YOU WILL LEARN
Advanced: read to the end of forcing lines
- Prune VCF candidates quickly
- Count defensive resources in VCT
- Remove counterplay through move order
- Use forbidden points as tactical resources
LESSONS
5 Lesson
VCF is a continuous sequence of fours
Every move creates a four and restricts the reply until five is completed. A move that loses the force ends the VCF.
VCT expands the search to threes
Open threes and compound threats can continue the attack, but the wider tree requires checking counter-fours.
Candidate pruning creates depth
Order moves by immediate win, mandatory block, four, open three and crossing value. Discard empty points with no tactical role.
Move-order changes remove counterplay
When two threats exist, play the one that prevents the opponent’s future four first. Shape alone does not determine the result.
Forbidden points are hidden weapons for White
In Renju, White can exploit points Black cannot legally occupy. Black must include future forbidden patterns in every attacking calculation.
CHECKPOINT
Advanced checkpoint
Against advanced AI, write down no more than three candidates and calculate each forcing line for at least three plies before moving.