DrStraw gets me thinking about 3-4s and 3-3s

DrStraw (aka Steve Fawthrop) has been an active contributor to GoDiscussions.com and he recently started a Fuseki study thread. It would be good for both beginners and intermediate players so you might want to drop by.

DrStraw mentioned that he disliked moyo games (where one plays on the star-points) which implies that his openings are probably more territory-oriented. I have a bit of an aversion right now to 3-4 openings and that's because I have no clue as to how to use them effectively. The closest thing that I play is the Chinese Opening.

He posited this sequence for analysis on the Fuseki study thread.

Is this supposed to be acceptable for White?

My immediate reaction was, "Ugh! How can White play such a slow opening? Isn't she already at a disadvantage here? What's with the 3-3 of White 4?"

Now, my assumption is that White's next move will have to be an approach to Black's Q3 stone with at either Q5 or R5. That could set in motion plays for a base to the right, a left-facing wall, or even a pushing action against Black on the lower side. The big question is how the 3-3 could fit into all this. Maybe its an intentional mistake to illustrate bad fuseki?

But the more I look at that 3-3, the more I wonder if there isn't some inherent strength in it. It's already taken the corner. It's centralized and and extension to either the left side or along the bottom is possible. Cho Chikun himself has been able to play the 3-3 with success and has written a whole book about using it in contemporary openings.

Yes, folks! There is a 214-page book on using the 3-3 in one's fuseki.
This book was $12 at Games of Berkeley.

I don't believe any of the Korean professionals use the 3-3 to a great degree in their openings but that doesn't invalidate its use. Whatever the case, the good doctor has gotten me thinking about territory-oriented openings and I may experiment with them - after I have had a chance to read-up on their proper application.


Expanding Don's Database

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You'll find a list of my product ratings on the left-hand side of my profile page there.


Another beginners' tournament coming in Berkeley?

On their website, the Berkeley Go Club has hinted that they may set up another beginners' tournament in June 2006.

ChiyoMama will be travelling to Southeast Asia in mid-June so I'm anxious to find out when this tournament will be scheduled so I can determine if I'll be able to participate. I need more real-life games under my belt.