I’m starting a reread of Tesuji. I find it best to peruse a number of books at one given time. Typically it’s a matching topic book and problem book, but currently I’m also reading an opening book (plus the opening problems book) and the Tesuji book (which includes problems).
Depending on the author, the introduction of the book can be one of the best parts! Kageyama’s “Fundamentals” is a prime example. It’s not often that any skills arise simply from reading the introduction, but sometimes that’s where much of the philosophy of the book can be found. In fact, just reading through the introduction of Tesuji gave me an insight on (sequence) reading in general.
To quote from the book, “The first principle in [sequence] reading is to start with a definite purpose. There is no better way to waste time than to say to yourself, ‘I wonder what happens if I play here,’ and start tracing out sequences aimlessly. Tactics musts serve strategy. Start by asking yourself what you would like to accomplish in the position in question, then start hunting for the sequence that accomplishes it. Once you have your goal clearly in mind the right move, if it exists, will be much easier to find.”
Well Go writers certainly aren’t known, for their grammer. (One would think the editors would do a better job), but that aside:
The fact that I’m learning how to read after almost a year of playing go has brought another 10-kyu insight: the passage above can apply to every part of the game - the only difference is the ease in finding the goals and key points. The opening is becoming a more important aspect of the game to me. I took a look at some of my losses and, though some were a result of misreads or fast play, many were because I was already behind after the opening!
I played an interesting game today versus an 8-kyu. I’m currently 9-kyu, but uncertain of my true rank (because of my recent games and new acquisition of basic reading). The interesting thing about this game (other than the fact that the game was long, 30/1/1) was the fuseki. My opponent played two 4×6 points for his corner enclosures. He later mentioned that he doesn’t believe in corner territory….. riiight… in any case, the game was still good, but the fuseki gave me a bit more than it should have. My successful invasion in his moyo (after his in mine) won me the game.
Interesting… I wonder whether the jump from 5-kyu to shodan involves the prevention and destruction of the opponent during invasions. Only something I’ll find out when I’ve made that jump!