The Mystery of 19×19

Gu Li 9p is one of the strongest pro in China, and Yamashida Keigo 9p is the current Kisei of Japan. Both players are top pros in the world. Gu Li 9p is white in this game.

Black 11 is an interesting choice. Normally one would play at A or B.

White 12 is a natural invading point. Black 13 is also a very rare move. Yamashida 9p often plays unusual moves.

White played at 14 to get into the center. If he played at L3, black would have responded at L5.

Both players are trying to fix the shapes. After 20, white can connect at F2.

Black started the fight. 33-37 are very strong moves. However, white is not really in trouble because of the F2 underneath connection.

Both players are very good fighters. After black 55, it seemed like white had three weak groups.

Because white is short of liberties, F2 does not work now. However, white 58 is a very nice tesuji. If black plays at A, white can connect at F2. However… what if black plays at B now? White has to respond at J4, and black plays at G3?

(to be continued)