Re: 9x9 go

[birk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Scott Dossey wrote:
> 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. 

I agree. When I used to play with a friend on the 9x9 board (we both
started to play Go at the same time) we ended up with the 5-5 point
opening. 
After realizing that playing the 5-5 point results in the safest
way to win (without komi) we switched to the 13x13 board.
I think playing 10-10 on the 19x19 board still is worth 5.5 komi
but it's more difficult to make use of your advantange of playing
the first move. (influence over territory)
On the 9x9 board however, the 5-5 point is still close enough to
the corners to make both, influence AND territory. (see Charlisle's email)
 
Christoph