Subject:	THE BIG GAME 8 Answer
From:		John Fairbairn <JF@harrowgo.demon.co.uk>
Date:		Wed, 14 May 1997 20:16:53 +0100

Black played 61. K2, as many people guessed, tho I don't think anyone gave quite the reason in the commentary, namely that it creates miai of connection at N3 and invasion at F3.

Do you agree with me that once you've seen that simple explanation other moves seem somehow superfluous. I think it is a common fault of amateurs to try too hard, and I would put J5, the other big favourite, in that category. I would also slate J5 if you said it was a "shape move" in this position (I think some people did). Thinking that way is static. The pro alternative (creating miai) is dynamic. This is a hobby horse of mine which I've ridden often enough already in public so I'll say no more.

White replied 62. M6. The commentary said simply that if he didn't pull this group out it would come under attack. Leaving aside my gut reaction to attack it anyway, what the commentary does not say is just as important. There is no reference to attacking Black, no reference to squelching moyos (actually you won't see a move there for another 40+ moves). I think you'll agree pros are more patient than we are. "More haste less speed" would be a useful addition to the go proverb repository.

Black interposed 63. N12 for 64. O13. I think only one person spotted this (Roy Schmidt?).

Black then played 65. F3. This attacks the white stones on the M line, says the commentary, in that if it induces White H5 Black then gets to play K6 and White will have to keep himself busy on two fronts. (I probably would have skipped Black 65 and attacked one-dimensionally at K6, committing the cardinal sin of driving the opponent into my own moyo).

-- John Fairbairn