Thickness and direction of Go

Author: Fang Jie, Fang Fang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-04-01
Features: After one to two years of study, Go enthusiasts who have mastered basic concepts of life and death and shape knowledge will encounter a challenge: how to improve the efficiency of their stones. In fact, this is also a crucial step that Go players and enthusiasts must pass through as they progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced levels. To fully utilize the efficiency of stones, one key issue is to grasp the thickness and direction of the shape: if the shape is too thick, it becomes repetitive, significantly reducing the efficiency of the stones; thin shapes are vulnerable to attacks from the opponent; and incorrect direction of play can make even a series of good moves inefficient. Imagine, without a proper overall direction, how could high-efficiency moves be achieved? In many cases, the thickness of the shape determines the direction of play. Thickness and direction are indeed inseparable. The first two chapters of this book explain the intrinsic connection between the thickness and direction of the shape, helping you naturally apply the knowledge you have learned to actual play. Chapter 4 lists some representative problems for everyone to think about.