Framework spoilers

The diagram shows an even game where White follows GCS. White 16 is an example of a framework spoiler. White 16 might have been played on the centre point, but then Black would have grabbed the side handicap intersection. Whereas White would have gained one weak central framework link, Black would have gained two stronger side links. So White grabbed the key intersection instead.

White has little prospect of forming a framework link with this stone. That is not its purpose. Nor was this stone played to form much territory. Its job is purely to prevent the black framework links. It is played on the fourth line for maximum flexibility. Although, in order to prevent the framework links, some white stones must become established in this area, the spoiler stone itself, unlike a framework stone, can be considered as expendable. For maximum efficiency, White should consider playing as few supporting stones as possible.