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© 2003 by John C. Stephenson

Sabaki – How to Manage Weak Stones

Based on Material Presented at the
2002 NJ Yang 7p Go Workshop
Held June 27th through June 30th, 2002
At the Ramada Inn of Mahwah, NJ, USA

by Mr. Yang Yilun
Professional 7-Dan

Lecture Notes Complied and Edited by
John C. Stephenson

Buy the full book at gobooks.com

In the normal course of a go game, you’re eventually faced with managing a weak stone. Knowing how to handle the situation adroitly may mean the difference between winning and losing.

This conveniently sized study guide presents a discourse about sabaki techniques, written in the typically lucid and hard-hitting style of Mr. Yang, 7-Dan professional. Following his discourse are a dozen practice problems to help you determine if you have absorbed the material.

Don’t be deceived by the small size of this book. It’s packed with applicable information and likely will require several readings to fully master. But, as you apply the techniques and develop your judgment, your regular opponents will be in for a surprise as you demonstrate your newly acquired flexibility and lightness.

Please win gracefully and enjoy.

Preface

I compiled these notes and diagrams from Mr. Yang’s Sabaki lecture, which he delivered at the 2002 NJ Yang 7p Go Workshop, held in Mahwah, NJ, USA, June 27 through June 30th, 2002, and from supplemental consultation with Mr. Yang. Any errors or omissions in the final copy remain strictly my own.

John C. Stephenson
January 2003

Acknowledgement

I’m happy my student and friend, John C. Stephenson, has done a nice job of presenting and publishing notes from the 2002 NJ Workshop, for which I gave him both permission and encouragement. I hope many students and players get a useful benefit from his effort.

I would like to thank all the 2002 NJ Workshop organizers and students for providing a very smoothly run and enjoyable event.

Yang Yilun
January 2003

Copyright Page

© 2003 by John C. Stephenson

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden without explicit written permission.

Wings Across Calm Water Go Club
c/o John C. Stephenson
446 Lincoln Ave.
Wyckoff, NJ 07481

ISBN of print edition: 0–9705037–1–7

Converted for SmartGo Books by John Mifsud.

Special thanks to Terri Schurter for reviewing the book and making suggestions which have improved the digital version.

Contents

Sabaki — How to Manage Weak Stones

Preface

Acknowledgement

Copyright Page

Section 1: Discourse

Diagrams 1–10

The chapters in gray are included only in the full book.

Diagrams 11–20

Diagrams 21–30

Diagrams 31–40

Diagrams 41–50

Diagrams 51–60

Diagrams 61–70

Diagrams 71–78

Section 2: Practice Problems

Problem 1

Problem 2

Problem 3

Problem 4

Problem 5

Problem 6

Problem 7

Problem 8

Problem 9

Problem 10

Problem 11

Problem 12

Afterword

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About SmartGo Books

Section 1: Discourse

To play go we must know how to manage weak stones. Essentially, three paths are possible:

• Run

• Live quickly

• Sacrifice

Deciding which of the above to pursue should usually be clear if we ask ourselves correct questions:

1. If I run, will I separate off an opponent’s weak group and thereby get counter-attack opportunities; or, will I just become burdened with a heavy group? If your group will simply become heavy, find another way.

2. Is the stone important or is the area valuable? If so, living fast will save the important stone or destroy the opponent’s valuable area.

3. Is the area not so valuable? Then, sacrificing it to achieve a gain nearby is often the best way.

In general, when the situation is difficult, find useful forcing moves nearby and make a second neighboring battle. You will win one of them. Getting 50% in a sabaki situation is good.

Sometimes to determine whether to live, sacrifice or run, it could be important to play an asking move. If the opponent plays tight to kill, give it up for an external benefit; if the opponent plays soft, then live inside.

Poor Handling Of A Weak Corner Stone

Diagram 1

Focusing locally on the top for the purpose of the sabaki discussion, White wants to properly handle his weak marked stone. It is hard for White to live in such a narrow area. But if White merely escapes, he will become heavy, as the sequence shows. Playing this way is poor in the early opening phase. Since running is bad and living is also doubtful, sacrifice seems the only reasonable alternative.

Unimaginative

Diagram 2

White plays a forcing move with 1. After black 2 captures the white marked stone cleanly, White has no other good forcing moves. White 1 is not imaginative enough.

A Sabaki Joseki

Diagram 3

White 1 produces more forcing moves and is able to make a better position. This is a reasonable sabaki pattern.

If Black Descends

Diagram 4

Black might answer at 2. White 3 and 5 are useful forcing moves. White makes a nice position on the topside as before.

If Black Hanes Underneath

Diagram 5

If Black answers with 2, then white 3 is the correct way to produce more forcing moves. If Black still wants to capture a white stone with 6 and 8, white 9 and 11 obtain a compensating profit.

Afterword by
John C. Stephenson

Amateur 4-Dan (AGA)

Mr. Yang, a 7-Dan Go professional, author and extraordinary teacher, possesses an uncanny knack to instruct people of all rankings. He is somehow able to pull profound lessons out of amateur games of any level. His teaching style is both gentle and insightful, with advice expressed through clear and immediately applicable concepts, sprinkled with a sense of humor. Yet at the same time, it’s intense.

As a full time practicing professional for well over ten years in the United States, Mr. Yang conducts workshops throughout the country, gives lessons on the Internet and comments game records by e-mail. As many players of a variety of strengths have happily discovered, instruction from Mr. Yang deepens one’s game and dramatically adds to one’s enjoyment of go. Mr. Yang’s teaching is truly a remarkable experience, and unlike any other’s.

Contact Mr. Yang via e-mail at yanggo@earthlink.net.