This situation is a complex fight in which each side has 2 unsettled groups. In such cases, even a minor slip by either side can lead to disaster, so extreme caution is required. The status of each group is as follows: a: The lone Black stone on the upper left 4-4 point is strong. b: This live Black group is very strong. c: This live White group is very strong. d: This live Black group is very strong. e: This large White group is marginally weak. It is sure of only 1 eye on the edge, but as things stand can either connect to the “c” stones or escape. But that connection/escape is not yet certain, and therefore must be watched carefully as the game progresses! f: This Black group is marginally strong. It can almost certainly make at least one eye, and has free center access at the moment. g: This White group is weak! It has no sure eye, no real shape as yet, and only center access to provide viability. h: This Black group is also intrinsically weak, but a bit stronger than the W“g” stones because its shape is better and it already is further out into the center. i: This White group is strong because it’s almost certain to be able to make 2 eyes in the corner. |