Was Masaki Takemiya,

By Rob Van Zeijst

Was Masaki Takemiya, 9-dan and former Honinbo, right when he said there might be an overriding difference between Japan's strong pros and Cho U, the top dog in Japan now. In reaching the endgame of a running commentary, Takemiya said top pros generally covered all their weaknesses to safeguard a sure win. In contrast, he said Cho would keep up the pressure by playing great moves to ensure he gained the maximum profit.

Are Japanese pros too easily satisfied? Why aren't they mentally hungry and eager? Ten years ago, Japan ruled the go world. But it is now clearly behind South Korea, and, in fact, even the top players often lose against the Chinese. However, there are signs this is changing. Recently, teams of five players from Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan battled it out for the 4th CSK Cup. Cho was born in Taiwan, so he played on the Taiwan team. Japan's team, therefore, was not as strong as it could have been.

Japan and South Korea ended up with the same number of wins at 10, while China had eight and Taiwan two. However, as South Korea's team captain won all three of his games against two for Japan's captain, South Korea took the title. Japan missed out but not by much.

Now let's continue the game we started last week between Cho U (Black) and China's Yu Bin for the LG Cup.

Diagram 1 (1-27 represent 51-77): White's last move is the marked stone. This invasion aims at attacking at 7, but Black ignores it and secures his stones in sente with 1, then switches to 3, making a territory of about 40 points in the lower left. Black definitely has grabbed the lead. White scores a lot of points (about 15) when he captures two stones with 26. However, this move loses the game. When Black plays at 27, White cannot build up a large territory on the lower side. Instead of 26, White should have extended at A. In cooperation with the two stones marked B, White could have built up a large center framework. At some stage, Black would probably have invaded somewhere, giving White an opportunity to attack and turn the tide. In the end, White resigned.

Diagram 2 (1-57): This is the 4th game of the LG Cup between Cho and Yu. Cho is White. The combination 12 and 14 is a relatively new development, with a strong follow-up threat (see Reference 1). This is why Black reinforced quickly with 19. Black 21 is aimed at invading at 35, but it is too early. Even after this invasion, Black's stones on the right are all on the second or third line. White 34 is a good move (see Reference 2), as is white 42 (see Reference 3). This is why Black exchanges 43 for 44 before defending with 45.

Reference 1: Whenever he wants to, White can start a ko with 4, 6 and 8. He needs ko threats to start it, though. Should Black play at 1, White can prepare for the ko by exchanging 2 for 3, then start the ko. White 10 is an excellent ko threat. Black is in trouble.

Reference 2 (black 9 connects where 6 was taken): If Black tries to cut the white groups with 1, White shouldn't connect at 3. He should play at 2. If Black cuts, white 4 and the throw-in at 6 work well. If Black follows white 8 with 9 where he had taken 6, white 10 would capture all of Black's stones. Note: White can also exchange A for B whenever he wants.

Reference 3: If White plays at 1 immediately, black 2 is a good move. This puts pressure on White's marked stones, while aiming at invading at A or B. On the other hand, when White plays C (as in the actual game), Black shouldn't play at D immediately.

Solutions to last week's problems

Solution 1A: White 1 (the 1-2 point) is the vital point. If Black plays at 2 and captures with 4, White plays at 5 (where the marked stone was taken). After 7, Black's stones are dead.

Solution 1B: To avoid the above scenario, Black should resist with 2. However, white 3 sets up a ko. Black can take the ko first with 4, but it is a hanami-ko (flower-viewing ko) as White has little at stake while Black may lose his whole corner.

Solution 2A: Again the 1-2 point is the vital point. If White plays at 2, etc., after black 1, Black will live in sente when White captures with 6.

Solution 2B: If White resists with 2, it becomes a ko in the sequence through 6. This is a serious ko for both players. Black will lose his group if he loses the ko, but if Black wins the ko (by capturing three stones with A), he also sets free his two marked stones.

Failure: Black 1 is no good. White 2 through 8 would kill the black group.

New Problem

Problem: Black to play and make two eyes. Where should he play?

Van Zeijst is a four-time European go champion and European representative at the Fujitsu World Championship.