Connect! Example 1a

Black has two framework stones marked with arrows indicating the desired framework link. White plays a stone in between them. How should Black play to ensure a connection? (See next diagram below).

Connect! Example 1b

The stone black 2 is precisely the wrong play! What, in isolation might appear to be a step towards connection, after the exchange can look very different! So when considering where to play a stone, it is advisable to visualise the opponent's potential reply in place. (See next diagram below).

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Connect! Example 1c

The stone black 2, played adjacent to white 1, here offered as a potential sacrifice, is correct. Such a move is easier to find if you consider that a white stone here would form a formidable barrier. The sequence that follows is one of many possibilities. After white 3, black 4 is easy to find - a white stone here would again form an imposing barrier. After white 7 which takes black 2, black 8 connects along the second line. The potential cutting points at A and B are not dangerous with the current number of liberties. If White were to play at either or both these intersections, the cutting white stones could be captured to re-establish the link.