As there is a strong relationship ...

By Rob Van Zeijst

As there is a strong relationship between vocabulary and reading ability, it stands to reason that reading skills improve as vocabulary expands. Without a comprehensive vocabulary, it is virtually impossible to think adequately in a language, particularly when we try to describe something abstract.

Taking this concept a step further, learning and using the proper terms for such strategic games as go, chess and shogi can help you improve the level of your play. Therefore, amateur go players should familiarize themselves with the many terms used in go to raise their level of thinking.

Hints for improving your game

Over the past few weeks, we have discussed the concept of the honte, or proper move.

To illustrate honte, we started a game last week between Pak Jung Sang and O Meien (White) for the Samsung Cup in 2001. When O failed to play honte a huge battle erupted.

Diagram 1 (1-17 represent moves 37-53): A believer in huge moyos (frameworks of potential territory) that move around and appear out of the blue, O offers exciting games because he mounts large-scale attacks. However, when he attacked two invaders with the marked white stone, his opponent refused to be fazed and counterattacked with 1. The moves through 6 follow naturally while 7 and 8 are typical pro moves. However, after these moves, the sequence through 16 is forced. As Black can still lay waste to the left with A, followed by the sequence white B, black C, white D and black E (and later, black F). After 17, Black has a good game. Black has turned the tables on White by building his influence in the center while his marked stones at the bottom are not threatened.

Reference 1: In retrospect, instead of playing at A in the actual game, it was better for White to play the honte at 1. Black will probably exchange 2 and 4 for 3 and 5, and then head into the center with a move like 6. His weakness around B does not pose an immediate threat so he can switch elsewhere or continue his attack. This is the solution to last week's Problem 2.

Diagram 2: After white 28, black 29 is the honte to make an eye-shape, as is the combination 30, 32 and 34. The latter move prevents a nozoki move ("peeking" between two enemy stones) at A. If this happened, White would have to defend at B, which would not kill him but Black would have many opportunities to attack this white group later. On the other hand, white 34 also threatens to cut at C or approach at D. To take away all threats, black 35 is honte (a two-space jump to the star point would not be enough).

Last week's solutions

Solution 1: The shape here is part of a joseki. Black can play elsewhere to keep his options open. If he does, white 1 is honte as it eliminates all of Black's possibilities. Black now needs to defend with 2.

Reference 2: If Black does not answer the marked white stone, white 1 and 3 are a good combination. If Black cuts with 4 and 6, White captures three stones with 5, 7 and 9.

Reference 3: The moves 1 through 5 are a joseki. Black would choose this option if he wanted to develop the lower right.

Reference 4: Black can also opt to develop the left side by playing at 1. The moves through 6 form a joseki. Note Black should not exchange A for B, as this is aji-keshi, meaning that he would eliminate all his possibilities.

Reference 5: On the other hand, Black can also choose a newer variation by pushing once more with 3, before defending with 5. The moves through 8 are a joseki. This may look much better than Reference 4 but Black's stones need urgent reinforcement. He can exchange A for B and extend to C or D.

New problem

Problem 1: This is a common situation where White invades the corner. The moves through 13 are a joseki. Black needs another move to bottle up white 7. Both A and B do the job. However, one of them leaves more aji (potential) for White to exploit. The move that leaves the least aji is honte. Which is the best move, A or B?

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.