Test Your Go Strength : 50 Whole Board Problems 4871870189, 9784871870184

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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

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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.

[ == [ i ttotelte Karsan +

OOO

= fs

a

Hor

Ee

SSSERsara OOLOLSTO ores 0010606

mere

Leet

es

Tt

ie Tey ++

(ae)

Vos,

C;

Bear jeeeseeeare Ja Piso HOTT AE Ail ln eco L iP

|

xin

Te

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

ot

|

aerl ai Ci i

OF

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—+

@

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.