In his book "The Inner Game of Tennis," ...

By Rob Van Zeijst

In his book "The Inner Game of Tennis," W. Timothy Gallwey argues that if we are to master or find satisfaction in playing any game, we have to consider the relatively neglected skills of the inner game, the game that takes place in the mind. This game is played against such obstacles as lapses in concentration, nervousness, self-doubt and self-condemnation. To improve our game, the objective then is not to beat the opponent, but to conquer, or at least live at peace with, these obstacles. In this respect, placing too much value on winning or being afraid of losing are other obstacles. Playing overly aggressive or exceedingly cautious are symptoms of this.

Hints for improving your game

Having a detached attitude will help you find the honte, or proper, move. This is often a cautious move that leaves behind no aji, or bad potential, that the opponent can exploit. Since it usually has a slow feel to it, weaker players feel they should be more aggressive. However, a honte move often serves as a base to direct attacks from. In a game between Masaki Takemiya and Koichi Kobayashi, both 9-dan, Takemiya (White) gives a perfect illustration of a honte move.

Diagram 1: The pattern 1, 3, 5 and 7 form the so-called Kobayashi fuseki (opening), and white 8 is a way of dealing with it. In the sequence 8 through 14, White gains influence in the center, while Black profits with 11, 13 and 15. Where should White move next?

Diagram 2: White 16 is the honte move because it makes an excellent shape. Instead of developing his own position with C or D, or attacking the marked black stone at E, Takemiya chooses to defend his stones. Rather than playing wishy-washy defensive moves at A or B, white 16 is a move that gives Black no points for attack.

Diagram 3: One of the most common situations when a honte move is needed is if a ladder is in place. The moves through 11 form a joseki, resulting in a ladder. Black can play this joseki only when the ladder is favorable, i.e. when White cannot escape with A.

Diagram 4: After that, it does not really matter where White plays, Black should be prepared to play at 1--that is honte.

Solutions to last week's problems

Solution 1: If White plays elsewhere, black 1 is honte. This move eliminates the aji. In addition, he can build territory at the top. However, instead of playing elsewhere, White can exploit the corner as shown in Reference 1 and 2.

Reference 1: White can take the corner with the sequence through 7. Black can turn the corner into a ko, but before doing so, it is honte for Black to bottle up the marked white stone with 8. Next, White can live unconditionally in the corner now, e.g. by playing at A.

Reference 2: If White wants to build influence at the top, he can make the exchange 1 through 4 in sente, and then switch elsewhere. Note there is a cut at A. If Black plays here, White would discard four stones by pushing Black down with B, etc. all the way to the edge.

New problem

Problem 1: This diagram shows the result of a joseki. Black 1 can be an effective move to develop the left side. Black also aims at a placement at A. How should White defend?

Problem 2: Most dan players know this joseki. They also know White's next move. Where should it be and why?

Want to find out more? Come to Ben's Cafe in Takadanobaba, Tokyo (03) 3202-2445, where the English-speaking go 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 European representative at the Fujitsu World Championship.