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Go of the Week: Point of Symmetry

When right and left have the same shape, there is a play in the center.

​ – Old proverb in Go

Go board is a symmetric board. Hence, it’s not uncommon to see symmetry shapes in Go. When a symmetric shape appears in Go, the point of the symmetry has the potential to be a really good move. The proverb relates in many ways to the idea of miai. (A move with double purpose). [1] Playing at the symmetry sometimes creates two good sweet points, so if the opponent plays one, you can play the other.

Fuseki (Opening phase of a game)

When the black and the white are of the mirror shape of each other, the center becomes the most important strategic location.

Following is a mirror game shown in the Hikaru-no-go. Toya Koyo plays the white. Because black chess and white chess are completely symmetrical, the center point is of great value.

Thought-Provoking Problem

• White first to escape

  Tortise shape, selected from Xuanxuanqijing.

  

• White first to kill the Blacks

  Goose shape, selected from Xuanxuanqijing.

  

• Black first to kill the Whites

  Raiders, selected from Xuanxuanqijing.

  

References:

• [1] Play on the Point of Symmetry https://senseis.xmp.net/?PlayOnThePointOfSymmetry
• [2] Miai https://senseis.xmp.net/?Miai
• [3] 玄玄棋经-桥本宇太郎解说 https://www.101weiqi.com/book/levelorder/5/?page=2