So the solution to this is bC19 wA18 then bE19 to form the eye.
However instead of wA18 why can’t white just extend and go wE19? Doesn’t that falsify the eye and white can connect no matter what?
3 Likes
If B plays A18, wA19, bC19, wE19, B can play B19 for a second eye (connect-and-die if W plays A18, b can capture 4 stones at a16)
(and if W plays A16 instead of connecting 4 stones at A18, then B can play A18 to capture the 2 stones)
In your solution, it’s the same concept, if bC19 and wE19, then bA18 to create the same shape — it’s a common way to create a connect-and-die and eye in the corner. ^^
6 Likes
Wow thanks so much, I spent a long time struggling on this, it’s actually quite a beautiful solution to my beginner eye. Appreciated.
4 Likes
My pleasure ! Yeah, it’s a really beautiful shape ! ^^ I remember when I discovered it as a new player too ^^
2 Likes
And as a general tip to solve many problems, if one solution line given is A then B then C, but you wonder what happens if after A they play C rather than B, then consider B as a strong possibility for the 3rd move. So in this case, black a18 for the 3rd move if white e19 because that’s where white played in the solution line so it was evidently protecting against some weakness there.
4 Likes
Thanks for the tip!
1 Like