DECISION ORDER
Check these in order every turn
Can I win now?
Complete five immediately when the winning point exists.
Can the opponent win next?
An opposing four must be answered before any slower plan.
Can I create a forcing threat?
Look for a four, open three or 4-3 fork that limits the reply.
Can I reduce their best shape?
When no direct threat exists, occupy intersections that connect several opposing lines.
PATTERN VALUE
The value of attacking patterns
Open four
The defender can cover only one endpoint, leaving the other to complete five.
4-3 fork
The opponent answers the four while the open three grows into the next threat.
Open three
Ignoring it normally allows an open four, so it often demands a reply.
Open two
It offers several extensions but is not yet a direct threat.
OPENING
Opening: use the center without building only one line
Central points have room in four directions. Keep horizontal, vertical and diagonal options alive, and avoid opening a second front far away without a tactical reason.
- Use one- and two-space gaps to preserve jump patterns.
- Edge play reduces your available directions.
- Compare how many threats an intersection creates, not only line length.
DEFENSE
Defense: stop the next threat, not only the visible stones
Automatically blocking the end of a three can allow a stronger crossing threat elsewhere. Identify every point that becomes a four and the intersections that serve two lines.
- Mark all immediate winning points for the opponent.
- Find a move that removes more than one of those points.
- Prefer a defensive move that also creates your own three or four.
CALCULATION
Calculation: compare only three serious candidates
Do not try to read every empty point. Keep winning moves, mandatory blocks and forcing threats, then assume the opponent chooses the strongest defense.
COMMON MISTAKES
Common reasons progress stalls
Watching only your stones
Before placing, check the opponent’s next four and crossing threats.
Equating length with strength
A flexible three can be stronger than four stones blocked at both ends.
Changing the move order
The same shapes can fail when a forcing move is delayed and counterplay appears.
Reading too many candidates
Prune to threats and intersections so you can calculate deeper.
30 SECOND DRILL
A 30-second turn routine
- Check my immediate win
- Check their immediate win
- Find a four or open-three candidate
- Read their best reply
- Recheck overline and forbidden points
FAQ
Strategy FAQ
Should I always create an open three?+
It is valuable when the opponent has no immediate win and you can continue with another forcing move after their defense.
Is attack or defense more important?+
Preventing immediate defeat comes first. After that, the best move often defends while creating a counter-threat.
How many moves ahead should an advanced player read?+
The end of the forcing line matters more than a fixed number. Good candidate pruning often makes five or more plies practical.