Exit Zen
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Connecting stones
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Connecting stones is important skill both in capture go and go. Keeping stones connected helps keep stones safe. If the opponent can cut stones into separate groups, it is more difficult to protect both groups.
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There are many ways to ensure stones keep connected, or cut opponents' stones that are not properly connected.
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Diagram
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In the example marked white stones cut black stones A and B from each other.
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Diagram
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White A is called cutting stone, as its main purpose is to cut black into two separate groups.
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Cutting stones
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Diagram
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Black stones are not same string of stones. But black can always connect the stones, no matter what white plays. This kind of connecting is extremely common in games.
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Connected Shapes
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Diagram
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This is another position where black can always connect. This is called bamboo joint, and is quite common in practical play.
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Bamboo joint
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Now black has two cutting points (at 2 and 3). Black cannot defend both cutting points. If black connects at 2, white cuts at 3, and vice versa.
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Diagram
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Here black all 3 stones are not yet connected.
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Not Connected Shapes
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Following shapes are not yet connected and the opponent can cut.
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