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68
PLAYING A MOYO GAME
Now that you understand how to play a territorial game, I would like to talk
about how to play a moyo game. The key thing is to be consistent and not
switch back and forth between different styles of play.
Naturally, a moyo style game involves focusing on the fourth line instead of the
third line. The aim is to construct a very large framework, which would easily
win the game if it all became territory. When your opponent invades the moyo,
you intend to make territory by attacking his invading stones. You must also
pay attention to balance and timing, of course, as in a territorial game.
4 1
In this game, Black intends to play
moyo style. How should he respond
to Whites approach at Z^?
2 3
6
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Attaching this way with w9 is good
for Black. White will take the cor-
ner. xan allows Black to get a solidly
conncted shape while there are cut-
ting points in White, which White
must protect with ZAQ. Turning at xar
now expands Blacks moyo.
71
7 Black must protect his moyo with w9
through xa.l Now Black is very happy
to have w7 at the top.
13
14 11 9
12 10 8
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Black should aim to expand his po-
tential at the top by creating thick-
ness. xan threatens Whites base and 27
protects the corner. Black then goes 15 26
25 24 28
for thickness with xar and following. 23 14
This is because he cannot expect to 21 19 22
make many points in the lower right. 16 20
17 18
29
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White may decide not to try to live
on the right edge, since it enables
15
Black to make a very useful wall,
16 14 and instead jump out to ZAO. How
should Black continue?
75
19
21 Again, from the center is the correct
20 18
direction of attack. After ZAQ, Black
17 gets a large benefit by attacking at
xar and xb.j This is good for Black.
76
This ZAM is the most common inva-
sion. How should Black continue, 14
77
Black should press White down to
25
23
the second line. Black gets to seal
26 24 off the corner with xbl and xb,n and
21 22 after xcj White still does not have
19 20
18 two eyes, despite playing many
27 28 stones.
29 30
31
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This ZAQ is better for White.
79
Attacking from above or from be-
low will only give Black a small
benefit. The correct direction is from
21 the center. Controlling the center
will be a huge benefit.
22
23
22
White must play this ZBK first. Black
protects his weakness and gets a ben-
21 efit with xbl. White can jump with
24
ZBM now.
80
Black should continue to develop his
center influence with xbn and xb.r The
peep with xbp protects his right side
group. White will have to struggle
to make eyes for his group on the
right now, and White cannot make a 25
very large territory on the left with 28 27
29 26
Black controlling the center. Black
is in fine shape.
When playing moyo style you do not worry about points in the early stages.
Play fast, fourth line moves and build a large framework. When the opponent
comes in, you get benefits from attacking. The benefits can be influence as
well as immediate territory. As the game progresses you must also pay atten-
tion to the overall balance, of course.
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