Shikiri - the concept of fall back scenarios

[shamisen]

It’s okay if the opponent doesn’t separate the formation on move 4 or 6. When I play moves 1 and 3 in a large-knight formation, there’s less space. Even if they jump in, it’s more controlled and something you can prepare for, something like this:

@shamisen

You’re right, this looks much better for White:

but I can see White has a small weakness here too:

and this:

@shamisen

Okay, I’ve come up with countermeasures.

Method 1: Change target from 3x3 symmetrical center square to 4x4 asymmetrical square:

Method 2: If they’re foolish enough to challenge even the 2nd square, it’s their loss, White will have a superior position: