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Capturing and saving stones · Lesson 14

In atari: what can you do besides run?

In atari, first find the last liberty. Extending is one option. Connecting to a safe group or first capturing nearby opposing stones may also add liberties.

White E5 initially has only F5 as a liberty. White at F5 joins two stones with three liberties, escaping the immediate atari. In another position with more surrounding black stones, the same extension might still be chased.

Not every stone is worth saving. If rescuing a few stones gives up a much larger area, sacrificing the smaller part may protect what matters more. First learn whether a group can escape, then discuss whether saving it is worthwhile.

Atari

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After Black E6, White E5 has only F5 as a liberty and is in atari. White can respond now; do not remove E5 yet.

Extend out of atari

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White extends E5 to F5, connecting two stones with three liberties: F4, G5 and F6. The immediate atari is resolved, but lasting safety is not guaranteed.

Original lessons by Yiban ·