Go Wizardry

Takagi Life and Death Problem

White to Play

Composed by Takagi Shōichi 9 dan and published in the Takagi 45 Life & Death Problems booklet as a supplement to Kidō, April 1990.

A composition which is my pride and joy. An unavoidable order of moves solves things in a precise way.

Show Answer

Correct Solution 1 (Starting with a Diagonal Attachment)

White 1 and 3 are the first point.

Correct Solution 2 (White 5 Makes Kō)

Black responds tenaciously with 4, but the throw-in of White 5 is skillful. Then White 7 ensures that the Black group only has one eye.

Diagram 1 (A Variation)

In this variation, Black also dies simply and easily.

Diagram 2 (Failure)

If White first fixes the shape with 1, the group will not die. When White tries the move of 3, Black 4 is possible. The group is certainly alive.

Next Week’s Problem

White to Play

Composed by Takagi Shōichi 9 dan and published in the Takagi 45 Life & Death Problems booklet as a supplement to Kidō, April 1990.

If the vital point for the first move can be found, this is simple and easy.