One Hundred Go Problems for Strategic Thinking. Problem 12: "Oblique Attack or Kosumi Technique"
A problem for the black color. According to the problem, we need to save the black stone with one breath. For the first time, the well-known technique of descending to the death line in the form of a monolithic wall does not work in this problem. The authors begin to introduce us to new situations where a more flexible, connected formation of stones works. The further we progress through the problem set, the more complex and remote forms of interaction will be offered.
While previously we were taught to work as a single unit, now we will study a "loose" formation, where the stones work together but are not in a single group. Solving such problems is more difficult.
Furthermore, in this problem, we study the technique of encircling and capturing a group – if you successfully solve it, you will capture the white ones in the corner. There are many different variations of the game, which complicates the calculations and makes it exciting and useful for developing the ability to build logical chains of actions. The fight against the white group in the corner also uses the black loose formation. This means you use the same technique both defensively and offensively.
Two conclusions from the problem:
This is an entrepreneurial problem, since we approach it without a ready-made solution. Moreover, the moves we know (descending to the death line) don't work. An entrepreneur is capable of creating something new, modifying their experience to suit an atypical situation, and finding working solutions.
We may be playing against an equally strong entrepreneur capable of unconventional moves. What should we do then? Don't stick to the established plan and be prepared to stop, evaluate new inputs, and switch to a different scenario.
Both qualities: navigating the unusual and switching between different routes to the goal are characteristics of strategic thinking.
00:00 What needs to be done in the problem
03:37 Solution idea - oblique attack
05:38 A more complex version of White's response
07:15 Explanation of the importance of adjusting the solution plan if the opponent acts unconventionally
My Go textbook – M.G. Yemelyanov, "The Game of Emperors. Go Strategies for Life, Business, and War"
Mikhail Yemelyanov's Telegram channel – @gostrateg8