Xuanxuan Qijing Problem 82: Black to play and kill
玄玄棋经 · Problem 82 of 347 · First-line placement and snapback
White's group on the top side has an open point on the left and a black stone it can capture on the right. Look for one move on the edge that makes use of both weaknesses.
How to solve it
White's group on the top side has some room on the left and can capture a black stone on the right. Black starts with the placement at G19 on the first line.
If White captures the stone on the right with J19, Black plays F18. White gives atari with F17 and Black answers at G17. White can capture the stone at F18, but Black takes back at once and captures much more: Sensei's Library notes that White is caught in a snapback.
If White connects at F18 instead, Black turns to the right with K19. White captures with J19 and Black extends to L19. White cannot make a second eye there and dies.
White can also exchange F17 for G17 before connecting at F18. Black plays K19, J19, L19 in the same way and the result does not change.
Main line
- 1. Black G19
- 2. White J19
- 3. Black F18
- 4. White F17
- 5. Black G17
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.