Re: 9x9 go

[Scott Dossey <sdossey@xxxxxxxx>]

On Tue, 21 Apr 1998, David Fotland wrote:

> > 
> > 
> I have a little Japanese book of 9c9 pro handicap go, called Mi-Ni Go
> (Mi/Ni in katakana).  It has 178 game records, played by 1 to 5 dan pro.
> Black usually opens at the center, and white responds 3-4 or 3-5.  These
> were mostly 5.5 point komi games.  I haven't entered the games.  But you
> can probably find a copy of this book in Japan.
> 

Interesting.  I noted from practical experience playing nine by nine games
that playing in the center seemed to be effective.  You can cut apart your
opponent and keep him from connecting somewhat more effectively if you
play it right.  I first noted it when I had just discovered go and was
still being beaten by David Fotland's shareware program Igo.  I could only
beat it consistently (at that time) at the highest level if I played at
the center point and then proceeded to cut apart groups that it tried to
connect.

However, on a 19 by 19 I consider it ludricous to play at the center
point.  

I would be interested in knowing how many people have experienced
great success with playing in the center on a nine by nine board.  Most of
the openings I've seen used in my very limited experience have hovered
around 3-3 points even on a nine by nine board.  I doubt this is the most
effective move in the limited maneuvering space of a nine by nine board. 

Seeing David Fotland's mention of game records with nine by nine games
with black starting out on the center point validated my "feeling" that it
is a very effective first move on a nine by nine board.  However, I'm curious to
find out if it is indeed common to open that way, and can anybody else who
is a higher level player than I am, validate this "feeling".  

-Scott Dossey