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Connections and shapes · Lesson 10

Extensions, diagonals, jumps and knight’s moves

A stone directly beside an existing one extends it, often called an extension or descent. A diagonal neighbor is a small diagonal move. Leaving one empty point between stones makes a one-space jump; a knight’s move spans the diagonal of a one-by-two rectangle.

An extension connects immediately. Diagonals, jumps and knight’s moves do not; they travel farther with fewer stones but leave entry points for the opponent. Look around before choosing how solidly or quickly to develop.

A two-space jump reaches one point farther than a one-space jump; a large knight’s move reaches farther than a small one. An elephant’s move spans the diagonal of a two-by-two-line square. Recognizing the shapes is enough for now. Their names alone do not judge a move, and rotating the board does not change the relationships.

Extend

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Black adds F5 directly beside E5, connecting immediately into one group.

Diagonal move

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Black E5 to diagonal F6 is a small diagonal move. The stones are not directly connected.

Jump

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Black E5 to G5 leaves F5 empty between: a one-space jump.

Small knight’s move

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Black makes a knight’s move from E5 to G6: two line spacings in one direction and one in the other.

Original lessons by Yiban ·