Xuanxuan Qijing Problem 52: Black to play and win the capturing race
玄玄棋经 · Problem 52 of 347 · Making liberties in a capturing race
Black's stones on the top are racing against White's stones on the left. Do not rush to fill White's liberties: look for the shape on the first line that gives Black the most of its own.
How to solve it
This problem is titled 'Song of Five Stones' (五子之歌). Black's stones on the top are in a capturing race with the white stones on the left. Black's D19 is the first key move.
If White plays A18, Black's C18 is the second. Together the two moves make a shape worth remembering, with the largest possible number of liberties. After White's B19, Black's A17 and White's capture at A16, Black plays A14 and is ahead in the race.
If White plays C18 instead, Black answers at A18.
Main line
- 1. Black D19
- 2. White A18
- 3. Black C18
- 4. White B19
- 5. Black A17
- 6. White A16
- 7. Black A14
Solution checked against Sensei's Library.
Play it out on the board
Place the stones yourself and see the refutation when you miss. All the Xuanxuan Qijing problems as quick lessons.