9. Don't Let Your Opponent
Settle His Stones

The Iron Pillar


by Richard Bozulich

'Attach to settle your stones' is an important go proverb for when you are trying to defend one of your groups against an attack. On the other hand, this proverb also provides a hint for the attacker: 'Play on the point where the opponent needs to attach.' The problem below provides an example.


Black to play
Problem. Black to play
The two marked stones are outnumbered three to two and White needs to somehow settle these stones. Unfortunately, it is Black's move. How should Black attack these two stones before White has a chance to settle them?


Answer