will be equivalent to one eye for White.
Next page: Solution
2812
Solution 039
The placement of White 1 aims at Black’s weaknesses in the corner,

utilising the fact that her two stones on the left edge still have two liberties
left.
White will succeed neither by occupying the left-hand 1–2 point, nor by
2813
playing a throw-in on the bottom line, nor by capturing Black’s single
stone, nor by securing the eye in the centre.
Black’s strongest reply is to destroy White’s potential eye in the centre

with 2.
Black might consider connecting in the corner, or playing at the 2–2 point
instead, but these moves will not work either.
2814
To be continued …
2815
2 3
If Black connects in the corner – as he will do in a real game – with 2,

White 3 captures Black’s single stone in sente. Black’s group in the corner
is reduced to only two liberties.
2816
5
4
Black 4 immobilises White’s two stones on the left edge, letting White
build his second eye with the move at 5.
2817
e
2818
Black just completed a bulky four-stone shape in the corner.
White to live.
2819
2820
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 7
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2821
Black’s bulky shape in the corner is a bit tricky, trying to kill two birds
with one stone, so White has to be on her guard.
White 3 makes an eye in the centre, and Black 4 prevents a second one on
the bottom.
2822
6 5
White cuts at the left with the atari of 5, aiming at a shortage of liberties
for Black’s three stones on the right.
She must not give atari from the other side instead.
Of course Black captures with 6.
2823
8 7
White 7 cuts for the second time.
2824
10
A
11 9
Now, the time has come for the atari of 9. Black is unable to connect at 11,
instead – due to White A – and so immobilises White’s two stones on the
left edge with 10. White 11 captures Black’s three stones for her second
eye.
2825
12
Black 12 recaptures, but …
2826
13
… White 13 secures life for White’s group.
2827
e
2828
039 Problem (variation – failure I)
2829
2830
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2831
039 Solution (variation – failure I)
Black connects with 6.
2832
7
8
The atari of 7 is White’s only remaining option.
White must not give atari from above instead.
Black 8 starts a ko for the life of White’s group.
2833
ko
White has to look for the first valid ko threat for this direct ko.
2834
2835
e
2836
Lessons learned
12
Remember that capturing a stone on a 1–2 point will provide your

opponent with an eye, at least with a temporary one. It might result in a ko
shape in the corner.
2837
039 Problem (variation – failure II)
White just played atari on the left edge.
Black to kill.
2838
2839
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
>2
>2
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 7
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2840
039 Solution (variation – failure II)
Black 8 captures in the corner, and White will be too short of liberties.
2841
10
9
White cannot immediately play at A, and so connects at 9. Black 10 kills

White’s stones on the left edge because White is still unable to play at A.
White’s group on the bottom is dead as well.
2842
2843
Lessons learned
Remember that capturing a stone on a 1–2 point will provide your

opponent with an eye, at least with a temporary one.
2844
2 2
2 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1
If your opponent becomes the owner of the corner, you might need
approach moves to enable you to take decisive liberties.
Counting only currently visible liberties might lead to failure.
2845
Problem 039 (follow up)
White to live.
2846
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
5>
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
2847
Solution 039 (continued = follow up)
White 3 occupies the second 1–2 point, creating an eye in the corner.
White will succeed neither by playing at the 2–2 point in the corner, nor by
immediately cutting on the first line.
Black 4 immobilises White’s two stones on the left edge.
2848
6
The cut of White 5 is an atari, which Black will answer by capturing

White’s two stones with 6.
Simply connecting at A instead will not work either.
2849
7
White 7 finally secures the eye in the corner.
2850
e
e e
2851
6
A
7
Black 6 connects his stones on the left edge, and White 7 captures two
stones on the bottom. Please note that Black is still unable to give atari at
A.
2852
8
Black 8 frees Black from his shortage of liberties, but White 9 secures an
eye on the 1–1 point, and so White is alive.
2853
e
e e
Next page: Failures
2854
White just occupied the 2–2 point in the corner.
Black to kill.
2855
2856
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 5
> 7
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2857
4
A 5
Black 4 immobilises White’s two stones in the corner, which now are
hindered from giving atari at A. White can do nothing more than to capture
at the right with 5.
2858
6
Black 6 reduces White’s stones on the left edge to only one liberty. White
7 still is an atari, but …
2859
8
… Black captures with 8, and there is only a false eye on the bottom.
2860
2861
Lessons learned
When attacking two of your opponent’s weaknesses in the corner ( , ✕)

simultaneously, …
2862
12
… you might end in vain if you let your opponent occupy a 1–2 point in
the corner, thereby defending effectively against your threats.
2863
White just cut on the first line.
Black to kill.
2864
2865
1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 5
> 7
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2866
Black 4 occupies the vital point in the corner.
2867
5
White captures with 5, but …
2868
6
… Black answers with the atari of 6, so White is unable to capture another

black stone for her second eye.
2869
2870
Lessons learned
2871
When attacking two of your opponent’s weaknesses in the corner ( , )
simultaneously, …
2872
12
.. you might end in vain if you let your opponent occupy a 1–2 point in the
corner, thereby defending effectively against your threats.
2873
It will not benefit you if you do nothing more than to create a false eye (
) for your group.
2874
Black to kill.
2875
2876
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 5
> 7
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2877
Black 2 immobilises White’s two stones on the left edge, leaving White
helpless.
2878
A
3 4 5
White 3 comes too late now, because Black is able to connect with 4.
White 5 captures Black’s single stone, threatening to get a second eye with
a move at A.
2879
8 6
Black 6 prevent this eye in the centre, and finally, Black 8 captures
White’s two stones.
2880
2881
Lessons learned
12
12
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a really decisive one.
If both 1–2 points are still unoccupied, consider the order of moves
carefully.
2882
White just played a throw-in on the bottom.
Black to kill.
2883
2884
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 5
> 7
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2885
Black captures with 2.
2886
A
White 3 threatens to create another eye with a move at A in the centre.
2887
4
Black 4 keeps White down to only one eye. After White 5, there will be no
ko.
2888
6
Black simply occupies the second 1–2 point with 6, and his partial group
in the corner lives independently.
2889
e
e
2890
Lessons learned
2891
? ?
?
Usually, it will benefit your opponent to become the owner of the corner
area (?).
2892
White just captured one of Black’s stones.
Black to kill.
2893
2894
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 5
> 1
2
> 2
> 2
> 5
> 7
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2895
Black 2 keeps White down to only one eye.
2896
8
4
7
5 A
3 6
The combination of White 3 and 5 comes too late now. Black 4

immobilises White’s two stones on the left edge, allowing Black to
connect with 6 on the bottom.
White 5 at A or at 6 will not work either.
White’s atari of 7 is useless, as Black simply captures with 8.
2897
2898
White might try this move at 5 here.
2899
6
7
Black 6 prevents White from taking this point, thereby creating an eye in
the corner.
2900
8
As usual, capturing with Black 8 ends the discussion.
2901
2902
White’s cut of 5 does not help either.
2903
6
Again, Black takes the vital point in the corner with 6.
2904
2905
Lessons learned
Think twice before capturing a single opponent’s stone.
2906
2 2
3 3
3
When caught in a semeai, carefully consider the liberty count of the

involved groups.
2907
White just created an eye in the centre.
Black to kill.
2908
2909
1
>1
>1
>1
> 5
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 2
> 5
> 7
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
Next page: Solution
2910
Black simply connects with 2.
2911
4 3
The atari of White 3 is useless. After Black’s connection with 4, Black’s

group in the corner has three liberties (●), against White’s two on the left
edge (○), so Black will win this partial semeai.
2912
2913
Lessons learned
2 2
3 3
3 2
2

involved groups.
2914
? ?
? ?
It will benefit your opponent to be the owner of the corner area (?).
2915
Problem 040
2916
2917
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Hints
2918
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) in the corner is quite large, but also very
bulky.
2919
White’s strong -stone on the left side is looking forward to jumping to
any of the ◇-points, thereby massively reducing Black’s potential eye
shape.
2920
There is a large six-point dead eye shape (△) visible inside Black’s very
bulky corner.
2921
If we take some reduction on the left side into account, another dead eye
shape (△) must be also considered.
2922
12
12
Both 1–2 points in the corner are yet unoccupied. Please remember that it
would need two moves only to create an eye on the 1–1 point in the corner.
2923
The position on the bottom right is quite unusual. Black has got a
connection to the area outside the corner ( ), but White’s -stones form a
lose net that prevents Black’s escape into the open.
2924
3
Black’s single stone at the utmost right has three liberties. White’s
neighbouring stones are far away, so White will need several moves to
access the corner from this side.
Next page: Solution
2925
Solution 040
Black 1 jumps to the 1–2 point in the corner. Black’s potential eye space is
quite bulky, so Black must start his efforts for partitioning it very early.
Black will succeed neither by occupying the 2–2 point in the corner, not by
blocking the corner on the left edge, nor by occupying the lower 1–2 point,
2926
nor by playing one point above on the left edge.
White 2 occupies the vital point of Black’s shape, aiming at creating a

dead eye shape inside Black’s formation.
White will succeed neither by occupying the lower 1–2 point, nor by
pushing into the corner on the left edge.
2927
3 4
Occupying the second 1–2 point with 3 is Black’s only chance to divide
his potential eye space.
Black will not succeed by blocking on the left edge instead.
However, there is enough room left for White to give atari with 4, so Black
encounters a hard fight in order to keep the 1–1 point in the corner as one
of his eyes.
2928
5
Black 5 gives atari, and White 6 starts a ko fight for the life of Black’s
group.
2929
ko
Black must find the first valid ko threat for this direct ko.
2930
2931
e
e e
Next page: Failures
2932
Black just blocked the corner on the left edge.
White to kill.
2933
2934
1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
2935
The descent of White 4 is the starting point for successfully creating a

dead eye shape inside Black’s formation.
2936
5
7 6
Black 5 tries to maximise the remaining eye space, but White 6 is a fatal
throw-in. Black has to capture with 7.
2937
8
Eventually, White 8 takes advantage of Black’s bulky shape. Black has

only one eye, and so is dead.
2938
2939
Lessons learned
When maximising your potential eye space, do not leave a dead eye shape
( , △) behind that your opponent can exploit successfully.
2940
White just occupied the 1–2 point on the bottom.
Black to live.
2941
2942
1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
2943
3
4 A
Black 3 takes the vital point of the corner. White 4 prevents Black from
easily creating two eyes, with a move at the same point, and also prepares
to cut at A.
This cut, however, is no real threat, so Black 5 blocks on the left edge,
2944
creating his second eye there.
6 7
After White’s cut of 6, Black simply connects with 7, and now it becomes
evident why is on the board. Black has three liberties (●) against two
liberties for White (○).
2945
8
9 10
11
White starts forcing from the outside with 8, but she cannot hinder Black
from capturing three of her stones in a row with 11.
2946
13 12
The throw-in of White 12 does not help, because capturing with 13

provides Black with his second eye.
2947
e
2948
Lessons learned
12
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a vital point every time.
2949
Your opponent’s remaining potential eye space (●) might have sufficient
potential for partitioning.
2950
Being able to capture three opponent’s stones in a row means one eye.
2951
White just pushed into Black’s formation on the left edge.
Black to live.
2952
2953
1
> 1
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
2954
Black 3 occupies the second 1–2 point in the corner too.
2955
4
5
B A
White can reduce Black’s territory a bit with 4, but Black will get two eyes
for his group. On the lower edge, A and B are miai.
2956
e
e
2957
Lessons learned
When reducing your opponent’s potential eye space from the outside,
carefully consider whether you leave a remaining area of empty points (●)
behind that could be partitioned easily.
2958
12
12
Do not allow your opponent to occupy both 1–2 points in the corner, as
this might result in a sure eye for their group on the 1–1 point.
2959
Do not force your opponent to occupy the vital point of a dead eye shape
(△).
2960
White to kill.
2961
2962
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 5
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
2963
White jumps to 2 on the left edge, and Black’s potential eye space in the
corner is too small for two eyes.
2964
3
Black 3 maximises the remaining eye space, but …
2965
5 4 6
… the placement of White 4 makes miai of Black 5 and White 6. Black

has only one eye, and so is dead.
2966
2967
Lessons learned
Before playing a defensive move inside, you have to make sure that your
opponent cannot reduce your remaining potential eye space (●) decisively.
You might be lost if you would need two moves in a row to build two eyes
for your group.
2968
Do not leave a weakness ( ) behind that could be exploited by your
opponent to occupy two empty points of your remaining potential eye
space in a row.
2969
Black just blocked the corner on the left edge.
White to kill.
2970
2971
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
2972
White 2 takes the central point of the empty and bulky space in the corner.
2973
3
4
6 5
Maximising his eye space with Black 3 and 5 does not benefit Black.
White 4 and 6 create an eye on the 1–1 point, and Black suffers from “One
eye beats no eye”.
Capturing White’s corner stones is fruitless, because these form a dead eye
shape.
2974
e
2975
5 6
Black might try to prevent White’s eye in the corner with 5 here. However,
the throw-in of White 6 reduces Black’s potential eye space decisively.
There is no chance for Black to further partition it.
2976
2977
Lessons learned
When maximising your potential eye space, avoid leaving a dead eye
shape (△) behind, whose central and vital point can still be occupied by
your opponent.
2978
12
12
You might be at a massive disadvantage if options remain for your

opponent to occupy both 1–2 points in the corner.
2979
Black just occupied the lower 1–2 point.
White to kill.
2980
2981
1
>1
>1
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
2982
White jumps as far as to 2.
2983
A 3
B
4
If Black blocks with 3 (playing at B instead does not work either), White
decides the matter with 4, again making use of the bulky shape of Black’s
White could also kill Black’s group with a move at A, connecting her
pivotal stone out. However, this would have the drawback of providing
Black with several ko threats, starting with B.
2984
2985
Black 3 here does not work either.
2986
4
5
6 B
A
White simply pushes from the outside with 4, making miai of Black 5 and
White 6. A and B are miai, so Black is reduced to only one eye.
Of course White could also choose the “usual” sequence that start with the
atari of White 5 to connect her pivotal stone out.
2987
2988
Lessons learned
12
12
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a vital point to begin with.
2989
!!
If your opponent is able to massively reduce your potential eye space from
the outside (◇, ), just because you did not defend a decisive hole (!!) in
your formation, …
2990
… your remaining eye space might be much too small for two eyes.
2991
Black just jumped to the left edge.
White to kill.
2992
2993
1
>1
>1
> 5
> 1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
2
> 2
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
2994
The placement of White 2 occupies the central point of the corner.
2995
3
5 4
Blocking with Black 3 on the left edge is fruitless.
Connecting at 4 instead will not work either.
White 4 further reduces Black’s potential eye shape decisively. Black 5 is

gote and only shown for demonstrative purposes.
2996
2997
Connecting on the bottom with 3 does not work either.
2998
4
5
Now, White pushes on the left edge with 4, and finally kills with 6.
2999
3000
Lessons learned
When defending your potential eye space, do not leave a dead eye shape
behind, whose central and vital point can still be occupied by your
opponent.
3001
Problem 041
Black to kill.
3002
3003
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 5
> 7
> 3
> 7
Next page: Hints
3004
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) is quite small.
3005
And it contains a dead five-point eye shape (△).
3006
White’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected ( ).
3007
!!
!!
White must consider two holes (!!) in her position in which Black could
search entry to the corner area.
3008
Black’s -stones are looking forward to an ally on one of the ◇-points on
the first line.
3009
There is also a line of false eyes ( , ✕) available. However, Black must
remember that he has to establish two permanent stones on both of its ends
to make this line valid.
3010
There are also some difficulties on Black’s side to consider. Trying to
connect stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕) might be
stopped by a shortage of liberties.
3011
!! !!
Last, but not least, there is the hole (!!) in Black’s encirclement on the left
edge.
3012
? ?
?
If Black attacks from the other direction, this hole might give White some
additional eye potential in the ? area on the left edge.
Next page: Solution
3013
Solution 041
Black 1, calmly solidifying the outside encirclement, is the correct move to

begin with.
Black will succeed neither by attacking White’s potential eye space from
above (case 1; case 2; case 3), nor by placing a stone on the bottom line
3014
(case 1; case 2).
2
A
White 2 tries to maximise her potential eye space.
White might consider playing at A instead.
To be continued …
3015
3016
2
A
Alternatively, White might try the move at 2 here, threatening to continue

with A.
3017
6 7
5
8 3 4
Black 3 occupies the central point of White’s eye space. White must block
with 4.
Thereafter, the combination of Black 5 and 7 decisively reduces White’s

corner.
3018
9
Eventually, Black 9 creates a dead eye shape.
3019
3020
Black to kill.
3021
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 5
> 7
> 3
> 7
3022
3
4 B
A
The hane of Black 3 reduces White’s potential eye space on the left edge.
White blocks with 4.
Black can also start at A instead.
But Black must not start with playing at B.
3023
8
7
9 5 6
Black 5 threatens to connect out to the right, Black 7 is the second threat to
connect out.
Finally, Black 9 completes a dead eye shape inside White’s formation.
3024
3025
3 4
Black is able to change the order of moves. Starting on the bottom with 3
will also work.
3026
5
6 A
Black 5 reduces White’s potential eye space on the left.
Black must not play at A instead.
3027
8
7
9
The final combination of Black 7 and 9 is already known to us. White is

dead.
3028
Next page: Failures
3029
Black just threatened to separate White’s stones.
White to live.
3030
3031
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
> 3
> 7
Next page: Solution
3032
Of course White connects with 6.
3033
7
Black 7 reduces White’s corner on the left edge, as “usual”. But here
White is able to answer at 8.
3034
9 A
10
Black 9 and White 10 are miai for White’s life. Black cannot play at A.
3035
e
e
3036
Black might try the hane of 7 in the corner.
3037
8
10
9
White maximises her eye space with 8. Black tries his best with the move
at 9 in the corner, but White has sufficient outside liberties left (○) to give
atari with 10.
3038
e
e e
3039
Lessons learned
Before attacking a weakness in your opponent’s formation from the inside,

carefully consider your move’s effect on their potential eye space. The
remaining area ( , ◇) might still be too large to prevent its partitioning
easily.
3040
You might fail, especially if your opponent’s potential eye space cannot be
entirely filled with a dead eye shape ( , △).
3041
White to live.
3042
3043
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
5>
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
Next page: Solution
3044
Of course White connects with 4.
3045
5
6
A 7
Now, Black tries the same procedure as in the correct answer to the
problem, with the hane of Black 5 at the left, and with Black 7 on the
bottom, which threatens to connect out.
Playing 7 at A will not work either.
3046
10
8 A 9 B
Quite surprisingly, White lets Black have what he wants, and answers with
8 in the corner.
Black 9 connects to the right, but after White’s atari of 10, Black is unable
to connect at A, due to White B. White has got two eyes, and so is alive.
3047
e
e
3048
In a real game, Black might continue with the move 7 shown here,
occupying the 1–2 point in the corner.
3049
9 8
White is forced to prevent a Black move at 8 by playing at the same point.
The connection at Black 9 results in a seki. White lives without territory,

but Black has to accept gote here.
3050
n
n
3051
Lessons learned
Before attacking a weakness in your opponent’s formation from the inside,

carefully consider your move’s effect on their potential eye space. The
remaining area ( , ◇) might still give your opponent sufficient options
for partitioning.
3052
You might fail, especially if your opponent’s potential eye space cannot be
entirely filled with a dead eye shape ( , △).
3053
line ( , ✕) might suffer from a shortage of liberties on your side.
3054
Black just played a diagonal move on the left edge.
White to live.
3055
3056
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 5
> 7
> 3
> 7
Next page: Solution
3057
A
2
White maximises her potential eye space with 2, threatening to cut at A.
3058
3
Black has to connect with 3. However, after the descent of White 4,

White’s eye space has become too large to be filled with a dead eye shape.
3059
8
7 9 5 6
Black tries his best with 5 and 7 but eventually he has to connect at 9 in
gote to even reach a seki.
3060
n
n
3061
Lessons learned
Avoid creating a new weakness ( ) in your position if you want to

remove an existing one.
3062
Remember that reducing your opponent’s potential eye space to a dead eye
shape (△) is not sufficient for killing their group. You must be able to
occupy the dead eye shape’s vital and central point successfully.
3063
But trying to connect stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line (✕)
might suffer from a shortage of liberties.
3064
Black just pushed into White’s formation from above.
White to live.
3065
3066
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 5
> 7
> 3
> 7
Next page: Solution
3067
White simply defends with 2.
3068
5
6
3 4
Black 3 is the “usual” move that occupies the central point of White’s
potential eye space on the right.
Starting with 3 at 4 will not work either.
But Black is unable to prevent White from securing the entire corner with
the descent of 6, so White is alive.
3069
e
e
3070
Alternatively, Black might try the hane of 3 on the bottom.
3071
4 5
White defends with 4, and Black has to connect with 5.
3072
7
8
6
Thereafter, White simply takes the vital point of 6 in the corner, providing
her with two eyes. Again, Black cannot destroy White’s eye on the 1–1
point.
3073
e e
3074
Lessons learned
When attacking your opponent’s formation from the outside, do not leave
a potential eye space for your opponent behind that might be too large to
prevent partitioning.
3075
Black just played on the first line, inside White’s formation.
3076
3077
1
>1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 5
> 7
> 3
> 7
Next page: Solution
3078
Quite surprisingly, White defends on the other side with 2. Please note that
the left side is still open.
3079
3
The descent of Black 3, preventing further white action on the left edge,
comes a bit too late now. Connecting his intruder out will not lead to
success either.
White 4 closes the corner on the bottom.
3080
A
5
6
Black 5 further attacks White’s corner. Black 6 is the first step in

partitioning White’s potential eye space, and also threatens to cut at A.
3081
7
8
Black 7 defends against the cut on the left edge, so White captures with 8.
3082
10 9
The atari of Black 9 starts a ko fight for the life of White’s group.
3083
ko
Black has to look for the first valid ko threat in this two-stage ko (also
called “two-step” ko), which is disadvantageous for him. The ko shape
marked is that of “stage 1”.
3084
e
e e
3085
11 12
13
Black 11 is the first valid ko threat.
3086
14
15
Black ignores White’s ko threat of 14 to capture with 15.
3087
ko
The ko fight has entered “stage 2” now.
3088
16
17
Black has to ignore another white ko threat to end the ko with the
connection at 17.
3089
To win the ko fight, Black must have one valid ko threat more than White,
and additionally ignore two of White’s ko threats.
3090
Lessons learned
!!
Attacking one of your opponent’s weaknesses (!!) first might not always
be the best choice, …
3091
!! !!
? ?
?
… especially if you are leaving a grave weakness of your own (!!) behind
that probably could be used by your opponent to establish some potential
eye space (?).
3092
Do not let your opponent occupy the vital point of a dead eye shape ( ,
△) inside their formation.
3093
Black just played a second move on the first line.
White to live.
3094
3095
1
>1
>1
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 5
> 7
> 3
> 7
Next page: Solution
3096
The hane of White 4 starts activities on the left side.
3097
9
8 5 6 7
Black blocks with 5, after which White’s cut of 6 utilises the weakness of
Black’s two stones below.
The turning move at Black 7 prevents White from pushing into the centre,
after which the atari of 8 closes White’s corner on the left edge.
3098
B
12 A 11
10
White 10 threatens to create an eye at A. Black 11 prevents easy life for

White’s group, but Black cannot further approach at A, so B remains an
eye for White. The descent of White 12 secures the second eye in the
corner.
3099
e
3100
Lessons learned
Think twice before saving a single stone of your own.
3101
!! !!
When caught in an attack to kill an opponent’s group, do not forget about

your own weaknesses ( , !!) in your surrounding position.
3102
Potential eye space for your opponent’s group (●) might suddenly arise in
an area you never dreamt of before.
3103
Black just played on the first line, inside White’s formation.
White to live.
3104
3105
1
>1
>1
> 3
> 1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 5
> 7
> 3
> 7
Next page: Solution
3106
2
A
White connects her partial groups with 2, threatening to create two eyes
with a move at A.
3107
3 4
Black 3 prevents this, and White has to close the hole on the bottom with
4.
3108
5
8
6
7
The descent of 5 comes too late now. White maximises her eye space with
6, and the best that Black can accomplish is a seki in sente.
3109
n
n
3110
Lessons learned
Shortage of liberties might stop you from connecting stones out that are
arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕).
3111
It might not benefit you to have already occupied the vital and central
point of a dead eye shape ( , △) inside your opponent’s formation, …
3112
!! !!
?
?
… if there is a great weakness (!!) in your own encirclement that might

give your opponent options for building eyes in another area (?).
3113
Black just jumped to the left edge.
White to live.
3114
3115
1
>1
>1
> 3
> 1
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 5
> 7
> 3
> 7
Next page: Solution
3116
A
2
White 2 closes a hole in her formation, and also threatens to capture

Black’s pivotal stone, with a move at A.
3117
3
4 8
6 5 7
Black 3 prevents this capture. White 4 maximises her eye space, which is
now too large to be filled with a dead eye shape.
The placement of 5 is the best that Black can do, but White 6 secures an
eye in the corner, and prepares for a second one above.
3118
10
Black 9 and White 10 are miai, so White gets her second eye for sure.
3119
e
e
3120
Lessons learned
Avoid creating a new weakness ( ) in your position if you want to

successfully attack your opponent’s position from the outside.
3121
Remember that reducing your opponent’s potential eye space to a dead eye
shape (△) is not sufficient for killing their group. You must be able to
occupy the dead eye shape’s vital and central point successfully.
3122
But trying to connect stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line (✕)
might suffer from a shortage of liberties.
3123
Problem 042
Black to live.
3124
3125
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 4
> 6
2
> 2
4
> 4
> 6
5
> 5
Next page: Hints
3126
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is elongated, but Black’s formation is full
of weaknesses.
3127
Black’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected ( ), leaving at least
one cutting point for White to exploit.
3128
A
B
There is not yet a real cutting point between Black’s -stones on the right.
However, Black will have to consider that the points of A and B are part of
some kind of miai relationship.
3129
2
Black’s single stone at the left has only two liberties and is in imminent
danger of getting captured. It seems that Black will need this stone to get a
living shape. Otherwise, his potential eye space will be too small for two
eyes.
3130
3 3
Black’s two stones on top have only three liberties, so they are in danger
of becoming a target for attack. Please note that all of these liberties are
shared with other black groups.
3131
5
5 5
Black’s partial group at the right has five liberties, but two of these are
shared ones.
3132
There is a dead eye shape in the corner visible ( , △), with its vital point
( ) already occupied by White.
3133
In addition, there is a line of false eyes on the left edge ( , ✕).
3134
? ?
Taking all of Black’s difficulties together, we can assume that it will be

quite unlikely that real eyes on the ?-points will result.
Next page: Solution
3135
Solution 042
Of course Black has to close his corner on the left edge with the descent of
1.
Black will not succeed by playing inside his current formation (case 1;
case 2).
3136
3
2
White 2 threatens to capture Black’s two stones on the left edge, so Black
has to connect with 3.
White must not place her stone on the other side instead.
3137
4
White 4 takes the corner – for the time being – so Black has to be on his
guard.
White might consider playing the third stone on the other side instead.
To be continued …
3138
3139
Black to live.
3140
1
> 1
> 1
> 4
> 6
2
> 2
4
>4
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
5
●○●○●○●○●
> 5
3141
Black 5 occupies the lower 1–2 point. This prevents a white move at the
same point, which would create an eye in the corner, and also would lead
to difficulties for Black to approach White’s group inside his formation.
Black must not attack White’s stones from the right.
3142
6
White 6 creates a false eye ( , ✕).
3143
8
9
A
7
Black 7 takes a decisive liberty from White’s corner stones. Black must
not play at A instead.
The atari of White 8 forces Black to connect at 9.
3144
11 10
The hane of White 10 forces Black to create a seki in gote with 11.
3145
n
n
Next page: Failures
3146
Black just attacked White’s three stones with a move on the second line.
White to kill.
3147
3148
1
> 1
> 1
> 4
> 6
2
> 2
4
> 4
> 6
5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
3149
White 6 makes Black’s eye on top false ( , ✕).
3150
8
9
Black 7 attacks White’s corner stones. But the atari of White 8 forces
Black to connect at 9. Now, Black will suffer from a shortage of liberties.
3151
13 11 12 10
White’s hane of 10 is decisive. Black is unable to block at 12, and so has

to continue in the corner with 11 and 13. Black captures only three stones
in a row, …
3152
14
… so White 14 turns the remaining eye space into one eye. Black is dead.
3153
3154
Lessons learned
When attacking some of your opponent’s stones inside your formation, do

not forget about your own weaknesses ( , ✕) on the outside.
3155
It is very important to carefully count the liberties (●, ○) of groups that are
engaged in a semeai.
Remember that you cannot count shared liberties twice. On the contrary,
you will have to take into account that shared liberties might vanish
rapidly, resulting in a potential shortage of liberties for the then connected
group.
3156
If you are forced to take opponent’s stones off the board, capturing only a
dead eye shape ( ) will not be sufficient for the life of your group.
3157
White just played her third stone inside Black’s formation.
3158
3159
1
> 1
> 1
> 4
> 6
2
> 2
4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 6
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
3160
Black 5 occupies the lower 1–2 point, preventing White’s group from
becoming the owner of the corner.
3161
6
White plays from the outside with 6, aiming at a shortage of liberties for
Black’s group. But Black 7 also takes the other 1–2 point, establishing an
eye at the 1–1 point – for the time being.
White must not play atari on the first line instead.
3162
8 9 10
White’s only chance is to give atari with 8, hoping for a ko fight for the
life of Black’s group. Quite surprisingly, Black gives counter-atari on the
first line with 9, and White 10 captures at the right.
3163
11
Black 11 stops White from connecting out.
3164
13
14 12
White gives atari with 12 and 14.
3165
15
But Black 15 captures the ko at the right, living in a double-ko.
3166
16 17
18
Trying to fight a ko with 16 is fruitless.
3167
19
Black simply captures the other ko with 19.
3168
20
21
Later in the game, Black will capture all of White’s stones in the corner,
thereby living with territory.
In tsume-go, this sub-variation is not considered the “correct” one. In a real

game, however, White might sometimes prefer the unlimited supply of ko
threats in the double-ko here over the seki of the correct solution.
3169
e
e e
3170
White will not succeed at all by playing the atari of 6 earlier.
Black has too many outside liberties left, and White has no chance of
getting a dead eye shape inside Black’s formation. Therefore, it will be
fruitless for White to start a ko fight in the corner.
3171
7
8
Black cannot allow White getting an eye in the corner, and so has to play
at the second 1–2 point of the corner with 7.
The hane of White 8 reduces Black’s potential eye space from the outside,
and prevents a black move at this point, which would result in a change in
the order of moves with the double-ko variation seen before.
3172
9
10
It is best for Black to start the ko fight in the corner immediately, with the
atari of 9. White 10 captures in the corner.
3173
ko
Black has to look for the first valid ko threat for this approach-move ko
that is extremely unfavourable for White.
Black has two outside liberties (●) left, and on the bottom, there is only
White’s diagonal connection ( ). Therefore, White will need a lot of
approach moves before the ko in the corner will become a direct one.
Please also note that White cannot terminate the ko by connecting it. This
3174
would not result in a dead eye shape inside Black’s formation.
e
e
3175
12
13 B 11 A
For the sake of completeness, and as a kind of reminiscence to a by far

much more complicated problem of Gengen Gokyō (not contained in this
book), we will display the following ko fight in full length.
Black has an internal ko threat at his disposal, the block of 11.
White is forced to occupy an outside liberty with 12. If she connected at A

instead, Black would have sufficient liberties left to give atari at B.
3176
14 15
16
White 14 is the first valid ko threat, enabling her to recapture the ko with
16.
However, White will need many more valid ko threats to win the semeai
here.
3177
18
19 17
Black 17 is another internal ko threat, and – as we will see – not the last
one.
White 18 is a mandatory move on the outside, occupying a liberty of

Black’s group.
3178
20 21
22
The ko fight continues.
3179
25 23 24
Black 23 is the next internal ko threat. White will encounter massive

difficulties with approaching Black’s group from the right.
3180
26 27
28
3181
29
30
31
Black 29 is the first ko threat that White has to ignore. Many more will
follow, due to the special shape on the bottom right.
3182
32 33
34
3183
35
37 36
White 36 captures two black stones. However, this move will not end
White’s problems in this area.
3184
38 39
40
3185
43 41 42
Black 41 is the last internal ko threat here, the fourth one in total.
3186
46 44 45
3187
47
49 48
3188
50 51
52
3189
53
54
Black 53 is the last ko threat that White has to ignore, the fourth one in
total. White 54 captures Black’s group, terminating this very long ko fight.
To win this ko fight, White needed seven valid ko threats more than Black,
and had to ignore four of Black’s ko threats. This is extremely unrealistic
in a real game, so Black’s group can be considered (virtually) alive.
It would have been better for White to choose the double-ko variation that
3190
has been explained before, providing her – in a real game – with an
unlimited supply of ko threats.
3191
Lessons learned
12
12
Do not give your opponent the opportunity to occupy both 1–2 points in
the corner.
This might provide your opponent’s group with an eye on the 1–1 point –
maybe a temporarily one – that might become part of a ko fight.
3192
White just played her second stone in the corner.
Black to live.
3193
3194
1
> 1
> 1
> 4
> 6
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
> 6
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
3195
Black 3 occupies the point that White should have taken before.
3196
4 5
White’s throw-in of 4 aims at creating a shortage of liberties for Black’s

group.
3197
6
7
After White’s atari of 6, Black connects with 7. Now Black’s eye space is
secure, and large enough for two eyes. A white move at A will be gote.
3198
e e
3199
Lessons learned
Consider carefully how to attack a decisive weakness ( ) of your

opponent’s formation. Not every move will be automatically correct.
3200
This is especially true if you attack from the inside and your stones might
become part of a large potential eye space (●) that your opponent might be
able to partition with ease.
3201
Black just played inside his formation.
White to kill.
3202
3203
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 4
> 6
2
> 2
4
> 4
> 6
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
3204
2 3
Of course White connects her intruder out, with the atari of 2. Black
connects at 3, but his potential eye space has become too small for two
eyes.
3205
4
White connects at 4, preventing Black from throwing in at the same point.
3206
8
7 6 5
Black 5 maximises his potential eye space, but the placement of White 6
destroys any hope for two eyes. Black 7 and White 8 are miai. Black has
only one eye, and so is dead.
3207
3208
Lessons learned
Do not let an opponent’s intruder connect out if your formation is so

incomplete at its borders that your remaining potential eye space (●) will
be too small for two eyes. Remember that your opponent will hinder you
from playing two moves in a row.
3209
Take into account that your opponent will know about the weakness of
stones that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕).
Do not follow wishful thinking that your opponent will be so very kind as
to not cover this weakness.
3210
Black just connected solidly on the third line.
White to kill.
3211
3212
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 6
2
> 2
4
> 4
> 6
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
3213
2
3
4
White connects under with 2. Black plays 3 in the corner, after which the
hane of White 4 reduces Black’s potential eye space decisively.
White must not play inside Black’s current formation instead.
3214
D
A
B C 5
The descent of Black 5 aims at the throw-in of Black A, followed by

White B and Black C. White would be unable to connect at A, due to
Black D.
3215
6 8
7
White simply chooses the safe and simple connection at 6 on the left edge.
Black 7 and White 8 are miai. Black has only one eye, and so is dead.
3216
3217
Lessons learned
Do not let an opponent’s intruder connect out if your formation is so

incomplete at its borders that your remaining potential eye space (●) will
be too small for two eyes. Remember that your opponent will hinder you
from playing two moves in a row.
3218
Take into account that your opponent will know about the weakness of
stones that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕).
Do not follow wishful thinking that your opponent will be so very kind as
to not cover this weakness.
3219
White just played inside Black’s formation, on the first line.
Black to live.
3220
3221
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 6
2
> 2
4
> 4
> 6
5
> 5
Next page: Solution
3222
The descent of Black 5 captures White’s intruder and is also sente to the
left.
3223
6 7
After White connects with 6, Black 7 secures two eyes.
3224
e
3225
If White plays 6 here, …
3226
7
8
… Black 7 throws in in the corner. Capturing with White 8 does not help.
3227
B
A
9
Black gives double-atari with 9, and White is unable to connect at A, due

to Black B.
3228
e e
e
3229
Lessons learned
Connecting stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line ( ) might suffer
3230
That weakness on your side might become decisive if it enables your
opponent to play two moves in a row, used to secure and to divide their
remaining potential eye space (●).
3231
Problem 043
3232
3233
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
5
> 5
14
> 14
> 18
Next page: Hints
3234
Hints
White’s current maximum eye space (●) is much too small for two eyes.
3235
Black’s outside encirclement ( ) is very strong, leaving no options for
White to capture some stones for getting a second eye.
3236
Therefore, Black’s decisive weakness must be in the corner area. Black’s
two neighbouring groups are not yet solidly connected ( ).
3237
Additionally, Black’s corner is not yet solidly connected to the left side (
), with the main cutting point already occupied by White.
3238
2 3
3 3
White’s cutting stone on the left edge has only two liberties, and so could
be captured easily.
However, Black’s neighbouring group has only three liberties. White’s

cutting stone serves to reduce Black’s liberties, so we can expect at least a
partial semeai between these two groups.
3239
4
4 4 4
Black’s partial group has four liberties, but one of them is shared with
Black’s group above.
3240
? ? ?
? ? ?
? ? ?
White must be aware that the empty space in the corner (?) is quite large.
In addition, Black is the current owner of this corner.
3241
White’s diagonal move on the first line ( ) separates the corner from the
outside. But – due to this non-solid connection – White might be hindered
from further approaching Black’s corner from this side.
Next page: Solution
3242
Solution 043
2 1
The push of White 1 is the only chance to create a cutting point in Black’s
formation. Black is forced to block with 2. Please note that both of Black’s
larger groups in the corner now have only three liberties.
White will not succeed by giving atari to Black’s single stone on the left
3243
edge.
4 3
The cut of White 3 reduces this number of liberties to two. The atari of 4
from the left is Black’s only choice.
3244
7
6 5 8
The descent of White 5 is decisive. Black’s partial groups around are short
of liberties, and White’s tesuji will result in a bulky shape for Black in the
corner.
White will not succeed by playing the atari of 7 immediately.
Black 6 is forced, after which White 7 prepares for establishing a white

group on the left edge that separates Black’s corner group from its
3245
supporters on the left edge.
9
10
White’s throw-in of 9 stops Black from getting an eye below.
3246
11
12
A
White 11 is atari, so Black has to connect with 12. Both White’s (○), and
Black’s (●), groups have three liberties, but White needs an approach
move at A on the lower edge, so she is at a disadvantage here. White has to
come up with an idea to also create difficulties on Black’s side to approach
her three stones on the left edge.
3247
14 15
13
White gives atari with 13, and Black is forced to answer with the counter-
atari of 14.
Black will fail with connecting at 15 instead.
White 15 starts a ko fight for the life of White’s group.
3248
ko
3249
e
3250
Next page: Failures
3251
Black just connected White’s atari on the left edge.
White to live.
3252
3253
1
> 1
5
> 5
14
○●○●○●○●○
> 14
●○●○●○●○●
> 18
Next page: Solution
3254
15
White 15 is the second hane from her three stones on the left edge. The
combination of White 15, and provides her group with an additional
(approach-move) liberty.
< Excursus – Play hane on both sides for an additional liberty >
3255
16
Black’s throw-in of 16 will not help.
3256
A 17
White simply connects on the bottom with 17, threatening to give atari at
A with her next move.
3257
19
18
Black must give atari to White’s three stones immediately, and he tries to
do so with the move at 18 here. Of course White captures with 19.
3258
A
20
21
Black throws in again with 20. White must be on her guard now, and must
not follow the impulse to capture with A, because this move will not add
to her liberties. Instead, White decides the semeai with the atari of 21 on
the bottom.
3259
e
e
3260
18
Black 18 here is another option to give atari to White’s three stones.
3261
19
White simply captures with 19, and has got two liberties for her group on
the left edge again.
3262
20
21
As before, White is one step faster in the semeai with 21.
3263
e
e
3264
Lessons learned
12
Do not let your opponent occupy a vital 1–2 point in the corner.
The special properties of the corner might benefit your opponent, so you
have to consider the liberty count of the groups engaged in a semeai very
carefully.
3265
Two hane on the edge ( , △), played on each side of an opponent’s group
might give that group one additional effective liberty.
3266
3 4
3 4 4
3 4 4
4 4 4 4 4
4 4 4 a
In a case like this, you will fail if you only consider your own approach-
move liberties (a), but not the respective options for your opponent.
Counting only visible liberties is not sufficient for winning a semeai.
3267
White just played an atari on the left edge.
Black to kill.
3268
3269
1
> 1
5
○●○●○●○●○
> 5
●○●○●○●○●
14
> 14
> 18
Next page: Solution
3270
Of course Black captures with 6.
3271
9
The combination of White 7 and 9 follows the solution sequence.
3272
10
11
But here Black is able to connect at 10, letting White get the move at 11 in
the corner. Due to Black’s shape on the bottom, the combination of two
hane (White 11, ) will not benefit White.
3273
12 13
Black 12 threatens to connect underneath to the outside, so White has to

connect with 13. Simultaneously, Black got an eye, but please note that
this fact alone will not save Black’s group in the corner.
3274
16
15
A 14
The very calm move at Black 14 might be quite surprising. It stops White
from occupying this point, creating a ko shape in the corner.
White connects with 15, but the throw-in of Black 16 hinders White from
further approaching at A. On the left side, we have got “one eye beats no
eye”, so all of White’s stones are dead.
3275
e
3276
Lessons learned
Think twice before giving atari to an opponent’s group.
3277
Consider carefully beforehand whether your opponent might be forced to
separate some potential eye space. This effect might limit your further
actions.
3278
Especially in the corner, you have to take your own weaknesses ( , ✕)
into account that might hinder you from approaching your opponent’s
group on the edge of the board successfully.
3279
White just played atari on the left edge.
Black to kill.
3280
3281
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
5
> 5
14
> 14
> 18
Next page: Solution
3282
Black gives counter-atari with 2, letting White get what she wants to have.
Please note that capturing with 3 does not provide White with an eye.
3283
4
Black 4 occupies the central point of the corner, and there is no way for
White to hinder Black from getting two eyes there. White has only one eye
in the centre, and so is dead.
3284
e e
3285
Lessons learned
3286
Consider carefully whether capturing one single opponent’s stone might
provide you with only a false eye ( ).
3287
Do not force your opponent to solidify the potential eye space (●) of their
cut-off group.
Remember that your atari might have the effect of giving your opponent
two moves in a row in the neighbourhood, probably sufficient to create a
living shape for their group.
3288
Problem 044
White to kill.
3289
3290
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
8
> 8
Next page: Hints
3291
Hints
Black’s current maximum eye space in the corner (●) is too small for two
eyes.
3292
?
This means that Black will have to capture at least one of White’s ?-stones
on the side to expand his potential eye space.
3293
Black’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected ( ).
3294
There is a line of false eyes visible ( , ✕), but it seems to be impossible
to keep both stones on the end points of this line permanently on the board.
3295
2
White’s single stones on the second line of the board have only two
liberties. Both of them could easily become captured by Black.
Please note that any black cutting stone that gives atari will have no more
than two liberties.
3296
2
2 2 2
3 2
3
Black’s large group has only two liberties, and his single stones in the
corner have three liberties each. Several of these liberties are shared, so
Black is in danger of suffering from a shortage of liberties.
Next page: Solution
3297
Solution 044
White 1 gives atari to five of Black’s stones, …
White will not succeed by occupying a 1–2 point in the corner

immediately.
3298
2
…forcing Black to connect at 2. Black’s group has three liberties (●) now.
To be continued …
3299
White to kill.
3300
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
8
> 8
3301
White 3 occupies a 1–2 point in the corner.
White will succeed neither by playing double-hane on the first line, nor by
occupying the 2–2 point.
3302
4
5
Black must cut with 4, and the descent of White 5 offers two stones as a
sacrifice, instead of only one.
3303
6
7
Black does not accept this offer immediately, but tries the move at 6 in the
corner instead.
Giving atari on the left edge instead will not work either.
White 7 is the second descent, aiming at further approaching the corner.
3304
8
10
Now, Black captures White’s two stones on the left edge with 8 and 10.
Cutting also on the bottom instead will not work either.
3305
12 13
11
However, White 11 connects her stones on the bottom. Black’s cut of 12

does not help any longer. Black’s group has only one eye, and so is dead.
3306
3307
044 Problem (follow-up – variation I)
Black just cut on the right.
White to kill.
< Go to the next variation >
3308
3309
1
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
8
○●○●○●○●○
> 8
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
3310
044 Solution (follow-up – variation I)
11
9 12 10
White 9 forces Black to take two of White’s stones off the board with 10
and 12. In the meantime, White 11 immobilises Black’s single stone on the
left edge.
3311
13
With White 13, we have reached a similar position as before. The timing
of Black’s cut on the right did not really matter.
3312
3313
044 Problem (follow-up – variation II)
Black just played atari at the left edge.
White to kill.
3314
3315
1
> 1
3
> 3
> 3
6
○●○●○●○●○
> 6
●○●○●○●○●
> 8
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
3316
044 Solution (follow-up – variation II)
White 7 occupies the second 1–2 point in the corner, …
3317
9
A
8
… making miai of Black 8 and White 9. Black is unable to give atari at A,

and so is dead.
Cutting on the bottom instead will not benefit Black either.
3318
3319
Cutting on the other side too with 8 does not help Black either.
3320
10
White plays the descent of 9, creating a symmetrical position. Here, Black

captures two white stones with 10.
3321
11
White connects her stones on the bottom with 11, leaving Black helpless,
with only one eye on the left.
3322
Next page: Failures
3323
White just played on the first line.
3324
3325
1
> 1
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
3326
4 6
Black gives atari with 4. The counter-atari of White 5 is the first step to get
access to the corner, and Black has to capture with 6.
3327
7 8
White 7 and Black 8 are miai. But playing at 8 instead would allow Black
to establish two eyes in the corner.
3328
11 10
12
White 9 makes Black’s potential eye on the bottom false (✕) – for the
time being.
Black 10 cuts once more, on the left edge, and the counter-atari of White
11 establishes a ko for the life of Black’s group.
3329
ko
White has to find the first valid ko threat for this approach-move ko that
favours Black.
3330
e
e e
e
3331
13 14
15
White 13 is the first valid ko threat.
3332
18
16
17
But Black has an internal ko threat with 16, threatening to establish his
second eye on the bottom. White 17 prevents this, so Black recaptures the
ko with 18.
3333
19 20
21
3334
22
However, the cut of 22 creates so many internal ko threats for Black that
his group can be considered virtually alive.
3335
Lessons learned
When attacking an opponent’s group, do not forget about your own

weaknesses ( ).
3336
12
12
Even if the corner area is very small, your opponent might utilise the
special properties of the 1–2 points successfully.
3337
White just occupied the 2–2 point in the corner.
Black to live.
3338
3339
1
> 1
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
6
> 6
> 8
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
3340
Black 4 simply gives atari in the corner.
3341
6
5
If White saves her endangered stone with 5, Black 6 cuts on the bottom.
3342
8 7
White might try the counter-atari of 7. After Black captures with 8, …
3343
11 10
12
… White 9 makes Black’s potential eye on the bottom false ( , ✕). Black
cuts with 10 on the left edge, and now the counter-atari of White 11 will
not work in the same manner as on the bottom. Black captures with 12 and
is alive.
3344
13
A
B
White 13 is gote and only shown for demonstrative purposes. Black is the
owner of the point of A, so B is a real eye.
3345
e
3346
Lessons learned

weaknesses ( ).
3347
12
12
Even if the corner area is very small, your opponent might utilise the
special properties of the 1–2 points successfully.
3348
Black to live.
3349
3350
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
> 3
6
> 6
> 8
8
> 8
Next page: Solution
3351
4 2 A
3
Black cuts with 2. The descent of White 3 does not help, because Black 4
keeps her stones down to only one liberty. A white atari at A will come too
late now.
3352
7
5 6
White tries her best by also taking the other 1–2 point of the corner, but
Black blocks with 6. White 7 is fruitless, because …
3353
9
8
10
… Black 8 is atari again. Eventually, White 10 captures all of White’s

stones in the corner.
3354
e e
3355
Lessons learned

weaknesses ( ).
3356
12
12
Do not occupy the 1–2 points in the corner without thinking.
It is not guaranteed that these points will be vital points every time.
3357
Do not forget that you need to have permanent stones of your own at both
ends of a line of false eyes to let this line work successfully.
3358
Problem 045
White to kill.
3359
3360
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
Next page: Hints
3361
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space is quite large and already contains a white
four-stone group.
3362
2 2 2
2
This white group in the corner has only two liberties. White will have to
find a way that hinders Black from capturing her group immediately.
3363
Black’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected ( ). Therefore, it is
likely that a partial semeai will develop with one of these.
3364
5 5 5 5
5
Black’s group on the left edge has five liberties. Trying to fight with this
group will be hopeless for White from the very beginning.
3365
3
3 3
However, Black’s group on the lower edge has only three liberties. This
will become the group White has to fight against.
3366
As we already know, White’s group in the corner ( ) has only two
liberties (○). It might get a third one – but no more – after which it would
be Black’s turn. Therefore we can expect that this group will be captured
by Black in one way or the other.
3367
? ? ?
? ? ? ? ? ?
It might be useful to think about vital shape points, with these stones taken
off the board, as a matter of course after some yet unknown action took
place at some of the ?-points.
Next page: Solution
3368
Solution 045
2
1 A
White’s diagonal move at 1 occupies the vital 1–2 point in the corner.
White will not succeed by descending either.
Black 2 prevents easy life for White in the corner.
3369
Black might set his hopes on a ko fight, by playing at A instead, but this
will be in vain.
The attachment of White 3 on the first line is tesuji. This move

immobilises Black’s three stones above.
White must not take any other liberty of Black’s three stones on the right
(case 1; case 2).
3370
4
6 5
Black 4 continues from the corner, and gives atari to White’s four stones.
Playing at 5 instead will not work either.
White cannot connect at 6, so she gives counter-atari with 5. Black 6

captures four white stones.
3371
7
White, however, simply recaptures with 7.
3372
10 B
8 9
11 A
Black cannot get into the open with 8, but is stopped by White 9. White 10
is answered by the connection at White 11. Black is unable to intercept at
A, due to White B. B has become only a false eye, so Black’s group is
dead.
3373
3374
5 4 6
Black’s atari of 4 does not work either. White has sufficient liberties in the
corner to give counter-atari with 5. Capturing with Black 6 is fruitless,
because …
3375
7
… White 7 simply gives double-atari. Black’s group in the corner is

completely eyeless.
3376
3377
A 2
Black might play the descent of 2, hoping for a ko in the corner at A.
3378
3
But White simply occupies this point with 3, giving Black no chances.
3379
4 6 5
7
The relationship of liberties has turned in White’s favour. Black’s attempts

with 4 and 6 are fruitless.
3380
Next page: Failures
3381
White just played hane on the bottom.
3382
3383
1
> 1
2
> 2
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
3384
5
6 4
Black gives atari with 4, and after White 5, Black 6 starts a ko fight for the
life of Black’s group.
3385
ko
White has to find the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
3386
e
e e
3387
3388
Lessons learned
When reducing the liberties of an opponent’s group, do not leave a

weakness behind ( ) that could be attacked by your opponent from the
outside.
3389
White just took a liberty of Black’s three stones.
Black to live.
3390
3391
1
> 1
2
> 2
3
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
3392
4
6 5
Black gives atari with 4. But now, the move at White 5 does not work any
longer. Black 6 captures four white stones.
3393
7
After White recaptures with 7, …
3394
8
… Black simply closes his territory with 8.
3395
e
3396
Lessons learned
2 2 2 2
2 2 2

involved groups.
3397
Remember that capturing one of your groups ( ) might free your
opponent from a shortage of liberties.
3398
Trying to connect stones out that are arranged on a zigzag line ( , ✕)
might suffer from a shortage of liberties on your side.
3399
White just descended in the corner.
Black to live.
3400
3401
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
3
> 3
> 3
4
> 4
Next page: Solution
3402
Black 2 occupies the vital 1–2 point of the corner. White has only two
liberties, and so is helpless.
3403
4 3
Attacking Black’s three stones with White 3 does not help. Black 4 gives
atari, and wins the semeai by one move.
3404
e
e
3405
Lessons learned
3 3 3 3
3 3 3
3
Simply gaining as many liberties for your group as a cut-off group of your
opponent might not be sufficient if your opponent has options for attacking
available that do not suffer from a shortage of liberties.
3406
12
12
Do not forget about the usefulness of the 1–2 points in the corner.
3407
Problem 046
White to kill.
3408
3409
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 8
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Hints
3410
Hints
Black’s maximum eye space (●) is quite large, but his position is full of
weaknesses.
3411
Black’s four -stones form a ponnuki, but White’s stones are nearby,
aiming at exploiting several cutting points in this area.
3412
White’s encirclement is very strong. On the lower edge there is the descent
of , waiting for a friendly stone at ◇.
3413
Black’s aforementioned ponnuki suffers from various lines of false eyes (
, ✕). Black would need two moves in a row to get an eye in the upper
right.
3414
?
On the left edge, there is White’s strong -stone lying in wait. A white
jump to ◇ seems to make it unlikely that the point of ? will become black
territory.
3415
So, what remains in the corner – dead eye shapes, of course. This diagram
displays one of these (△).
3416
Here is another one.
Next page: Solution
3417
Solution 046
White 1 occupies the vital 1–2 point of the corner.
White will succeed neither by cutting on the second line, nor by attaching
to the 2–2 point in the corner, nor by blocking on the left edge, nor by
playing one point to the right.
3418
3 4
2
The diagonal move at Black 2 aims at making miai between partitioning

Black’s potential eye space in the corner, and creating another eye on the
bottom.
Connecting immediately at 4, or playing at 3 instead will not work either.
White 3 stops the partitioning of the corner, so Black maximises his

potential eye space on the bottom with 4.
3419
White must not give atari to Black’s single stone in the top right instead.
6
B
7
A 5
The hane of White 5 prevents an eye on the bottom. Black 6 connects on

top, hoping for an eye at B. But White gives atari with 7, and Black is
unable to connect at A.
3420
3421
Black just connected at the right, maximising his potential eye space.
White to kill.
3422
3423
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 8
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
3424
4 3
White 3 reduces Black’s potential eye space, and must be played first.
After Black blocks with 4, White 5 makes the potential eye on top false (
, ✕).
3425
9 8
10
6
A 7
Black 6 is a desperate attempt in the corner. White 7 is necessary to

prevent two eyes for Black.
Black 8 tries to enlarge his potential eye space again, but White 9 serves to
reduce it. Black tries the block of 10, which is also atari on the outside.
Playing at A instead will not work either.
3426
12
11
Of course White plays 11 in the corner, reducing Black’s group to only

one eye. On the left edge, …
3427
13
… Black has no chance of getting a real eye. Connecting at A is fruitless

for Black, as White has got a “bent four in the corner”.
3428
3429
Black just played atari in the corner.
White to kill.
3430
3431
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 8
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
3432
9
A B
Black’s previous atari in the corner is a bit tricky. White must be on her
guard not to capture with A. She jumps to 9 instead, and Black is unable to
create a real eye on the left edge.
If White mistakenly captured with A in the corner, Black would block with
3433
a move at 9. His group has sufficient liberties left to give atari at B,
avoiding a “bent four in the corner”.
12 13
11 10
14
Black tries his best with 10, but will end in vain.
3434
15
Finally, the throw-in of White 15 makes Black’s potential eye false.
3435
3436
046 Problem (variation III)
White to kill.
3437
3438
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
>2
> 8
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
3439
046 Solution (variation III)
White 3 takes the miai point, threatening to connect out to the right.
3440
9 8 7
10
4
11 6 5
The sequence from Black 4 – trying to maximise the potential eye space –
to White 11 – establishing a “bent four in the corner” results in a change in
the order of moves from what we have seen before.
3441
Next page: Failures
3442
White just played atari on top.
3443
3444
1
> 1
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 8
> 2
3
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
3445
5
4 6
The diagonal move at Black 4 forces White to respond with 5 in the

corner, after which the descent of Black 6 creates an eye on the bottom –
for the time being.
3446
8 7
9
The atari of 7 destroys this potential eye, but after Black 8 in the corner,
White is forced to capture with 9.
3447
B
A
ko
Black has to look for the first ko threat in this direct ko. This ko favours
Black, because he has several internal ko threats on the left edge (A, B).
3448
3449
e
e
3450
Lessons learned
3451
Do not let your opponent occupy the vital point of a dead eye shape ( ,
△).
3452
Playing from the outside might leave a potential eye space for your
opponent (●) behind that has some potential for partitioning, due to its
size.
3453
White just played on the second line.
Black to live.
3454
3455
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 8
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
3456
3457
3 4
White 3 occupies the other 1–2 point, stopping Black from getting two
eyes easily. Black connects at 4, and has two eyes for sure now.
3458
8 9
7 6
5
10
White’s attempt to escape on the left edge with 5 and 7 are fruitless. Black
10 captures three white stones in a row, so …
3459
11
12
… White 11 cannot stop Black from getting a second eye there.
3460
e e
3461
Lessons learned
Before attacking from the outside, carefully consider whether you might
leave a potential eye space for your opponent (●) behind that can be
partitioned.
3462
12
12
Remember the importance of the 1–2 points in the corner. These are the
ideal starting points for partitioning the remaining eye space.
3463
White just attached in the corner.
3464
3465
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 8
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
3466
3467
5
4
3
The atari of 3 is White’s strongest move.
White must not play descent in the corner instead.
After the combination of Black 4, White 5, …
3468
6
7
… Black gives atari with 6, and White 7 starts a ko fight for the life of
Black’s group.
3469
B
A
ko
Black has to look for the first ko threat in this direct ko. Please note that
Black again has internal ko threats at A and B.
3470
3471
e
e
3472
Lessons learned
Not every potential dead eye shape ( , △) carries a vital point at its
centre ( ). If there are several options for such dead eye shapes, carefully
consider which one to choose for your further investigations.
3473
12
12
Disregarding the 1–2 points in the corner might benefit your opponent.
3474
White just descended in the corner.
Black to live.
3475
3476
1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 8
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
3477
4
?
Black 4 immobilises White’s two stones on the left edge, and also
threatens to build an eye on the first line at ?.
3478
8
6
5 7
White 5 prevents this eye, but after Black 6, White is forced to connect out
with 7. Eventually, Black 8 secures the second eye in the centre.
3479
e
e
3480
Lessons learned
12
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a vital point every time.
3481
When playing inside, do not leave a potential eye space for your opponent
(●) behind that can be partitioned. This is important, especially if your
initial move does not carry a second threat.
3482
?
Remember that connecting one of your stones (◇) out (e.g. after attacking
a potential eye of your opponent’s group) will usually be gote, probably
enabling your opponent to play two moves in a row that cover his
weaknesses ( ) and to establish an eye in a previously “non-critical” area
(?).
3483
White just blocked on the left edge.
Black to live.
3484
3485
1
>1
>1
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
> 8
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
3486
The turning move at Black 2 is decisive.
3487
6
4 3 5
White 3 hopes for Black blocking the outside with 5, but the descent of 4
in the corner is the correct choice. White 5 tries to connect out, after which
the connection at Black 6 …
3488
8
B
A
7
… makes miai of White 7 and Black 8. White is hindered from further

approaching at A, so B is a real eye for Black.
3489
e
3490
Lessons learned
When blocking from the outside, do not leave a potential eye space for
your opponent (●) behind that can be partitioned.
3491
?
Remember that connecting one of your stones (◇) out (e.g. after attacking
a potential eye of your opponent’s group) will usually be gote, probably
enabling your opponent to play two moves in a row that cover his
weaknesses ( ) and to establish an eye in a previously “non-critical” area
(?).
3492
3493
3494
1
>1
>1
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 8
> 2
3
> 3
Next page: Solution
3495
The connection at Black 2 forces White to make the potential eye in the
centre false ( , ✕) with 3.
3496
6 5
7 4
White 4 results in a change in the order of moves from what we have

already seen earlier. White has to fight an unnecessary ko for killing
Black’s group.
3497
B
A
ko
Black has to find the first valid ko threat in this direct ko. This ko is
favourable for Black, because there are internal ko threats at A and B.
3498
3499
e
e e
3500
Lessons learned
Before jumping deep into your opponent’s potential eye space, threatening
to connect your just played stone (◇) out, carefully consider whether your
opponent might have options to block your escape route in sente.
3501
12
12
Disregarding the 1–2 points in the corner might benefit your opponent.
3502
Problem 047
Black to kill.
3503
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Hints
3504
Hints
White’s maximum eye space (●) is quite elongated, and has some potential
for partitioning, especially near the corner. However, White’s formation is
full of weaknesses.
3505
White’s partial groups are not yet solidly connected ( ).
3506
!!
!! !! !!
!!
!!
There are so many holes (!!) in White’s position that Black will have to
carefully consider which of these he should exploit first.
3507
Black’s position on the right is very strong. The descent of is looking
forward to friendly stones on the ◇-points.
3508
3
White’s single stone at the right has only three liberties, and so is an easy
target for an attack. However, as usual in tsume-go, capturing this stone
alone might not be sufficient to kill the entire white formation.
3509
?
?
?
But is so weak, and there are so many black stones on the outside ( ),
that White would need several moves to create eye space in the ?-area.
Therefore, it is likely that Black will be able to stop White from achieving
this aim.
3510
If we concentrate on the remaining corner area, there is a five-point dead
eye shape (△) visible.
3511
12
12
Black will have to take into account that both 1–2 points in the corner are
still unoccupied. Getting these points would provide White with an easy
eye on the 1–1 point.
3512
In the centre of White’s formation, there are two lines of false eyes ( , ✕)
visible. However, it might be difficult for Black to establish a permanent
stone on their shared end point.
Next page: Solution
3513
Solution 047
Black’s hane of 1 reduces White’s potential eye space decisively.
Black will succeed neither by occupying the lower 1–2 point in the corner,
nor by playing a clamp on White’s single stone at the right.
3514
2
White 2 blocks the corner to maximise her potential eye space.
3515
3
Black 3 occupies the 1–1 point on the bottom, and hinders White from
playing on the same point and getting an eye on the 1–2 point.
3516
4
5 A
White 4 threatens to partition the area on the bottom, so Black has to play
at 5.
White might consider giving atari at 5, or connecting her partial group (at
the right; at the left) diagonally, or jumping to A, instead.
3517
A
B
6
Now, White 6 blocks on the right, again maximising her potential eye
space.
White might consider blocking on top at A, or playing inside at B, instead.
3518
8 9
7
10
Black 7 is tesuji. White can capture this stone with 8 and 10. But this will
not result in an eye point, because …
3519
A
11
… Black gives atari to the bottom with 11. Black’s stones in the corner
build a dead eye shape, so White’s group has been killed.
Connecting at A would be gote for White.
3520
3521
White just closed a hole in her formation on top.
Black to kill.
3522
3523
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
○●○●○●○●○
> 6
●○●○●○●○●
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3524
10 11
9
7 A 8
Black 7 makes miai of White 8 and Black 9.
Taking a liberty of Black’s three stones with 8 at A will not work either.
With Black 11, White’s two stones below are caught in a snapback. White
can only get one eye, and so is dead.
3525
3526
White just blocked at the right, taking a liberty of Black’s three stones.
Black to kill.
3527
3528
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
> 8
●○●○●○●○●
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3529
10 11
Black 9 prevents White from getting more than one eye. After White 10,
no ko will develop, because Black 11 creates a double-atari.
3530
13 12
Connecting with White 12 is fruitless. Black 13 completes a dead eye

shape in the corner.
3531
3532
047 Problem (variation III)
White just immobilised Black’s two stones.
Black to kill.
3533
3534
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
>6
> 8
○●○●○●○●○
> 6
●○●○●○●○●
> 8
Next page: Solution
3535
047 Solution (variation III)
9 A 7
Black 7 reduces White’s potential eye space, and makes miai of White 8
and Black 9. White has only one eye, and so is dead.
Blocking on the bottom with 8 at A will not work either.
3536
3537
047 Problem (variation IV)
White just blocked at the right.
Black to kill.
3538
3539
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
>6
> 8
> 6
○●○●○●○●○
> 8
●○●○●○●○●
Next page: Solution
3540
047 Solution (variation IV)
9 13
11 10
12
Black 9 is forced to stop White from getting another eye in the centre.
White tries her best with 10, but Black 11 and 13 make sure that there will
be no eye at the right.
3541
3542
047 Problem (variation V)
White just played atari in the corner.
Black to kill.
3543
3544
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3545
047 Solution (variation V)
6
5
7
The counter-atari of Black 5 also threatens to connect out, so it is best for

White to connect with 6. Black captures with 7, knowing that there will be
no ko.
3546
8
9 10
White gives atari with 8, but Black simply connects at 9, creating a dead
eye shape. White is forced to maximise her potential eye space with 10.
3547
12 13
11
The combination of Black 11 and 13 creates a snapback. White is dead.
3548
3549
047 Problem (variation VI)
White just played at the right, trying to solidify her potential eye space.
Black to kill.
3550
3551
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3552
047 Solution (variation VI)
6
5
7
First, Black 5 threatens to connect out. After White’s connection at 6,

Black 7 reduces White’s potential eye space on the bottom.
3553
A 8 9
White tries the move at 8, but Black pushes further with 9. White is
hindered from partitioning her potential eye space with a move at A, so she
is dead.
3554
3555
047 Problem (variation VII)
White just played a diagonal move, connecting the corner to her central
group.
Black to kill.
3556
3557
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3558
047 Solution (variation VII)
B 6
A 5
Black has enough room to attach at the right with 5. White 6 hinders Black
from playing at A, which would make the potential eye at B false.
3559
8
7 9
The descent of Black 7 is the correct way for connecting out. This move
gives no options for White.
3560
10
13
11 12
White 10 and Black 11 are miai, as are White 12 and Black 13. White is
dead.
3561
3562
047 Problem (variation VIII)
White just jumped to the bottom line.
Black to kill.
3563
3564
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
>4
>4
>4
> 7
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
> 4
●○●○●○●○●
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3565
047 Solution (variation VIII)
7
8
6 5
9
Black 5 serves to reduce White’s potential eye space. After White’s

connection at 6, Black first pushes with 7, and finally prevents two eyes
with the move at 9.
Black will not succeed by giving atari to White’s single stone at the right
3566
(case 1; case 2) instead.
White could attack Black 5 successfully, but capturing this stone will only
result in a false eye.
Next page: Failures
3567
3568
3569
3570
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
○●○●○●○●○
> 7
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
> 4
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3571
White 8 gives atari.
3572
9
10
Black 9 prevents an eye on top. White captures with 10 on the bottom, but
this move alone does not guarantee two eyes.
3573
13
12 11
Black 11 gives atari, and Black 13 starts a ko fight for the life of White’s
group.
3574
ko
White must look for the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
3575
3576
e e
3577
Lessons learned
3578
Black just played atari on the bottom.
3579
3580
1
> 1
> 1
> 7
4
>4
>4
>4
> 7
○●○●○●○●○
> 7
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3581
White gives atari with 8.
3582
9
10
The combination of Black 9 and White 10 is already known to us.
3583
11
13
12
Finally, this results a change in the order of moves of the previous

problem. White has managed to get a ko for the life of her group.
3584
ko
White must find the first valid ko threat for this direct ko.
3585
3586
e e
3587
Lessons learned
3588
Black just played at the 1–2 point in the corner.
3589
3590
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3591
White 2 gives atari.
3592
4
3
5
Black captures White’s stone on the first line with the combination of 3
and 5.
3593
A
6
8 7
After White’s atari with 6, Black cannot connect at 8, as we have seen

earlier, because the point of A can still be occupied by White. Black must
push with 7 from the right. White captures with 8, starting a ko fight for
the life of her group.
3594
ko
3595
e
e
3596
3597
Lessons learned
12
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a really vital point.
3598
It might become difficult to connect stones out that are arranged on a
zigzag line ( , ✕).
3599
Black just attached at the right.
White to live.
3600
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 7
4
> 4
> 4
> 4
> 7
> 7
> 4
6
> 6
> 8
> 6
> 8
Next page: Solution
3601
White defends her corner with the move at 2.
3602
6
4 3 5
Black 3 hinders White getting two eyes too easily. White 4 secures an eye
in the corner, and forces Black to connect out with 5. White 6 is sente, …
3603
8
… so Black connects on the bottom with 7, after which White 8 builds the
second eye for her group.
3604
e
3605
7
8
A B
If Black takes the point of 7 on top, White 8 captures three of Black’s

stones for the life of her group. Black is unable to connect at A, due to
White B.
3606
e
e e
3607
Lessons learned
Think twice before capturing a single opponent’s stone, especially on the

outskirts of their position.
3608
Your opponent might have sufficient options for partitioning the remaining
eye space (●) in the corner.
3609
Excursus
This collection of “Excursus” gives more detailed explanations on several
shape issues.
You might find these additional texts useful, but their study is not
mandatory for understanding the hints, or the course of the solutions.
Therefore, if the topics covered are well known to you, you might skip
these further explanations.
3610
Table of contents
3611
The kanji that are used in Japan for naming the game of Go – 囲碁 –
“igo”, have the etymological meaning of “enclosure surrounding well –
(by) carefully selected small stone pieces”. This also highlights the
primary aim of the “surrounding game” (a shorter equivalent), which is to
acquire more territory than your opponent.
3612
In reality, you will want to use your stones in the most efficient way, i.e. to
surround as many points as possible with as few stones as possible. This
implies that you will prefer compact, bulky shapes for your territory.
Here, in this diagram, White has built a territory of 12 points in the corner
by using eight of her stones.
+ + + + +
+
Getting 12 points of territory in a linear shape, as shown here, needs the
3613
investment of some more stones (+). In total, White needed 14 stones here;
the lack of efficiency will become evident.
However, this book is about the field of tsume-go, primarily working on

questions of life and death. The amount of territory gained does not matter
at all.
Let us illuminate this decisive difference with some tiny examples.
3614
Here, in this diagram, White has used five of her stones to create a bulky
shape in the corner that consists of four points. However, White has not
created territory of her own because her group is dead.
A
B
It cannot get two eyes, even if White plays first (White A, Black B).
3615
+
White would wish to have invested one more stone (+), here for creating a
linear shape for her eye space, which consists of four points as well, and
now is territory.
3616
A B
White is alive, because the points of A and B are miai for splitting her
shape.
3617
White would not prefer to build a bulky shape of five points with her six
stones, shown here. The fate of White’s group depends on whose turn it is
(and who will take the △-point).
3618
+
Again, White could sleep much better – at the cost of only one additional
stone (+) – if she had established sure five points of territory in a linear,
straight shape.
3619
+
Please note that this surplus seventh stone (+) would be also necessary to
transform White’s bulky five eye space into a living one that is divided
into two parts.
< Return to the table of contents >
3620
This diagram shows “standard” forms of a “dead eye shape”; most of these
of the “bulky” kind. If any of these stone formations got captured, White
could prevent these from turning into two eyes by occupying the form’s
vital central point ( ).
3621
Of course it’s also the other way round. If Black wanted to create two eyes
out of these forms (if empty), occupying the central point ( ) is
mandatory for him.
This four-stone formation is also a “dead eye shape”, but – to a certain

extent – an exception to the rule.
If this shape got captured, there is no need to invest another move; it forms
3622
only one eye from the very beginning.
If anything, White would need two moves in a row ( ) to divide this

squarish shape into two.
Please note that there is some danger of confusing the “available eye
space” (stones, and empty points – the latter probably for the time being)
with a “dead eye shape” (stones only). Both are equivalent if, and only if,
the defender will be forced to capture the opponent’s stones inside.
3623
At first sight, it seems that Black’s eye space consists of the five points
marked.
4 2 3
However, in the further course of occupying liberties, Black might try to

survive by taking White’s three stones of the board, …
3624
… leaving the marked area of three points behind.
3625
5
Eventually, White occupies the vital central point, and it is clear that
Black’s group has only one eye, and could be easily taken off the board.
3626
Another example. At first sight, it seems that White’s three stones form
one of the above-mentioned dead eye shapes.
3627
2
A B 3
However, even after White occupied all of Black’s outside liberties, there
are two liberties left inside Black’s formation, A and B.
Black will play neither at A nor at B because this would be self-atari.
White will also refrain from taking any of these points (e.g. A), because
Black will capture White’s group with a move at the other one (e.g. B), …
3628
… leaving an eye space of four points in a row behind that can be easily
divided by Black.
3629
n n
This means that both sides will leave the original position untouched,
resulting in a seki, which is equivalent to Black being alive.
3630
The descent to the edge of the board usually affects the neighbouring
position of the opponent, let’s say, at least the ◇-points here. Of course
the actual impact will depend on the concrete configuration of stones in the
left-hand area.
3631
A
here immediately threatens to connect to the outside with a move at A.
3632
2
Black might be forced to intercept with 2. However, as you will recognize

by comparison with the mirrored position at the right, Black lost one of his
liberties (●) in the process.
3633
A
here, despite being one point farther away, also threatens to connect to
the outside, with a move at A.
However, there might be more defensive options for Black than to simply
intercept with a move at A himself. Therefore, it will be best for White if
is pursuing a second, additional, aim.
3634
B A
here is the second option for White to rob Black of a liberty, should he
be forced to intercept at A.
Please also note that Black is able to play the hane of B only in relation
with massive support of his own on the left. Otherwise, White might be
able to successfully cut at A, simultaneously giving atari.
3635
C
B A
here seems to be quite loose but again threatens the follow-up move at
White A. Again, Black has more defensive options than with a narrower
move by White.
However, after Black C, the hane of White B might serve to cause a

sudden shortage of liberties of Black’s group (if Black is forced to answer
at A).
3636
It is very likely that you will now ask why has not yet been mentioned;
this move would be so self-evident.
You hit the mark exactly. Please remember that we are in tsume-go. This
move is so obvious, and simultaneously has so much of “brute force”, that
usually it should not become your ultimate choice for your first move to
solve a problem.
3637
In tsume-go, there is the imminent danger that such “very obvious” options
have become part of the problem to puzzle your mind, and to lay a false
trail.
3638
12 A
e 12
Occupying both 1–2 points in the corner (12) is by far the most efficient
way to create an eye (e).
Of course Black must take care that he becomes the “owner” of the point
of A.
3639
e
e
The first of the most efficient ways to do so – with the investment of four
additional stones only – is shown here.
Black added the -stones, and has got two eyes.
3640
e
e
This diagram shows the second option for the placement of Black’s
additional -stones.
3641
A
e
However, there are positions – like this one here – where White has
occupied the point of A, but still cannot destroy Black’s eye e on the 1–1
point.
3642
B
White is hindered by her shortage of liberties to approach Black’s stones in

the corner either at B, or at C.
3643
12
Please also note that a stone on a 1–2 point can result in difficulties for the
opponent to further approach from the corner if the line of his approaching
stones is handicapped by cutting points ( ).
3644
B
Black is unable to give atari to White’s five-stone group in the corner, with
a move at A, because White would capture three black stones with a move
at B.
3645
1
Black must take his time to make an approach-move at 1 first. But then
White will give atari to Black’s two stones inside her formation.
3646
3 4
Eventually, White will be forced to take Black’s stones off the board, but
she will have got a living shape, …
3647
e
e
… consisting of two eyes (e).
3648
B A A
D C
Let’s explain this issue in some detail, and also in general, in the centre of
the board. In the diagram above, at the left, Black’s partial groups are not
yet securely connected, there is a cutting point at A.
The simplest idea to prohibit White from taking this point is to occupy it
3649
on your own, as shown at the right. Black’s partial groups are solidly
connected, but there might be the disadvantage that Black’s move at A did
not provide any assistance in separating what might be eye space.
B A A
C
B and C protect the cutting point in an indirect manner. White is unable to

separate Black’s groups by immediately playing at A, because Black can
simply capture this stone. As you will realise, any of these moves shown
here might be the first step to divide some eye space into two (with A
3650
becoming an eye).
A
D
The most indirect way to protect the cutting point is the move at D. Again,
White is unable to immediately take the point of A; Black simply gives
atari from one side or the other, and White’s initially played stone cannot
escape. Again, it is likely that A will become an eye.
3651
E A
F
G H
In principle, there are other options available that are even further away
from the cutting point of A (usually E to H). However, we will not go so
far as to discuss these in detail here, because their validity depends on
missing white stones on the △-points in this exemplary position.
3652
e e
e e
You have created a “real” single eye point e if, and only if, you are the
“owner” of at least three of its four diagonally adjacent board points (✕).
This means that either you have occupied these points with your own
stones ( ), or your opponent is hindered effectively from occupying these
3653
(◇; e.g. because you could easily capture a corresponding opponent’s
stone).
However, if your opponent succeeded in taking at least two of the

diagonally adjacent board points ( ), your potential eye point has
vanished, and has been turned into a “false” eye (✕).
3654
3655
From your real games you will already know one of the main motivations
to add a second stone to a one-stone sacrifice: “Keep your opponent busy.”
A B D
C
In the position at the left, White can finish the issue with a move at A.
3656
In the position at the right, White added a second stone ( ) to her
sacrifice. Black now needs the three moves B, C and D to capture White’s
stones. While Black is busy with doing so, he will be unable to accomplish
another aim.
3
5 4 2
6 1
7
Let’s explain this fact a bit further, using a simple opening pattern in the
corner as example. The time for sacrificing a second stone comes with
White’s atari of 7.
3657
12
14
13
15 8 10
9 11
Black extends to 8, offering another stone for White to capture in the

corner.
While White is busy with her moves from 9 to 15, Black gets several
forcing moves on the outside, from 10 to 14.
3658
16
18 17
Black 16 defends the just created cut on the left edge, and the kikashi of
White 17, Black 18, ends the local standard pattern.
3659
Please note that White – due to Black’s extended sacrifice – played four
moves on the inside ( ), while Black was able to play four moves on the
outside ( ).
3660
9 8
If Black thoughtlessly gives atari from the outside, with his move 8 here,
so avoiding the sacrifice of a second stone, White 9 ends the discussion in
the corner.
3661
You will easily realise that Black’s position is inferior here.
3662
In tsume-go, there are two other main reasons for sacrificing a second
stone:
“Destroy your opponent’s eye shape”, and “Make your opponent’s shape
clumsy.”
3663
1
Let’s consider first a white player who does not want to sacrifice a second
stone. Giving atari on the outside with 1, enables Black to capture with 2,
…
3664
e e
… so achieving independent life, with two eyes (e) at the right alone.
3665
1
It will be better for White to sacrifice a second stone, with her move at 1
here.
3666
2 4 3
Black must give atari on the left with 2. White plays 3 on the right, forcing
Black to capture with 4.
3667
Please take notice that Black’s last moves provided him with bulky shape (
).
3668
5
6
White’s throw-in of 5, using the just created empty space on the board,
destroys Black’s hope for a second eye at the right. Capturing this stone
with 6 will not help Black.
3669
Black is left with a false eye ( , ✕), and an even more bulky shape at the
right ( ).
< Return to the solution >
3670
On the edge, there are several different kinds of capturing a two-stone
group, which we will examine now.
If capturing White’s two stones with a move at A results in a solidly

connected Black group – as it does here – …
3671
… Black gets a two-point eye. This means that Black’s initial move was
only gote.
3672
1
If Black’s shape is “un-connected” on one side ( ), capturing with Black

1 is sente, but usually, Black will be unable to get an eye.
3673
2
White will throw in at 2, making Black’s eye false.
Please note that there is the imminent danger of taking this result (false
eye) as self-evident without taking the special basic condition into account.
Completely forgetting that capturing these two stones was sente (if the
opponent was forced to prevent an eye in this area) accidentally may lead
to a sudden, and surprising, upset.
3674
1
If Black’s shape is “un-connected” on both sides ( ), capturing two stones

does not provide Black with an eye.
3675
There is simply no space remaining to create an eye.
3676
A B C
In principle, Black needs one connecting move per pair of diagonally

adjacent -stones. Black’s right-hand group has three liberties (●) here
that are directed towards White’s stones, and so is safe from becoming
captured, even if it would be White’s turn. Black has also three cutting
points (A, B and C) to connect.
3677
1
3
6 4 2 5
This is shown explicitly in this diagram.
3678
A B C
However, had Black’s right-hand group one liberty less (●), …
3679
1
5 4 2 3
… it would fall prey to a shortage of liberties if it was White’s turn.
Of course the order of Black’s moves is chosen only for demonstrative

purposes. In a real game, Black would play 2 at 5, and White would
capture only four of Black’s stones with 5 at 2.
3680
This dead shape in the corner, taken from problem 004, refers to a shape
that is usually called “bent four in the corner”
This very special shape seems to be some kind of nightmare, especially for
beginners, so we will explain this shape in great detail here.
3681
Whereas a group in the centre with an eye space that consists of four
points in a bent row (upper right) is unconditionally alive, the “standard”
shape of “bent four in the corner” (lower left) is unsettled, due to the
special characteristics of the corner.
3682
1
Of course White can build two eyes for life with a move at 1.
3683
1
2 3
If it is Black’s turn, he will also occupy the vital point of 1. White’s only
chance to divide her eye space is to give atari at 2, but Black will capture
this stone immediately with a move at 3.
3684
ko
White’s group is in atari now, but there is also a ko in the corner.
3685
If Black wins the resulting ko fight, he will capture White’s group.
3686
e
e
If White wins, she will capture both of Black’s single stones in the corner,
and live with two eyes.
3687
If we provide White’s group with one outside liberty (○), its status will
remain “unsettled”.
3688
1
2 3
The sequence in the corner is the same as above. After Black 1, White 2,
Black 3, …
3689
A
ko
… White is unable to give atari at A, so there remains the ko in the corner.
3690
Here, White’s group has two outside liberties (○). Matters are quite
different now.
3691
1
2 3
After the “usual” sequence in the corner (Black 1, White 2, Black 3), …
3692
4
… White can give atari with a move at 4. Black is hindered by the rules to
connect at B, so White will get two eyes by capturing Black’s stones.
< Excursus – “Bent five in the corner” >
3693
Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that you will encounter the “core”-
version of a “bent four in the corner” that has been explained above, either
in reality, or in tsume-go.
For this reason, we will now explain an “extended” version of this basic
corner shape, which consists of five points in a bent row.
3694
Of course several of these five points are already occupied by opponent’s
stones, either a straight line of three stones, as shown here, or …
3695
… in a more symmetrical formation, like in this diagram.
In tsume-go, these “extended” versions of “bent four in the corner” are

considered dead, as they are in reality under the application of Japanese
rules.
Please note that external liberties of White’s group do not matter here,
because White is unable to approach Black’s stones that are inside her
3696
formation.
1 4
If Black is forced to take White’s group off the board, he will first connect
at 1 and then give atari at 3. With 4 White captures four stones.
Please note that – in a real game – Black would start this sequence only if
his group on the outside had no other means available to get a living shape.
3697
5
6 7
But Black 5 occupies the vital point of the resulting “bent four in the
corner”. Throwing in with 6 does not really help White, because Black
captures with 7.
3698
8
In tsume-go, the rest of the board is empty, so White does not have any ko
threats. Eventually, Black captures all of White’s stones with 9.
Historical note:
3699
In his work “Yōshin Teiki”, translated by John Fairbairn as SmartGo
book “Today We Have A Splendid Feast”, Inoue Dōsetsu Inseki, who
published the most difficult classical problem collection “Igo Hatsuyōron”
in 1713, calls this shape “劫盡” – “kōzukushi”. “kō” means “ko”, but
also “ko threat”, so Dōsetsu’s term means “all ko threats used up”,
implying that “bent four in the corner” is considered to be dead.
This treatment goes back over two centuries more than the Japanese 1949
rules.
3700
A
e B
Let’s explain this fact using a simple example in the corner. White’s -
group has an eye at e. Black’s -group is eyeless. Both marked groups
share two liberties, A and B.
3701
1
B
White is able to (but need not) occupy the point of 1, giving atari to
Black’s group. In principle, she can take Black’s stones off the board
thereafter with a move at B.
3702
1
B
Black, however, does not benefit from playing at 1. He is hindered by the

rules (suicide is forbidden) from further approaching White’s group with a
move at B to give atari.
3703
B
A
This diagram shows a “pure” keima. The relationship between White’s

stones is “two points in one direction, one point perpendicular to it”,
similar to the movement of a Knight in Chess (or in the Japanese game of
“Shōgi” = "Japanese Chess), thus the name.
3704
There are two potential cutting points, at A and at B. But cutting this
“clean” position is usually bad for Black, and not recommended.
3 2
1
4
Black 1 cuts at the lower cutting point. Black 3 is a cross-cut, but White
gets a ladder with 4, thereby massively strengthening her position.
3705
4
1
2 3
Black 1 cuts at the upper cutting point, but with a similar result as before.
3706
In order to cut successfully, Black simply needs friendly support nearby,
e.g. at least one of the -stones, which frustrate White’s hopes to get a
ladder in the appropriate direction.
Next page: Excursus – Strike at the waist of a keima
3707
B A
In this diagram, White’s keima is positioned near a very strong black

position ( ).
Again, there are two potential cutting points available (A and B), but Black
should remember that playing too near to his own strength is a waste of
3708
resources.
3
2 1
Black 1 cuts by “striking across” the keima, as far away as possible from
his supporting stones.
But pushing through with White 2 is usually considered to be very bad.

Black cuts with 3, and White’s position is in pieces.
3709
4
3 2
A better option for White is to play her move 2 from the outside, somehow
dodging Black’s cut.
With 4, White gets a certain amount of strength on the outside.
3710
1
However, simply pushing into the keima, with Black 1 here, is considered
vulgar, and usually a bad move.
3711
2 6
3 4
5
White sacrifices with her outside atari of 4, and the diagonal move at 6
provides her with good shape in the centre.
Black has “successfully” cut the keima, but he got nothing more than only
one white stone ( ).
3712
Let’s consider this position. There is Black’s descent to the second line at
the right ( ), so White has an open skirt on the bottom right.
3713
e 1
e
White is alive in the corner (e), but she would like to gain as much
territory on the bottom with the move at 1 here. This is quite large, so
Black would like to play a reducing move of his own beforehand.
3714
1
Black’s large knight’s move at 1 is widely known as “monkey jump”.

Black move is “safe”, because there is no way for White to destroy its
connection to Black’s allies waiting at the right ( ).
3715
2 A 5
4 3 B
Usually, White answers with 2. The solid move at 3 is one of Black’s

options. White definitely closes her territory with 4, and Black 5 saves his
two stones on the bottom, but only in gote.
In the current stage of the endgame, it is very likely that White will not
continue locally with giving atari at A, because there is no guarantee that
Black will answer with B, connecting his (only) two stones out.
3716
4 A 3
If Black wants to keep sente, he will play 3 as shown here. As before,

White secures her territory with 4. The point of A remains, but again, its
value is quite small.
3717
5
7
6
Even if White captures Black’s pivotal stone with 6, Black answer with 7,
and still has gained locally, compared to a white move at 7. In addition, he
was able to keep the initiative with his move 5, played elsewhere.
3718
1
Usually, the small knight’s jump to 1 here guarantees Black sente.
3719
4
2 3
This time, White will stop Black with the jump to 2 on the first line. Black
3 connects his pivotal stone to the outside in sente, because White must
close the border of her territory with 4.
3720
1
The diagonal move at Black 1 …
3721
4
2 3
… usually reverts to the knight’s move.
3722
On the edge, there are several different kinds of capturing a pyramid shape
that consists of four stones, which we will examine here.
If capturing White’s four stones with a move at 1 results in a solidly

connected Black group – as it does here – …
3723
2
… White will have to play at 2 in order to prevent Black from getting two
eyes. This means that Black’s initial move was sente.
3724
1
If Black’s shape is “un-connected” at one side ( ), capturing with Black 1

is sente too.
3725
3 2
White must play at the central point of 2 to prevent Black from getting two
eyes.
However, White’s move threatens to destroy Black’s eye with a move at 3,

so Black will usually play at this point to get at least one eye.
Please note that Black ends in gote here, a fact that might be easily
overlooked.
3726
1
If Black’s shape is “un-connected” at both sides ( ), capturing four stones

with Black 1 does not provide Black with any eye.
3727
3 2 4
White will occupy the central point of 2, leaving Black’s shape open on
both sides. If Black connects at 3, closing the left side, White will create a
false eye with cutting at 4 at the right, and vice versa.
3728
c
c
The basic shape of a bamboo joint can be seen on the left. It consists of
four stones ( ), and usually provides a strong connection between its two
partial groups. The two c-points are miai; if Black takes one of these,
White will take the other one.
3729
At first sight, it seems that we might be able to count ten liberties (8 * ○, 2
* c) for this shape, as many as with the group at the right, with four stones
in a solid row (10 * ○).
However, two (c) of these seemingly ten liberties are shared between the
bamboo joint’s partial groups. This might lead to unasked-for
complications if you are forced to play a move for establishing a real
connection on the board.
1
2
3730
If you are forced to maintain the connection between both partial groups
(e.g. after Black 1 with White 2, at the left), your opponent can
successfully reduce the liberty count by two liberties in sente. Thereafter,
only eight liberties are remaining for the bamboo joint, as many as with the
bulky four-stone shape at the right.
This means that – in the case of many opponent’s stones placed directly
adjacent to a bamboo joint, occupying most of its liberties – a bamboo
joint should be considered as a very bulky shape in total. The effect
described above might lead to a shortage of liberties then, so you will have
to be on your guard.
Environment matters.
3731
Let us examine one example. In the position shown, White is unable to
save her two -stones on the left, should it be Black’s turn.
3732
1 3 5
2 4 A B
Black 1 gives atari. If White connects at 2 (in a real game, she will not do
so), Black 3 gives atari to five white stones. Connecting with 4 makes the
issue even worse, because – after Black’s final atari of 5, White cannot
play at A, due to Black B. White has been caught too short of liberties.
3733
However, Black needs strong outside support to make the procedure
shown above work. Here, in this diagram, White’s two -stones on the
left are securely connected to the outside, via a chain of bamboo joints.
3734
4
1 3
2
The series of Black’s atari with 1 and 3 does not work any longer. White
simply captures with 4, gaining sufficient liberties back for her connected
group at the left.
3735
A
In principle, Black has to worry about the point of A on the outside now.
3736
This advice refers to moves on the first line, when your endangered group
is positioned on the second one. It is applicable for groups with a
minimum length of three stones.
White’s group has three liberties (○) on the first line.
3737
2
4
1 5 3
It will take Black three moves to take White’s group off the board.
3738
A white hane ( ) on one side only will not change the matter.
3739
2
4
5 3 1
Of course Black 1 starts on the other side. Again, he needs three moves to
take White’s three stones off the board.
3740
However, if there are white hane ( ) on both sides Black will run into
uncalled-for problems in approaching White’s group.
3741
2
1 3
The “simple” procedure will start on the outside, with Black giving atari at
1.
White will not answer locally, but has the chance to play elsewhere with 2.
After Black captures with 3, …
3742
… we have reached a similar position as with only one white hane ( ),
after Black played his first move. White’s group has two liberties (○) left.
3743
4
6
5 7
Black needs another two moves (5, 7) for taking White’s group off the
board, one more move than before.
White was able to play three moves elsewhere (instead of two moves
before). This means that White – if she is engaged in a local semeai with a
black group – has won a move. This gain of one move for White might
become decisive for the outcome of the local semeai.
3744
2
A 1 B C
It will not benefit Black to start with a throw-in at 1. White will still play
elsewhere with 2.
Now, a black move at A would return to what we have seen before, so

Black might try to play at B, or C, instead.
3745
3 4
If Black gives atari with 3 here, White 4 captures two black stones.
3746
The position reverted to the one with a white hane ( ) on one side and a
white group that has three liberties (○).
3747
6
8
7 9 5
Black needs another three moves to take White’s group off the board.
Again, White was able to play three moves elsewhere.
3748
4 3
Black’s other option is the atari of 3 here. White 4 has to capture two black
stones.
3749
White’s group has only two liberties (○), but none of these can be
occupied immediately by Black.
3750
6
5 7
Black needs to play an approach move on the outside with 5.
Capturing with 7 results in a ko shape, so Black will prefer the other line
of play, shown before.
3751
8
Again, White is able to play her third move elsewhere (8).
Allowing White to play hane on both sides of an endangered group loses

Black a move.
3752
Appendix – An unimaginable shape point
Problem 048
Black to kill.
3753
This diagram shows the problem that had been given as a kind of
“farewell problem” by the well-known Korean teacher Hwang In-seong
8d to the pupils of his upper Kyū / lower Dan class in Berlin shortly before
the end of his stay in the city.
This problem is a very beautiful variation of Gengen Gokyō’s original

problem that is called “Nine out of ten moves will not be correct.”
As you will see, the problem’s title is very telling. However, it should not
be taken too literally, as there are more than ten points to choose from.
But it is correct in the sense that there is only one correct move for
starting the solution sequence.
I strongly recommend that you use a real board, and real stones, for
your attempts to solve this problem. Please take your time before flipping
the page to reach the hints. And take even more time before stepping
forward to the solution.
Be severely warned that you would miss the highlight of this problem if
you continued too hastily and did not put sufficient efforts into finding the
correct line of play on your own. Once you eventually will have arrived at
the end of this chapter, you will have understood what it means to “solve a
problem thoroughly”.
As an exception to the rule, this problem diagram includes a large part of

the solution’s variation tree. Please do not be too surprised that the
program will always give you the feedback “This move is correct.”,
regardless of the fact that his behaviour will be mistaken in the
overwhelming majority of cases of the moves with number 1. You will be
told at the very end of the respective sub-variations whether your chosen
path was correct, or mistaken.
It will be a bit confusing to be told that a move is right but then end up
wrong with the whole sub-variation. I am very sorry, but I have not yet
found a better way to do it.
Please kindly understand that all the following problem diagrams of this
appendix are non-interactive!
3754
Next page: Index of Black’s candidate moves
3755
Index of Black’s candidate moves
1 1
C1 C4 D1
3756
1
1
1
D2 D3 D4
3757
1
1
1
E1 E2 E4
3758
1
1 1
F1 F2 G1
3759
1
H1
3760
○●○●○●○●○
1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Hints
3761
Hints
White’s maximum potential eye space (●) has the size of eight points. The
shape is quite bulky, but there are two dents, one on top, and one at the
right. This means that White will have sufficient options for partitioning
this area.
3762
White’s position consists of a lot of groups that are not yet solidly
connected with each other ( ).
3763
There are two lines of false eyes ( , ✕) visible on the board. However,
you will have to ask yourself whether it will be manageable to keep a
permanent stone on one of their end points.
3764
A
White’s stones on the first line ( ) hinder Black from directly

approaching White’s position on the edge of the board. This is true
especially for the corner, where Black is unable to occupy the point of A
immediately.
3765
White’s potential eye space is quite large, so there are many options for
creating a dead eye shape (△). This is the first one shown.
3766
3767
3768
3769
And this is the last one.
3770
A 4 4 4
4 3 3
B
White’s two-stone groups have four and three liberties, respectively.

White’s left side seems to be stronger than the right one, due to the
potential approach moves of A and B, which would be needed by Black in
the corner.
Next page: Solution
3771
Solution 048
According to Hwang In-seong, the most important shape point of this

problem is Black’s -stone. This slight modification of the problem’s
setup (the original has this stone at A) would provide an additional visual
barrier for finding the correct starting point.
3772
1
It is correct for Black to start on the outside, with 1 here.
No other move will do the job. Please refer to the index of Black’s
candidate moves for links to all the failures.
However, …
3773
… Black’s initial move produced such bad, bulky shape ( ), and therefore
is not a point that would leap to one’s eye.
3774
? 3 3
The value of this move is to immediately destroy all White hopes to get an
eye at ?, combined with reducing the liberties of White’s pair of stones
below to three.
3775
2
A
The bending move at 2 is White’s strongest reply.
Alternatively, White might consider playing at A, instead.
To be continued …
3776
3777
Problem 048 (follow-up I)
Black to kill.
3778
1
> 1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
4 >
> 5
○●○●○●○●○
3
●○●○●○●○●
9
3779
Black 3 occupies the other vital point of the problem.
3780
4
White is forced to maximise her potential eye space with 4. Otherwise, it

could be filled with a dead eye shape by Black.
Black’s placement of 5 prevents simple life for White’s group, by a white

move at the same point that would establish another eye above.
Additionally, this move threatens to cut at left, decisively reducing White’s
eye space.
3781
6 7 8
White is forced to connect with 6.
Black 7 hinders White from splitting her eye space, after which the
connection at 8 is White’s only hope for keeping her potential eye space
too large for becoming filled with a dead eye shape, thereby managing to
live in seki.
To be continued …
3782
3783
Problem 048 (follow-up II)
Black to kill.
3784
1
> 1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
○●○●○●○●○
9
●○●○●○●○●
3785
Black must cut with 9.
3786
10
12 11
White 10 gives atari from the left, and after the counter-atari of Black 11,
White 12 captures four black stones in a row. However, as we will see, this
capture will not be enough to get a living shape here, due to special shape
conditions.
3787
13 A
Black 13 occupies the vital point on the first line again, threatening a
snapback at right. White is effectively hindered to partition her eye space
with a move at A, because this would be self-atari.
3788
15
14
However, White’s shape at the right ( ) is very bulky, so she might try to
sacrifice her stones with 14. White hopes on the empty space there that
will be created by Black’s capture of 15.
3789
16
17
Indeed, White is able to cut at 16, really capturing some of Black’s stones
inside her formation.
However, Black simply connects at 17, and White will stop here.
Continuing would result in capturing only a dead eye shape, and so is
fruitless.
3790
< Return to the index >
Next page: Variation
3791
Black to kill.
3792
3793
1
> 1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3794
4 3
5
Black 3 takes one of the vital points inside White’s formation. It might be
tempting, but Black must not push into White’s formation from above,
instead.
White 4 tries to partition her eye space, but after Black’s throw-in of 5, …
3795
6 7
… White 6, and Black 7, are miai. White has got only one eye, and so is
dead.
3796
Next page: Failure
3797
048 Problem (variation – failure)
Black just pushed through the hole in White’s formation.
White to live.
3798
3799
1
> 1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 3
●○●○●○●○●
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3800
048 Solution (variation – failure)
4 5
Of course White blocks with 4. If – in a real game – White is unsure about

her reading, she might consider playing the safety-first move at 5 instead.
Black’s atari of 5 is fruitless, because White is able to capture with 6.

Black’s single stone inside White’s formation has only two liberties, and
3801
so has no scope for action.
7
9
Black 7 and White 8 are miai. Capturing with Black 9 does not help Black,
…
3802
10
… as White simply secures two eyes with the connection at 10.
3803
e
e
3804
White’s bending move at 4 provides her with a sure eye at the right, and
sufficient options for a second eye on the bottom line.
3805
6
7 5 8
Black tries the placement of 5 here, aiming at destroying White’s eye

shape at the left. Playing at 6, instead, will not work either.
White 8 captures two black stones, …
3806
9 10
… after which Black 9 and White 10 are miai. White got a living shape.
3807
e
e
3808
Variation for Black 5 (White 4)
5
6
Black pushes once more with 5. White 6 connects her forces along the
bottom line. This move is atari on Black’s two stones above.
3809
7
A 8
Black must connect with 7 to prevent the point of A becoming an eye of

White’s group (by capturing Black’s two stones), so White 8 occupies the
miai point for the life of her group.
3810
e
e
3811
Lessons learned
Thoughtlessly playing from the outside might help your opponent

solidifying their potential eye space (●).
3812
?
? ?
You will be unable to kill an opponent’s group if there are three valid
options for creating an eye (?), when you are unable to destroy any of
these in sente.
3813
Do not try to capture unimportant stones ( ). Your opponent’s main
forces might keep sufficient eye space (●) for life.
3814
Take the number of liberties (●) of your attacking stones into account.
Only two liberties might not be sufficient for success.
3815
Remember that creating a false eye in your opponent’s position requires
permanent stones on both ends of the respective line of false eyes ( , ✕).
3816
Black just played inside White’s formation, threatening to cut at right.
White to live.
3817
3818
1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3819
2
A
It is mandatory for White to answer at 2. Her potential eye space on the

bottom alone is not large enough for two eyes, so she has to prepare
another one on top.
She must not occupy the “usual” miai-point of A on the first line instead.
3820
A
3
Black 3 tries to prevent White from splitting her potential eye space
successfully. Black might consider playing at A instead.
3821
6
4 5
White 4 occupies the vital point of the problem on the first line. Black 5
and White 6 now are miai for two eyes.
3822
e
e
3823
Black might try this cut on the right, with his move 3.
3824
4 6 5
White gives atari with 4, after which the counter-atari of Black 5 is the
usual move to destroy White’s potential eye at the right in sente. If there
was only the position at the bottom, White would be dead now.
3825
8
However, White still has options for another eye in the centre, making
Black 7 and White 8 miai.
3826
e
e
3827
Lessons learned
Not every central point ( ) …
3828
… of every dead eye shape ( , △) is always a really vital point.
3829
When your attacking move inside does not carry a double threat, do not
leave two options for your opponent to partition their potential eye space
(●).
3830
?
?
?
options for creating an eye (?), when you are unable to destroy any of
these in sente.
3831
Black to kill.
3832
3833
1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3834
Black 3 simply destroys White’s potential eye at the right. White’s

remaining eye space is not large enough for two eyes.
3835
5
4 A
White is forced to immobilise Black’s intruder with 4. Otherwise, Black

would give atari at A.
Black 5 destroys White’s hope for the additional eye in the centre.
3836
6 7
White 6 and Black 7 are miai. White cannot get more than one eye, and so
is dead.
Simply trying to change the order of moves was fatal.
3837
3838
Lessons learned
With a dead eye shape in one part of your potential eye space you will lose
your group if your opponent is able to destroy your remaining option (?)
for getting another eye.
3839
Remember that it needs two moves in a row to partition a dead five-point
eye shape which central point is already occupied by your opponent.
3840
!!
!!
However, if there are holes (!!) in your encirclement it is very likely that
you must invest another (third) move. If you cannot close all the holes in
your encirclement in sente you will lose your group.
3841
Black just played on the first line inside White’s formation, aiming at a
false eye at the right.
White to live.
3842
3843
1
>1
> 2
> 3
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3844
White 2 occupies the problem’s vital point on the first line.
3845
4 3
Black 3 tries to maintain a bulky shape inside White’s formation, but

White 4 …
3846
5
… makes miai of Black 5 and White 6, so White got a living shape.
3847
e
e
3848
Lessons learned
Not every central point ( ) …
3849
… of every dead eye shape ( , △) is always a really vital point.
3850
When your attacking move inside does not carry a double threat, do not
leave two options for your opponent to partition their potential eye space
(●).
3851
Black just played a throw-in at the right.
White to live.
3852
3853
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3854
White 2 occupies the central vital point of the problem.
3855
4 3 5
Black 3 prevents easy life for White by playing at the same point, but
White’s descent of 4 leaves Black helpless. Capturing White’s single stone
on the bottom with 5, will not work.
3856
6
A B
White gives atari with 6, and Black cannot connect at A, due to White B.
Please remember that capturing three black stones would provide White
with an eye here. Black has no chance to destroy White’s second eye at the
left, so White is alive.
3857
e
e
3858
Lessons learned
Before attacking from the outside, consider carefully whether your

opponent might be able to turn their potential eye space into a long line of
empty points (●).
3859
2 2
Do not attack an opponent’s group just because it seems to be an easy

target to become captured.
3860
An opponent’s hane on the first line ( ) might hinder you from
successfully connecting your intruders ( , ✕) out.
3861
Consider the number of your own liberties (●) carefully.
3862
Black just threatened White’s potential eye space from above.
White to live.
3863
3864
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3865
White 2 occupies the problem’s vital point on the bottom, splitting her
3866
3
4
Black 3, played on the central vital point of the problem, and White’s
connection at 4, are miai. Black has no chance to connect his intruder out.
3867
9
7
8 10
6 5
Addressing a potential shortage of liberties of White’s group at the left,

with the diagonal move at 5, and the cut of 7, will end in vain. White’s
liberty in the corner (○) allows her to cut at 8, successfully closing the
borders of her formation. Black’s atari of 9 has no effect anymore.
3868
e
e e
3869
Lessons learned
Simply playing from the outside, but choosing a move that does not carry
an immediate threat, might leave an opponent’s potential eye space (●)
behind which has sufficient potential for partitioning.
3870
It might not be the best decision to leave a dead eye shape behind which
central point is still unoccupied, and so available for the opponent.
3871
?
? ? ?
If your opponent has three options for creating an eye (?) but none of
which you will be able to destroy in sente, your efforts for killing your
opponent’s group will end in vain.
3872
Black just played at the top left, taking a liberty of White’s left-hand
group.
White to live.
3873
3874
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3875
White 2 takes the vital point on the bottom again.
3876
3
4
The exchange of Black 3 and White 4 is already known to us.
3877
6
5
Black’s diagonal move at 5 is a bit tricky, due to Black’s initially played

-stone that takes a decisive liberty from White’s two-stone group below.
White will not connect in the corner, but play the calm move at 6, instead,
immobilising Black’s stones inside her formation. There is nothing Black
could do to stop her from getting two eyes.
3878
e
e
3879
Lessons learned
Simply playing from the outside but choosing a move that does not carry
an immediate threat, might leave an opponent’s potential eye space (●)
behind which has sufficient potential for partitioning.
3880
It might not be the best decision to leave a dead eye shape behind which
central point is still unoccupied and so available for the opponent.
3881
?
? ? ?
If your opponent has three options for creating an eye (?) but none of
which you will be able to destroy in sente, your efforts for killing your
opponent’s group will end in vain.
3882
w
w
w
Do not consider the visible liberties (○) of an opponent’s group only.
Opponent’s stones on the first line ( ) will hinder you to effectively

approach your target from the outside.
3883
Black just played on the first line, threatening to cut on the left.
White to live.
3884
3885
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3886
White is able to connect at 2.
3887
4
5 3
Black 3 occupies the vital point on the first line, but White 4 takes the
other one in the centre. Black is forced to connect with 5.
3888
6
White must maximise her potential eye space with the move at 6.
3889
7 8
10 9
Black remembers the course of the correct solution, and tries to revert to it
now. However, Black’s cut of 9 is fruitless, because White’s liberty in the
corner (○) enables her to give atari at 10.
3890
e
3891
Lessons learned
Forcing your opponent to solidify the borders of his position might leave a
potential eye space behind (●) that is too large to prevent partitioning.
3892
Placing a stone inside your opponents group that is positioned on the
outskirts of a potential dead eye shape ( , △) might fail if your move
carries only a single threat.
3893
048 Problem (failure VIII)
Black just played on the first line, threatening to cut on the right.
3894
3895
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3896
048 Solution (failure VIII)
Please note that Black’s initial move here, played at the problem’s vital
point, which is positioned on the first line, usually cannot be found in the
books.
The move at 2 is White’s only valid choice. She must not occupy the vital
3897
point in the centre of her formation, instead.
3 4
5
With 3, Black has occupied both of the vital points inside White’s
formation. Therefore, White must be satisfied with giving the counter-atari
of 4, and …
3898
7
6
8
… eventually gaining a ko for the life of her group with 8. Black is unable
to connect with 7 at 8, because White would get a second eye with playing
at 7.
3899
ko
3900
e
e e
3901
3902
Lessons learned
Before playing on the outskirts of a dead eye shape ( , △), consider

carefully what will happen after your opponent occupies the dead eye
shapes central point.
3903
You might be effectively hindered to complete a dead eye shape ( , △)
…
3904
?
… if your opponent has options for another eye (?) at their hands that are
positioned far away from the part of your opponent’s potential eye space
(●) which you want to keep bulky.
3905
048 Problem (failure IX)
White just played a bending move inside her position.
Black to kill.
3906
3907
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3908
048 Solution (failure IX)
3
4
Occupying the central vital point of her formation was not correct for
White.
Black 3 threatens White’s potential eye space from above, so White is

forced to close the borders with 4.
3909
6 5 7 8
But now, Black reverts to the sequence of the solution with the placement
of 5. White 8 is her last hope to get a seki, but …
3910
10 9
12 11
… Black cuts with 9, and White’s group will die.
3911
13
Black’s placement of 13 makes White helpless.
3912
3913
Lessons learned
Consider carefully whether placing a stone inside your own formation

might leave a potential eye space (●) behind, of which one of the vital
points for partitioning is already occupied by your opponent.
3914
!!
Take into account that your opponent might be able to attack a hole (!!) in
your formation in sente.
3915
Take into account that you might be forced to connect your cutting points (
) in order to keep sufficient eye space inside your formation.
3916
3 3
If one of your partial groups has only three liberties it might become the
decisive weakness of your position.
3917
048 Problem (failure X)
Black just cut on the left.
3918
3919
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3920
048 Solution (failure X)
White 2 maximises her potential eye space.
Alternatively, White might play at A, the central vital point of the

problem.
However, she should not start with occupying the other vital point on the
3921
first line. Capturing Black’s just played stone instead will be fatal.
3 4
7 5 6
Black 3 further attacks at the left, and White has to defend by occupying
the central vital point of the problem with 4. White has a sure eye at the
right now.
Black 5 aims at connecting out, but there are still White’s single stones in
the corner. White 6 is an atari, so Black has to capture in the corner, with
3922
7. A ko shape results in the corner.
10 9 8
White, however, has an internal ko threat at her hands with 8. Black must
throw in at 9 to destroy White’s potential eye there.
White recaptures in the corner with 10, and the ko fight effectively starts
now.
3923
ko
Please note that you will not find this ko fight in the books, because it
depends on the modification in the problem’s setup. The next problem will
show you what happens if the corner is a bit farther away.
3924
e e
3925
3926
Lessons learned
Attacking your opponent’s potential eye space on the outside might leave
an empty area inside behind that still has several options for partitioning.
3927
ko
An opponent’s ko shape in the corner ( ) is likely to serve as a barrier that

will hinder you from easily connecting your stones out.
3928
048 Problem (failure X – classic)
This diagram shows Black’s initial move played in the original problem
settings. Please note that the corner is one line farther away here.
There are variations of this position in the books, where Black’s -stone
is positioned one point lower. Please find out for yourself which difference
3929
to the solution will arise.
Black just cut at left.
White to kill.
Next page: Solution
3930
048 Solution (failure X – classic)
White 2 maximises her potential eye space.
3931
A 3 4
6 5
Black 3 further attacks at the left, and White has to defend by occupying
the central vital point of the problem with 4. White has a sure eye at the
right now.
Black 5 aims at connecting out, but there are still White’s single stones in
the corner.
White 6 connects her two stones in the corner, aiming to continue with a
3932
move at A, which would create an eye on the 1–1 point below.
9 10
7
8
Black 7 starts a partial semeai in the corner, but White is one move faster,
and captures three of Black’s stones with 10.
3933
11 12
Capturing three stones in a row means one eye, so throwing in with Black
11 is fruitless.
3934
e e
3935
Lessons learned
Attacking your opponent’s potential eye space on the outside might leave
an empty area inside behind that still has several options for partitioning.
3936
Consider carefully whether opponent’s stones on the outside ( ) are likely
to serve as a barrier that will hinder you from easily connecting your
stones out.
3937
12
12
Mind the value of the 1–2 points in the corner for creating eye shape.
3938
048 Problem (failure X – variation):
White just played a bending move inside her formation.
3939
3940
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3941
048 Solution (failure X – variation):
Black is forced to add another stone with 3. Otherwise, Black could not
stop White from getting two eyes.
3942
4
White maximises her potential eye space with 4.
3943
5
7 6
Again, Black 5 is his only choice. White gives atari with 6, and after Black
7 captures in the corner we have got the same ko as before.
3944
10 9 8
White has an internal ko threat, at 8.
3945
ko
Black must find the first valid ko threat in this direct ko.
3946
e e
3947
3948
048 Problem (failure XI):
3949
3950
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3951
048 Solution (failure XI):
The throw-in of Black 3 destroys White’s potential eye at the bottom right.
3952
4
5
White is forced to occupy the second vital point of the shape with 4. She
now has one eye for sure at the right.
Black 5 is the first step to stop White from also getting an eye at the left.
3953
6
8
7
9
As “usual”, White maximises her potential eye space with 6. Black 7 is

mandatory, and after the atari of White 8, Black 9 captures in the corner
and starts the ko fight for the life of White’s group.
3954
ko
Here, it is White who has to look for the first valid ko threat. This means
that she should have taken the central vital point first.
3955
3956
e e
3957
Lessons learned:
Not every central point ( ) of every dead eye shape ( , △) is a really

vital point.
3958
ko
If your stones build a ko shape in the corner ( ) it is likely that these will
serve as a barrier that will hinder your opponent from easily connecting
their stones out.
3959
048 Problem (failure XII):
White just captured Black’s stone in the corner.
Black to kill.
3960
3961
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 2
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3962
048 Solution (failure XII):
Black 3 occupies the central vital point of the problem. White has no
chance anymore to get two eyes.
3963
6
4
5
White 4 covers one of her weaknesses, after which Black has to throw in at
right with 5 in order to reduce White’s potential eye space there. Black 6
will not result in an eye below.
3964
7
8
Black 7 prevents the division of White’s eye shape. White 8 is a desperate

attempt to reach a seki.
3965
10 11
A
Black 9 creates a dead eye shape, and is also an atari.
After White’s connection with 10, Black will not capture in the corner
(this would lead to an approach-move ko) but simply play on the outside
with 11 to kill White’s group. There is no seki, due to White’s cutting
point at A.
3966
3967
Lessons learned:
Think twice before capturing a single opponent’s stone. You might leave
an empty dead eye shape (△) behind.
3968
048 Problem (failure XIII)
Black just played a clamp on the left.
White to live.
3969
3970
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3971
048 Solution (failure XIII)
White 2 immobilises Black’s intruder, simultaneously preparing the

division of her eye space.
3972
3 4
Black’s placement of 3 does not work, White simply connects at the right
with 4.
3973
6
5
Black cannot escape with 5; he is stopped by White 6.
3974
9
7
10 8
Trying to create a shortage of liberties on White’s side with Black 7 is

fruitless. White calmly answers with 8, and there is nothing left that Black
could accomplish.
3975
12
11
There will be no false eye at the left.
3976
e
e
3977
Lessons learned
Before playing on the outskirts of a dead eye shape ( , △), consider

carefully what will happen after your opponent chooses the “natural” reply
and occupies the central point of that dead eye shape.
3978
Your just played stone might become part of a long line of points (●) that
could be partitioned easily.
3979
048 Problem (failure XIV)
Black just played into the hole on top of White’s encirclement.
White to live.
3980
3981
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3982
048 Solution (failure XIV)
White 2 defends her territory successfully.
3983
3
If Black saves his pivotal stone, with 3, White chooses the standard move
at 4 to reach a living shape.
3984
5
6
Further attempts by Black will end in vain.
3985
e
e
3986
Lessons learned
Thoughtlessly playing from the outside might help your opponent

solidifying their potential eye space (●, ?).
3987
?
? ?
? ? ? ?
You will be unable to kill an opponent’s group if there are two areas where
your opponent could build eyes (a larger, and a smaller, one) and you will
be unable to destroy the larger one (otherwise good for two eyes alone) in
sente.
3988
Do not try to capture unimportant stones ( ). Your opponent’s main
forces might keep sufficient eye space (●) that could be partitioned easily.
3989
Take the number of liberties (●) of your attacking stones into account.
Only two liberties might not be sufficient for success; very likely you will
suffer from a counter-attack.
3990
Remember that creating a false eye in your opponent’s position requires
permanent stones on both ends of the respective line of false eyes ( , ✕).
3991
048 Problem (failure XV)
White to live.
3992
3993
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
> 1
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
3994
048 Solution (failure XV)
White simply captures with 2.
3995
4 3
As usual, no shortage of liberties will develop, even if Black tries with 3.
3996
7 6 8
5
9 10
Again, Black has no chance to establish a false eye at the left.
3997
e
e
3998
Lessons learned
Before trying to capture an opponent’s group, carefully count the liberties

of the involved groups (●, ○). Usually it will not be sufficient to have only
as many liberties as your opponent.
3999
Consider carefully whether your opponent’s obvious reply might help to
build a potential eye space that consists of a long line of points (●).
4000
048 Problem (failure XVI)
Black just played a clamp on the first line at the right.
White to live.
4001
1
>1
> 2
> 3
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 2
> 2
> 2
> 1
> 1
> 1
○●○●○●○●○
> 1
●○●○●○●○●
2
> 2
> 3
> 4
> 5
3
9
Next page: Solution
4002
048 Solution (failure XVI)
White 2 simply captures Black’s intruder.
4003
3 4
Black’s counter-atari of 3 will not help. White 4 secures an eye at the right.
4004
5 6
7 8
Black 5 tries to gain a ko, but White 8 captures two black stones for life.
4005
e e
e e
4006
Lessons learned
Do not play a clamp on the first line, if your move carries a single threat
only.
4007
Before playing on the outskirts of a dead eye shape ( , △), take into
account that your opponent’s “natural” response will be to occupy the
central point of that dead eye shape.
4008
Just placing a stone on the outskirts of your opponent’s potential eye space
(●) might not be sufficient to prevent its partitioning.
4009
Lessons learned
This chapter is a collection of core messages taken from the “Lessons
learned” that can be found in this book.
Please be well aware that these hints are taken only from failure
variations. So it is still your task to find your own way of identifying the
correct lines of tsume-go problems.
4010
Table of contents
1–2 point
Atari
Attack
Capture
Connecting
Dead eye shape
Defence
False eyes
Inside
Knight’s move
Ko
Liberties
Moves
Outside
Sacrifice
Semeai
Snake
Snapback
Two areas
Zigzag line
4011
1–2 point
Do not forget the value of the 1–2 points in the corner for making eyes,
especially on the 1–1 point. Even small areas could be partitioned
successfully.
Do not believe that every 1–2 point in the corner is always the initial clue
to the solution.
Not every 1–2 point in the corner is a real vital point.
If both 1–2 points are still unoccupied, consider the order of moves
carefully.
Avoid letting your opponent get both 1–2 points, so becoming the owner
of the corner.
Do not force your opponent to occupy a 1–2 point in the corner if you
cannot prevent the other one being also taken.
Your opponent will not allow you to occupy both 1–2 points in the corner.
4012
Atari
Especially if the endangered stones cannot avoid being captured.
In general, an (initially played) atari is never a vital point of the problem.
Your opponent might be able to sacrifice the endangered stone(s),

remaining a potential eye space that is large enough to enable life for their
(main) group.
While your are busy with capturing some unimportant stone(s), your
opponent gets two moves in a row elsewhere to consolidate their position.
Be warned of a counter-atari / counter-attack on your just played stone.
Always consider the effect of an obvious answer move by your opponent
that forces you to really capture.
4013
Attack
Consider carefully how to attack a decisive weakness of your opponent’s
formation. Not every move will be automatically correct.
Attacking the wrong weakness first might allow your opponent to occupy
the central point of a dead eye shape in the corner.

weaknesses.
Avoid creating a new weakness in your position if you want to
successfully attack your opponent’s position from the outside.
When attacking some of your opponent’s stones inside your formation, do
not forget about your own weaknesses on the outside.
4014
Capture
Think twice before trying to capture some opponent’s stones!
Especially if the endangered stones cannot avoid being captured.
Thoughtlessly capturing some of your opponent’s stones on the outside

will leave the bigger fish bounce off the hook.
Your opponent might be able to sacrifice the endangered stone(s),
remaining a potential eye space that is large enough to enable life for their
(main) group.
While your are busy with capturing some unimportant stone(s), your
opponent gets two moves in a row elsewhere to consolidate their position.
Do not let yourself be confused by a large bunch of stones that might be in
certain danger of getting captured.
Trying to capture important stones of your opponent might force the

consolidation of their position.
Capturing some of your opponent’s stones, in order to consolidate your

position, might leave a dead eye shape behind.
Capturing one single opponent’s stone might provide you with only a false
eye.
Your opponent will always think twice before capturing some of your
stones that are in atari.
Do not assume that your opponent will be eager to capture any single stone
just because it is not yet connected to the outside.
Do not give your opponent the opportunity to capture important stones.
Being able to capture three opponent’s stones in a row usually means one
eye.
4015
Connecting
Before you play a move to hinder some of your opponent’s stones from
connecting out, carefully consider whether these might become part of a
dead eye shape inside your formation.
Remember that connecting (one of) your stones out will usually be gote,
probably enabling your opponent to play two moves in a row.
An opponent’s hane on the first line might hinder you from successfully
connecting your intruders out.
Consider carefully whether opponent’s stones on the outside are likely to

serve as a barrier that will hinder you from easily connecting your stones
out.
4016
Dead eye shape
The central point of a dead eye shape is often a vital point of the problem.
Not every central point of every dead eye shape is a really vital point.
Especially if your initial move might force your opponent to turn a
previously bulky eye space into a straight and winding one that can be
partitioned easily.
Reducing your opponent’s potential eye space to a dead eye shape is not
sufficient for killing their group. You must be able to occupy the dead eye
shape’s vital and central point successfully.
Consider carefully which seemingly vital point to choose if your
opponent’s potential eye space is too large to be filled with one dead eye
shape alone.
Before playing on the outskirts of a dead eye shape, consider carefully
what will happen after your opponent occupies the dead eye shape’s
central point.
Do not let your opponent occupy the central point of a dead eye shape.
Do not force your opponent to occupy the vital point of a dead eye shape.
Capturing only a dead eye shape will not be sufficient for the life of your
group. Remember that it is your opponent’s turn thereafter.
Remember that it needs two moves in a row to partition a dead five-point

eye shape which central point is already occupied by your opponent.
4017
Defence
If defending, avoid playing a move that leaves a dead eye shape in the
corner behind.
When maximising your potential eye space, consider whether you are only
surrounding a dead eye shape.
If you are too cautious with defending your potential eye space, it might
become too small.
Defending one of your weaknesses in gote will allow your opponent to

exploit the remaining one(s) immediately.
When trying to solidify your formation on the outside, pay attention to
holes left that could be attacked by your opponent in sente.
Defending “inside” might be fruitless if you leave too many weaknesses
on the outside behind that could be attacked by your opponent in sente.
When trying to defend one of the cutting points in your formation, do not
create an additional one.
Avoid creating a new weakness in your position if you want to remove an
existing one.
Your opponent will not allow you to play two moves in a row for
partitioning your potential eye space.
4018
False eyes
You must keep a permanent stone on both ends of a line of false eyes in
order to let this line work effectively.
When playing a stone inside your opponent’s formation that addresses a
line of false eyes, remember that your initially placed stone must survive
in order to become a stable end of that line.
4019
Inside
Playing a move inside that only forces the opponent to solidify their
position but does not include a second aim, e.g. preventing the division of
the remaining eye space, is useless.
Do not play a move inside that allows your opponent to partition the eye
space, if it does not carry a second threat of successfully connecting out.
Not every point of your opponent’s potential eye space is a vital one.
Missing the vital point inside will not hinder the opponent from creating an
elongated potential eye space.
Missing the vital point inside will not hinder the opponent from occupying
the central point of a dead eye shape.
Thoughtlessly placing one of your stones too far inside your opponent’s
potential eye space might result in this stone becoming an integral part of
the large territory of a living group.
Do not forget that you might be forced to connect your intruders out.
Consider carefully whether your opponent has a move available that
blocks your escape route in sente.
Do not take it for granted hat your intruder will keep its central position
within your opponent’s potential eye space.
Consider whether the opponent’s intruders might hinder you from splitting
your potential eye space. If so, you must find a way to capture your
opponent’s stone(s) that are inside your formation.
4020
Knight’s move
A shared small knight’s jump on the first line alone usually does not
provide a secure long-distance connection between two groups.
Your endangered group needs sufficient liberties to allow its connection to

the outside via a large knight’s jump on the first line.
4021
Ko
Do not start a ko fight (too) early! This might affect the relationship of ko
threats in your opponent’s favour. Usually, it is best to capture the ko last.
When setting up for a ko fight, do not allow your opponent a remaining

potential eye space that still might become partitioned by two moves in a
row. Your kindness will make you need more ko threats than necessary.
When caught in the preparation for a ko fight, do not forget to create
approach-move difficulties for your opponent.
When caught in the preparation of a ko fight, do not let your opponent
strengthen their formation.
Even if you fight a ko for the life of your group, please remember that
capturing only a bulky shape of opponent’s stones might not be enough to
create a living shape.
Unnecessarily making an approach move of your own, instead of

recapturing in a ko fight, will benefit your opponent by one ko threat.
Avoid a ko fight at the 1–1 point in the corner if your own stones are
arranged only on a zigzag line. Remember that usually you will be unable
to finish the ko in one move – by connecting it – due to a shortage of
4022
Liberties
Never forget to count the liberties of the partial groups that are caught in a
semeai.
Partial groups that have only three liberties might become the decisive
weakness of the position.
Shared liberties might result in a sudden shortage of liberties.
Do not consider only the visible liberties of a group. You might be

hindered to approach your target immediately.
Stones on the first line will hinder you to effectively approach your target
from the outside.
Two hane on the edge, played on each side of an opponent’s group might
give that group one additional effective liberty.
Do not underestimate that capturing some of your surrounding stones

might increase the liberty count of an opponent’s group that is under
attack.
When reducing the liberties of an opponent’s group, do not leave a

weakness of your own behind.
4023
Moves
A preparatory sente move, played too far away from your object of desire,
might not guarantee success.
Do not give your opponent the opportunity to play a multi-purpose move

that threatens to the left, as well as to the right.
Do not consider it a matter of course that your opponent will not have any
options to change the order of moves.
Only a few opponent’s forcing moves might be sufficient to divide a living

eye space.
Do not give your opponent the opportunity to play two moves in a row.
When leaving two weaknesses behind, remember that you might not be
able to cover both of these simultaneously.
4024
Outside
borders of the potential eye space of their group, as well as easily
partitioning it.
Consider carefully whether your move from the outside really contains an
immediate threat. Your opponent might be able to ignore it.
Reducing your opponent’s potential eye space to a dead eye shape is

fruitless if your opponent is able to occupy the central point of that shape.
Reducing your opponent’s potential eye space from the outside is fruitless
if you leave a long line of (empty) points behind that could be partitioned
quite easily.
Reducing your opponent’s eye space from the outside is fruitless, if you
leave a potential eye space behind that might be too large to be filled with
a dead eye shape.
Only slightly reducing your opponent’s potential eye space from the
outside might not be sufficient to kill, especially if your initially played
move does not carry a second threat.
Do not reduce your own potential eye space from the outside. You might
leave only a dead eye shape behind.
4025
Sacrifice
Do not sacrifice important stones.
Consider carefully whether your remaining main forces have sufficient
room left for making two eyes.
Think twice before saving a single stone of your own.
4026
Semeai
Consider the liberty count of all the involved groups carefully. Do not
forget your own groups.
Usually it will not be sufficient to have only as many liberties as your
opponent.
When caught in an attack to kill an opponent’s group, do not forget about
your own weaknesses in your surrounding position.
Remember that you cannot count shared liberties twice.

Take into account that shared liberties might vanish rapidly, resulting in a
potential shortage of liberties for the then connected group.
Only two liberties for one of your own groups might not be sufficient for
success.
4027
Snake
Do not force your opponent to establish an eye space which consists of too
many (empty) points in a row. The sheer length of this line might prevent
you from creating a dead eye shape inside.
Playing “inside” might not really attack your opponent’s weakness. There
might remain a long line of points for the potential eye space that could
still be divided into two, creating a living shape.
If your opponent’s potential eye space already consists of a long, straight,

line of points, it might not lead to success to immediately attack that line
“inside”. Some preparatory measures from the “outside” might be called
for.
Do not force your opponent to enrich a long line of points with a dent at its
centre.
4028
Snapback
Before aiming at capturing an opponent’s group by means of snapback,
make sure that your surrounding groups are free of weaknesses.
Remember that a snapback does not guarantee leaving an eye space behind
that could become partitioned easily.
4029
Two areas
If your opponent has two already separated areas in which eyes could be
established for their group, you must not play a gote move in any of these.
If the potential eye space of your opponent is already divided into two
separate areas, reducing one of these from the outside does not make sense
if you are not able to prevent its partitioning in sente.
If the potential eye space of your opponent already is divided into two
separate areas, robbing the eye of the smaller one does not make sense if
the larger one can still be easily divided into two.
options for creating an eye, when you are unable to destroy any of these in
sente.
4030
Zigzag line
Remember that stones that are arranged on a zigzag line are likely to suffer
from some shortage of liberties, hindering you from connecting these
stones out successfully.
While you are busy with connecting your stones out, your opponent will
get some useful forcing moves to create a living shape.
Connecting your stones out might not be possible if there is an additional
cutting point in the line of your (potential) supporters.
Your opponent will know about the weakness of stones that are arranged
on a zigzag line. Do not follow wishful thinking that your opponent will be
so very kind as to not cover this weakness in their position.
4031
References
You will find many more references to printed versions of “Gengen
Gokyō” at Sensei’s Library.
Hashimoto Utarō 9p:

“Gengen Gokyō”
Sankaidō, 1979, ISBN 4–381–00570–8
Cho Hye-yeon 9p:

“Baduk Classic: The Profound and Mysterious”
CJ E&M, 2014, ISBN 979–11–85635–08–8
John Fairbairn:
“The Gateway to All Marvels”
SmartGo Books, 2012
Hwang In-seong 8d:

Yunguseng Dojang
4032
My books
The most difficult problem ever: Igo Hatsuyōron 120
4033
The most difficult of all Go problems, created by Inoue Dosetsu Inseki
(1646 – 1719), has still not been solved by professional Go players. The
long-standing collaboration of three amateurs from Germany and the
United Kingdom has now found the answer!
This book celebrates the problem-collection’s 300th anniversary and is the

most comprehensive collection of information about this stunning
problem. The book discusses what the authors believe to be the solution to
4034
the problem, including an in-depth treatment of the failed lines. All move
sequences are explained in great detail. The same is true for the additional
work on theoretical issues that are fundamental to the problem (e.g.
hanezeki, approach-move liberties, and ko).
English, German
SmartGo Books, 2013
$9.99; 805 pages; 1 problem
4035
Igo Hatsuyōron 120 – An Elephant in Slices
4036
The most difficult of all Go problems, created by Inoue Dosetsu Inseki
(1646 – 1719), has still not been solved by professional Go players.
“How do you eat an elephant?” is the usual management consultant’s reply

when being asked how to manage a huge project.
This book presents this difficult problem in 120 slices. Each aspect of Igo
Hatsuyōron 120 is explained using relatively simple individual problems,
4037
so you can understand the entire puzzle.
Enjoy a journey through time — look over the shoulder of Dosetsu and get
a picture of how he composed his masterpiece.
SmartGo Books, 2015

$6.99; 484 pages; 121 problems
4038
Igo Hatsuyōron 120 – Below the surface of most difficult problem
ever
Igo Hatsuyōron is the most difficult of the classical books on tsume go.
This problem collection was compiled in 1713 by Dosetsu Inseki, the third
head of the Inoue Go School, and was designed for the training of the
highest calibre students at the school. It was kept secret from all but a few
of them, who studied the book under the direct supervision of the Inoue.
183 problems (of estimated more than 1,500) have survived to modern
times.
Unfortunately, all others were lost in fire.
Among these the most difficult is #120, widely believed to be the most
difficult Go problem ever created, which has still not been solved by
professional Go players.
The long standing collaboration of three amateurs, from Germany, and the
United Kingdom, has found the answer!
Get the whole story in two volumes. Over 1,100 pages in the hardcover
edition!
Published in 2015.
4039
– Our solution to the problem.
– Explains the general structure of the problem in large detail.
– Contains a large number of variations.
608 pages
Buy with Lulu.com; € 20.96 (+ tax)
Read on our website
4040
– The professionals' solution to the problem.
– Contains all the variations that are known to us.
– Gives deep insights into the ups, and downs, of our research.
– Explains several structural elements of the problem in great detail.
496 pages
Buy with Lulu.com; € 18.72 (+ tax)
4041
Read on our website
4042
Table of Contents
Tsume-Go Strategy 2
Copyright Page 5
Introduction 6
Contents 9
Legend: Important shape points and further points of
30
interest
Problems 73
Problem 002 154
Problem 003 201
Problem 004 249
Problem 005 332
Problem 006 377
Problem 007 476
Problem 008 503
Problem 009 541
Problem 010 576
Problem 011 641
Problem 012 679
Problem 013 746
Problem 014 837
Problem 015 896
Problem 016 956
Problem 017 1014
Problem 018 1090
Problem 019 1166
Problem 020 1304
Problem 021 1368
4043
Problem 022 1480
Problem 023 1522
Problem 024 1571
Problem 025 1624
Problem 026 1675
Problem 027 1735
Problem 028 1900
Problem 029 1927
Problem 030 1967
Problem 031 2015
Problem 032 2058
Problem 033 2159
Problem 034 2268
Problem 035 2494
Problem 036 2567
Problem 037 2610
Problem 038 2655
Problem 039 2804
Problem 040 2916
Problem 041 3002
Problem 042 3124
Problem 043 3232
Problem 044 3289
Problem 045 3359
Problem 046 3408
Problem 047 3503
Excursus 3610
Excursus – Linear shapes vs. bulky shapes 3612
Excursus – Dead eye shapes 3621
4044
Excursus – A descent to the edge of the board 3631
Excursus – The 1–2 points in the corner 3639
Excursus – How to defend a cutting point 3649
Excursus – Real eyes vs. false eyes 3653
Excursus – Adding a second stone for sacrifice 3656
Excursus – Capturing two stones on the edge 3671
Excursus – Cutting points reduce your options for connecting out 3677
Excursus – Bent four in the corner 3681
Excursus – Bent five in the corner 3694
Excursus – One eye beats no eye 3701
Excursus – Cutting a keima (knight’s move) 3704
Excursus – Strike at the waist of a keima 3708
Excursus – The art of reducing third-line territory 3713
Excursus – Capturing a four-stone pyramid shape on the edge 3723
Excursus – Liberties in a bamboo joint 3729
Excursus – Play hane on both sides for an additional liberty 3737
Appendix – An unimaginable shape point 3753
Lessons learned 4010
References 4032
My books 4033
4045

Tsume Go Strategy

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Tsume Go Strategy

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This ePub is provided without Digital Rights Management (DRM),

allowing you to read it on your ePub reader of choice. We trust that

This ePub includes problem diagrams. If your ePub reader supports

To make sure the solution diagram of a problem is hidden, switch to a

Learn to Recognize Vital Points in Go Problems

This book tries a novel approach in offering an important intermediate step

© 2015, Thomas Redecker, Berlin. All rights reserved.

“The problems are too difficult!”

… reads a typical complaint which occasionally accompanied the solution

For most of the problems in question these comments were quite

Over a long period of time I thought about a suitable kind of presentation

However, I am firmly convinced that even double-digit Kyū players will

And be seriously warned: There is nothing available like an “easy-to-

Many thanks go to Marcel Grünauer who painstakingly proofread this

Berlin, December 2015

Problem 001 Problem 002 Problem 003

Excursus – Dead eye shapes

Excursus – A descent to the edge of the board

Excursus – The 1–2 points in the corner

Excursus – How to defend a cutting point

Excursus – Real eyes vs. false eyes

Excursus – Adding a second stone for sacrifice

Excursus – Capturing two stones on the edge

Excursus – Cutting points reduce your options for connecting out

Excursus – Bent four in the corner

Excursus – Bent five in the corner

Excursus – One eye beats no eye

Excursus – Mind the environment

Excursus – Cutting a keima (knight’s move)

Excursus – Strike at the waist of a keima

Excursus – The art of reducing third-line territory

Excursus – Capturing a four-stone pyramid shape on the edge

Excursus – Liberties in a bamboo joint

Excursus – Play hane on both sides for an additional liberty

Dead eye shape

“1” / “2” / “3” / “4” / “5”

1 start main line

Please note that we display “branching moves” of a superordinate level

Text in bold font refers to a problem (mainly failure diagrams).

Text in normal font refers to a variation.

Losing the initiative. A move which need not be answered.

Initiative. A move which is answered.

A skilful move that is the best play in a local position.

The field of “Life & Death” problems.

< Go to the next problem >

- When tapping on a “correct” solution point, the respective stone will be

This is useful for two reasons:

Next column: Variation tree

Next page: Hints

< Excursus – Linear shapes vs. bulky shapes >

< Excursus – Dead eye shapes >

This kind of move often plays a decisive role in tsume-go, because it

In particular, it might become easier to connect seemingly enclosed stones

< Excursus – A descent to the edge of the board >

In this diagram, a “line of false eyes” is marked ( , ✕).

If White eventually manages to establish own stones at both ends of such a

< Excursus – Real eyes vs. false eyes >

In addition, one of these liberties is shared by both groups, so there is the

Next page: Solution

White 1 jumps to the 1–2 point on the left edge.

< Return to the hints >

< Continue with the solution >

Next page: Problem (follow-up)

< Continue with the solution >