Chapter 2 · Corners

Corner Defense

Block a corner the opponent is already aiming at.

If the opponent can already play a corner, first consider a move that cuts that path. The opponent can play the corner because your discs sit between the corner and an opponent disc. Flipping the opponent disc that serves as the foothold of that line cuts the path. Also compare whether giving up the corner would let you gain more elsewhere.

White’s 24th move. Black’s E5 disc makes A1 legal, trapping White B2, C3 and D4. White G3 flips F4 and E5 inside the board and removes that foothold. Replay it to see A1 close. G3 is best and opens no other corner for Black.

Exercise

White to move. Black is now aiming at two corners. Which move stops both at once?

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