Discussions on world trade ...
By Rob Van Zeijst
Discussions on world trade not only focus on economics but also touch on philosophical matters, such as whether our world is ever-expanding or a zero-sum situation where one person's gain is another person's loss. Of course, immaterial matters, including knowledge and ideas, can expand forever, accompanied perhaps by material things like pollution. But finite resources, such as fossil fuels, typically invoke zero-sum scenarios where gains are temporary and debts are passed on to future generations.
Viewed in this light, go as a zero-sum game is simple. Some pros actually refer to the go board as "the world" and even as an expanding or shrinking world. Former Honinbo O Meien even did a series of lectures on "Expanding the World." Trying to keep things simple by slowing down your opponent is a personal gain. One way is to force him to make a move. This is called kikashi.
Now let's continue the final game for the Kisei title, in which challenger Keigo Yamashita (white) swept titleholder Naoki Hane 4-0 to take home the \42 million prize.
Diagram 1 (1-47 represent moves 35-81): Basically, three exchanges take place in this diagram: at lower right, on the left, and at top right. In the first exchange, Black takes the corner and White grabs the outside. In the sequence on the left, Black profits from his position while allowing White to connect his stones and build thickness. The third exchange at top right is more complicated. When Black invades at 25 a fierce running battle breaks out. Usually tobi, one-point jumps such as 26, 27, 29, 30 and 37, are one way to move out into the center. The object of our study is found in the kikashi exchanges 32-33, 34-35, 38 through 43, and 45-46. We will discuss these moves in Diagrams 2 to 5. In the end, Black switches to 47, a large endgame move, to take the lead in solid territory. How much can White expand in his center? We will continue this game next week.
Hints for improving your game
Although the term kikashi usually refers to a short exchange involving only a few moves, expanding on that idea to include both strategic and tactical sequences will help your general understanding of the game.
Diagram 2: White's marked stones are fairly weak. White 1 is the first kikashi, which aims at strengthening these stones and attacking Black's. If Black tries to capture this stone with 2, White forces the sequence through 13, and then connects underneath with 15. Now White is strong and Black very weak.
Diagram 3: After 3, if Black foolishly answers with 4, White will exchange 5 for 6, and then connect with 7. If Black tries to split White with A, this will be followed by white B, black C, white D, black E and white F. Black will live, but White's marked stones are connected and strong.
Diagram 4: Therefore, in response to 3, Black must connect solidly at 4 to avoid allowing White to exchange A for black B in sente. If White connects with 5, Black can exchange 6 for 7 and then cut with 8. If White pushes with 9, black 10 captures white 5. If White plays 7 at 9, Black will cut through at 7. This will strengthen Black's stones.
Diagram 5: After the marked stone, Black played the 1-2 kikashi to prevent White playing at A (we discussed this earlier). White 2 makes an eye-shape but also threatens to cut at B. In response, Black exchanges 3 for 4 and then plays elsewhere.
Solution to previous problem
Solution 1: Before ensuring life with 5, Black should first exchange 1 for 2 and if the ladder is good, 3 for 4. That way he gets some territory on the lower side while denying White an eye-shape.
Reference 1: When White kills Black with 4, Black cuts with 5, the premise being White cannot capture this stone in a ladder with 6 even if White plays at 9 after black 7. If this is possible, Black should not play at 3. With an unfavorable ladder, White must connect at 8 and Black sacrifices his corner to builds great center thickness with 9 and 11.
New problem
Problem 1: How can Black strengthen his stones by forcing kikashi?
Want to find out more? Come to Ben's Cafe in Takadanobaba, Tokyo, (03) 3202-2445, where the English-speakidng 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.