All About Go

Dia. 1: The nirensei fuseki.

The first example is called the nirensei fuseki (dia. 1). In Japanese, nirensei means (roughly) "two star points in a row." It became popular in the 1930's and involves playing two corner starpoints on one side of the board. It does not secure the corners entirely, but aims for quick development across the borad.

Dia. 2: The sanrensei fuseki.

The sanrensei fuseki (dia. 2) is also popular. Sanrensei means "three star points in a row" in Japanese. It focuses on influence towards the centre more than territory, because the three black stones support each other and will be useful during fighting.

Dia. 3: The orthodox fuseki.

The orthodox fuseki (dia. 3) is another common fuseki. It balances territory (the enclosure) and influence (the 4-4 stone). Black would benefit from a strong framework on the right side, so White's next move is usually there.

It can be challenging to learn all the principles behind the opening phase. In general, remember to play "big" moves and avoid creating weak groups. If you have weak groups (with no base or eyespace), they might be attacked while your opponent strengthens their own stones.

Dia. 4: The shoulder hit.

The shoulder hit (dia. 4) is a stone which diagonally approaches an enemy stone on the third line. It is useful when reducing the opponent's influence and increasing your own. In the diagram, Black will usually defend at A or B in response to White's shoulder hit. In most cases, it is bad to ignore a shoulder hit and play elsewhere.

Dia. 5: Invasion of a three space extension.

Invasions occur in most games. There are many ways to invade an opponent's potential territory. An invasion of a three space extension (dia. 5) is common. There are many variations here. The purpose of an invasion is to enter a new area, but it important to plan ahead and make sure your invasion is not helping your opponent secure an even large area neraby.

The middle game is often complicated, and fights are common. You must consider the positions of stones across the entire board when playing. Try to remember what you have learned about shape and frameworks, and try to attack the opponent while strengthening your own positions.

Dia. 6: Endgame example where White has to respond (move 4).

In the endgame, look for sente moves (dia. 6) and play them first. In the diagram, White blocks Black 1 with 2. Black defends the stone with 3, and White defends the cut with 4. Because White played last, Black can now play another endgame move elsewhere.

Dia. 7: Endgame example where Black has to respond (move 3)

Try to avoid gote moves (dia. 8) until there are no more sente moves remaining. "Gote" is the opposite of "sente" - your opponent does not need to respond and will take sente. In the diagram, Black defends 1 with 3, and White can play elsewhere.