In handicap games, the handicap stones are high on the star points and are not efficient in securing territory. It is therefore natural and strategically correct for Black to emphasize influence. However, kyu-level players lack the ability and the confidence to play an influence-oriented game; instead of taking chances on positions in which the territorial boundaries are not clearly defined and are often wide open, they prefer to build iron-clad territories in the corners and on the sides. This is strategically unsound. Kyu-level players also tend to play defensively and are not inclined to attack the stronger player. The result is that their opponent steadily starts gaining an advantage in both territory and influence after the first few moves of the game. The correct strategy for Black in handicap games is to place priority on building influence and to use this influence to relentlessly attack. This way of playing might seem to be unreasonable against a strong opponent, but it will actually make your handicap games less complicated and your strategic goals more clear. It is the aim of this book to teach the principles and techniques that will enable the kyu-level player to play this kind of game. Handicap Go starts out with a chapter laying out 20 principles that a player should constantly keep in mind while playing their games. The second chapter outlines a ‘sure-win strategy’ that Black can use in his games to increase his chances of winning. The third chapter looks at handicap games from the viewpoint of White. The fourth chapter presents four example games. The book ends with 38 problems that expand on the theoretical discussions contained in the first chapters and explore variations that were omitted there.

Handicap Go (Elementary Go, Vol 7)

Humor & Entertainment

Nagahara, Yoshiaki

Richard Bozulich

Puzzles & Games

Ishi Press

The Magic of Go: A Complete Introduction to the Game

Cho Chikun

From back cover - This joeski book is unique as it not only shows you the most important points (komoko) josekis that are likely to arise in your games, it also shows you how to apply them in actual situations, which joeski to select, and how to continue the joeski in the middle game. The material is presented as a series of problems which is an ideal way to study joeski. Instead of memorizing variations, your attention is focused on an important joeski move or idea. Memorization then comes effortlessly, making this the perfect joeski book for all players. (Description by http-mart)

Get Strong at Joseki 1 (Beginner and Elementary Go Books)

Kiseido Publishing Co.

This joeski book is unique as it not only shows you the most important points (komoko) josekis that are likely to arise in your games, it also shows you how to apply them in actual situations, which joeski to select, and how to continue the joeski in the middle game. The material is presented as a series of problems which is an ideal way to study joeski. Instead of memorizing variations, your attention is focused on an important joeski move or idea. Memorization then comes effortlessly, making this the perfect joeski book for all players. (Description by http-mart)

Get Strong at Joseki 3 (Get Strong at Go Series) (Beginner and Elementary Go Books)

The Basics of Go Strategy (Mastering the Basics, Volume 5)

Kiseido Publishing Company

Kiai is a concept that has received scant systematic attention in the go literature, even though it is often referred to in game commentaries. Most westerners are familiar with kiai mainly in relation to the martial arts where it is translated as fighting spirit, a phrase that conjures up a feeling of aggression. In go, however, kiai means coming up with innovative and creative moves. Such moves not only have a global perspective, they also take into account local situations and they need to be backed up by deep and accurate reading. Ideally, they perfectly meld the tactical and the strategic elements of a position; they are moves that cause other pros sit up and take notice. Professional games are full of kiai. A top pro tries to avoid the ordinary move. He strives to play the all-out, 100% move (unless he is well ahead). He will not be submissive in his responses; rather, he will meet attack with counterattack. Just because a move is a joseki move, a pro will still ponder it and try to find another move that is more appropriate to the overall position. This is how new josekis are born. This book contains 16 fighting games, analyzed in depth and played by some of the world's strongest players from Korea, China, and Japan. For the most part, there are less than ten moves for each figure, making the games easy to follow. However, this book is more than just a game book; it is also a problem book. Throughout each game at crucial points, questions are posed asking the reader what he thinks the next move should be. With this format, the reader becomes fully engaged in the game and the commentary. This is a book that will change the way you play and think about go.

Fight Like a Pro - The Secrets of Kiai

Rob van Zeijst

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Books by Richard Bozulich