In go, one of the most difficult things ...

By Rob Van Zeijst

In go, one of the most difficult things to contemplate is sacrifice. Beginners are extremely wary of this tactic because a loss is easy to imagine while a gain is difficult to visualize. To make it seem worthwhile, the terms "bait" and "investment" should be used. Strong players invest in their stones and throw bait at their opponents.

The game we began last week makes active use of sacrifices. Let's continue this game for the Meijin title between current Meijin Cho U (Black) and challenger Satoru Kobayashi.

Diagram 1 (1-21 represents moves 25-45): Black has just sacrificed the two stones marked with triangles. The problem is what should he do with the three stones marked with crosses. Generally, he would play as in Reference 1, but in the game he continues to sacrifice by pincering with 1. White then exchanges 2 for 3 to strengthen his marked stone before capturing Black's stones with 4 through 12. After 13, White has little choice but to attach at 14 to strengthen his marked stone. Cho would not normally play at 15 and 17 because it gives White a lot of territory, but in this case, it is good for Black as he can develop the lower right with 21.

We will continue this game next week.

Reference 1: If Black does not want to sacrifice his marked stones, playing at 1 is a good strategy. If White is also attached to his marked stone, we might get the sequence through 9. Even though White secures a lot of territory at the top, Black benefits. However, things are different if he exchanged A for C or B for D (as in the game) before doing anything else.

Hints for improving your game

Many joseki (standard corner exchange) use sacrifices. Joseki are good study material, not for memorizing, but for many strategic maneuvers and tactical ploys.

Diagram 2: The moves through 6 are a joseki. What should White do next? If White tries to move away with his stones, Black's marked stones will prove to be in a good position to attack.

Diagram 3: White should sacrifice his marked stones by playing at 7. The moves through 18 are a joseki. After 19, Black's marked stone is isolated and this is adequate compensation for the loss of White's marked stones. But his loss is not that large. Black can still extricate his stones with A. White could also play at B, followed by the sequence black C, white D and black E. In that case, Black's territory will not be much larger than White's.

Solutions to last week's problems

Solution 1: In this onadare (avalanche) joseki, Black should play at 1 and 3. Black can squeeze White in the 4 for 5 exchange. White must come back with 6 to capture the marked stones. Black then exchanges 7 for 8 and defends with 9. Black has successfully sacrificed his three marked stones to build up the outside. Depending on his strategy, Black can still play either at A or B in sente (keep initiative) as White must defend at C.

Solution 2: Before White plays at 3, it is important to make the 1 for 2 exchange first. After the sequence through 14, White will pull out his stones with A, B or C. This is the basic shape of this joseki. There are many variations, but White's three stones in the corner are sacrificed to seize the initiative in the center.

Reference 2: If White plays at 1 immediately, Black will respond with 2. White 3 and 5 are a clever combination, but White is in trouble after 8. White can exchange C or D for A, but Black has the initiative. Note that white A will be answered by black B. In effect, Black has saved one move (at C) in the corner to take the lead in the center.

New problems

Problem 1: In a six-stone handicap game, the moves through 5 are a common strategy for White. Black could keep the marked stone in play, but it is also possible for him to sacrifice it. How should he do this to his own advantage?

Problem 2: The double hane is often associated with sacrifice. Black can implement such a strategy with 4 (hane) and 6 (double hane). How should White respond? Try to work out two completely different sacrifice strategies for White.

Want to find out more? Come to Ben's Cafe in Takadanoba, Tokyo, (03) 3202-2445, where the English-speaking community congregates every Sunday. You can enjoy free lessons, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Ben's Cafe can be accessed at www.benscafe.com.

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