212 28 5MB
English Pages [220] Year 1991
Test Your Go Strength
y)
50 Whole Board Problems
by Naoki Miyamoto, 9-dan
THE ISHI PRESS
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2022 with funding from Kahle/Austin Foundation
https://archive.org/details/testyourgostrengO00Omiya
ee rs
Fieve ey é
ty
Test Your Go Strength ‘ by Naoki Miyamoto, 9-dan
translated by Richard Bozulich
The Ishi Press, Inc. Tokyo
Published by The Ishi Press, Inc. CPO. Box 2126
Tokyo, Japan
©1975, 1991 in Japan by The Ishi Press, Inc.
All rights reserved according to international law. This book or any parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publishers.
First printed in December 1975 under the title: What's Your Rating? Second Printing September, 1991
Printed in U.S.A.
PREFACE This book is the first volume of a collection of problems from the popular series which has been appearing
in the magazine ‘Igo Shincho’ over the last number of years. It is a unique series in that by solving these problems and recording your score you can get some idea of your actual go strength. The problems are divided into three first part consists of 20 problems on second part 20 problems on the middle third part 10 problems on the endgame.
you have 10, 8, 6, bad it is. sheet on
a choice of five moves.
paree parts; the
the fuseki, the game and the In each problem
Each move
is given
4 or 2 points depending on how good or how At the beginning of each section there
which to keep your
score
as
you
go
is a
along
with a rating for the number of points scored in each section.
If you approach these problems as if they occured in
one of your own games, I’m sure that this book will both be interesting and increase your strength by one stone.
Naoki Miyamoto,
9-dan
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PART I FUSEKI
PROBLEMS
SCORE FUSEKI
PROBLEMS
Problem
1
SHEET
Your score
\ Peabo
|
11
| 3
| Your score
12 |
13
4
14
hans:
is.
6
ine
al
46
7
IL
8
18
)
19
10
20
Total Score 64 points or less 66-78 points 80-92 points 94-104 points 106-118 points 120-132 points 134-144 points 146-158 points 160-172 points 174-182 points 184-190 points 192-198 points 200 points —6—
6-kyu or under 5-kyu 4-kyu 3-kyu 2-kyu 1-kyu i-dan 2-dan 3-dan 4-dan 5-dan 6-dan 7-dan
|
PROBLEM
1.
There are so many who did not become
Black
to Play
big points to play that a player confused would be quite strong.
"Your choice
| A |B| C |D
E |
ANSWER Answer
Always
TO PROBLEM
1
E: Correct
remember
the ones which,
that
the
biggest
rather than simply
extensions
being
are
big points
along the side, contain a threat of attack.
Compare the difference if White is allowed to play 1 in Ref. Dia. 1. On the other hand, after Black plays 1 in Ans. E, he can play a-capping move
at 1 in Ref. Dia. 2, eclipsing
any prospects White might have had on the right side.
Answer C Extending from the corner enclosure in the lower right
with 1 is the usual move
in the
opening
stages,
then White would be able to get breathing room right side by playing 2.
B Black could also jump
but
on the
Answer
into
the
middle
of White’s
position on the left side; no matter from which direction White attacked, Black could secure a base by extending to either ‘a’ or ‘b’. Should Black play this move, White would be unable to make a large area on the left side, but such
a move
is too
power of Answer E.
conservative
and
lacks
the
Answer
D
Attacking the white stone with i in the upper right is also a good move,
2 and the outcome
but again,
White
can extend
is not as interesting as
you
to
might
have expected.
Ans.
Answer
D
A
Black 1 is off target. If White atacks with 2, you have almost no room to maneuver. If you want to invade the left side, play Black 1 in Answer B because there you can make an ideal extension in either direction.
move |A|B|C|D|E points
2|6|8 |4 |10
PROBLEM When
2
Black
to Play
trying to find the best move,
it is often help-
ful to look at the position from your opponent’s point of view.
|Your choice
|4| B| C|D| E
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
2
Answer B: Correct
Black 1 is the most important point on
the
board.
White is almost forced to defend with 2, after which
Black can take up position on the right side with 3. If Black neglects to play 1, White can turn at 1 in Ref. Dia. 1 and his potential for constructing a large terri-
ig,
++
ae
+
|
iS)
Os nik
——]
+@totoO4
HH : HH .
oo
fe
tory on the left side is greatly increased
compared
to
Ans. B. In place of Black 1, to play at ‘a’ first would be in the wrong direction. White would simply respond at 1 and, depending on Black’s next move,
either play
at ‘6’ or invade at ‘c’.
Answer
E Black 1 is the ideal point on the right side. However,
after White 2, White’s territorial potential on the left
is increasing. It is necessary to limit the size of the left side by first playing 1 in Ans. B. Answer
A
The kakari at Black 1 is certainly a big move, but important point. Moreover, compared to the move on the right side, it is not as big.
it misses the most
Answer C Since the white stones in the upper
left are
alive,
it is pointless to contain them with Black 1. This gives White the chance to jump into the right side with 2.
Answer
Moves
D
as restrained as Black 1 should never be made.
Black 1 in Ans. right side.
E is the correct
points
way
to play on the
PROBLEM
3
Black to Play
You might be surprised when you see the answer to this problem. |Your choice
A |B |Cc]D
E |
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
3
Answer E: Correct Black 1 is certainly conservative, but it is a calm and collected way of playing.
This point is important be-
cause White is strong in the lower right corner. is allowed to invade at 1 in Ref.
Dia.
If he
1, he will take
the initiative by pressing the three black stones, forcing Black to defend, and the subsequent moves will give him influence throughout
the whole board.
Answer
A
It is usually good to make an extension from a corner enclosure,
but
White
2 is a severe
move.
With
4,
White has taken the initiative.
Answer
B
You probably thought that it would be a good idea to press the lone white stone on the upper side with Black 1. It isn’t any good, though, because White 2 will force
Black into a low, creeping position on the upper side.
Answer
D
In spite of Black i, White 2 has not lost its effectiveness.
Black 1 makes no contribution to mapping out
territory along the right side.
Answer C The invasion at Black 1 is completely unreasonable. White’s position here is so strong that after White 2, Black has no way to rescue his stone.
PROBLEM
4
White
to Play
Where’s the point in this position? |Your choice
|A |B |C |D
E{
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
4
Answer C: Correct
Extending to 1 is an excellent move which helps the two stranded white stones.
If Black plays 2, White can
jump out lightly to 3 and now the two black stones on the upper side are under attack.
It would make a big
difference if Black got a chance to attack the two white stones with 1 in Ref. Dia. 1.
Answer A White
A
1 is too
quiet,
and
take this opportunity to extend between White be clear.
Black
will
to 2.
est immediately
The
difference
1 here and White 1 in Answer C should
Answer B Of all the big moves
is certainly the smallest.
in this position,
White 1 here
Black’s formation in the lower
left is so strong that there is no effective way to attack its
Answer E
It is not a good strategy to invade at the 3-3 point. With the joseki sequence to 18, Black gets a beautiful wall radiating power throughout the whole board and the future of the two white stones in the upper
right
looks bleak.
Answer
D
White can defend his two stones directly with 1, but
a good result cannot be expected. This move only causes Black to strengthen his lone stone by provoking an
PROBLEM
5
Black
to Play
This problem may seem a bit strange, but in go even one line makes a difference.
|Your choice
A |B |4 1B aiew 2 |
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
5
Answer A: Correct
Because White is strong in both the upper and lower left corners,
a two-point
extension
to Black
1 is the
most concise and steady way to play. Instead of 2, if White attacks by playing 1 in Ref. Dia. 1, then Black 2 becomes
a good move.
Black is thus able to secure
a position on the left side no matter from which direction White attacks.
Ans.
A
Res.
Dia.
1
Answer
B
;
It is not exactly bad for Black to extend out a little more strongly with 1, but when White presses with 2, Black at ‘a’ is not as good a response as it was in Ref. Dia.
1 because
it leaves an invasion at ‘0’.
Answer C With an extension as large invade directly with 2 and
as
make
Black 1, White
things
can
complicated.
Any larger extension will give you a lower score.
Answer D You cannot expect a high score if you approach strong positions too closely.
This goes against the principles
of go.
Answer E
By now worst
you
probably
understand
that
extension.
move |A) B|C|D points |10
8|6|
4
Ps
this is the
PROBLEM Are you anxious
6 _ Black
about
White’s
to. Play large
area
on
lower side?
|Your choice
|A |B |C |D
E |
the
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
6
C: Corrrect
The way
to nullify White’s six-stone wall is to cap
with Black 1. White
must
answer
with 2, after which
Black can start to build his own large territory on the left side with 3. You may wonder why 1 is the crucial point, but just consider the case where White plays 1,
As.
1G
Ref. Dia. 1
as in Ref. rence.
Dia.
White
1, and you will understand 1 is the ideal way to make
with wall on the right.
Black 1 kills
two
the use
diffeof the
birds
with
one stone; it inhibits White’s territorial development while building up Black’s own on the left side.
Answer A Black 1 is an excellent move
attack the
because it prepares to in the upper left, but
two white stones the best way to carry out this plan sequence in Answer
C.
is to follow
the
Answer
B
Black 1 gives White the perfect opportunity to jump
to 2. The urge to take territory on the third line is in this case mistaken.
Answer
E
This move
ae
is off the mark.
2, Black 1 will become
play a kakari, tion.
After White replies with
a burden.
If Black
wants
to
he should play it from the other direc-
Answer
D
Black 1 is too aggressive.
After White 2, there
no way for Black to live.
move points
|4|B|C|D|
E
| 8 | 6 |10| 2 |4 !
!
is
PROBLEM With this one move,
7
Black to Play
you can get a won
|Your choice | A |B| C |D
position
E
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
7
Answer C: Correct
Because the black positions on the lower
right
and
left are strong, the invasion at Black 1 is just the move. If White jumps to 2, Black keeps up the pressure
by
following him out with 3, leaving White with two weak,
separated groups.
lead.
This attack will put Black into the
If he fails to
make
this
defend by playing at 1 in Ref.
invasion
Dia.
1.
White
will
Answer
E
OF all the alternatives, Black 1 is the best. However, Black misses his chance when White defends at 2.
Rather than defending with a move like 1, it is better to put emphasis on attack.
Ans.
A Black 1 is a solid move, but it is too relaxed.
E
Answer White
defends with 2.
Again,
Answer
Black
B
1 only
forces
White
to play
the
move
he
wants.
Ans.
Answer
B
D
Black 1 here is even
worse than Answer B.
to have no follow-up.
;
@4
ah.
igola la
|
ato ja a]
Ans.
| J)
D
points] 6 | 4 |10] 2 |8
==
=>
It seems
PROBLEM The move
8
Black
to’ Play
you want to play contains a threat.
|Your choice
ie
fee
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
8
B: Correct
Black 1 is a big move which threatens to invade at ‘a. The sequence in Ref. Dia. 1. shows how this invasion is carried out. If White gets a chance to extend to 1 in Ref. Dia. 2, the opportunity will be lost.
Otte ett tet opt Hp Bgmasamosok ++ @ ag
baie
st
Ans.
B
Answer D This is a good point to play if you are anxious about the upper right corner, but Black is strong in the lower right, so he should not worry about fighting in the upper right.
Answer A Black 1 is overly defensive. chance
to extend to 2.
White now gets a good
Answer E There is no hurry for Black to play here. White takes this point,
Even if Black can still link up to his
stone on the right side.
ae
t
a
Ss ees
|
a
Oe ee Se ed oolacla ea
Ot +t
tebe
CeO
at
+—t—+-
TOR
SSS
Ans.E
AnswerC
Because White is strong in the upper left corner, is unreasonable for Black to invade
with
probably survive the attack beginning
1.
with
but in the end it will be to his disadvantage.
points
6 |10
2| 8
|
He
it can
White 2,
PROBLEM Is the next move
9
White to Play
a big point or an urgent point or
is it both? |Your choice
| A |B |C |D
E
|
ANSWER Answer
White
TO PROBLEM
D: Correct
1 is really
a severe
move.
attack the black stone in the lower threatens
9
1 in Ref.
Not only does right,
Dia. 1. After White
but
Dia.
BesonEsuoeou
5) jae geeeoeeeeo LOE
fSEEEHEEEEEE EEE pt+H tot tet 40 vet
iat it te
Ot
TR,
IDeb,
=o
Il
it also
1, therefore,
Black will have to take the point 1 in Ref.
+FO+e+ Loro@o+cere
it
1.
Answer C This is the standard move
to make against the black
corner enclosure in the upper right corner, tainly is big, but Black 2 is even trails one step behind Black 2.
bigger.
so it cerWhite
1
Answer A
Of course White would hate to see Black play at 1, so he might like to play there himself first, but after exchanging 2 for 3, Black can take up a position on the lower side with 4.
tt ttt t+ t eo ea I BODO AEH + U Dooounepemede a EEOC GaSe ane
aed
Answer
E
It is common
sense
in go
never
to
make
a long
extension like 1 in such opening positions as this.
The
reason is that Black will be able to press
into
White
a low position with 2.
Answer
White De
B
1 is premature because Black can attack with
PROBLEM
10
Black to Play
Your first intuition will probably
be
the
right
swer.
|Your choice
Ad B)|.Culepsieea|
an-
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
10
Answer E: Correct It’s a big move to grab the
lone white stone with Black 1. Should Black neglect to play here, White will jump out with 1 in Ref. Dia. 1 causing a lot of
trouble. If you play Black 1, everything will be secure. the profit is big.
Also,
ach
Be ia |
aE 4 +
ies aa Os |a
{—}
“1a
+—
e+
Answer C The extension to Black 1 is also profitable. However, even though this move is big, it’s still not as big as Answer
E.
nas
rt
=
te: alls
ie
Oe
eau @+@-— re
t
Hees Or snare Hoe ++
[ieclesl
Sms ea
A7DSeae
Answer
B
In the opening, over big extensions, sent,
its value
a kakari but here,
is decreased.
usually
takes preference
since White However,
© is pre-
complications
could arise out of this move. ¢
=
{
ll
d tO + FR + Ot tat© Faical [ a HE O+ AE -EH E+ @s eal
ie
{——
Answer There
A are situations in which this is a playable move,
but here it is quite irregular.
the upper left corner,
If you have to play in Black 1 in Answer B is the only
place.
Benes
ees
| Horton
-@---@ | sy ae alte etle =
oy el eaee
cic
0:
otter ttt
t@4t—
eee +++++00Q008 td mo C) =e
[|
:
Cy
ESF AERE
Answer
|
le
RHE:
D
White would be overjoyed
to
see
Black
play
at
1
since it gives him a chance to connect at 2. Now white need no longer be worried
about
a cut
exchange is unfavorable for Black.
| move |A Bl c|p|z| points | 4 |GS}
[8 |2|10 etsy |
at
2.
This
PROBLEM This
is a 3-stone
11
Black to Play
handicap
game.
A
good
would be one that gives you a strong position. |Your choice
| A |B| C |D
E
|
move
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
I1
D
Pushing with Black 1 and 3 is playing
scale.
on
a grand
Especially in handicap go, the solidity of Black’s
wall is attractive.
White
will have great problems try-
ing to find a way to reduce this territorial fromework. On the other hand,
if White
gets to play 1, 3 and 5
in Ref. Dia. 1, Black won’t be able to get much territory here.
HEE iS
GOTO]
iy
air ahaa
—
Ss 3
S
-1.
—@-++1-@+. i
a
Lt
10 Do
LE
@. AE Be Oi PRIS }
[
|
Seer
+@+
Dube
Soi
@
a +
Pe Ses
se
@
Ie
a 0ee
ae
aad SOOT SSRMaAse Uae ee
i
ease L
rT
O2
oe
salu Sie ach ® ae
a Ate t+@O)
oe
OL
Raped
Answer
C
This is a good solid move.
But it doesn’t
compare
to the grand scale of Answer D.
Answer
A
Black 1 is a rather good point since now Black’s territorial framework runs from the left side to the lower right. However, this move is still not as big as Answer D.
a r seit
Answer
B
White’s stones in the upper left are a bad idea to approach them with more,
strong,
Black 1.
so
it’s
Further-
there’s no hurry to play in the upper right.
tet Answer
E
This is a bad move because it’s played in the wrong direction.
White can now wipe out
Black’s
territory with 2, 4 and 6.
morn BBE:
[8|10)
potential
PROBLEM
12
Black to Play
Where’s the biggest move on the board?
|Your choice
| A| B| C|D| £|
ANSWER Answer
B:
TO PROBLEM
12
Correct
It’s time to strike at the vital point of the corner enclosure in the upper left. This is the biggest move on the board. The exchange of 2 for 3 is expected, but it is very important to divide the left side. It would be too big to let White get the left side with 1 in Ref. Dia. 1.
paral Toiml
cane
4
cee
ESE
T
Answer
E
Taking territory on the right side with
very big move,
1 is also a
but White 2 is even bigger.
You may
think that Black 1 attacks the four white stones on the upper side, but these stones are lightly placed so it is
difficult to find a good way to attack them.
L
Paewgag acc
|
Hit+teecott iF
|
@
++@+@-4
ene
ia
SP ¢ 1
[
le
|
O--@
|
OMIScnriPa
wo"
J
ll
eis
~
|e
is te
SEEEEEEEEEEEETH ItO+® ale ents. oe HetorH kes
[eee
Answer
elec
=
eo.
Ans.
E
|
et te
C
This move
is neither good or bad, but it really isn’t
necessary to defend against the invasion at ‘a’.
Answer
D
It might be better to play Black 1 at ‘a’, but actually it really isn’t necessry to play around here at all. Black is in no trouble, since he can secure his stones by playing at a or b.
Tbe Hie Higete| L Beene |
api FH
Pe Answer
Siac
eT re]
A
It is very bad to exchange ! for 2. Now Black’s move at ‘a’ has lost its effectiveness. If Black continues at ‘b’, White ata
plays ‘c’ and Black can make life by playing
|move (A|B
Gp Wee
|points | 2 |10
6/4]
4
8
PROBLEM What
13
White
to Play
part of the board do you think White
should
play in? He has to play there before Black has a chance to.
|Your choice
[A |B| C |D
E |
ANSWER Answer White
TO PROBLEM
13
E: Correct can disrupt Black’s plans for making territory
in the upper right by playing 1. If Black gets to play 1 in Ref. Dia.
ing this area,
1, White
will have a hard time reduc-
and the situation
will be in Black’s favor. ‘a’, the sequence
follow.
ee Hoo
White
throughout
the board
After White 5, if Black plays ‘6’, Black
‘c’, White
‘d’
will
Answer D White
right
can also effectively
side
with
the
reduce
sequence
from
the
on
the
1 to 7, but
the
presence of Black 2 and 4 will have an white area in the lower right.
ee +6 te aalansrata ely poole]
effect
eft oe+e bt AOS SSS
Answer
area
on
@
the
H
+O+®@
A
This move does have the merit of connecting the white
stones on the upper and lower left side, but after Black 2 the area in the upper right has gotten too big.
Answer C White 1 expands
the
territory
in the
lower
right
side, but Black gets more territory in the upper right when he plays 2, hence this is a dubious plan for White to pursue.
Answer
White
B
1 isn’t good because it approaches Black where
he is strong. After Black 2, White target for attack.
1 becomes a good
move |A| B/C |D| Ry points |6 |ep
oe)
8|
10
PROBLEM 14 Black to Play This is an interesting problem.
Your choice
| A |B |C |D
E |
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
14
A: Correct
Surprised?
Black 1 is the right answer.
If you con-
sider the sequence to 7 in Ref. Dia. 1, you will see that Black’s profit is pretty big. To press Black against the left side by playing at ‘a’ wouldn’t be good because Black could connect up on the left side.
Answer
B
Black 1 here seems
to be the common-sense
but White jumps down
move,
to 2 and there isn’t as good a
continuation as in Ref. Dia. 1. In addition, Black can’t make as big a profit.
eo
ee
3
eeriet a
SSeS +o4+44
i
Cet ttt | peas
ne)
+—
tes
7 |
tL
be
@
—
= tht
il
| ihe Ce ba
if
aaa
=o
3
/@
O
Alles Ans.
Answer
ode a
B
a Ans.
ee oa E
E
This move
is better than Answer
D, which follows,
because it threatens to invade White’s territory on the lower right side.
Answer
D
This move strengthens the corner enclosure in the upper right, but unlike Answer E, it does not threaten
anything.
Ans.
D
Answer C Black 1 and 3 are bad.
The point of this problem is
that you must be willing to throw away Black @, making as much use of it as possible while doing so.
ATiSs
move | 4 |B|C|D|E£| points
wlsl2[4]e|
(G
PROBLEM
15
Before launching an attack
White you
to Play
must
defend
self.
|Your choice | 4] B|C|D|
£|
your-
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
Answer B: Correct Defending at 1 is a good move. composure.
15
Such a move shows
If Black gets to invade at 1 in Ref.
Dia.
1, a severe fight will immediately break out to White’s disadvantage.
Answer
A
White 1 takes most of the bite off the invasion which Black threatens in the Ref. Dia. 1. However, White’s stones seem to be too thinly spread out.
Answer C
White 1 is premature, and sure enough Black invades at 2. Now
it will be a hard fight for White.
Answer
D
White
1 greedily takes profit.
You must
defend ag-
ainst Black 2!
Answer
White move
E
1 may be a big move,
out into the center.
but with 2, Black can
White’s timing is off.
neve }a|Bic|p|z points
s {10/6
= 68 —
|4| 2
PROBLEM 16 Black to Play What
is the right way to handle the irregular white
corner enclosure in the upper right? |Your choice
Alslje|plE
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
16
Answer C: Correct
Black 1 strikes at the weak corner enclosure. regard
Jf White
1 as a forcing
move
point defends
and
start
territory on the right side with 3. Black 1, Black can slide to 1 in Ref.
of the at
irregular
2, Black
to map
If White Dia.
can
out some
ignores
1 and now
the two white stones which looked so formidable seem to be floating. White can’t allow this so he must answer with 2.
Answer
E
Black
1 is certainly
measure
a good
up to the sequence
point,
but
in Answer C.
it doesn’t Next White
can play out as far as 2, or, if he prefers, go out only as far as a’.
=
4H
Answer
B Black 1 is a good
provokes
White
into
with 2. sllaoca aa ade||ak|Ga ie
|
eS
nd Sa
HEHE FH
point,
but
defending
in this
case
his corner
it only enclosure
Answer
A If White can
play the
pincer
attack
stones will be working efficiently. clude that Black 1 is too passive.
One can only con-
Seerteerseeeseenns See een oat I
OEE
te
e--
(Ca ae
o+
ee
Rea
a Gl
lay Use
aE
it
at 2, all his
4-
Seria
2
Nos. A
ey
IL
meee
Answer
D
It is completely
pointless
for
Black
White’s position with 1. This kind place in the opening stage.
to play
of move
has
into
no
PROBLEM 17. White to Play Is there
a move
which will put White in the lead?
|Your choice |'4| B| C|D| £|
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
17
C: Correct
White 1 is a good example of how to attack with a knight’s move. With this move, White immediately takes the lead.
If Black tries to run
away
with 1 in
Ref.
Dia. 1, White will pursue him with 2. Should this chase continue, White can press at ‘a’. If Black
defends the left side, then white can
resume
his attack
on the escaping black stones.
pb iad
+
eo SoH
ete} Ass
|C,
Ref. Dia. 1
Answer
D
It would seem
that White
1 is the right move, since
Black would like to press at this point too. is not severe enough, run away with 2.
however,
This move
since Black can calmly
Ans.
Answer
White
more
D
B
1 is also a good
important.
move,
but the lower side is
Even without 1, Black does not have
an effective way to invade the upper side.
|
SeRESERWD © ++O0 ese CT oe
a
apeeoeeatc ::
=
Ans.
B
Answer A
White 1 has little effect on the flow of the game. After Black jumps to 2, White will have a hard game.
Answer
E
It is unreasonable for White to play 1 because Black
is strong on the upper side. The sequence to Black 6 can be expected, and White 1 turns out to be a wasted move.
pointss | 4:
6)
One
sie2
PROBLEM 18 White to Play The answer to this problem may not follow common go sense.
|Your choice | A| B| C |'D| E |
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
18
Answer E: Correct the
five on
the left and the one stone on the lower right.
White has two weak groups
of stones,
Hence
it is imperative to defend one
of them,
because
bad strategy to have two groups in danger. reason White
1 is the best move.
at 1 in Ref. Dia.
{|}
t
ee
=
1
r
{+1
1
0,014 inal
this
1, he will have a difficult time find-
Lee
(Oo
it is
If Black gets to play
ing a way to defend both groups of stones.
Oo)
For
ie
t
de ‘
ia
eae
0+ aa
Answer
A
Ordinarily,
this would be the right move.
The only
criticism we have is that it is only defensive and doesn’t take territory like 1 in Answer E.
ttt
ft tt .
EIB IE a = (a Bol [Bae
ae
+t
ae
oe
lie
aml
eats
T+++O7
Lop.
1
IL
+ 1-(_) al
Oe
12 +@
ae
=
IL
aus te.
f=
Sill
Ans.
Answer
A
Ans.
D
D
In the opening, the biggest move
is to take the cor-
ner and the next biggest is to play a kakari, but taking the corner with 1 is not good since Black will attack with 2.
Answer
B
This move is bad for the reasons explained in Answer
D.
The action is taking place on the lower right side 1 is a long way from there.
and White
Ans.
Answer
B
C
This move
is completely bad. After Black 2, White is weak in three different places.
PROBLEM 19 Black to Play A professional go player would
see
this move
glance. |Your
choice
| A |B| C |D
E
|
at a
Answer
D: Correct
Black 1 takes preference
over
all other
White were allowed to play 1 in Ref.
Dia.
stones would be separated into two groups.
moves.
If
1, Black’s
You may feel that Black 1 is overly conservative, but it isa key point. You cannot pay attention only to the big points on the sides in the opening.
Ref.
Dia.
1
Answer
E
Not only does this move
help the lone black stone on
the right side, but it also enlarges
the black position
in the upper right. When White plays 2, however, Black suddenly becomes involved in a severe fight, in which he could well lose some
stones.
PRBS :
Answer
B
This is a big extension, and if it were not for the defect on the lower side, it would also be a very good move.
Answer A
Black 1 is not very good because of the white pincer attack at 2. If you must play on the left side, the only move
is Black 1 in Answer B.
re
eaeerser’ Answer
C
Black 1 is the worst of all the choices.
2, Black must struggle to save his stone.
|move
|A| Bc]
D
E
After White
PROBLEM This may seem
20
similar
Black
to Play
to a previous
problem,
it’s a bit different.
|Your choice
|A |B |’C |D
E |
but
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
20
Answer C: Correct This is the furthest Black should extend into White’s
territory. A more aggressive thrust would leave the attacking stone in danger of being captured. Black 1 is the ideal
move.
If White defends with 2, Black will
jump to 3, but on the other hand, to play 2, Black will extend worry
about an invasion
to
Black
at 2 in Ref.
he can link up to his corner stone to 11.
if White
‘a’.
Dia.
with
neglects need
not
1, because
the sequence
Answer
The
B
thrust of Black
1 is a bit reserved.
White
will
be happy to be able to play as far as 2.
Answer
A Black 1 is much too conervastive.
White is now able
to take full advantage
of his thickness
side with 2. However,
this move
the next two answers.
on
is much
the
right
better
than
Answer
D
Black 1 goes in too far.
White
can
counter-attack
with 2 or ‘a’, and it will be hard for Black to weather the storm. Remember the proverb, ‘Don’t approach thickness |’
Ans.
Answer
Black
D
E
1 is unreasonable
This move at all.
seems
for the reason
stated above.
to want to deny White any territory
rose
BI
MIDDLE GAME PROBLEMS
SCORE MIDDLE
GAME
problem
SHEET
PROBLEMS
Your score
problem
alt
31
(i
32
23
!
?
34
js
iM 35
26
36
2
on
28
38
29
39
30
Your score
33
24
25
|
5
40
Total Score 64 points or less 66-78 points 80-92 points 94-104 points 106-118 points 120-132 points 134-144 points 146-158 points 160-172 points 174-182 points 184-190 points
6-kyu or under 5-kyu 4~—kyu 3-kyu 2-kyu 1-kyu 1-dan 2-dan 3-dan 4-dan 5-dan
192-198 points 200 points
6-dan 7-dan
PROBLEM
21
Black
to Play
Black has a beautiful move.
|Your choice
A|B
arpa eis)
oO ©
Ce © c oO 1068
e+ =
ma
O-a®|
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
21
E: Correct
1 and 3 check White’s advance and leave Black with a vast area on the lower side.
White
gets
exchange
to play
On the other hand,
at 1 in Ref.
Dia.
1,
after
if
the
of 2 for 3, the Black stones on the right will
be vulnerable to attack and the Black area on the lower side will not be as large.
Answer
B
Black 1 seems to be a good move which maps out a large territory, but after 2, White’s progress into the center cannot be stopped.
Answer
C
This is a solid move
which prevents the lone white
stone on the left from causing trouble, but White 2 is
the crucial point.
Answer
A
Black can live in the upper left corner
with
3, but White’s position there will become this will have an effect on Black’s
large
1 and
strong area
on
and the
lower side.
be?
eotott 1]
=a |
CEE
O8
tt
Me 6
eeeenest
| t T
++
ite
¢
——-
i
+Oe@+-
++-+@-
4
ae cera
[ee
Ooee
Answer
A
t+ +@
Ht
D
This move
is unnecessary.
You are placing a stone
where you are already strong.
Those
kinds of moves
are over-cautious.
—
L+ttt@i
pity
ne ttHTTr eee! foeee =z St ea Hoy 8ecce} te oO 06-0 Seol
it
| move
points
ape
|A| B| C
D\E
|4 |8 |6 |2 |10
er
leans: D
PROBLEM
22
Black to Play
You can force your opponent to play in such a way as to settle the shapes.
|Your choice
|‘A B|C|D
E |
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
22
B: Correct
Black 1 forces White to make a living shape in the corner
with 2 and 4, but when
Black takes with 5 he
has made ‘a thick position and is control of the whole board.
If White can play 1 in Ref. Dia. 1, he is next
threatening to play at 3 and the white left side will come to life.
stones
on
the
Prac sete ah a
Answer
C
It is also possible to come
out fighting with Black 1,
but this way is not as straightforward as After White 2 it will turn into a brawl.
Answer
B.
See
Answer
E
This crass move
only allows White to strengthen his
hold on the right side, thereby reducing a Black move
at ‘a’.
possible for White
the effect of
In spite of this move,
it is still
to live in the lower right corner.
Answer
A
This may be a tight move, but it is limited in scope. After White
plays 2, I am sure that you
will
under-
stand what a big difference there is between this move and
the one
Ans.
Answer
in Answer
B.
A
Ans.
D
D
Cutting with Black 1 is a small move. the sequence
to 8, sacrificing two
stones
White plays securing
but
the area on the right side. move
| Ca | E rae | A |B
pe
ia
points | 4 |10 |coy |
|
|6
|
PROBLEM 23
Black to Play
You should never miss playing a move
Your choice
| A |B|'C |D
like this.
E
|
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
23
D: Correct
Both sides are aiming to map
out
large
territories,
so Black gets there first by playing at 1. The sequence continues to 5 and the black area on the right side has
become large. In addition, the five white stones on the upper partof the board are now in danger. See what a difference it would be if White were able to play at 1 in Ref. Dia. 1.
Answer
C
Black 1 is the place you five white
stones,
would
but White
want
to attack
2 is a big move,
the
since it
builds up White’s territory and reduces Black’s.
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Answer
2
|
IL
A
. Black can get profit and completely secure the lower
left corner by playing 1, but in comparision 2 it is a small
to White
move. o—
§ xe| Teer | ae) @
ical
|_|eal
|
oeAns.
E
Pe Cee@
A
Answer
B
Black 1 is a
big
chance to live
move,
in the
since
upper
now
left
White
corner.
has But
no
after
White exchanges 2 for 3, he grabs the big point at 4.
|
0O@s —+@ th
o-ooo Os Oo OS ee
aioe
C3 ov
so. +@OO-+@
ali ; x |
uo
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|
aerl ai Ci i
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est
|| ea RR ap 7 Oy re ge feo pe ea eee a @
Answer
ll
CT ;
4
|
a [
@ 100 F
:
E
This is an endgame move. In the middle game you must never make endgame moves!
PROBLEM 24
Black to Play
There must be a defect in Black’s position.
|Your choice | 4) B/C |D| z|
lO St
ANSWER Answer
B: Correct
The
knight’s-move
tiful move. Dia.
TO PROBLEM
24
connection at Black 1 is a beau-
If White were allowed to cut at 1 in Ref.
1, Black’s stones
on
the
left would
be
in great
danger.
Ans.
B
Answer
C
A move like Black 1 is often profitable, but it is not the right move in this position. Just as before, White cuts with 2. nothing.
H+
Now all Black’s
efforts
come
to
++o@e@eoo++++H+e i CDH OOTO {| aie
eee.
cen
Sane
|
[
lee
Answer Black
E 1 is a severe
invasion,
but
White
plays
2,
waiting for the chance to cut at ‘a’. Even if Black can make a profit on the right side, from the overall point
of view,
this plan cannot be praised.
+]
Answer
D
This is not the time to make too severe.
Moves
this move.
such as this must
White 2 is
be reserved
for
1, Black’s stones are in no danger,
but
the endgame.
Answer
Even
A
without
after White
2, Black will have problems.
| B|c|p| points | 2 [iol el ale move
|A
eaten
—=106.—
E
|
PROBLEM 25 White to Play The
time
has come
Your choice
to strike.
| A | B |€ |D
OK
==
E
|
ANSWER Answer
E:
TO PROBLEM
25
Correct
Now is the time for White to invade at 1.
This is
the place start a fight, because Black’s position is thin. If Black plays 2, White escapes by jumping out to 3. If Black tries to thwart White by playing 1 and 3 in Ref. Dia. 1, White will capture two black stones with the sequence to 10.
=a LOS==
Answer
White
B
1 is a big extension,
is lost after Black strengthens and 6.
Answer A White 1 is not a good move.
but the chance to invade
his
position
with 2, 4
After Black 2, White
has weak groups in the lower left and upper left under attack. Such situations should be avoided at all costs.
== OS =
Answer
D
It’s a real pity to rob yourself of an opportunity
to
invade by forcing Black to defend himself with 2. Black would like to thank you.
=
ae
e-
—
ae
mn
er
meets
aheiet
O+O
ROR OF OY
Answer C White 1 has
no
effect.
lower right corner are safe,
The
black
so Black
stones can
in the
play where
he likes.
——————
3, :
oot t ‘SHMDQO rtero forty ; C) ia
©)
Ame ;
atJes irre i
PROBLEM 26 Black to Play Be it a subtle move or a blunt one, find the essential point. | Your choice
the thing is to
| A] B|'C|D)
aN
E|
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
26
C: Correct
Black should attack the weak lower left with
1 and
3, after
white which
stones he
can
on
the
defend
the left side against a white invasion.
It would make
a big difference if White got to
play
1 in Ref. Dia.
1. With this move
secure
White would
his stones on
the lower left while attacking the black stones on the lower right.
Ref. Dia.
pee
a
1
Answer
B
Black 1 defends against the threatened invasion, but compared to Answer C it is not good.
White
powerful move play at ‘a’.
it, White
and
+@@Tacit
if Black
ignores
2 is a will
D EH |
a [
of Ft eietaliep ok
Ans.
@ . =
B
Stegreitts
Hee EEE EEE J
Answer
E
This is not the time for Black 1.
White can either
play 2, aiming at ‘a’, or invade directly at ‘a’. | oneal
How
113 —
Answer
D This move
is not very sharp.
at ‘a’, Black would
Even if White played
not have to make a defensive move
ze
like “O’.
Ans.
Answer
D
A
Black 1 is not necessary, because the corner is alive White is overjoyed to be able to extend to 2
KEE
HHH
4
ce
fieteetees! |
im
I
a
|
Stee Hegre Peer. Pir ems it or
ES
move | A|B|C|D|£ points
| 2] 8 |10] 4] 6
a
ane
a
PROBLEM 27 White to Play White has already secured a large area on the upper side, so he doesn’t have to be too aggressive in other parts of the board.
|Your choice ‘A|B|c|D
aot i Fea
E |
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
27
White 1 is the correct answer. If Black plays 2, taking the corner is big, but if Black cuts at 2 in Ref. Dia.
1, White
will sacrifice one more
stone with
3 and play 5 to build up a position on the lower side. This way of playing is in harmony with the rest of the board. °
|
iG
Answer C
The technique of jumping away lightly with a move like White 1 is often a good plan, but in this case Black 2, taking the corner, isa big move. Therefore, White should play as in Answer D.
OES eE pales
cae |
a ee
Sere
Solecaap
ail FH ne)
+t
+@@—
+oe—+
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ore -
Otte tH tt Ht SeHoto OO
|
ae
@@0
Ans. C
fer
DO)
AnswerB
This move is a bit heavy. Black 2 takes profit in the lower right corner and White still has to worry about the safety of his three stones on the lower side.
on Hy Gioaae
Answer
A White 1 has no effect on Black.
Black simply takes
profit with 2.
Answer
E
The only reason to make a move
like 1 is to make
eyes, but with stones like these, that can easily escape into the center, that is not necessary. Indeed, 2 is the only move.
A|B|c|p points |4|6|8|
move
= ls
PROBLEM
28
Black
to Play
Where’s the best place to play? |Your choice
A
|'B |ae
aS ae
E
|
ANSWER Answer From
TO PROBLEM
28
D: Correct the point of view of the whole board it is best
for Black to invade at 1. After the exchange of 2 for 3, Black threatens
sliding to ‘a’.
to attack the
two
white
stones
by
If Black neglects to play 1, White will
strengthen the lower side with 1 in Ref.
Dia.
1.
Answer A Black 1 is also a crucial point, but it is not so urgent because should White attack at 1, Black can secure his stones by extending to ‘a’.
Answer
E
Black 1 has little appeal because White is secure on the upper side. Now White can take the time to solidify his position on the lower side with 2. Another possibility is to strike at ‘a’ on the right side.
=
Answer
B Black 1 is a bad move because it forces White to play 2. If you want to play in the upper left corner,
the move
Answer
in Answer A is better.
C
Black 1 only helps White by provoking him into enlarging and strengthening his area on the lower side with 2.
W223.
PROBLEM 29 White to Play Both sides seem
to building
big territorial
works.
|Your choice |4| B| c| D| z|
to
frame-
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
29
Answer E: Correct With 1, White can prevent Black from building
a large territorial framework. 2 in Ref.
Dia.
1,
the
sequence
to 9
will
follow,
leaving White with a strong position in the center the board.
BE
naa
a ob | |
ao
7 )
sue
|
Ans.
E
== Ze
up
If Black responds with
of
Answer B When
White plays 1 he is aiming
at ‘a’.
This
is
not a bad move, but Black will next play at 2, mapping out a large territory in the upper half of the board.
Ans.
Answer
B
C
White
1, which takes territory
is small in scale.
on
Black will answer
the
lower
side,
with 2 and White
will be unable to break through to the upper left.
LL eee
MEE 7
eect Ce a
O
.+ fm ft
tS Le
ROPE EEEEEEEEE Et
Ans.
C
Answer D White 1 is off the mark.
Black is making large areas
on the right and left sides of the board.
After Black
2, White’s stone at 1 is alone in the middle of Black’s
sphere of influence.
4 =
See
ale
|
et ct
| oaa
fis
rottesGae. al | Lt Answer
Ir
Lies ive
+H
A
Plunging in with
White
1 is overdoing
it.
After
Black 2, White 1 is a good target and Black can secure territory by attacking it. move
|A
|
me
eee hes co
points
26.
PROBLEM A
little
30
Black
bit of reading
to Play
is necessary
here.
should try to make an efficient move. |Your choice
A|‘B|c|p
a
E
Black
ANSWER Answer
TO PROBLEM
30
D: Correct
Black 1 may be a bit hard for you to understand at first, but-if White responds at 2, Black can take the upper left corner with 3. On the other hand, if White ignores Black 1, Black will play at 2. To understand the
effect
of Black
cut at 1 was
1, look
frightening
at
before,
Ref.
Dia.
1. White’s
but
now
Black
can
answer it with 2, and after White 3 play 4, since he has already prevented White from shutting him in with ‘a. (If @ were not there, White ‘a’ would work.)
Answer
E
Black 1 eliminates the cutting threat, but now White can slide to 2. What
a difference from Answer
Answer
D.
A Black should not play at 1 immediately. White cuts at 2 and plays the sequence to 8. Now the black stones
in the upper right must struggle for life.
pe 2 aes
Answer C Black 1 is certainly good,
a big extension,
but
it is not
since White can either slide to 2 or cut at ‘a’.
Answer B Black 1 is too cautious.
White will immediately cut
at 2. Good results cannot moves like this.
rAgisa
be expected
Es
move | A|B|C|D|£ points 6|2}4|10| 8 =f 30
from
passive
PROBLEM
31
Black
to Play
Again a bit of reading is necessary. What’s a good way to catch the two white stones in the middle of the upper side? Your choice
Aja} c[D ||
= 131—
ANSWER
TO PROBLEM
Black 1 is a brilliant move. with 2 and 4, Black
31
If White tries to escape
5 leaves
him
The reason why Black 1 is so good
without
a
move.
is that it defends
against both White ‘a’ and 2.It is useless for White to
try to break out with 1 in Ref.
stop him in his tracks.
— 132 —
Dia.
1; Black
2 will
Answer
A
Black could
also lean
against
the
white
stones
by
attaching at 1. If White plays 2 and 4, Black can skilfully play the sequence to 9, but the result here is not as clear cut as in Answer C.
Answer
B
Black 1 is not good
because
After Black 3, White can
it provokes
escape
with
White
4 due
presence of White 2.
oS
eee,
Ans.
B
= 133==
2.
to the
Answer
E
If Black connects
with
1, White
easily escapes
by
attaching with 2.
Answer
D
After Black 1, White can save his stones by pushing through with 2.
|move
|A
|points |8
134
PROBLEM What
move
will
32 aid
Black to Play the
lone
black
stone
in the
center ? Your
choice
|4\’B|c|p
BOOT
E
|
ANSWER Answer
32
C: Correct
Black 1 not center,
TO PROBLEM
only helps the lone
black stone
but-also defends the right side.
in the
If Black neglects
to play this move, White can initiate the sequence from 1 to 7 in Ref. Dia. 1 and put the black stones in the center in danger.
= 16—
Answer
E
This move
is somewhat
similar to Answer
C, but it
is not as concise.
Answer
D
Even if White played at the not have to answer,
point
1, Black
would
so it is not necessary for Black to
rush and play here. This move does, however, indirectly aid the black stone in the center.