1 D4 D4 takes a corner star point, balancing corner potential with development along both adjacent sides. If White takes Q16, I can occupy Q4 rather than commit early to a local enclosure. Compared with D3, D4 keeps more flexible outward development; there are no urgent tactical issues on the empty board. 2 Q16 Black opened at D4, a 4-4 point in the lower-left corner. I'll take the opposite 4-4 point at Q16 in the upper right, which is a balanced and flexible opening. It claims a corner and leaves the next moves open. 3 D16 D16 takes an empty corner and works with D4 toward developing the left side; neither existing stone faces an immediate threat. If White takes Q4, I can approach at O4 while keeping both left corners flexible. Q4 is also a sound option, but I prefer D16 to establish a coordinated framework rather than approach Q16 before the empty corners are occupied. 4 Q4 The lower right corner is the largest open point left. Q4 takes a 4-4 star point there, builds a balanced framework with my upper right stone, and avoids a premature fight against Black's two left-side stones. 5 O3 O3 approaches White’s Q4 corner from the direction of D4, developing the lower side while keeping White from expanding there freely. If White answers at R3 to secure the corner, I can extend to O5 for a flexible position facing the center. C10 would develop the left side, but the approach at O3 puts more immediate pressure on White while leaving my two stable corners undisturbed. 6 O4 Black's O3 approaches my Q4 stone on the third line. I answer with the shoulder-style O4 directly above it, which stays connected to Q4 through P4 and keeps Black low, building the right side together with Q16. I prefer this to a passive P3 or tenuki, since leaving the corner would let Black squeeze it from both sides. 7 P3 P3 hanes toward the lower-right corner, keeping O3 connected while contesting White’s corner territory. If White answers at P4, I can extend to Q3, maintaining liberties and seeking a base along the lower edge. Compared with extending to N3, this takes more active advantage of the local contact; the other corners have no urgent tactical problems. 8 P4 White plays P4 to remove the cutting point between O4 and Q4, forming a solid wall on the fourth line that keeps Black's O3/P3 stones low on the edge. I considered the hane at Q3, but Black's P4 cut would then create an unnecessary fight. The solid connection is simpler and sound. 9 N3 N3 extends the O3–P3 stones toward the open lower side, adding liberties and room to develop a base. If White turns at Q3 to secure the corner, Black can extend to L3 rather than keep crawling along the edge. I prefer this to pushing at Q3, which invites R3 and further low play, or approaching elsewhere before stabilizing these stones. 10 N4 N4 extends the White fourth-line wall over Black's third-line crawl at N3, preventing Black's push at N4 and building the lower side. It is solid and keeps the stones connected. I preferred it to tenuki on the open board because it limits Black and keeps sente-like momentum along the bottom. 11 Q3 Q3 turns around the end of White’s four-stone wall, extending my connected group toward the lower-right corner instead of continuing to crawl left with M3. If White blocks at R3, I can connect underneath at Q2, retaining access to the bottom edge and room to develop eye space. With no urgent threats elsewhere, this local improvement is preferable to approaching Q16 while leaving the lower-right group unfinished. 12 R4 Black crawled along the third line under my row-4 wall. R4 extends the wall to the edge of the right side, blocks Black from pushing up at R4, and keeps everything connected. I considered the R3 hane, but Black's cut at R4 leaves it with few liberties, so I prefer the solid move. 13 R3 R3 extends the bottom group beneath R4 and preserves access to the lower-right corner before White can block at R3. If White answers at S3, R2 keeps the stones connected and expands their space along the bottom edge. K3 would develop more of the lower side, but I prefer settling the corner-side boundary first rather than letting White seal it off. 14 S3 Black has crawled along the third line under my fourth-line wall (N4-R4). The weak point is the S3/S4 area: Black R3 now pushes toward the right side. I have stones N4 through R4 in a row, and Black has N3 through R3. Black's left end at M3 is open, as is the right end at S3. Hammering the crawl from the right with S3 would hane at the head of the Black stones, but S3 could be answered by S2 or by cutting. A simpler and more solid option is to extend at M3, blocking the left end, since Black's N3 stone could otherwise extend along the third line. However, the biggest issue is that Black's row has few liberties and no eyes, so I should close both ends. S3 is the hane at the head: it leaves R3 with liberties at R2 and S3-adjacent points. After W S3, Black R2 extends, then I play S2 hane, and the Black group is squeezed on the right while the left is still open. Alternatively, M3 first to seal the left, then Black S3 hane would hurt my R4 stone (S4 cut risk). Since R4 is my end stone, S3 protects my corner and shape, so I choose S3. 15 S2 S2 bends around White’s S3 stone, preserving access to the corner rather than letting White seal off the right end of my N3–R3 chain. If White cuts at R2, I can answer Q2, keeping the main chain connected while the cutting stone remains short of liberties; against S4, R2 connects my corner extension. I prefer this to approaching Q16 immediately, since securing the lower-right group is more valuable now. 16 S4 White's S3 stone has only two liberties, and Black's S4 cut would put it in atari and split White's row on the fourth line. Connecting at S4 makes one solid chain from N4 to S4 and S3 and removes that weakness. I considered the hane at M3 and the cut at R2, but both leave the S3 weakness open and risk a bad fight, so I prefer the solid connection. 17 R2 R2 connects S2 to the N3–R3 chain, securing the corner-side connection and giving the low stones more room to live along the bottom. If White presses at M3, I can answer at N2 to strengthen the base while retaining access toward M2. Developing the upper-left corner is attractive, but allowing White R2 would separate S2 and complicate this unsettled group. 18 M3 M3 blocks the left end of Black's row-3 group, limiting its eye space and escape route along the third line. If Black extends with M2, White can keep pressing from the outside with a solid wall on row 4. I prefer this to T2, which is smaller and doesn't stop Black running toward the open left side. 19 M2 M2 extends the enclosed lower-right stones toward the open bottom side, enlarging their eye space and resisting White’s attempt to seal them in with M3. If White blocks at L2, I can connect at N2 and retain a broad base beneath the white wall. Approaching Q16 is a larger-scale alternative, but strengthening this unsettled seven-stone group takes priority. 20 M4 M3 has only two liberties (L3, M4), so M4 connects it solidly to the row-4 wall and removes Black's cutting and atari tricks. That leaves Black's bottom group with little eye space, which I can attack later. I preferred this to L2 or N2, which would leave M3 vulnerable to a Black atari. 21 R14 R14 approaches White’s upper-right corner while developing the open right side, rather than adding another low stone beneath White’s bottom wall. If White pincers at R12, I can attach at R16 and seek local settlement instead of running toward that wall. N2 would connect M2 to the lower-right chain, but that chain has ample liberties and room along the bottom, so the corner approach is more valuable now. 22 P2 The bottom right: Black stones at N3-R3 and R2, S2, M2 are cramped under my row-4 wall. Black's group is N3, O3, P3, Q3, R3, R2, S2 (connected), plus M2 which touches M3? M3 is White, so M2 is separate and its neighbors are L2, M1, N2.
Black's chain has liberties at N2, O2, P2, Q2, S1, R1 and T2. White's S3 stone has liberties T3 only, since S4 is White and connected to the wall. Black's eye space on row 2 is small, so I could attack it. A move at N2 would cut M2 off from the chain. It sits next to M2 and N3, so it is a hane-type cut. After White N2, Black M1 or L2 may extend M2, but N2 has liberties at O2 and N1. Black could atari with O2, which would be risky for me.
Alternatively, T2 is a hane at the edge that reduces Black's eye space. Black's group has potential eyes at O2/P2/Q2, so it is nearly alive if it gets P2 or similar. Playing P2 as a vital point would be an invasion into the eye space. Black answers O2 or Q2, and I would be left with a single stone that has few liberties.
The simplest strong move may be N2, which threatens to kill by reducing the eye space. If Black plays O2, N2 is in atari, with N1 as its only remaining liberty. That is bad. P2 is the center of t… 23 Q2 Q2 connects firmly to the lower-right chain, blocks White from cutting underneath Q3, and reduces P2’s liberties to O2 and P1. If White extends at P1, I can play O2, restricting the invasion while preparing to connect toward M2 through N2. This is more urgent than developing the open left side, since White’s invasion threatens the eye space of a substantial black group. 24 O2 Black's central group on row 3 and its row 2 stones have no eyes yet, and my P2 stone is short of liberties (O2, P1). O2 extends P2 and threatens N2, which would cut M2 away from the group and take away its left-side eye space. If Black connects at N2, I can attack the right-side eye space with T2, which also leaves the T3 point answerable by T4. I preferred this to playing T2 first because T2 leaves P2 hanging. 25 N2 N2 connects M2 to the larger black chain and reduces the O2–P2 stones to liberties at O1 and P1, helping Black secure eye space along the bottom. If White plays O1, Black can answer N1, leaving that white group with only P1 and threatening to capture it. Developing the upper right is attractive, but securing this enclosed group is more urgent. 26 L2 I'm playing L2 to pressure the Black group at the bottom. Black's stones on N3–R3, M2, N2 and Q2–S2 are connected and boxed in by my wall on M3–S4 and S3. They have no clear eye yet. Black's main plan is O1 then P1, capturing my O2 and P2 stones to build an eye. L2 removes Black's liberty and escape route on the left and keeps eye space on the first line small.
I considered O1 and P1 to save the two inside stones. Both leave my group with too few liberties, so I rejected them. T2 is the other candidate. I preferred L2 because the left side is the bigger gap in my encirclement. The cost is that Black can still play O1 and capture the two inside stones, and I have not read out the resulting eye space. 27 O1 O1 attacks the two white stones at O2–P2, which currently have only O1 and P1 as liberties, while helping secure eye space for Black’s enclosed lower-right group. If White extends at P1, Black Q1 captures all three stones. This local stabilization is more urgent than developing the open left side, since White’s surrounding wall leaves Black needing reliable life. 28 G5 Black's O1 leaves my O2 and P2 stones with only one liberty at P1. P1 itself is self-atari, because Black captures with Q1, and N1 would be answered by Black capturing at P1. Black's bottom-right group also has about six liberties and a good chance of making eyes, so I don't see a way to kill it. I'll give up the two stones and take a big open-board point. G5 extends from my wall along row 4 toward the left, and it also pressures Black's lone D4 stone. 29 P1 Captured 2. P1 captures O2 and P2, freeing O1 and creating valuable eye space for the large lower-right group. If White cuts at N1, Q1 connects O1–P1 to the main chain through Q2; White cannot then extend along the bottom indefinitely, since M1 can be answered by L1, capturing the cutting stones. Strengthening this enclosed group is more useful now than expanding the lower-left corner with C6. 30 Q11 The Black group on the bottom edge (M2, N2, N3–R3, Q2–S2, O1, P1) looks alive. It has the O2/P2 eye, and either S1 or R1 lets Black make a second eye at Q1, R1 or T1, so a kill attempt would likely fail. My only invading options, O2 and P2, are self-atari. Instead I take a big point on the open right side. Q11 pressures Black's lone stone at R14, connects my P16 stone with the row-4 wall, and builds right-side influence. Black's likely reply is an extension or hane around R12, and I would prefer that exchange to chasing a group that is already alive. 31 R17 R17 takes the upper-right 3–3 point while giving R14 a nearby base after White’s Q11 pincer. If White blocks at Q17, I can play R16, aiming to connect toward R14 through R15 while retaining room along the right edge. I prefer this to extending at R12 between White’s stones or playing on the left, since it addresses my least settled stone and contests the corner simultaneously. 32 Q14 The bottom right has a Black group inside White's wall: X stones at N3-R3, N2, M2, Q2, R2, S2, O1, P1, N1... Wait, let me check the board. Row 2 reads: L2 O, M2 X, N2 X, O2 empty, P2 empty, Q2 X, R2 X, S2 X. Row 3: M3 O, N3-R3 X, S3 O. Row 1: N1 X, O1 X... The column labels give N1 and O1 for the X stones in row 1. The group looks mostly settled, with its eyes at O2/P2 and possibly more. It is hard to kill, so I'll leave it.
The bigger point on the board is the upper right. Black R17 and R14 face my stones at Q16 and Q11. Black's R14 stone is between my two, and R17 is pressing on Q16. A move at Q14 would hit R14 from the left and connect my two stones' area, while a move at R16 would hit R17 from below. I prefer R15, which cuts R14 off from R17 and takes away its shape. But it could be pushed from below by R13 or answered with a hane. Q14 is solid: it links Q16 and Q11 into a wall and pushes Black toward the edge, where it has little room. I'll play Q14. 33 R15 R15 strengthens R14 and brings it closer to R17, helping secure the upper-right side against White’s Q14–Q16 stones. If White presses with R13, I can answer S13 and develop toward a connection through S14; an immediate R16 cut would have only one liberty at S16 and could be captured. Developing the open left side is attractive, but stabilizing these right-side stones first avoids giving White an easy attack. 34 Q15 Black's R15 and R14 form a wall on the right, with R17 above. My stones at Q16 and Q14 are separated by Q15, and Black at R15 aims to push into Q15 and cut. Playing Q15 connects both stones into a solid wall, though it is a bit heavy. The alternative is R16, which hits Black's R17 and R15 from the top, but it gets atari'd or cut by Q15. Black Q15 would cut and put both of my stones in trouble, so connecting at Q15 is the safe choice. After it, Black may play R16 or Q13 to press. Q15 keeps my shape intact and leaves Black's stones with little eye space on the edge. 35 R16 R16 connects R17 with R15–R14, removing the cutting point beside White’s Q14–Q16 chain and stabilizing my right-side stones. If White extends to Q17, I can answer at R18 to develop the corner while keeping the group connected. I prefer this consolidation to R13 or a move elsewhere, which would leave White the disruptive cut at R16. 36 R13 The white stones Q14, Q15 and Q16 form a column and are in contact with the black column R14-R16, with R17 above. Q16 has liberties at P16, Q17 and, by the board, nothing to its right since R16 is black. The group Q14-Q16 has liberties at P16, P15, P14, Q17, Q13 and P13, so it is not in danger yet. Black's wall on R14-R17 is thin on the right side, but the big picture favors White: Black has a small corner group at the bottom right and a stone at D16, plus D4, while White has the bottom group and several stones elsewhere.
The main question is whether to extend with Q13 (which also hits R13) or play Q17 to hane at the head of the column. Q17 is atari-ish pressure on R17 (R17 has liberties R18, S17), so it is not capturing anything and would be cut off by Black at Q18 or P17. A solid move is R13, hane at the bottom of Black's column. Black's column R14-R16 has liberties at S14, S15, S16, R13 and, via R17, R18, S17. R13 reduces its liberties and prevents Black from extending downward. Black could respond with S13 or cut at Q13, but Q13 would be self-atari-like: it would sit between Q14 and R13 and have few liberties. R13 is also connected to Q14 only diagonally, so the Q13 cut deser… 37 F17 F17 encloses the upper-left corner with D16 and develops the largely open upper side. The R14–R17 chain still has ample liberties along the right edge, so White’s R13 does not require an immediate answer. If White continues with Q17, I can extend at R18 to preserve room for eyes; I prefer the large corner development to the more local defense at S14. 38 G16 Black's F17 and D16 build an upper-left framework while the right side is settled for now. I play G16 to press that framework from the right and take space on the top side, rather than chasing Black's thin but connected R14-R17 group. I preferred this to attacking at S15, which would be overreaching at this stage. 39 F16 F16 connects to F17 and presses White’s G16 stone while strengthening the upper-left corner. If White hanes at G17, I can extend to F18, keeping my stones connected rather than forcing a fight. Developing the lower-left with C6 is also large, but I prefer to address the F16 cutting point while gaining strength against White’s approach. 40 G15 White's G16 stone has Black stones at F16 on its left. Black F16 and F17 are connected, so the question is whether G16 needs support. G16's liberties are G17, H16 and G15, so it is not in immediate danger. Extending to G15 would make a solid shape, but H16 would be a more flexible way to build toward the right-side stones. A hane at G17 on top of F17 is aggressive but could be cut. The bottom-right is complicated: Black has a group around N3-R3, and White's stones at M4-S4 surround it. Black's group has eyes at N2/O2/P2 and P1/Q1 area, so it likely lives, and White's wall on row 4 is solid. The top-right Black group R15-R17 and Q16 is interesting: the White Q16, Q15, Q14 stones are cut off from the rest. I'll play G15 for solid support of G16 and to stop Black's pressure on the left. Black E15 or F15 would otherwise push under. On balance, G15 is solid, but F15 would be sharper, hitting from below the F16 stone and aiming to cut D16 off. F15 is hit by E16 though, which would be awkward. I'll go with G15. 41 F15 F15 extends the F16–F17 stones, limits White’s access to the upper-left corner, and keeps pressure on G15–G16. If White wedges at E15, E16 connects my stones to D16; if White turns at G17, F18 preserves room along the top. I prefer this timely strengthening move to a broad extension at D10, which would leave White the useful contact at F15. 42 G14 Black's F-file wall of F15, F16 and F17 presses my two stones at G15 and G16. G14 extends solidly, gives the group more liberties and eye room, and heads toward the open center. I preferred it to the riskier hane at F14, which could leave my stones overextended against Black's wall. 43 D6 D6 strengthens the lower-left corner while limiting White’s development from G5 toward the left side. If White approaches at C5, I can answer at C4 to keep the corner connected; against an extension to G7, F5 offers counterpressure. I prefer this multipurpose development to F14, which would continue the upper-left pushing sequence without an immediate tactical necessity. 44 E7 Black's group in the bottom right (M2, N3-R3, N2, O2... ) is enclosed by White's row 4 wall and the stones at L2, S3. Its eye space is small: the empty points at O2 and P2 plus the 1-row points. Black has stones at L2... actually L2 is White, M2 is Black. Black also holds O1, P1, Q2, R2, S2. The empty points in that area are N1... K1, O2, P2, Q1, R1, S1 and so on. Black's eye space looks like O2/P2 together, which is a single eye, plus Q1/R1 area. It is probably alive or close to it, so I won't attack it right now.
On the left side, Black has D6 and D4 and I have G5. The left and bottom-left are open. The top left has Black stones at F15-F17 and D16, with my wall on G14-G16. The top is Black's area on the left, and the area from F14 downward is open. A move at F13 or E14 would limit Black's F stones and extend my wall, but the left side is bigger. Black's D6 and D4 form a framework with the left side; a move at E5 would be passive. A shoulder or approach at E7 or D8 would reduce Black's side and connect with G5 and G14. I favor E8, which limits the framework from above and links my stones across the left-center. The top Black group at F15-F17 is weak, so E14 is also attractive: i… 45 D7 D7 connects directly to D6 and counters White’s E7 shoulder hit while developing Black’s left side. If White continues with E8, I can extend at D8, keeping the stones connected and gaining space toward the upper left. A wider move such as C10 develops more territory immediately, but allows White to press at D7 and restrict the lower-left stones. 46 E6 E7 is a lone stone pressed by Black D7 and D6. Extending to E6 makes a solid two-stone group that links up with G5 and pressures D6 from the side. If Black cuts at E5, I answer F5 and stay connected. I preferred it to E8 because it heads toward the lower side where G5 gives support. 47 D5 D5 connects D4 securely to D6–D7 and develops the lower-left corner while White’s E6–E7 stones remain outside. If White continues with E8, I can extend toward C9 rather than follow every push. I prefer this multipurpose reinforcement to F14, which develops the upper left but leaves White the disruptive cut at D5. 48 E5 Black's wall on D4–D7 faces my E6/E7 stones. The Black stones at D5, D6, D7 and D4 form a column, and my E6 and E7 stones are adjacent to it. The empty point E5 is a cutting and extension point: if Black plays E5, my E6/E7 pair loses liberties and the F5 stone is separated. Playing E5 myself connects E6 to F5 solidly and keeps Black's wall from pushing out, which also gives my stones a base on the lower left side. The alternative E4 hane is more aggressive but risks a cut at E5. E5 is safe, solid and shapes well, so I choose it. 49 E4 E4 turns under White’s E5 chain, extending Black’s strong D4–D7 wall toward the lower-left corner and limiting White’s expansion along the bottom. If White replies at F4, I can reinforce at E3, keeping the corner-side stones connected rather than chasing White into the center. D10 is a valuable whole-board extension, but I prefer securing this boundary before White takes E4. 50 F4 Black's E4 pushes under my E5-E7 stones, which are wedged against Black's D-file wall. F4 blocks the extension along row 4, supports E5 diagonally, links toward G5, and keeps Black's E4 stone short of space. I preferred it to the riskier E3 hane, which can be ataried from D3 or F3. 51 D10 D10 develops the large open left side and works with both D4–D7 and the upper-left stones. If White presses with E8, I can answer D8, extending the lower group while retaining room toward the left edge. I prefer this to F3: White can answer F5 to join F4 to E5 and G5, while Black spends another move on the already strong lower-left position. 52 F5 Black's D10 extends the left side and aims at the weak white stones around E5-E7. The wall E5-E7 is only connected to F4 through the diagonal at F5/E4 area, and Black's E4 stone sits next to it. White's F4 stone touches E4 and the wall via E5 diagonally; F5 would connect E5, F4 and G5. Black's cutting point F5 is real: if Black plays F5, E5 and G5 get separated and F4 is weakened. F5 is a solid shape move that joins E5, F4 and G5 into one chain, strengthens the center, and keeps pressure on Black's left stones D4-D7 and E4. The alternative of a large move like the left side at D12 is possible, but the cut at F5 is a concrete cost, so I connect first. 53 K16 K16 develops the large open upper side while putting pressure on White’s unsettled G14–G16 and Q14–Q16 groups. If White extends toward H16, J16 keeps my stones connected and contests the upper-side space without relying on a capture. The D4–D7 group has ample liberties, so I prefer this whole-board move to the smaller local gain at F3. 54 K14 Black's K16 stone is isolated between my G-file wall and my right-side stones at P14-P16. K14 is a flexible move that limits it from below, builds a framework across the top, and links the two White walls. I preferred it over a close attachment at J16, which could be hit with a hane, and over a quiet move in the bottom area, where my wall already holds the Black stones. 55 Q17 Q17 extends the R14–R17 chain into the upper-right corner while pressing White’s Q16–Q14 stones. If White blocks at P17, Q18 keeps Black connected and develops secure corner space. I prefer this to an extension at N16, which develops the top but leaves White the valuable Q17 point against Black’s right-side group. 56 Q13 Black's Q-column wall (Q14–Q17, with P17 and R17) presses on my P14–P16 stones, and my R13 stone is isolated. Q13 connects R13 toward my P-column group. It also takes away Black's lower extension and keeps my stones from being split. The main reply I considered is Black pushing at P13, but that does not threaten anything serious. I prefer Q13 to O17 because it secures the weak stones first and leaves Black's group with only top-side liberties. 57 G17 G17 extends across the head of White’s G14–G16 group, strengthening my upper-left position while restricting White’s access to the top. If White replies H16, I can play H17; after H15, J16 would strengthen K16 and help contain White toward the center. I prefer this coordinated development to O17, which takes a large upper-side point but leaves White more freedom around G16. 58 F14 My G14-G16 wall has only five liberties and is pressed by Black's F15-F17 and G17 stones. F14 extends the chain, adds liberties, stops Black from sliding down the F-file, and keeps the left side open for me. I preferred it to H16, which is slower and does not stop the F-file push. 59 E14 E14 blocks White’s expansion toward the left side while strengthening the boundary below F15. If White cuts at E15, E16 connects D16 to F16; after D15, D14 puts the cutting stones in atari at C15. I prefer this active block to a quiet corner expansion such as C6, since it develops the left side while White’s nearby group is still unsettled. 60 E13 E13 hanes under Black's E14 stone, protects the cutting points around F14/F13 and keeps the White group at F14-G16 connected to the center, while pressing Black toward the edge. I preferred it over the risky cut at E15, which would have only two liberties and could be put into atari immediately. 61 D14 D14 gives E14 more liberties and develops Black’s left-side framework toward D10 while the upper-left stones remain strong. If White pushes at D13, C14 extends solidly without leaving E14 isolated. I prefer this to E15, which connects directly to F15 but does less to control the open left side. 62 F13 F13 connects E13 to the F14-G14 chain, removing Black's cutting point and keeping the group strong. D13 would be more aggressive, but it leaves the F13 cut, which would split my stones, so I prefer the solid connection. 63 C17 C17 encloses the upper-left corner with D16, turning Black’s surrounding stones into more dependable territory. If White presses at D13, I can answer at D15 to connect D14 and E14 to D16 before continuing along the left side. I prefer securing this large corner to immediately chasing the well-connected White group with H16. 64 K15 Black's isolated K16 stone is the weak point in the top. Playing K15 attacks it from below, connects naturally with White's K14, and builds strength linking G15 and the Q-file stones. I ignore C17 because it is small, and K15 is preferable to H17 since it also builds center influence. 65 K17 K17 strengthens K16 while developing the open upper side between my existing positions. If White presses at J16, I can answer at J17, maintaining a solid connection and limiting White’s access to the top. A move such as K4 would contest the large lower side, but I prefer to stabilize the upper stone before starting another fight. 66 J16 J16 attacks the two black stones at K16 and K17 from the left side. It also stops Black linking them with the G17 stones through H16 or J16, and adds liberties around my G16 group. If Black extends with L16, he heads toward the right side, where my P-file stones are strong. I prefer this to L16, which would push Black to J16 and strengthen his connection along the top. 67 J17 J17 strengthens K16–K17 and works toward a connection with G17 while preventing White from extending J16 upward. If White cuts at H17, I can play H18, keeping room along the top while White’s cutting stone must deal with its limited liberties. I prefer securing this vulnerable junction to an immediate attack at F7, which would leave White more scope to split my upper-side stones. 68 H16 H16 connects J16 to G16 and removes the cutting point. It also keeps Black's G17/F17 group separated from J17/K17. H17 would be an overplay because Black can cut at H16. 69 H17 H17 connects the F17–G17 stones to J17–K17–K16 and prevents White from extending through that gap into the upper side. If White replies at L16 to pressure K16, Black can extend to L17 while remaining connected. I prefer securing this connection to expanding around D12, which would leave White the useful cutting move at H17. 70 J15 J15 solidly connects the J16 group with K15/K14, removing Black's cutting point at J15. This also keeps eye space at H15/H14 and a stable, connected group against Black's row-17 wall, rather than letting Black cut and gain forcing moves. 71 F8 F8 caps White’s E7–G5 group while developing Black’s left-side framework around D7 and D10. If White expands with G7, I can answer G8, keeping the pressure on and extending toward the center rather than trying to force a capture. I prefer this to C3 because the lower-left corner remains accessible, while White’s outward expansion is more urgent to limit. 72 F7 Black's F8 presses on the chain E7-E5/F5-G5, which is hemmed in by Black's D-file wall. F7 extends from E7, adds liberties and blocks Black's descent. If Black hanes at G7, I can answer at G6 or F6 and keep the chain connected, which I prefer to the looser G7. 73 G8 G8 strengthens F8 while extending toward the open center and limiting the expansion of White’s E7–F7 group. If White pushes at G7, I can extend to H8, keeping my stones connected without committing to a close fight. E8 would secure the left-side connection more directly, but G8 develops more useful central influence while the D4–D7 chain has ample liberties. 74 G7 G7 hanes at the head of Black's F8-G8 pair and is solidly connected to F7, which keeps my left-side group (E5-E7, F5-G5) safe and restricts Black's expansion on the lower side. The alternative of capping at G9 would be thin and leave cutting points, so I prefer the solid hane. 75 E8 E8 strengthens F8–G8, blocks White’s extension above E7, and brings these stones closer to the D7 wall while developing the left side. If White presses with H8, G9 keeps my stones connected and gives them room toward the center. I prefer this to continuing at H8 immediately, which leaves the E8 wedge available to White. 76 H7 Black's stones on E8, F8 and G8 press down on my group at E7-G7, E6, E5-G5 and F4, which is still short of a secure eye space. H7 extends the group to the right and blocks Black's G8 stones from extending along row 8. It also widens the eye space around F6, G6, H6 and H5 and keeps a route toward my stones at the bottom right. If Black answers H8, I can still make eyes inside. H6 would be a quieter alternative, but H7 takes more space and limits Black more. 77 H8 H8 extends the E8–G8 chain, limits White’s advance toward the center, and strengthens Black’s influence toward the upper-left. If White continues with J7, Black can answer at J8, keeping the stones connected while extending the boundary. D8 would secure the connection to D7, but neither black group is in immediate danger, so I prefer the more active H8. 78 J8 Black's H8 extends the wall along row 8 and threatens to hane further at J7 or cut. My row 7 group (E7-H7) sits under that wall, and its eye space is thin, with only E6-H6 and E5-G5 as support. Playing J8, the hane at the head of the wall, keeps Black from pushing along row 8 and gives my row 7 stones room to extend. Black's likely answer is a hane or atari-type push at J9 or J7. The J8 stone would have liberties at J9, K8 and J7, and it connects diagonally to H7. J7 is the solid alternative, but it lets Black wall off the top side. I prefer J8 because it fights for the shared boundary. 79 J9 J9 presses White’s J8 stone toward the lower side while extending Black’s influence into the open center. If White extends to K8, I can continue at K9; against the wedge at H9, G9 connects back to the G8–H8 chain. I prefer this active development to D8, which securely connects the left-hand stones but leaves White free to expand toward the center. 80 J7 J8 has only two liberties (K8, J7) and is linked to my row-7 wall only through J7. Connecting at J7 removes the cutting and atari problems, and my wall then presses on Black's row-8 stones, which are split from J9. I preferred this to H9 or K9, which let Black play K8 with tempo. 81 H9 H9 connects J9 to the E8–H8 stones, removing a cutting point while strengthening Black’s central influence. If White extends at K8, Black can answer at K9 to limit White’s outward development. I prefer this solid connection to the immediate hane at K8, which leaves White the troublesome cut at K9. 82 K9 Black's H9 and J9 stones link up with the row-8 wall (E8–H8). K9 is a hane at the head of the J9 stone. It stops Black from extending along row 9 toward the right and gives J8 support. If Black cuts at K8, that stone has few liberties and is cramped between J8 and K9. I prefer this to the more aggressive J10, which risks a counter-cut at K9. 83 J10 J10 extends the H9–J9 chain into the center and prevents White from bending around its head there. If White continues with K10, I can answer at J11, keeping my stones connected while developing toward the upper side. D12 would expand the left side, but strengthening the central group before White gains more surrounding influence is more useful now. 84 K10 White K10 keeps K9 connected and blocks Black's chain (E8-F8-G8-H8-H9-J9-J10) from heading east into the open centre. The reply I expect is Black J11 to extend, which still leaves Black running along the top with White's top group nearby. I prefer K10 to H10 because it removes the K9 weakness first, which also protects the cut at K8, rather than starting a fight on the left side. I also considered G9, but it risks over-extending. 85 K11 K11 caps White’s K9–K10 stones and seeks influence in the open upper center rather than simply following them with J11. If White cuts at J11, H11 puts that cutting stone in atari; after J12, K12 keeps my central stones connected and continues the fight. Developing the left side with D12 is also valuable, but K11 contests the center before White can extend freely. 86 K8 K8 connects the K9/K10 stones to J8 and the solid row-7 wall, removing the cutting point Black would otherwise use after K11. I considered the more aggressive L11 or J11, but Black could cut at K8 and leave my K9/K10 stones short of liberties. Solid connection first keeps the group safe and leaves the pressure on Black's stones around J10. 87 K12 K12 extends K11 toward the open upper center while restricting White’s expansion from K14–K15. If White wedges at L11, L12 keeps these stones connected and develops outward; J11 remains available to connect toward J10. I prefer this active strengthening move to J11 immediately, which is safer but slower, or N16, which leaves K11 isolated. 88 K13 Black's K12 aims at K13, which would separate my upper group (K14, K15, J15 and the stones along row 16) from the rest of the board. K13 is the solid answer. It extends the K14 group and presses on K12, leaving that stone with only J12 and L12 as liberties. I considered L11, attacking the K11-K12 chain from the side. That chain still has five liberties, so the attack would not threaten it quickly, and K13 leaves fewer weaknesses. 89 L12 L12 extends the K11–K12 stones toward the open center while putting pressure on White’s K13 group. If White cuts at J11, L11 connects my central stones and preserves their route outward; the J9–J10 stones remain connected to the left-side chain. J11 would make an immediate connection, but L12 develops into the larger open area without requiring that defensive move yet. 90 L13 L13 extends from K13, blocks Black's L12 group from pushing up the right side, and links toward the O13 stones. It keeps the White chain at K13–K15 safe while leaving Black's K11/K12/L12 stones short of eye space, with J12 and L11 as follow-up squeezes. I preferred it to J12, which is looser and leaves K13 thinner. 91 M12 M12 extends the K11–L12 stones into the open center while beginning to pressure White’s thin right-side position around Q11. If White follows with M13, N12 keeps Black connected and continues the expansion; if White cuts at J11, J12 limits the cutting stone while preserving the central group’s escape route. J11 would connect immediately, but M12 develops more actively without relying on capturing White’s upper group. 92 M13 M13 is a hane at the head of Black's L12-M12 extension. It stops Black from pushing up, links L13 toward my right-side wall at P13-P16, and keeps the upper group K13-L13 strong. I prefer it to a passive defensive move because it also restricts Black's central expansion. 93 J11 J11 connects the K11–M12 stones to J10 and the H9–H8 chain, removing White’s useful cutting point while strengthening Black’s central position. If White presses with L11, Black can extend at M11 without leaving the upper stones isolated. D12 would develop the open left side, but securing this connection first is more valuable than allowing White to split Black’s groups. 94 H10 Black's long chain (E8–H8, H9, J9–J11, K11, K12–M12) is not yet clearly alive and has only thin links on the left. I'm playing H10 to take away the central eye space and block its path toward the open left and centre, working with my strong groups at J7–K10 and J15–M13. The main reply I considered is Black extending at G10 or H11, which I can answer by pressing along the third and fourth lines. I prefer H10 to sealing the right side at M11 because the left side is where Black can most easily make eyes or escape. 95 G10 G10 blocks White’s H10 stone from expanding toward the left and reinforces Black’s position around D10 and the central chain. If White extends to H11, G11 puts those two stones in atari, forcing White to continue toward H12 rather than freely spreading left. N12 would develop the open right side, but G10 better protects Black’s largest territorial prospect while putting pressure on White. 96 H11 White's H10 stone is in atari, with H11 as its only liberty. Extending to H11 gives it G11 and H12 as liberties and heads toward the upper white group at G14/G15. If Black plays G11, I extend to H12, which leaves three liberties (H13, G12, J12), and H13 would connect up. I prefer this to abandoning H10, because losing it would strengthen Black's centre and weaken my upper group. 97 G11 G11 puts White’s H10–H11 pair in atari while strengthening G10 toward my central stones. After White extends to H12, J12 connects solidly to my central group and keeps pressure on White’s escape. I prefer this forcing improvement to immediately expanding at L10, which would leave the local contact unresolved. 98 H12 White's H11-H10 stones are in atari with H12 as their only liberty, after Black's G11. Extending to H12 gives the group liberties at G12, J12 and H13, and it points toward my solid stones at G14, F13 and K13. The alternative of abandoning the two stones gives up the cut and lets Black strengthen the center. Black's likely reply is G12 or H13, but I can answer by connecting toward the upper side, so I extend. 99 G12 G12 extends the G10–G11 stones, blocks White’s push toward the left, and reduces the H10–H12 chain to two liberties, H13 and J12. If White extends at H13, G9 can connect my G-file stones to the central chain without relying on capturing White. I prefer this strengthening move to J12, which would leave White the useful push at G12. 100 H13 The white chain H10-H11-H12 has only two liberties, H13 and J12, and Black's G12 has just attacked it. H13 extends the chain to four liberties (G13, H14, J13, J12) and links it toward the strong top group at G14 and K13. It also leaves Black's G13 cut as self-atari against F13 and G14. J12 would only keep two liberties (H13, J13) and is worse. The big Black group around J11, K12 and J10 is well connected, so there is nothing to capture there, and securing this chain comes first. 101 H3 H3 takes the large open lower side, limiting White’s prospective territory between the F4 group and the M4–S4 wall while working with my D4–E4 stones. If White approaches at G3, I can extend to J3 rather than become entangled against the connected white group. J12 would reinforce the center, but those black stones are already connected, and White’s H13 move does not put them in immediate danger. 102 H4 Black's H3 stone is aiming to expand along the bottom and probe the cut near F4. H4 caps it from above and builds on my E5–G5 and F4 wall, so Black has to live low. I prefer it to a P2 or O2 invasion inside the bottom-right Black group, because that space looks big enough to live and P2 would be self-atari. H4 is solid, and no weakness in my center group at H10–H13 needs an answer first. 103 N16 N16 expands Black’s upper-side framework while limiting the space between White’s M13 stones and the Q-file group. If White approaches at P16, O17 develops toward Q17 while keeping room to connect back toward K17. This is more valuable than immediately defending H3, which still has three liberties and room to extend along the bottom. 104 N14 I'm choosing N14 to link my right-side group (P13–P16, O13) with the M13–K13 chain, so Black's N16 stone can't turn it into a target. Black's reply of O16 or P17 would then pressure a group that is already connected rather than one still hunting for eyes. I considered the cut at L16, but it would have only 2 liberties after Black M16, which is too risky. The hane at O16 could be answered by a Black cut at N15, so the solid connection looks better. 105 P17 P17 connects to Q17 and blocks White’s Q16 group from expanding into the upper side, while providing support for N16. If White pushes at P16, I can answer O16, connecting directly to N16 and keeping White below the developing upper-side framework. I prefer this to reinforcing at L11: the central black group has several liberties and access to open space, while the upper side offers a larger territorial opportunity. 106 P16 Black's P17 presses on my right-side group (Q16 to Q13 and R13), which still has several liberties but little eye space. P16 connects solidly to Q16, removes Black's P16 push, and starts to claim eye space around P14 and P15. I considered O16 to attack the N16 stone, but Black's cut at P16 would leave me with a thin shape, so I prefer the solid move. 107 M11 M11 extends the central Black group toward the open right side while keeping it securely connected to M12 and supporting pressure against White’s K9–K10 stones. If White plays N12 to contain this expansion, N11 connects directly to M11 and maintains room to develop. I prefer strengthening this important central group to answering P16 with O16, which would commit more stones to the upper-side fight. 108 N12 Black's M11 extends the group on row 12 toward the right side, and I want to stop it spreading under my row-13 and N14 stones. N12 is a hane at the head of that line. It blocks Black from turning toward N13 and the right side, and it keeps M13 and N14 linked. If Black cuts at N13, that stone has almost no liberties and is in atari straight away. I considered the solid J13 and the J12 connection, but Black's J12 can be answered with J13 later, so limiting Black on the right is bigger now. 109 L10 L10 strengthens the central Black group, preserves eye-making potential around L11, and limits White’s K10–K9 stones. If White presses at M10, I can extend at L9, keeping the new stones connected while gaining room toward the center. A large left-side move such as C12 is attractive, but improving the unsettled central group is more urgent. 110 L9 Black's L10 pushes toward the lower centre and presses on my K10/K9 stones. L9 stops that push and keeps K9, K10 and K8 solidly linked to my strong lower wall. M10 is the sharper hane, but it would have only two liberties and could be cut at L9 or pressed at N10, so I prefer the solid L9. With L9 played, Black's best reply is probably M10, which I can answer by guarding N11 or N12. 111 M10 M10 connects L10 to M11, making L11 a true eye while extending Black’s central group toward the open right side. If White presses with M9, N10 keeps Black moving outward without sacrificing that eye. I prefer this solid, multipurpose move to G13: attacking the upper White stones would leave the central connection unresolved. 112 M9 Black's M10 extends the wall M10-M12 toward the lower right and aims at M9 to squeeze L9 and the K9/K10 stones. M9 blocks that extension and keeps the center group connected to my J8 and row 7 stones. It also leaves N12 supported through N13 and N14. The more aggressive N10 hane would invite a Black M9 push and a messy fight in which my stones are thinner, so I prefer the solid block. 113 N11 N11 extends the central Black chain toward the open right side while reducing the liberties of White’s N12 stone. If White connects at N13, I can continue at O11 to develop the center; against N10, O11 keeps my stones connected and moving outward. I prefer this multipurpose extension to L16, which develops the top but leaves White more scope to press against the central chain. 114 N13 Black's N11 leaves my N12 stone with only two liberties (N13 and O12), and it is cut off from M13 by Black's M12. The black chain around M11 and M12 is connected to the group on the left, so I cannot realistically capture it. N13 connects N12 to M13 and N14, removes the atari danger and keeps my upper side intact. I preferred it over a probing move at N10 or O11, which would leave N12 as a cutting liability. 115 N10 N10 extends the central Black group toward the open right side while limiting White’s expansion from M9. If White replies at N9, O10 keeps Black connected and develops outward without a cutting weakness. I prefer this solid extension to the larger but looser Q9, since the central group still needs eye space and a secure route into the right side. 116 N9 Black's N10 pushes toward my M9–L9–K9–K10 group, which has only four liberties (K8, L8, M8, N9). I play N9 to block the crawl at the head, add liberties, and keep the group connected toward J8. The N12 and N13 stones already hold the upper side. I preferred this to a cut or poke inside, since L11 would be suicide and gains nothing. 117 O11 O11 extends the central Black group toward open space while putting pressure on White’s N12–N13 stones. If White blocks at P11, I can continue at O12 toward O13; if White plays O12 instead, P11 keeps an outward route available. This is more urgent than developing the left side, since White’s N9 has restricted the central group from below. 118 O10 I'm playing the hane at O10. It stops Black's O11 group from running into the open lower right and takes away its outside liberties, so the large black group in the middle has only the eye at L11 to live on. If Black ataris at P10, I extend to O9 and connect to N9. If Black pushes at O12 instead, White's N12-N13 chain is connected to the big group along row 13, and the Q and P stones around P14-Q13 limit how far Black can go. A solid O12 would be safer, but it lets Black get out at O10. 119 O12 O12 strengthens the large central Black group while separating White’s N12 stones from the stones on the right side. If White presses at P12, I can extend to O13, remaining connected and gaining room toward O14 and N16. I prefer this multipurpose move to P10, which forces White to connect at O9 but does less to improve Black’s central group. 120 O13 Black's O12 threatens to push in at O13 and split the White stones around N13/N14 from those around Q13/P14. I'm playing O13 to connect N13 and block that cut. I considered P12 and P11, which would squeeze Black's liberties, but Black's chain is large, linked to the left side and has the eye at L11, so those moves gain little. The weak stone at O10 can still connect at O9 if Black ataris it at P10, so O13 comes first. 121 F12 F12 strengthens the G12–G10 stones while restricting White’s expansion from E13–F13 into the open left side. If White plays G13 to connect the H13 group and pressure G12, I can answer G9, joining my stones to the strong G8–H8 chain. I prefer this multipurpose move to P11: the central black group already has substantial connections, while the left side offers greater territorial potential. 122 G13 Black's F12 sits next to the cutting point G13. Playing G13 myself connects E13/F13/G14 solidly to the H13–H10 chain and removes the cut. It also takes a liberty from the black stones at F12 and G12. I prefer this to a looser move like H14, which would leave G13 as a black forcing move. 123 L16 L16 strengthens the upper Black group, develops the open top side, and prepares to connect with N16. If White cuts at M16, Black can answer M17 and, after N15, connect through N17. D8 would solidly connect the left-side stones, but they are not in immediate danger, so I prefer the larger top-side development. 124 L15 Black's L16 extends the wall K16-L16-M16 above my top group. I'm answering with L15, a block directly under it. It keeps K15/J15 safe from a push, holds the boundary against the black wall, and links my stones toward the N14 and O13 side. I preferred it to tenuki because Black L15 or M15 would reduce my eye space and threaten the connection between J15 and the right-hand chain. 125 M16 M16 connects L16 and N16, strengthens Black’s upper position, and blocks a direct route for White’s L15 group toward the top. If White pushes at M15, N15 keeps that group contained while remaining connected to N16. G9 would usefully connect my central stones, but M16 also limits White’s expansion into the large open upper side. 126 M15 I play M15 to block Black's M16-N16 group from pushing down into the centre. It is adjacent to L15, so it keeps my large group (G16-L15, K14, K13) and the N14/N13 stones connected and shut Black out of the area around M14-O15. I considered the hane at O16 on the right, but Black pushing at M15 would be more damaging because it threatens to cut into my centre. So M15 is the more urgent boundary move. 127 P11 P11 strengthens the central Black group while gaining access to the open right side and putting pressure on White’s Q11 stone. If White connects upward with Q12, P10 puts O10 in atari, encouraging White to connect at O9 while Black develops toward the right. I prefer this multipurpose move to O16, which secures the upper boundary but does less to improve Black’s central position. 128 P12 P12 takes the key point next to Black's new stone at P11. It links my O13 stones toward Q11 and Q13, and removes Black's extension toward the top right. The Black chain O11/O12/P11 then has fewer liberties and little eye space (L11 is the only obvious eye point). If Black plays P10 to atari O10, I can extend at O9 and connect to the N9 chain. P10 is the alternative, but it leaves the O13/Q13 stones cuttable at P12. 129 G9 G9 connects the F12–G10 stones to the central group and closes an important cutting point while strengthening Black’s access to the open left side. If White wedges at F9, F10 connects securely through G10 and puts F9 in atari. D8 would connect the lower-left flank, but G9 first removes the more consequential central separation. 130 J12 Black's G9 only connects its own stones, so nothing urgent is threatened. My upper group looks alive: it has two separate eye areas, H14/H15/J14 and L14/M14. The one weak spot is the J12/J13 junction between my H-column wall and the K13 stones. If I play J12 it stays solid and takes a liberty from Black's central chain, which has only the L11 eye so far. Black's reply at J13 would be self-atari, so it is no threat. I considered cutting at D8 or invading around F9–F11, but those stones would be thin and risky with no support, so I prefer the solid move. 131 P10 P10 extends the central black group toward the open right side while taking one of O10’s two liberties. If White answers O9 to connect O10 to N9, I can continue at P9, building a useful boundary and limiting White’s central expansion. If White instead plays Q10, P9 still strengthens my group; I prefer this connected, multipurpose play to a distant reduction around K5. 132 O9 Black's P10 puts my O10 stone in atari, with O9 as its only liberty. Extending to O9 connects it to the N9 chain, which keeps the cut closed and stops Black from capturing a stone inside my area. I prefer this solid connection to abandoning O10, because losing it would give Black a hole in my lower-right position. 133 Q10 Q10 extends the central Black group toward the open right side while limiting White’s expansion from O9 and putting pressure on Q11. If White answers Q12 to connect Q11 with the upper group, R10 continues outward and gives Black more space. I prefer this multipurpose extension to P9, which would let White take Q10 and hem Black in. 134 Q12 Black's Q10 leaves my Q11 stone with only two liberties and my P12 stone with two, and the two stones are only diagonally linked. Black can cut at Q12 next. Q12 connects P12, Q11 and the Q13 group into one solid chain, which removes both weaknesses. Attacking with R10 instead gains nothing, because Black's P10-Q10-P11 stones are joined to the strong O11 chain. I choose the connection. 135 Q9 Q9 extends the central Black group toward the open lower-right side while limiting White’s expansion from O9. If White pushes at P9, Q8 keeps Black connected and continues building along the right side. D8 would connect the western groups, but both have ample liberties toward the left, so developing the larger open area is more valuable now. 136 P9 White P9 extends solidly from the O9 chain and stops Black's push at P9, which would squeeze the O9–O10 stones. The Black mass at M10–Q10 cannot be captured, so a cut-based attack there is not available. I considered the hane at R10 to gain territory, but R10 can be cut by Black R9 and is not connected to Q11. The solid P9 keeps the lower-right boundary safe. 137 E12 E12 connects directly to F12 and blocks White from extending through this point into the open left side, strengthening the large central Black group while claiming territory. If White pushes at D13, I can answer D12, maintaining connection and developing toward D10. I prefer this multipurpose move to R10: Q9 still has liberties at R9 and Q8, so the last move does not demand an immediate defense. 138 D13 Black's E12 pushes against my E13 stones and starts to seal the left side. D13 extends from E13, protects against a Black hane at D13, and presses on the Black stones at D14 and E14. It also aims at E15, which would threaten to cut them off. I expect Black to answer D12 solidly. I prefer this to D12, which could be cut, because D13 is better connected to my stones. 139 E15 E15 connects D14–E14 to the F15 group, strengthening the upper-left boundary and removing White’s useful wedge there. If White continues at D12, I can answer at D11, connecting to E12 while reinforcing the left side. Developing the open right side at Q8 is attractive, but securing this connection first gives Black a firmer territorial framework. 140 P8 My large central group has enough eye space around H15, H14 and J14, plus room on the right, so Black's E15 does not need an answer. The open boundary on the lower right is worth more. Black's stones at Q9, P10 and O10 can push down along row 8, so P8 blocks below my P9 and O9 stones and keeps the boundary solid. I preferred this to the sharper hane at Q8, which risks a counter-hane and a cut. 141 Q8 Q8 extends solidly from Q9, limits White’s expansion from P8, and starts securing the open right side. If White presses at Q7, R8 keeps Black connected while expanding toward the edge. I prefer this to D8: connecting the lower-left stones is useful, but White’s immediate expansion on the right is more valuable to restrain. 142 Q7 Black's Q8 pushes at my P8 stone, which is solidly connected through P9 and the K9–P9 chain. I'll hane at Q7 to limit Black's expansion down the right side and keep the initiative. If Black answers with P7, that stone has only two liberties (O7 and P6) and can be pressed. The solid P7 is slower and gives up more territory. 143 R8 R8 strengthens the Q8–Q10 chain and expands its room on the right while limiting White’s advance from Q7. If White continues at R7, I can extend to S8, maintaining connection and developing useful space along the side. This is more urgent than expanding around F10, where Black already has several open routes. 144 R7 The cut at P7 is the concrete threat. Black's R8 is also pressing on my Q7 stone, which is joined to P8 only diagonally. I considered the solid P7 connection, but it concedes R7 and lets Black settle the right side with sente. I prefer the hane at R7: it limits Black's expansion downward and keeps pressure on Q8/R8. If Black cuts at Q6, I can answer at P6 or Q5 with the bottom-right wall (Q4 and neighbouring stones) behind me, though that line is not fully clean. 145 C3 C3 develops the open lower-left corner and gives the D4–D7 chain room to settle, rather than spending a move on the already-connected stones near R8. If White approaches at C5, C4 connects C3 directly to D4 and preserves corner eye space. I prefer this concrete territorial gain to C10, whose left-side framework would still be open to invasion. 146 F3 Black's C3 looks like a reinforcement of the lower-left group, and I don't see a concrete threat to my stones there. My central group (E5–E7, F4–F5, H7, J7) is solidly connected, so I'm using the move to take the lower boundary instead. F3 sits solidly next to F4 and cuts the E4 group off from the isolated G3 stone, which leaves G3 short of space. Black can hane at E3, but I can answer solidly, and I prefer this to E3, where a Black cut at D3 or F3 would leave me exposed. 147 O17 O17 blocks White’s extension from O16 into the open top and strengthens the connection between Black’s upper groups. If White wedges at N17, M17 puts that stone in atari and keeps the upper-left chain solid while White must extend toward N18. I prefer this substantial top-side boundary move to D3, which would connect C3 but has less immediate whole-board value. 148 O16 Black's O17 aims at a hane or push at O16, which would squeeze the P16-Q16 stones at the top right. White O16 stops that. It connects to P16, takes the boundary point against the N16 wall, and leaves the O15 and P15 area solid. I preferred it to a passive O15 because it keeps more territory. 149 D8 D8 connects the D4–D7 stones directly to the central group through E8, strengthening both while extending Black’s position on the left. If White plays D9 to separate D10, I can answer E9, keeping the main group connected and pressuring the cutting stone. I prefer this to F10’s local eye-shape improvement because D8 also prevents White from cutting between two substantial Black groups. 150 D12 Black's D8 stone doesn't threaten anything vital: my E5–E7 and row 7 stones are connected to the main group, which has a lot of room. So I'll take a boundary move on the left instead. D12 is a hane under my D13 stone, next to Black's E12. It extends my left-side territory and puts pressure on Black's weak left-hand stones. I considered S8 on the right, but it only forces a reply from Black and risks being cut. D12 is the better endgame point. 151 J3 J3 connects H3 to a useful extension and starts securing the open bottom side while reducing White’s central potential. If White blocks at J4, K3 continues along the bottom without leaving H3 isolated. I prefer this solid gain to answering D12 locally, since the connected black group around E12–G12 is not in immediate danger. 152 K3 Black's J3 pushes toward White's bottom-right chain (L2, L3, L4–R4), which is already squeezed by Black stones at M2 and M3. K3 extends that chain with a solid connection at L3, takes away Black's cutting and pressing point, and keeps the chain's liberties and eye space. Black's other option, J4 against the lone H4 stone, is smaller and not urgent. K3 is not self-atari, since it joins the chain and keeps several liberties (K4, K2). 153 C14 C14 connects directly to D14 and protects the large upper-left area while limiting the outward expansion of White’s D12–D13 stones. If White extends at C12, C11 is a useful next move to contain that group from below. I prefer this solid boundary move to J4, where the H3–J3 stones still have several liberties and an immediate fight would be against substantial White strength. 154 C13 C13 blocks Black's C14 stone from pushing down toward the left side. It keeps D13 and D12 firmly connected to my large central group and holds the left-side boundary. I considered cutting at D15, but it would be a nearly self-atari stone among Black's connected stones, so I prefer the solid block. 155 C10 C10 strengthens D10 while expanding Black’s left-side territory and limiting White’s advance from C13 and D12. If White presses at C11, D9 connects these stones to the strong D8 group without requiring a fight. I prefer this multipurpose move to an unsupported invasion around L5, where White could attack while strengthening the lower-center territory. 156 D11 I play D11 to extend from D12 and press on Black's C10-D10 stones. It keeps the left-side group connected through D12-D13 and takes away Black's easy link toward E12. The main reply is Black E11, which strengthens Black's E12 stones, but then White can still turn at C11 against the C10-D10 pair. I prefer this to the slower C12 because D11 gains more space and keeps the initiative. 157 G3 G3 extends the unsettled H3–J3 stones toward the lower-left and prevents White from blocking them there, while enlarging Black’s potential territory along the bottom. If White caps at G4, I can answer at G2, keeping the group connected with room toward H2 and J2. I prefer this to E11: that would strengthen the left-center boundary, but the connected black stones there already have ample liberties and access to the open left side. 158 G4 Black's G3-H3-J3 group has five liberties (G4, G2, H2, J2, J4) and cuts between my F-stones and the lone H4 stone. G4 connects F4 to H4, takes a liberty and walls the group in from above. The alternative J4 protects H4 less effectively and leaves the G4 cut. After G4, Black's only space to live is the thin bottom edge, which I can attack. 159 F2 F2 limits White’s expansion from F3 into the lower-left corner while providing support for the G3–J3 stones through G2. If White presses with J2, H2 keeps that group connected and gives it room along the bottom edge. I prefer this to the purely defensive G2, which leaves White more scope to take the lower-left boundary. 160 J4 The black stones at G3, H3 and J3 have liberties at G2, H2, J2 and J4. J4 takes away one of them and connects my stones at H4 and K3. It also strengthens the area around F3, F4 and G4 after Black's F2. Black will probably extend with G2 to join F2. I prefer this to G2 or J2, which are thinner and easier for Black to attack, because J4 keeps my shape solid while still putting pressure on the group.
Reasoning
The black stones at G3, H3 and J3 have liberties at G2, H2, J2 and J4. J4 takes away one of them and connects my stones at H4 and K3. It also strengthens the area around F3, F4 and G4 after Black's F2. Black will probably extend with G2 to join F2. I prefer this to G2 or J2, which are thinner and easier for Black to attack, because J4 keeps my shape solid while still putting pressure on the group.
