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  2007-12-24

Problem diagram.
White plays.

Source:
American Go Journal , Vol. 18, No. 4, 1984, p. 15, based on an ancient Chinese problem.

Solution follows    (or click here to download SGF)






























Correct.
OK, the first move is easy, but the unique working move of 3 may be the most counterintuitive in the tsumego universe! If Black makes life in the corner with 4, White does the same along the top with a couple forcing moves.


Black variation.
If the thought of White living along the top is intolerable, Black can play 4. But White 5 and 7 sets up a huge ko, with Black unable to connect at 5 due to a shortage of liberties. Although after White takes the ko, Black does have the internal ko threat of connecting, which provides Black the small consolation of being able to take the ko first before having to find external ko threats.


White failure.
White 3 is the wrong move order. With Black 8, White is the one in a shortage of liberties.


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