The game between Guo and Boon shows some of the typical features of the Chinese and European Go style: aggressive and razor sharp tactics. For those whom know the players the game develops predictable: Boon taking solid territory while Guo builds up centre strength (diagram 1).

Dia 1: Position after white 24

Around move 35 Boon takes an excellent decision but the actual shape chosen is a mistake (see diagram 2).

Dia 2: Correct continuation after white 34

The correct move is 1 (instead of A in the game) with possible follow-up 2 up to 9. Guo takes full advantage of Black's mistake: she weakens black's centre group by separating them from the position at the top. At move 45 Boon probably makes the decisive mistake (see diagram 3).

Dia 3: Position after white 44

Essential in this position is connecting the marked stones with 1 and 3. In the game Boon plays the more solid but less efficient shape A (white 2, black B). This enables white to exploit the weakness at C (see diagram 4).

Dia 4: Position after white 66

After the sequence starting with the marked stone the marked black stone has been isolated and also white threatens to build a considerable amount of centre territory by playing at A. Boon takes his best practical chance with B, thus letting the centre group fight for itself. Guo starts a furious attack on this group and indeed succeeds to kill it (diagram 5).

Dia 5: Position after white 110

Page creation: Jan van der Steen