A firm move

[p***@gmail.com]

I am a beginner reading "Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go" and on page 31
Kageyama says "... when there are two ways to capture with one move,
the firmer way is correct."

What makes for a "firm" move, is it just a move that reduces a group's liberties?

Secondly, why is the firmer move the better move (for example, Black 1 in
diagram 8 on page 30)?


Thanks,
Patrick

[Bernhard Kraft]

Post by p***@gmail.com
I am a beginner reading "Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go" and on page 31
Kageyama says "... when there are two ways to capture with one move,
the firmer way is correct."
What makes for a "firm" move, is it just a move that reduces a group's liberties?
Secondly, why is the firmer move the better move (for example, Black 1 in
diagram 8 on page 30)?

Explenation of page 30:

a) Capture the stone by atari?

look here:
http://goban.co/boards/1393

or
b) Capture the stone by geta?

look here:
http://goban.co/boards/1392

Kageyama thinks that capturing by atari is firm.

It is not easy to understand, because in both ways
a geta captures, but in case a) the three black stones
are connected.

[Robert Jasiek]

Post by p***@gmail.com
I am a beginner reading "Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go" and on page 31
Kageyama says "... when there are two ways to capture with one move,
the firmer way is correct."

The book does not answer the question, except for the special case
decision between 1. net, 2. ladder. Later the book addresses the topic
again but fails to provide the general advice. Simply speaking for a
capture, the advice should be: 1. capture using the fewest moves, 2.
capture so that then also the opponent has the fewest forcing moves
against your stones.

In a broader sense, however, firm moves need not be captures. Moves
building strong shape can also be called firm. They are the firmer the
stronger the shape becomes, meaning better connected and more alive.
Note that shapes should also be built efficiently: the slowest
connection move might not be the best improvement for eye potential.
This should suffice for you as a beginner, but I have also defined
degrees of (better) connection and life. Just saying... So that you
know that Kageyama was right is spirit but lacking in details and
definitions.

More on these topics you find in the books Joseki 1 Fundamentals,
First Fundamentals (and in other books above your current level).