Xuanxuan Qijing Problem 87: White to play and kill
玄玄棋经 · Problem 87 of 347 · Placement at the vital point
Black's eye space on the top side is one open area, and White already has two stones on the first line next to it. Capturing or pushing from the outside is too slow. Which single point inside matters most for Black's shape?
How to solve it
Black's group on the top side has one open eye space on the left. White plays the placement at D18, right in the middle of it. Sensei's Library calls this the only way to kill, and KataGo agrees.
Black blocks at C18 to keep the corner stones connected. White now takes time to connect the first-line stones with J19, so that they are safe.
Black plays E19 to try to split the space, and White extends from the placement to E18. Black cannot make two eyes and dies.
Main line
- 1. White D18
- 2. Black C18
- 3. White J19
- 4. Black E19
- 5. White E18
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.