1 D16 D16 takes a corner star point, balancing corner potential with development toward the top and left sides. If White takes Q4, I can occupy another open corner at Q16; if White approaches at F17, C14 is a sound extension. I prefer D16 to an early center move such as K10 because corners offer a more efficient starting position. 2 Q4 Black has taken the top-left 4-4 point at D16. With the rest of the board empty, the biggest move is simply an empty corner. I'll take the diagonally opposite corner at Q4 with a 4-4 point, which keeps the position balanced and flexible, avoids any immediate contact fight, and gives White solid development in all directions. Alternatives like Q16 or D4 are comparable; Q4 is a standard, sound choice. 3 Q16 Q16 takes an empty corner and develops the upper side in coordination with D16; neither existing stone is under tactical pressure. If White takes D4, I can approach at F3 rather than prematurely committing to a side framework. I prefer securing this corner to approaching Q4 at O4 while two corners remain open. 4 D4 Black has two 4-4 points at D16 and Q16; White has Q4. The empty lower-left corner is the biggest point. Taking D4 (or a 3-4 point) gives a balanced cross-corner opening and avoids letting Black take three corners. An approach like R14 is also possible but gives Black the chance to take D4 with a pincer-friendly layout. I prefer D4, keeping the board symmetrical and settled. 5 F3 F3 approaches White’s D4 stone while establishing a foothold along the open lower side. If White kicks at F4, I can extend to G3, keeping room to develop rather than fighting immediately. I prefer this active approach to K16, which expands the upper framework but leaves White free to develop both lower corners. 6 C6 Black approached my D4 stone with the low knight's move at F3. Standard responses include the attachment at F4, the diagonal C3, or a pincer. The left side is open and Black has D16 above, so a calm answer like C6 or D6 keeps the corner while developing toward the left side; a pincer at H3 or J3 would start a fight but Black's D16 limits my development up the left. I prefer the simple knight's move C6, which secures the corner and leaves F3 somewhat thin, keeping the position flexible for later. 7 R6 R6 approaches White’s Q4 corner while developing the open right side in coordination with Q16. If White encloses with O3, Black can extend to R9, giving the approaching stone room and building along the side. Extending from F3 to J3 is also useful, but F3 is not under immediate attack, so I prefer approaching the other lower corner before White secures it. 8 P6 Black has approached both my 4-4 stones; after C6 answered F3, the urgent point is the lower right where R6 attacks Q4. P6 is a solid, standard reply: it strengthens Q4, keeps the corner, caps R6's development toward the center, and works toward the bottom where Black's F3 stone is still thin. I considered pincering at R8, but Black's Q16 above makes a pincer stone there a target, and I considered tenuki to H3 against F3, but then Black's R4 or P3 would hurt the corner badly. P6 keeps things simple and lets me look at a pincer against F3 next. 9 R9 R9 extends from R6 along the right side, giving that stone room to develop while working with Q16. If White presses with Q8, Black can answer at R8, strengthening the extension and retaining room toward the edge. I prefer this balanced development to immediately settling with R3, which would leave White’s P6 stone facing the open right side. 10 H3 The urgent point is the lone Black stone at F3: White's D4-C6 shape is solid, so a pincer at H3 attacks F3 while also working with the Q4-P6 stones along the bottom. If Black jumps out to F5, White can keep pressing (e.g. D7 or H5) and build on the lower side; if Black ignores it, F3 becomes a target. The bottom-right corner is still open to Black R4, but that exchange is manageable for now, whereas letting Black settle F3 with E3/E4 for free would waste White's local strength. 11 F5 F5 develops the pincered F3 stone toward the center while staying clear of White’s D4–C6 corner position. If White wedges at G4, F4 connects my stones; if White consolidates with D6, I can continue outward with F7. I prefer this active escape to the lower C3 slide or enlarging an upper corner while leaving F3 under pressure. 12 H5 Black's F3–F5 stones have no base yet, and my H3 stone is also thin, so H5 both strengthens H3 with a one-point jump and keeps pressure on the Black group by capping its path toward the center-bottom. If Black answers E4 I can simply block at E3 keeping the corner with D4–C6; if Black tries to settle with E3, D3 holds the corner and my H3–H5 wall gains value. I preferred this to the quieter K3 extension, which secures H3 but lets Black jump to F7 comfortably without any compensation, and to approaching the lower right, where the position is stable for now. 13 F7 F7 extends the F5 stone toward the open center, giving the lower-left stones room rather than letting White hem them in from both sides. If White follows with H7, F9 continues the escape without committing to a cramped local fight. Connecting at F4 is solid but slow, while developing the top side would leave these stones under increasing pressure. 14 H7 Black's F7 wall is leaning on my H3/H5 stones, and if I ignore it Black caps at H7 and my two stones become a heavy, low group while Black's wall faces D16. Jumping to H7 keeps my group light and headed into the center, prevents the cap, and keeps Black's F3-F5-F7 chain (which has no settled base, with D4/C6 holding the corner and E2 still open) under some pressure. I considered the base-making extension K4, but after Black H7 that group is low and Black's thickness toward the upper left grows; H7 fights for the center instead while staying connected to H5. 15 F9 F9 extends the unsettled F-file stones toward the open upper-left, rather than letting White’s H7 stone hem them in. If White continues with H9, I can turn toward D9 to develop space on the left instead of continuing the parallel advance. A corner enclosure at Q14 is attractive, but strengthening this group before playing elsewhere is more useful now. 16 H9 The lower-left is a running fight between Black's F3-F5-F7-F9 column and my H3-H5-H7 column; neither group is in danger, but Black's F9 is a step ahead and a Black cap at H9 next would press my stones and start eroding the framework I have with P6/Q4 on the right. My wall faces open territory on the right while Black's wall faces my D4/C6 stones and gains little, so keeping pace is favorable for me. H9 solidly extends ahead, prevents the cap, and keeps the G8/E8 cutting ideas in reserve; if Black continues to F11 I can keep extending or turn to the big top side. I preferred this to tenuki (e.g. the top) because letting Black cap at H9 costs real influence over the whole lower-right area. 17 D11 D11 develops the open left side from D16 while giving the F9–F3 stones more room to settle instead of continuing the parallel advance against White’s H-file stones. If White approaches at D9, E9 supports F9 and contests White’s attempt to separate it from the new extension. I prefer this broader development to F11, which would keep adding stones to the same narrow central formation. 18 R4 The lower-right corner is the most valuable unsettled area: Black R6/R9 and White P4/P6 are both unsettled, and whoever takes R4 gains a lot. White R4 secures the corner territory, links with P4/P6 and the H-column wall into a large bottom area, and leaves Black's R6/R9 stones without a base so Black must spend a move (around R12/Q11) to settle them. I considered G11 to attack the top of Black's F-wall, but that wall is thick and Black simply connects to D11, while my D4/C6 corner can still live later with a defensive move; if Black instead takes R4, my P stones become weak and the whole bottom collapses, so R4 is both the biggest point and the urgent one. 19 O17 O17 makes a small-knight enclosure with Q16, securing the upper-right corner while developing toward the open top side. If White approaches at R14, R12 extends from R9 and gives Black useful support along the right side. R5 would limit White’s expansion from R4, but R6 has ample liberties and support from R9, so the corner enclosure is more valuable now. 20 Q10 Black's left framework (D16, D11, F3–F9) is solid but White's wall H3–H9 plus the P4/Q4/P6 corner give White a large right-center potential, where Black's R6/R9 stones are thin. Q10 presses R9 from above, denies Black an easy extension up the right side, and starts converting the center into a White moyo while keeping R6/R9 under pressure. If Black answers R10 or Q9, White continues with P10/P9 to build a wall facing the center; if Black ignores it, White can attack the base with R7 later. I preferred this to K17 because the center-right is both bigger and more urgent given Black's weak stones there. 21 R8 R8 strengthens the vulnerable right-side stones and prepares to connect R9 with R6, while preserving room along the edge. If White presses at Q8, Black can answer R7, joining all three stones into one chain with room to develop toward the right edge. I prefer this reinforcement to expanding at K16, which would leave White opportunities to split and attack the right-side stones. 22 R5 Black's right-side stones R9-R8 and R6 are not yet connected (R7 is empty), but a direct cut at R7 reads badly for White after B Q7, W S7, B S6 since White's cutting stones run short of liberties. Instead R5 attaches under R6: it secures the lower-right corner territory with P4/Q4/O6, removes the 3-3 aji, and keeps the threat of cutting at R7 alive. Black's natural reply is R7 to connect, after which White can press with Q7 and leave Black's group cramped on the second/third line while Q10 keeps it from expanding upward. This profit-plus-pressure is better than a simple hane at Q8 that lets Black connect comfortably. 23 R7 R7 connects R6 solidly to R8–R9, preventing White from separating the lower stone while strengthening Black’s right-side group. If White presses with Q7, Black can answer at Q8, staying connected through R8 and extending toward Q10. A large extension on the upper side is attractive, but I prefer securing this connection before White’s R5 and P6 stones exert more pressure. 24 Q6 Black's wall R6–R9 is strong, so the key local point is Q6: it connects P6 to the R5/R4/Q4 corner group, removes the cut at Q6 (after Black Q6, White Q5 would leave P6 isolated and give Black central thickness), and leaves the black wall facing only my lone Q10 stone, which I can treat lightly. I considered the big bottom extension at N3 and a shoulder hit at P8, but N3 lets Black Q6/P5 build center strength with sente, and P8 is thin against the thick wall. After Q6 the corner is settled, and I can next choose between N3 on the bottom or helping Q10 depending on Black's reply. 25 R11 R11 extends the R6–R9 chain toward Q16, giving it room to develop while limiting White’s expansion from Q10. If White presses with Q11, Black can answer at R10 to connect solidly and keep ample liberties along the right side. I prefer this to the low defensive move S6 or a bottom-side expansion, which would leave the right-side group less settled. 26 R10 Black's R11 is a diagonal peep trying to link the weak R6-R9 wall to the upper right; White R10 cuts straight through, connecting with Q10 and leaving Black with two weak units (the four-stone side group with only S-file eye space, and the lone R11 stone). If Black ataris with Q9, White extends Q11 keeping R11 isolated while Black's lower group stays eyeless against White's solid Q4-R5-Q6-P6 position; if Black plays S10, White Q9 or S11 keeps pressure while my Q10-R10 stones gain liberties toward the center. I preferred this to the solid Q9, which lets Black connect everything with R10 and settles his wall too easily. 27 Q9 Q9 extends the R6–R9 chain toward the center while pressing White’s Q10–R10 stones and preventing White from taking Q9 to hem Black in. If White pushes at P9, I can connect solidly at Q8 and retain room to develop toward the center. I prefer this multipurpose move to S10, which pressures White along the edge but does less to strengthen the lower black chain. 28 Q11 My two stones Q10-R10 are the weakest group on the board (liberties P10, Q11, S10), and Black's Q9 aims at the P10 cut while R11 sits above. The hane at Q11 reduces Black R11 to two liberties (R12, S11) and gives me forcing moves there; if Black cuts at P10, I can continue with P11 to run into the open center or atari with S11, keeping initiative since Black's single R11 stone is also short of liberties. The passive P10 extension would let Black hane at Q11, making R11 strong and squeezing my group against a solid Black wall, so I prefer the active Q11. 29 R12 R12 extends R11, which has only two liberties, and strengthens Black toward the upper-right corner while keeping pressure on White’s Q11–R10 group. If White plays S11, Black can answer S12, maintaining connection and gaining room along the upper side. I prefer this to developing the open left side now, since leaving R11 exposed would give White a useful forcing attack. 30 Q12 White's three stones Q10-Q11-R10 have only four liberties (P10, P11, Q12, S10) and sit between Black's R11-R12 pair and the larger Q9-R9-R6 group, so strengthening them is urgent. Q12 extends solidly, taking away a shared liberty from R11-R12 (leaving S11, S12, R13) while raising White's own liberty count, and it prevents Black's hane at Q12, which would reduce White to three liberties and connect Black's stones. Black's likely reply is R13 running toward Q16, after which White can keep pushing with Q13 to build a thick center wall that also looms over Black's enclosed lower group; the aggressive hane S11 or S10 looked tempting but invites Black Q12 and leaves White's own group short of liberties in the resulting fight. 31 R13 R13 extends the R11–R12 stones toward my Q16 corner stone while limiting White’s expansion up the right side. If White continues at Q13, R14 keeps my group moving toward support without risking a cramped edge fight. I prefer this to S10, which contests the gap between my right-side groups but leaves the upper pair less secure. 32 Q13 White's central group Q10-Q12 sits between two Black groups, and Black's R11-R13 stones are the weaker target. Q13 is the hane at the head of Black's three stones: it extends White's liberties (P10-P13, Q14), stops Black from pushing up at Q13 to squeeze White, and pressures Black's upper group toward the edge. If Black answers R14 to link toward Q16, White can follow with S10 to keep the two Black groups separated while gaining shape; if Black instead plays S10 to connect underneath, White continues at R14/Q14 and builds a strong wall facing the center. I prefer this to the passive S10 now, which would let Black hane at Q13 and make White heavy. 33 R14 R14 extends the R11–R13 stones toward Q16, strengthening the unsettled right-side group while helping secure the upper-right corner. If White continues with Q14, I can play R15 and work toward a firm connection through R16. I prefer this solid extension to the sharper Q14 hane, which gives White a cutting opportunity at R14. 34 P8 Black's R6–R9/Q9 group has no eyes and only seven liberties, sandwiched between my Q10–Q13 wall and the O6/P6/R5 stones; its only escape is through P8/P9/Q8, and Black's last move R14 was gote. P8 caps that exit: if Black connects at Q8 I follow with P9 and O7, confining him to living small along the S-line (second-line space around S6–S9) while my wall gains sente and center strength; if Black P9, I answer P10 and chase the heavy group into the open center where I am stronger. I preferred this over Q14, since Black's upper wall already links to Q16 and that hane is worth less than settling the fate of the lower group. 35 Q8 Q8 strengthens the right-side group and prevents White from using that point to link P8 toward Q6 while restricting Black’s access to the center. If White replies at P7, I can play P9, extending the connected black group and putting pressure on P8. Developing the open top with K16 is attractive, but securing this unsettled group is more urgent. 36 P9 Black's Q8 attacks my P8 stone, which has only three liberties (O8, P9, P7). P9 is the solid answer: it connects P8 to the Q10–Q13 wall, keeps the Black group Q8/Q9/R6–R9 sealed from the center, and leaves it eyeless with only the S-column plus P7/Q7 as space. If Black tries Q7 next, I can answer P7 and then press with S10/S5 to deny eyes; if Black instead tends the upper R11–R14 group, I keep sente to squeeze the lower group. I rejected Q7 first because after B P9, W O8, B P10 Black cuts my wall off from P8 and escapes into the center. 37 H11 H11 caps White’s loose H9–H3 formation while developing Black’s upper-left position and supporting F9. If White extends toward the center with J10, Black can answer at J11, keeping H11 connected while building toward the open upper side. I prefer this multipurpose move to D7, which develops the left side but does less to limit White’s central expansion; P9 creates no immediate atari on Black’s right-side group. 38 Q7 The vital point on the right is Q7: Black's six stones at Q8/Q9/R6–R9 have only S6–S9 as liberties, and Q7 is both their best eye-shape/liberty point and the cut that threatens my P8–P9 and P6–Q6 connection. If Black gets Q7 first, the group is comfortably settled and my wall develops cutting points; if I take it, Black's P7 cut becomes self-atari (only O7 as a liberty) and the group must scramble for life in a 2x4 edge space where hanes at S10 and S6 leave at best a dubious shape. Black's H11 cap on my H-column stones is a loose center move with no immediate tactical threat, so I prefer settling the right side in sente-like fashion, after which I can return to the center or left. 39 K16 K16 develops the largest open area, extending from N17 toward D16 while working with H11 to build the upper side. If White approaches Q16 at P16, O16 offers a supported response toward N17. I prefer this to Q14: the lower-right Black chain still has four liberties and room along the edge, so White’s Q7 does not require an immediate answer. 40 S8 Black's group at Q8-Q9-R6-R9 is completely enclosed by my stones (R10, Q10, P9, P8, Q7, P6, Q6, R5) and has only four liberties along S6-S9; Black ignored it to play K16. S8 is the vital point of this eye space: after W S8, if Black S7 I answer S9, and if Black S6 I answer S7, then the edge sequences (S6/T7/T9 etc.) leave Black without two eyes while my stones stay connected to R10 and R5. Killing or forcing Black into a desperate edge fight here is far bigger than answering K16, and even a Black escape attempt via P10 or P7 is self-atari or easily handled. 41 S9 S9 extends the six-stone right-side group toward the stronger R11–R14 stones while restricting White’s S8 stone. If White blocks at S10, I can play S7, putting S8 in atari and gaining room along the edge; if White plays S7 instead, S10 keeps an upward escape route open. Securing this group is more urgent than taking a large opening move on the left. 42 S10 Black's group Q9-R9-S9-Q8-R8-R7-R6 has only four liberties (S10, T9, S7, S6) and S10 is the vital point: it blocks the connection toward S11/R11, keeps my Q10 group solidly linked to R10/T10, and leaves Black with just three liberties. After S10, if Black ataris S8 with S7, I can give up S8 with S6 and then T6/S5, leaving Black with only the single eye at S8 and a dead liberty at T9; if Black plays T9 instead, T10 connects and the same squeeze works. The P10 cut doesn't rescue Black because P9-P8 still has three liberties and I win that race by a move. 43 S7 S7 strengthens the endangered right-side chain while putting White’s S8 stone in atari at T8. If White instead plays S6 to restrict my liberties, S5 counter-ataris that stone; after T6, I can play T7 and meet T5 by capturing at T4. I prefer this active defense to S6, which gives White S7 and lets the surrounding stones connect. 44 S6 Black's S7 put my S8 stone in atari, but the real issue is the capturing race against Black's 8-stone group Q9-R9-S9-Q8-R8-R7-S7-R6, which has only three liberties (T9, T7, S6). Saving S8 with T8 fails (that pair would have just two liberties), so I reduce Black's outside liberties instead: after W S6, if Black captures with T8 the group still has only S8, T9, T7, and W T6 followed by W T9/T10 leaves it in atari with no counter-capture available since S6/T6 link to R5 and have spare liberties. I checked Black's alternatives (T7, T9, T6, or S5 after T6) and White keeps the group dead in each line, so S6 is the most solid start. 45 T7 T7 extends the endangered right-side group, adding T6 as a liberty while retaining the threat to capture White’s S8 stone at T8. Against White’s strong block at T9, I would consider T10, putting T9 in atari and contesting the upper escape route. Capturing immediately at T8 instead allows White T7 to seal the lower route, so I prefer keeping more tactical options open to playing elsewhere. 46 P7 Both my Q7 and S8 stones are in atari, while Black's Q6 is also in atari and Black's main right-side group (Q9–S9, Q8–R8, R7–T7) has only three liberties at T8, T9 and T6. Playing P7 saves Q7 by connecting it to P8, and Q6 remains dead because extending to Q5 stays in atari (White captures at P5). Capturing Q6 at Q5 instead would let Black play P7, take Q7 and gain eye shape, so I prefer P7: the Black group is then left with a single eye at S8 after it takes my stone with T8, and White can press from T6/T9 with real killing or ko chances while my bottom-right stones stay solid. 47 T8 Captured 1. T8 captures the white stone at S8 and creates a true eye there for the cramped black group on the right edge. If White plays T6, I can extend at T9, keeping access to T10 and the possibility of counterplay against S6. I prefer this immediate capture to developing the open left side, since leaving the right-hand group with only three liberties would invite a severe attack. 48 T10 The black group Q9-R9-S9-Q8-R8-T8-R7-S7-T7-R6 is sealed in by my P/Q wall and has only one certain eye at S8; its other eye depends on T9/T10 or on capturing my S6-S5 stones. T10 (solidly connected to S10) removes the T9 eye: if Black ataris at T9 I connect at T11, and in the ensuing race Black has only S8, T6, R5 while I can connect S6-S5 to R4 with R5 (or answer T6 with S4 and R5 with Q5), leaving Black with a single eye. Playing R5 or T6 first would let Black live immediately with T10, so T10 is the vital point. 49 S5 S5 puts White’s S6 stone in atari and creates a way out for the cramped right-side group. If White blocks at T5, T6 captures S6; if White then captures S5 with S4, Black can capture T5 by playing T4. This is more resilient than immediately playing T6, which lets White block at T5 without putting S6 in atari. 50 T5 Black's S5 threatens T6, capturing S6 and giving the big right-side group (currently only T9, S8, T6 as liberties) two clean eyes at S8 and S6. White T5 ataris S5 while occupying T5: if Black captures immediately with T6, White T4 then S4 leaves Black with only the single eye at S8 and the group dies after T9. Black's best is S4, after which White continues S3/T4 to keep pressure and at worst Black lives small in gote while White keeps T5 and a strong corner. Alternatives like T9 or T4 let Black capture S6 and live comfortably, so the atari at T5 is the most testing move. 51 T6 Captured 1. T6 captures the ataried white stone at S6, opens a liberty for S5, and strengthens the endangered right-side group. If White plays S4 to threaten S5 again, Black can answer T4, capturing T5 and preparing to connect along the edge; if White instead saves T5 with T4, Black can protect S5 at S4. This local fight is more urgent than expanding the open upper side. 52 S4 Black's T6 put T5 in atari, but trying to save it with T4 fails to B S4 (the ladder down the edge kills T5/T4). Instead S4 is sente: it puts S5 in atari and threatens W T4, which would connect T5 and leave the black group with only T9/S8 so that W T9 kills it; Black must answer with T4 (capturing T5) or S6, after which W T3 seals the corner. This secures the bottom-right corner (R4/R5 stones) and keeps the initiative for a big point at the top afterwards, whereas letting Black play S4 first would squeeze White's corner and leave White nothing locally. 53 T4 Captured 1. T4 captures the White stone at T5 and creates a vital connection route for the endangered right-side group. If White plays T3 to put T4 in atari, Black connects at T5, securing the two eyes at S6 and S8. If White instead captures S5 with S6, Black can recapture at S5. This urgent life-saving move takes priority over developing the open left side. 54 T3 Black's right-side group is alive (eyes at S8 and S6), so the local question is the safety and size of my corner group Q4-R4-S4-R5. T3 puts T4 in atari (its liberties are only T3 and T5); if Black ignores it, W T5 captures T4 and puts S5 in atari, threatening Black's S6 eye, so Black should answer at T5. That lets me secure the corner edge in sente before turning to the wide-open top side (e.g., approaching D16 or invading at R17). 55 T5 T5 saves the T4 stone from atari and connects it and S5 to the main right-side group, securing two eyes at S6 and S8. White’s T9 would remove an outside liberty but would not threaten this group, leaving Black free to develop elsewhere. I prefer this essential connection to a large move such as K4, which would leave T4 capturable and the right-side group unsettled. 56 C14 Black's right-side group is already alive with true eyes at S8 and S6, so T9 is only a small endgame move, and White's groups (P10 connects everything if needed) are safe. The largest issue is Black's loose top framework (D16, K16, O17, Q16) and the wide-open left side where D11 is a lone stone. C14 approaches the D16 corner from below, starts to claim the left side in coordination with C6/D4, and leaves D11 weak for a later squeeze at C9/C10; if Black pinches at C12, White can run to E14 or press on D11, and if Black defends the corner White extends comfortably. I prefer this to a deep invasion like M17, which risks a heavy weak group against K16/O17. 57 D14 D14 presses White’s C14 approach while developing toward D11 and strengthening Black’s upper-left position. If White extends to C15, D15 connects directly to D16 and keeps White confined toward the left edge. I prefer this multipurpose pressure to a quiet enclosure at F16, which would let White develop more freely between D11 and D16; the lower-right Black group already has eyes at S8 and S6. 58 C15 Black's D14 attaches against my lone C14 stone; if I tenuki, C13 or C15 leaves it with two liberties and hands Black the whole left side between D16 and D11. Extending down to C13 crawls into a narrow area under D11, so I prefer the hane at C15 heading into the open corner: after Black's natural D15, I follow with C16/B16 and get a settled corner group while Black's D14–D16 wall faces my H9/H7 stones, limiting its value. If Black cuts at C16 instead, D15 connects my stones and leaves D14 short of liberties, giving me a workable fight. 59 D15 D15 connects D14 to D16 and removes the cutting point beside White’s C14–C15 stones. If White extends to C16, I can answer at D17 to develop the upper-left corner while keeping my stones connected. C16 immediately would contest the corner more aggressively, but it leaves White the disruptive cut at D15. 60 C16 The White stones at C14-C15 are being pressed by Black's D14-D16 wall and have only four liberties; if I tenuki, Black C16 seals them off and the group has to live tiny on the side under Black's D11. Standing at C16 blocks Black from the corner, gives the group room for eyes in the corner (B17/B16 follow-ups), and keeps the C17/B17 corner area as White's base. If Black hanes at C17, White answers B17 and gets a comfortable corner; if Black instead plays C12 to undercut, White secures life with B17. Taking the top side (e.g. L17) is big but not worth risking this group. 61 C17 C17 bends around White’s C14–C16 chain, limiting its upward expansion while staking out the open upper-left corner. If White answers B17, D17 connects securely to my D14–D16 stones; against the cut at D17, D18 puts the cutting stone in atari. I prefer this active corner move to the quieter D17 extension, and my lower-right group already has two eyes at S6 and S8. 62 B17 The urgent issue is my C14–C16 group in the top left, which Black's hane at C17 is squeezing; the right-side fight is settled (Black's group has eyes at S8 and S6, my groups there are safe). B17 hanes back at the head of the stones to secure eye space along the A/B columns; if Black cuts at B16 the cutting stone has only A16/B15 and dies to B15, so Black will likely play C18, after which C13/B13 gives me a live shape and some extension toward the left side. Playing C13 first instead would let Black hane B16 and leave the group far more cramped. 63 D17 D17 connects C17 to the D16–D14 stones and prevents White from cutting at D17 and putting C17 in atari. If White presses with C18, I can answer D18, keeping the stones connected while extending along the top. This secures useful shape before a broader extension such as F17, which would leave the local cutting point open. 64 C13 White's top-left group (B17, C16-C14) has only about four liberties and is pressed against Black's strong D14-D17 wall, so securing it is urgent before anything else. C13 extends the group toward the open left side, adding liberties and preventing Black from sealing it with C13 himself, which would leave White crawling along the second line for a cramped life. If Black tries the B15/B16 cutting ideas, White answers B14/B16 and the exchanges only strengthen the group; if Black hanes at C12, White can play D13 or B13 and still has room toward the center. This is more active than the solid but passive B16 connection. 65 G17 G17 develops the largest open side, extending from the D14–D17 wall toward K16 while keeping room to settle along the top. If White invades at E17, F17 connects toward G17 and presses the invasion against the upper edge without assuming it can be captured. D13 would strengthen the connection toward D11, but White’s C13 does not immediately threaten either black group, so I prefer the larger top-side extension. 66 G4 Black's top side is the largest area, but the bottom-left fight is where White can gain concretely: Black's stones at F3, F5, F7 are all isolated between White's D4/C6 and H3/H5 stones. G4 links H3 and H5 to the lower side, claims the bottom edge territory, and threatens F4 to separate F3 from F5 (after which F3, with only E3/G3/F2, is nearly dead). If Black answers F4 to connect, White keeps sente-ish follow-ups like E4 while having secured the bottom; I preferred this over the sharper wedge at F4 since the black counter-atari at E4 leads to a messy cut of D4, whereas G4 keeps good shape and initiative. 67 F4 F4 connects F3 and F5, preventing White’s G4 stone from driving a wedge between them and strengthening Black’s unsettled lower-left position. If White continues with G5, I can answer at F6 to connect toward F7 and give the group more room. Developing elsewhere, such as D7, is attractive, but leaves White the useful cutting move at F4. 68 K10 The biggest open area is the lower-center box framed by White's H3-H9 line and the P6-P9/Q10-Q13 wall; Black's H11 stone and the open row-10 gap are the main threat to it. K10 solidly extends the upper boundary from H9 toward Q10, turning roughly columns J-O below row 10 into White's area while keeping pressure on H11/F9. I considered G5 to stop the F4 push and C12 to settle the C13 group, but the C-group already has enough eye space (A/B columns) to live, and G5 is worth far less than closing the center; Black's L11/K11 reduction after K10 only touches the edge of the box. The 3-3 at R17 remains as a later invasion against Black's top. 69 G5 G5 connects to F5 and separates White’s G4 stone from H5, strengthening Black’s lower-left position while exploiting White’s loose shape. If White replies G6 to cut toward F7, F6 connects the black stones securely. I prefer this active strengthening move to chasing K10; the right-side black group already has two true eyes at S8 and S6. 70 H4 Black's G5 leaves my cutting stone G4 with only two liberties (G3, H4), and black H4 next would both capture it and split H5 from H3. H4 connects G4, H5 and H3 into one solid group with ample liberties (G3, H2, J3, J4, J5, H6) and keeps the black stones F3-F5 separated from F7/F9 under pressure. Sacrificing G4 to tenuki (e.g. securing the C13 group) would hand Black a thick bottom-left and leave H5/H3 thin, so the local shape point is the biggest move; G3 also saves the stone but H4 is the more efficient connection. 71 G6 G6 strengthens the F3–G5 stones while helping link them to F7 and applying pressure to White’s scattered H-file stones. If White connects at H6, I can answer at F6 to secure my connection and keep access to the center. L4 would take a large open point, but I prefer improving this unsettled group before expanding elsewhere. 72 S3 The black group on the right (Q6–T9, 15 stones) has only one sure eye at T6: R6, T9 and T4 are all points White can fill by connecting to R5, T10 and T3, and it cannot win a race against any of the neighboring white groups. Its only way to a second eye is the corner: if Black plays S3, the lone T3 stone cannot be saved (T2/S2/T4 all fail) and Black gets a real eye at T3/T4, so S3 is the vital point for both sides. White S3 secures T3 (liberties R3, S2, T2, T4), and if Black tries R3 White ataris with Q3 and wins that fight. This is worth far more than answering G6 locally; the H3–H5 group has six liberties and the center stones are light. 73 Q14 Q14 strengthens the R11–R14 stones while limiting White’s expansion above Q13. If White presses at P14, Q15 connects directly to Q16 and gives the right-side group a secure route outward. I prefer this multipurpose move to J6: developing the lower center is worthwhile, but consolidating the upper-right boundary is more urgent. 74 R17 Black's right-side wall is alive and the top framework from D17 to Q16 is Black's biggest asset, so reducing it concretely matters more than any local reply to Q14. The 3-3 invasion at R17 under Q16 is the most reliable way to take away the corner: after B R16, W Q17, B P17, W P18, B O18, W S16 White lives in the corner with the standard shape, and Black's O17 stone means Black gains little new wall. If Black blocks the other way with Q17, White R16/S15 heads toward the S11–T10 stones along the T column. I prefer this to a vague reduction like L14, which Black would answer with L16 while keeping a huge top. 75 H6 H6 connects solidly to G6 while preventing White from joining H5 to H7, strengthening my lower-left group and separating White’s thin stones. If White extends from H7 to J7, I can play J6, staying connected while pressing the lower white group. I prefer this multipurpose move to Q15: the upper-right black stones have adequate liberties, so R17 does not require an immediate answer. 76 J5 Black's H6 cut isolates H7 and aims next at J5/J4 to squeeze the H5-H4-G4-H3 group, which is cramped against the bottom edge with only five liberties while Black's F3-G6 group has seven and open space on the left. The thin shape J6 fails to the cut at J5 (after W J4, B K5 the J6 stone becomes short of liberties and White loses the race), so I prefer the solid extension J5, giving the group six liberties and a clear path along the 4th/5th line toward the P4/P6 stones. The lone H7 stone is expendable; if Black pushes at J6, White keeps extending with K5 toward the strong right side while claiming the bottom. Settling this group is more urgent than the top-right R17 stone or the upper-left chain, which both still have room. 77 G7 G7 connects F7 to the G6–H6 group and takes a liberty from White’s H7 stone, strengthening Black while limiting White’s room on the left. If White replies H8 to connect with H9, I can play F8, linking F9 into the same group and building a solid left-side position. I prefer this useful connection to the more aggressive H8 wedge, which would leave Black’s new stone exposed between two white groups. 78 H8 Black's G7 leaves H7 with only two liberties (H8, J7), and H8 is the key point for both sides: if Black gets H8 he ataris H7, links F9 to his lower-left group and takes command of the centre. White H8 joins H7-H8-H9 into a solid chain facing K10, with ample liberties (G8, J8, J7, G9, J9, H10), and it keeps Black's F9 stone separated while supporting the H5-J5 stones below. I considered a tenuki to the top side or reinforcing R17, but losing H7 would hand Black a large, thick centre at little cost, so settling here first is bigger. 79 J6 J6 extends the connected lower-left black group into the center and keeps White from blocking its route out at that point. If White answers at J7, Black can continue at K6 rather than become confined against H7–H9. I prefer this to G8, which pressures those white stones but does less to improve Black’s own group. 80 K5 Black's J6 threatens both J7 (sealing the H7–H9 stones) and J4/K5 (squeezing the five stones at G4-H3-H4-H5-J5, which currently have only 5 liberties against a very thick black wall). The lower group is the more constrained one, so I extend with K5: it raises the group's liberties to about 7, keeps it connected toward the right-side white stones along the bottom, and prepares K6/K7 to link up with H7 if Black pushes at J7. I considered J7 or J4, but J7 doesn't actually connect the two groups across J6, and J4 is too slow and still leaves the group short of space; K5 is solid and keeps initiative over Black's bottom area. 81 H10 H10 caps the H7–H9 white stones while connecting directly to H11, protecting Black’s upper-left framework and denying White an easy escape toward the top. If White extends at J8, I can answer at J7, strengthening the connected lower group while keeping pressure on White. I prefer this multipurpose attack to K6, which strengthens the lower position but leaves White free to expand through H10. 82 J9 Black's H10 reduces my H7-H9 stones to five liberties (G8, G9, J7, J8, J9) and threatens J9 next, after which J8/K8 would net the group, so I must act now. W J9 extends toward K10 and the open center; if Black cuts at J10 I connect solidly at K9 and the group has eight liberties heading into open space, while Black's H10-H11-J10 stones become thin themselves. I rejected W J10 because Black's cut at J9 followed by K9/J8/J7 links to J6 and leaves my H stones dead, and tenuki is too costly since losing these stones would hand Black the whole left side. 83 G9 G9 connects to F9 and blocks the white H7–J9 group’s escape toward the left, while preparing to link Black’s central stones. If White cuts at G8, F8 connects F9 and G9 solidly to the F7 group, leaving White confined on that side. I prefer this multipurpose strengthening move to J7’s direct pressure or a top-side expansion, which would leave the central connections unresolved. 84 G8 Black's G9 aims at G8 to link F9/G9 with the big lower-left group while squeezing my H7–J9 stones, so G8 is the key point for both sides. White G8 connects to H8, keeps F9/G9 separated (only F10, G10, E9, F8 as liberties) and gives my group the extra liberty at F8. If Black plays J10 to split me from K10, I answer K9 connecting out with ample liberties toward my strong P-column wall, and Black still has to spend moves saving the cut stones; if Black instead connects with G10, I play J10 and run into the open center with sente. The quieter J10 would be safe but lets Black G8 solidify a huge left side for free. 85 F8 F8 connects F9–G9 to the lower Black group and blocks White’s central stones from expanding toward the left side. If White extends at J8, I can play J7, connecting to J6 and separating that group from White’s stones around J5–K5. I prefer this solid connection to J10: J10 strengthens the upper boundary, but leaves White the useful cutting move at F8. 86 J10 My centre group (G8, H8, H7, H9, J9) has only four liberties (J7, J8, J10, K9) and is surrounded by Black's wall on the left, so it must not be neglected. J10 connects it directly to K10, immediately expanding its liberties toward the open right-centre, and at the same time presses Black's H10/H11 stones, which are left with only G10, G11, H12 and J11. If Black replies J8 to take a liberty, I remain connected and can answer K8 or K7, while Black J11 to defend the two stones lets me continue with K11 and keep initiative. A solid J8 instead would allow Black J10 to cut me off from K10 and leave the group heavy and short of eyes. 87 J7 J7 extends the connected J6 group and blocks White’s central stones from joining the H5–K5 group directly. If White pushes at J8, K7 maintains a connected barrier while expanding Black’s space toward the center; against K6, K7 also keeps the barrier intact. I prefer this multipurpose move to extending at D13, since the central separation is more urgent than developing the upper-left side. 88 J11 White's centre group (G8–H9–J9–J10–K10) has only five liberties and is cutting off the weak black pair H10/H11, so the fight here is the urgent one. J11 extends that group upward into open space while taking a liberty from H10/H11 (leaving them G10, G11, H12), so Black is almost forced to answer with G10 or H12 rather than continue harassing at J8/K9. If Black instead plays J8, White can calmly connect at K9 and still keep the pressure on the two black stones; the lower white group (H3–K5) has seven liberties and an open bottom edge, so it can wait. This is a dual-purpose move that strengthens White and attacks, which I prefer to the passive J8 or a tenuki to the top. 89 H12 H12 strengthens the H10–H11 stones while extending toward the open upper center and limiting White’s expansion from J11. If White cuts at G10, G11 keeps my stones connected and puts the cutting stone in atari, forcing it toward F10. I prefer this active extension to the immediate connection at G10, since the lower central Black group already has ample liberties. 90 K12 My central group (J11-K10-J9-H9-H8-G8-H7) has five liberties and no eyes, so getting it out to the open center is urgent; Black's H12 threatens J12 next to squeeze it further. K12 jumps out diagonally from J11 toward the top and the center: if Black cuts at K11 it is self-atari (I capture at L11), and if Black pushes J12 I connect at K11 with the group's liberties expanding to K13, L12, L11, L10, K9 and J8. I prefer this to the wider L11 because K12 also restrains Black's H10-H12 stones' expansion to the right and keeps the shape tight without leaving a cut at K11. 91 J8 J8 connects firmly to J7, removes a liberty from White’s central chain, and prevents White from extending into this gap. If White escapes with K9, I can continue at K8, strengthening my lower-center position while keeping pressure on the chain. I prefer this useful local reinforcement to expanding around K16 while the central boundary remains unsettled. 92 K9 My central group (G8-H8-H7-H9-J9-J10-K10-J11) has only four liberties (K9, L10, K11, J12) after Black's J8, and Black's next K9 would cut it from the O9 group and leave it with three liberties and no eyes. K9 solidly connects, raises the liberty count, and starts linking toward the O9/O8 stones and the bottom H5-K5 group, so Black's K8 block is answerable with L9/L10 while keeping access to the open center. I considered K8 to hane first, but it leaves the K9 cut and Black K9 would be severe; the solid move is the only safe way to keep the key group alive before taking big points like the top side. 93 K8 K8 extends the connected J8–J6 stones into the center while preventing White’s K9 group from expanding downward. If White answers at L8, K7 keeps a solid shape and leaves room to develop toward the lower center. I prefer this multipurpose move to J12, which pressures K12 but leaves White the useful K8 extension. 94 L9 White's central group (G8-H8-H7-H9-J9-K9-J10-K10-J11-K12) has only six liberties and Black's K8 aims at L9 to seal it from the right side where it must connect to the P10 wall. Extending to L9 blocks that hane, adds liberties (L10, M9, L8), and keeps a direct route along M9/M10 toward P9/P10. If Black caps at L10, White L11 ataris and Black's capping stones become weaker than White's group, so the cap is not a real threat. A tenuki to the open top (e.g. R15) is big, but letting Black play L9 first would leave this heavy group genuinely surrounded, so securing it comes first. 95 L8 L8 extends the K8 stones, strengthens my central group, and closes White’s easiest escape toward the lower right. If White continues with L10, I can press from L11 while keeping my stones connected. J12 would reinforce the upper stones, but it leaves White more freedom at L8; the right-side black group already has two eyes at S8 and S6 and needs no defense. 96 L10 My central group (G8–H9–J9–K9–L9–J10–K10–J11) has only four liberties (M9, L10, K11, J12) after Black's L8, and it is cut from the K12 stone, so it must get out now. L10 extends toward my strong P9–P12 wall while keeping K11 as a safe connection point: a Black cut at K11 is self-atari (White L11 captures), and if Black plays L11 instead, White K11 links K12 and the whole group with Black's L11 stone short of liberties. I prefer L10 over the slower K11 because it gains a liberty in the direction of help and makes the hane at M10/M9 less effective, instead of letting Black press at L10 against a heavy, confined group. 97 M8 M8 extends the connected central Black group while putting pressure on White’s L9–L10 chain and approaching the weak P8 group. If White answers at M9, N8 keeps Black connected and continues toward the right without relying on a capture. I prefer this multipurpose extension to C3 in the open lower-left corner, since the central fighting offers more immediate opportunities. 98 J12 My central group (G8–L10, J11) has only five liberties (M9, M10, L11, K11, J12) and no eyes, so it must act now. J12 connects it to K12, raises its liberties to seven (adding J13, K13, L12), and simultaneously reduces the cutting stones H10–H12 to four liberties, so Black must spend a move on H13 or G12 rather than continue chasing with L11/M10. Compared with running directly via M10 or M9 toward P10 — where Black's N10/N9 blocks make the connection doubtful — J12 both strengthens and attacks, and leaves a clear path along row 12–13 toward my P13–P11 stones. 99 G10 G10 connects the H10–H12 stones to the main central Black group and removes a liberty from White’s central chain. If White extends at M9, Black can answer at N8, developing the lower side without leaving the H-file stones isolated. I prefer securing this important connection to attacking immediately at M9 or taking a large point on the bottom. 100 M10 The 13-stone white center group (G8-H7-H9 through K12) has only seven liberties and no eyes yet, hemmed in by Black's thick left wall; Black's G10 removed my cutting aji there, so securing this group is urgent before any big top-side move. M10 solidly links L10 toward N10/O10 and the P10-P13 wall, adding liberties and eye space; if Black tries N10 to cut, White N11 (or N9) attacks that stone, which has only N9/O10 as liberties, and White reconnects via O11-P11. I preferred M10 over the looser N10 because N10 allows Black M10 to connect to M8 and sever the center group, and over O10 because O10 lets Black take M10 and start squeezing the center while building the top. 101 K14 K14 develops the open upper center with support from K16 while limiting the expansion of White’s J12–K12 group. If White jumps to M12, I can answer at M14, maintaining pressure without trying to force a capture. I prefer this broad development to M9, which would tighten the local fight but leave White ample room to escape upward. 102 N10 White's center group (G8-H7-H9-J12-K12-L9-M10) has no eyes and only about eight liberties, and Black's K14 begins to seal the top escape. The vital point is N10: it links the center to the P10-T10/P11-P13 group, and afterward Black cannot play O10 (self-atari), so the O6-O9 group also becomes effectively connected, giving White one large, secure chain. Playing O10 instead would let Black cut at N10 and run out via N9-N8, while answering at K13 locally would leave the whole center still floating. 103 N8 N8 extends the J8–M8 chain, prevents White from wedging into that junction, and applies pressure toward the unsettled P6–P9 group. If White plays N9 to strengthen the central stones, O8 keeps Black connected while pressing against P8. I prefer this multipurpose extension to L13, which attacks White’s upper escape route but leaves the central junction open. 104 P10 Black's N8 aims at O9/O10 to cut White's right-side stones (P13-P11, Q10-T10, P9-Q6) apart from each other and from the center wall at N10. P10 is the one point that joins all three white right-side groups into a single safe group with ample liberties and a secure link to the bottom via P5/Q5, while keeping O10 as a follow-up to reach the N10 wall; if Black then pushes O10, White ataris from O11 or O9 and Black gains little. Alternatives like O9 or O10 are more ambitious but leave a cut at P10 and risk a messy ladder-like fight near my K12 stones, so the solid connection is better. 105 O8 O8 extends the N8 chain toward the lower side while blocking White from pushing through O8 into Black’s open southern area. If White replies at O9, Black can continue at O7, keeping the extension connected and limiting the P6–P8 stones’ room to expand. I prefer this multipurpose strengthening move to D13, which develops the upper-left side but leaves the central boundary unsettled. 106 O10 Black's O8 threatens O10 next, which would split my center group (H7–N10, J11–K12, eyeless) from my right-side group (P6–T10, Q11–Q13, also eyeless) and leave both under attack. O10 connects everything into one large group with many liberties and open access to the top, removing the only real weakness. O9 would also prevent the cut (black O10 would be self-atari) but leaves N9/M9 pokes and worse shape, so the solid O10 connection is better; after it, black O9 can simply be answered at N9. 107 R15 R15 extends the R11–R14 group toward Q16, increasing its room on the right side while limiting White’s R17 stone. If White wedges at R16, Q15 connects Q16 securely to Q14 and R15. I prefer strengthening this unsettled group to O9, which would add little pressure against White’s connected central stones. 108 R16 White's R17 stone is about to die after Black's R15, and the top-right corner is the biggest swing left on the board: if White lives here it both gains corner points and removes a large chunk of Black's top-side territory. Black's R15 is a loose block that leaves R16 available, so W R16 solidly connects, presses against Q16, and keeps both the corner (Q17/Q18/R18) and the right edge (S15–S17/T-column) as eye space; if Black blocks at Q17, White can extend to S15 and settle on the S/T columns, and if Black hanes at S16, White extends Q17 and lives along the top. I considered Q17 instead, but Black R16 would then confine White to a cramped two-stone corner, and I also considered defending the left group with C12/D13 or taking N9, but those are smaller than this life-or-death corner that otherwise is a free kill for Black. 109 Q17 Q17 extends Q16 toward O17 while limiting White’s R16–R17 stones and their access to the open upper side. If White answers at R18, P17 connects my upper stones and leaves White developing toward the edge. I prefer this active expansion to the quieter Q15 connection, since the R11–R15 chain still has ample liberties and does not need immediate reinforcement. 110 S15 The top-right corner is the urgent area: my R16–R17 stones have three liberties, while Black's Q11–R15 chain is also eyeless (liberties P14, Q15, S11–S15) and only links to Q16–Q17 through the Q15 gap. S15 hanes against R15, expanding my corner's eye space toward T15/S14 while taking a key liberty from Black's weak side group. If Black cuts at S16, W S17 ataris and the S16/T16/T17 stones are captured along the edge (I read T15, T18 capturing); if Black ataris at S14, I extend to S16 and Black must still spend a move at Q15 or face a P15–Q15 cut. This is sharper than the passive S16, which lets Black take S15 and squeeze the corner for free. 111 Q15 Q15 connects Q16–Q17 to Q14 and the R11–R15 chain, removing an important cutting point and giving the right-side stones access to the open center. If White presses at S14, Black can extend at P15 rather than depend on narrow right-edge eye space. I prefer this consolidation to attacking at R18, which would leave White the disruptive cut at Q15. 112 S16 The key fight is the top right: Black's 12-stone group from Q17 down to R11 has no eyes yet, while my R17/R16/S15 stones are loosely linked through S16. Connecting at S16 removes Black's cutting/capturing resource (Black S16 would start a messy edge fight) and gives me a solid corner group with eye space on the T/S lines. It also leaves S13/S12 as a real follow-up to wreck Black's only local eye space, so Black is pushed to run out at P15/P16 while I keep the right side and corner safely. I preferred this over P15 (blocking first), since that leaves my own corner stones too thin for the semeai. 113 M13 M13 limits White’s expansion from K12 and the central white wall while developing Black’s framework between K14 and the upper-right stones. If White presses at L13, I can extend to M14, keeping the new stone connected and maintaining pressure from above. K6 would strengthen the lower-center group, but it has room to develop; the open upper side is the larger opportunity. 114 N14 Black's top moyo is the biggest area on the board and White is behind, so I need to reduce it actively rather than respond passively. N14 is a shoulder-hit on M13 that expands White's center (connecting toward Q13 via O14/P14), threatens to cut M13 off from the right-side black wall, and prepares deeper follow-ups like N15/N16 or the O16/P17 wedge against the lone O17 stone. If Black blocks at O14 I push N15, and if Black plays M14 I continue O14 claiming the row 13–14 band; a direct invasion at M17/N16 looked too likely to die given K16 and O17 flank it. 115 N15 N15 caps White’s N14 stone, limiting its access to the open upper side while developing toward O17. If White extends at N13, I can play M14 to strengthen M13 and work toward a connection with K14; a cut at M14 instead calls for L14. I prefer this active upper-side move to K6, which secures a lower boundary but leaves White free to expand above. 116 N13 Black's N15 isolates my N14 stone, and if I ignore it Black follows with M14 and N13, putting N14 in atari and wrecking the center area around L11-O13, which is a significant chunk of White's territory. N13 connects N14 solidly toward O13/N12 and the P13 group while reducing M13 to three liberties (L13, M12, M14), so Black must spend a move at M14 or M12 to look after it; after that I can block at M12 or N12 and keep the N-O columns. I preferred this to the hane at M14, which Black cuts at N13 and leaves my stones floating in Black's strong area, and to the quieter O13, which does not pressure M13. 117 M14 M14 strengthens M13 while blocking White’s N13–N14 stones from extending west, and prepares M15 to connect with N15. If White cuts at M15, I can extend N15 to N16 while retaining L14 as a connection toward K14; if White escapes at N12, M15 completes the local connection. This is more urgent than a bottom-side expansion such as L5, which would leave my central stones separated. 118 O14 Black's M14 leaves my N13-N14 stones with only three liberties (O14, O13, N12) inside Black's large upper framework; losing them would hand Black the whole N12-P14 region as well, so saving them is worth more than the S-column boundary. O14 extends to four liberties, aims at O15 to split N15 from the Q14-Q17 group, and prepares O13/P13 to link back to my Q13-Q11 wall. If Black answers O15, I play O13 and the group is safely connected via P13 with the neutral zone around M12-P12 becoming mine; if Black tries the hane at O13 instead, P13 puts that stone in atari against my strong wall. I considered S13 to secure the corner connection, but after Black O14 my center stones would be in real trouble, while the R17 corner can still live on its own if cut later. 119 M15 M15 connects N15 to M14–M13, preventing White from separating these stones while strengthening Black’s upper-center position. If White pushes at O15, I can answer at O16, supporting O17 and limiting White’s expansion toward the top. I prefer this solid connection to immediately attacking at O13 or expanding on the left, since it removes a useful cutting point before continuing the attack. 120 O15 Black's M15 threatens to follow with O15, which would link the M13–N15 stones to the Q14–R15 group and settle both. White O15 prevents that connection, keeps the N13/N14/O14 stones at five liberties (N12, O13, P14, O16, P15) with the O13–P13 link to Q13 in reserve, and takes a liberty from the eyeless M-group while keeping Black's Q-group (no eyes yet) under pressure from the top. If Black answers P15, White can continue with P14 or P13 to connect solidly; a passive P14 instead would let Black play O15 himself and resolve all his weaknesses at once. 121 P16 P16 strengthens the Q17–R11 group and blocks White’s O15 stones from pushing directly into the upper-right gap. If White continues at P15, I can answer at P14, connecting to Q14 while White escapes toward P13. I prefer this multipurpose reinforcement to an extension at G14, which develops the open upper side but leaves White the useful wedge at P16. 122 P14 The key issue is my floating group N13-N14-O14-O15 (five liberties) which is cut from the right-side wall; Black's P16 aims at P15/P14 to squeeze it. P14 takes a liberty from the large Black group (Q11–Q17) while threatening P13 to connect solidly to Q13 and the row-10 wall; if Black cuts at P13 himself, O13 ataris it and the stones get driven into my wall and captured, and if Black plays P15 I simply connect at P13. I preferred this to the quieter O13 because it also keeps the Black group short of liberties, and to the aggressive P15 which would leave my group with too few liberties after Black O13. 123 K13 K13 strengthens K14 while limiting White’s expansion from J12–K12 into the open upper half. If White replies at L12, L13 connects directly to M13 and keeps Black’s upper stones coordinated. I prefer this central boundary move to P15, since Q15 and P16 are already connected through Q16 and need no immediate repair. 124 S14 The urgent issue is my R16-S15 corner group, which has only five liberties (R18, S17, T16, T15, S14) and no eyes; if Black gets S14 first it is cut off and likely dies along with the corner, a 25+ point swing. Playing S14 takes that key liberty, adds T14/S13 as liberties, aims at S13-S12 toward my S10 wall, and pressures Black's eyeless Q11-Q17 chain so Black must answer around S13 or P15/O16 rather than attacking my top-left group. If Black replies S13, I can follow with S18/T15 to secure corner eye shape with roughly six points of space. I preferred this over S13 or S12 because Black answers those with S14, leaving my corner stones with fewer liberties and the cut intact. 125 N16 N16 strengthens the M15–N15 group while blocking White’s easiest expansion toward the top and threatening to connect through O16. If White plays O16, I can answer at N17, connecting to O17 and keeping the white stones contained below. This combines defense and pressure more effectively than a distant top-side expansion; S14 does not put the right-side black group in immediate danger. 126 R18 The urgent issue is the white group R16-R17-S14-S16 in the top right: Black's P16/O17 group is already virtually connected out via O16/P17, so I cannot cut it, but if Black gets R18 or S17 first my corner stones lose eye space and could die along with the corner. R18 extends the corner eye space solidly (connected to R17), takes away Black's liberty at Q18, and keeps S17/S18/T-line eyes available; if Black answers Q18 I follow with S18 and live with eyes around T16-T18. I also checked that Black's cut at P13 is answered by P12 (P13 would be left with one liberty), so the N13 group is safe and the left side invasion around C9 can wait until my corner is secure. 127 O16 O16 connects N16, P16, and O17, uniting the upper-right stones with the central group and removing an important cutting point. If White presses from above with O18, N17 keeps the combined group connected and opens an escape toward the upper center. I prefer this multipurpose connection to Q18, which contests the top edge but leaves O16 available as a cut. 128 P13 The five-stone group O15/O14/N14/P14/N13 has only four liberties (P15, P13, O13, N12) and is not yet connected to Q13; black's immediate cut at P13 fails, but after a black hane at P15 the group becomes urgent and black could gain sente attacks on my thin top-right and top-left groups while chasing it. Connecting at P13 removes all that aji in one move, links the group to the row-10 wall, and solidifies my claim to the center area around L11–P13, which is the largest unresolved region adjacent to my main territory. I considered O13 for one more point of center shape, but it leaves two cutting points (P13 and N12) that black can exploit in sequence, and the big black upper group already has many liberties, so attacking it is not realistic; the solid connection is the sound choice. 129 C12 C12 caps White’s C13–C16 chain while expanding Black’s left-side position around D11. If White pushes at D13, D12 connects the new stone to D11, while the upper D14–D17 chain retains room to extend toward E14. I prefer this multipurpose attack to L13’s quieter connection, since the upper-center black groups are not immediately threatened by P13. 130 B12 Black's C12 threatens to kill the White group C13–C16/B17, which has no eyes yet and is hemmed in by Black's D14–D17 wall and D11. B12 is the vital extension: it blocks Black from sliding under at B12/B13 and expands the eye space along the A/B columns (A12–A18, B13–B16, B18), making two eyes practically assured. I read Black's inside tries like B13 or B16 — after W B14/B15 ataris those stones get captured in the corner, and an outside move like D13 only removes one liberty without reducing eye space. Running out with D13 toward J12 is unreliable against the strong Black stones at H12/H11/K13, so securing life in place is clearly the priority. 131 M6 M6 reduces White’s large lower-center framework while putting pressure on the unsettled H5–K5 group, with support from Black’s eighth-row stones. If White cuts at M7, L7 puts that stone in atari; after N7, L6 connects M6 through L7 to L8. Connecting at C11 is locally safe, but C12 can still escape there if White plays D12, so the lower-center opportunity is more important. 132 M4 Black's M6 reduces White's bottom-center area between the J5-K5 wall and the P6-Q6/P4-Q4 stones; M6 can always connect via M7 so capturing it is unrealistic, and the real threat is a follow-up like M4 or N4 destroying the rows 1-4 territory from K to O. M4 is the solid answer: after Black N5 White plays N4, Black O5, White O4, and if Black P5 White Q5 keeps the corner connected, leaving White secure points along rows 1-4. I considered N5 (slightly more on the right) but it invites Black M4 or L5-L4 complications; the top-right R16-S14 group is not yet urgent since Black S17 can be met by S18 (then S17 is capturable at T17), so securing the bottom is the biggest sound move now. 133 D9 D9 develops the open left side while supporting D11 and working with F9 to limit White’s expansion from C6. If White approaches at C8, D7 presses the lower white stones while retaining a connection toward F7 through E7. I prefer this broader move to immediately connecting at M7: if White plays M5, M7 remains available to secure M6. 134 D7 The game hinges on the bottom-left: white's A–E, rows 1–7 area (~25–30 points) is the swing region that Black's D9 is aiming at with follow-ups like D6/C7, while the rest of the board is largely settled (Black's right group and White's center/bottom are alive, the left white group can live with one move later). White D7 blocks the D-file, links C6 toward the D4 stone and prevents the D6 cut; if Black pushes E6, I answer D6, and after E5/D5, E4/E3 White keeps the A–D columns as territory. I preferred D7 to E6 because the E6 line lets Black hane at D7/C7 and shrink the area, and to C8 because Black D7 would cut it off. 135 H17 H17 extends from G17 toward K16, developing the large open upper side while keeping Black’s stones light. If White approaches at L17, K17 reinforces K16 and contests White’s expansion along the top. I prefer this large-scale development to answering D7 locally, since the central black chain has ample liberties and D7 creates no immediate capture threat. 136 E6 The lower-left is the largest unsettled area: White's D4, C6, D7 are loosely placed and Black D9 plus a cut at D6 (then D5/E4) would wreck the corner, costing well over ten points. E6 removes that cut (Black D6 would be self-atari), extends White's area to the E-column (E3–E5) and limits Black's push at E5/E4. I considered reducing the center with N6/O6 or securing the top-right with S13, but those are ~6-point gote moves, while the left-side group (C13–C16) already lives against B15 by answering at B14, so the corner defense is the clear priority. If Black blocks at E7, White can follow with D8 to tidy up. 137 D12 D12 connects C12 and D11, strengthening the scattered black stones on the left and supporting expansion toward D9. If White wedges at D13, E13 supports D14 while remaining connected to D12. I prefer this consolidation to immediately pressing with E8, which leaves C12 exposed to a White move at D12. 138 N5 The biggest unsettled area is the bottom: Black's M6 stone is trying to reduce White's region between K5 and P4, and the P6–P4 link (via O5/P5) is also loose. White N5 supports M4, keeps M6 from sliding down to M5/N5, and backs up the P4–P6 connection (if Black cuts at O5, White P5 leaves the cutting stone short of liberties inside White's strength). If Black answers M5 or N6, White continues L5/O5 and secures rows 1–5 as territory, worth far more than the left group at B15, which already has ample eye space (A13–A17, B13–B16) and can wait, and more than the lower-left shape move around D5/E4. 139 N6 N6 connects to M6, strengthens the lower side of my central group, and limits White’s expansion from N5. If White pushes at O6, I can answer at O7, connecting to O8 and keeping the central eye space intact. I prefer this multipurpose move to a large upper-side extension such as K17, where my stones are less urgently in need of support. 140 M5 Black's N6 threatens to separate N5 and M4 (which are only diagonally related) and to wipe out White's bottom territory. M5 solidly connects M4-N5 into one group with liberties L5, L4, M3, N4, so Black's cut at O5 would be a weak stone (White O4 then P5 handles it, and Black P5 is self-atari against the Q4 group). This keeps the whole M-T, rows 1-4 area as White's, which is worth more than O5, which would abandon M4 to a Black M5 and hand Black the L-M columns. The P8/P6 group still has P5 as a secure connection to the Q4 stones if Black pushes at O7/O6. 141 O7 O7 blocks White’s P7–P6 stones from extending into the central eye space and makes the connection of M6–N6 to the eighth-row chain harder to disrupt. If White wedges at M7, Black can answer L7, leaving that stone with only N7 as a liberty and no safe extension there. Compared with simply connecting at M7, O7 preserves more central territory while strengthening the same stones. 142 O6 Black's O7 aims at O6/O5 to split my N5-M5-M4 stones from the P6-Q6 group and bite into the bottom, which is my main territory. O6 blocks solidly, linking P6 to the N5 stones in a tight shape (a black O5 wedge would have only two liberties and dies against P5/O4), and keeps the whole bottom from G3 to T1 intact. I considered the softer O5, but then black O6 gains a point and threatens the P5 wedge, forcing more defensive moves; the left-side group B17-C13-B12 has enough edge eye space that it is less urgent than this boundary. 143 L7 L7 strengthens the large lower Black group by dividing its central eye space while keeping M6–N6 easy to connect. If White cuts at L6, K6 secures an eye at K7; an intrusion at M7 can then be captured with N7, connecting the lower pair. I prefer this eye-making move to simply connecting at N7 or expanding the upper-left, because the large group’s safety comes first. 144 B14 The most urgent issue is the white group B17/C13-C16/B12 in the upper left: it is sealed in by Black's D-column wall and has no secure eyes yet, and losing it would swing roughly 30 points. B14 makes B13 a guaranteed eye (a black stone at B13 would be self-atari) and leaves ample eye space at B15/B16 with B17; I read Black's placement at B15 answered by B16, after which Black's stones crawling down the A column get captured, and a black B16 is met by B15 similarly. The lower-center threat from L7 is only worth a few points since Black L5 would be self-atari and White can connect at L5 later, so the life-and-death fix on the left takes priority. 145 K6 K6 secures a true eye at K7 for the large central Black group while preserving the second-eye potential at M7–N7. If White cuts at M7, Black N7 captures that stone, connects M6–N6, and makes M7 another eye; against L6, Black can connect at M7 instead. This central safety is more urgent than expanding the upper-left position with E14. 146 L5 Black's K6 sets up L6 followed by L5, which would cut my K5 stones from L4/M5 and let Black into the bottom; even an immediate Black L5 sacrifice creates a ko at L5/L6 that I would rather not allow. White L5 connects H5-K5, L4 and M5-N5 into one solid chain with ample liberties (G3, J4, K4, J3, H2, M4, N4, O5), making the entire lower side secure and leaving Black's L6/M7 points as pure dame. I considered D8 to attack D9 and protect the lower-left, and L12 to firm up the center, but those are only a few points each while the L5 cut/ko could cost far more, so I take the solid move first. 147 C8 C8 expands Black’s left-side framework while limiting the loose White stones at D7 and C6. If White pushes at D8, C9 connects C8 to D9 and keeps a firm boundary on the left. I prefer this larger move to immediately connecting at L6: if White later occupies L6, M7 can connect M6–N6 to the central group and secure the eye at N7. 148 C5 Black's C8 aims next at the bottom-left corner (B6 slide or C4/C5 invasion), where White's thin framework of D4, C6, E6 and D7 encloses roughly 15–20 points; losing that is the largest concrete swing on the board right now. C5 secures the corner against both C4 and the B6 slide: if Black B6, White B5 keeps the corner; if Black cuts at C7, White D6 connects everything and only concedes a couple of points. I considered the sente-ish reduction J13–J14 into Black's left-center moyo and the T9 nudge against the right-side group (which is alive with eyes at S8/S6 anyway), but those gain only a few points compared with the corner, which I can return to later. 149 D13 D13 connects the D11–D12 stones to the D14–D17 wall and blocks White from extending C13 into the open upper-left area. If White plays B13 to strengthen the left-side group, I can turn to F17 to consolidate the upper side. I prefer this multipurpose connection to playing K17 immediately, which would leave White the useful cut at D13. 150 E4 The game is close and the bottom-left is the largest unsettled area: Black's E5/E4 pushes would cut D4 off and shrink White's corner badly. E4 connects D4 solidly, blocks the F4 stones from entering, and prepares D5/D3 against the E5 cut or E3 reduction. I considered B11 to settle the left group, but it has enough eye space (B13/B15 area) and is less valuable than securing roughly ten points in the lower left. 151 M12 M12 extends the connected M13–M15 stones, secures the lower boundary of Black’s upper framework, and reduces White’s central eye space. If White answers at N12, I can play L12 to strengthen the boundary toward K13; a cut at L13 can instead be met by L14, putting the cutting stone in atari. I prefer this active boundary move to E3, since the F3 stones are already connected to Black’s living central group. 152 S13 The M12 push is connected to M13 and only threatens a few points around L11/M11, which is gote for both sides. A bigger reverse-sente point is S13: it blocks Black's R13 column from sliding into S12/T12/T13 and S11/T11, and it removes the pressure a Black S13 would put on the eye space of my R16–S14 corner group (Black S13 followed by T14/Q18 would force me to answer). After W S13, Black S12 is the natural block and I keep T13 with a settled corner; if Black instead plays M11, I answer N11 and the loss around L11/L12 is only about three points. 153 L13 L13 connects K13–K14 to the M13 chain, strengthening the central boundary and removing a useful cutting point for White. If White pushes at L12, M11 extends the connected group while limiting White’s expansion above the tenth row. K17 would develop the open upper side, but I prefer securing these central stones before enlarging that framework. 154 E3 The main unsettled area is White's loose lower-left corner: Black's F3-F5 wall makes an invasion at D3/E3 a real threat that could cost most of A1-E3, far more than the right-side S12 or center L12 boundaries. E3 blocks Black's entry along the bottom and connects solidly to E4-D4; if Black then pushes E5 I answer D5 (Black D5 instead is captured after E5 atari), and E6 can still be linked with D6 if Black plays E7. I prefer E3 over D3 because it also claims E1-E2 and limits Black's F3 stones, and over S12 because the right-edge group remains alive even after Black S12. 155 D10 D10 connects D9 directly to the D11–D17 chain, strengthening the left side and making C8 easier to support. If White plays C9 to separate C8 from D9, I can answer D8, connecting both stones while retaining liberties through E8. I prefer this multipurpose connection to F2: extending along the bottom is valuable, but the central black group already has two eyes, whereas the left-side stones remain unsettled. 156 E5 The upper-left White group (C13-C16, B14 with B17/B12) has enough eye space on the A/B columns (B13 is a self-atari point for Black, and B16/B15 pushes can be captured), so it does not need an immediate move. The largest unsettled area is the lower-left corner, where White's stones D4-E4-E3, E6, D7 and C5-C6 are only loosely linked: if Black plays E5 first, D5/E7/F6 follow and the corner shrinks with Black keeping sente. White E5 connects E4-E6 solidly, makes both D5 and D6 self-atari for Black, secures roughly 15-20 points around A1-D6, and also removes a liberty from Black's big center group. I preferred this to the smaller endgame at S11 or B16/B18. 157 E7 E7 strengthens the central Black group and makes F6 a true eye, complementing the eye at K7 while blocking White’s connection from D7 to E6. If White plays D8 to pressure C8, I can answer E8 to reinforce the central boundary rather than overcommit to saving that isolated stone. I prefer securing this group and limiting White’s expansion to a larger-looking but less urgent move such as K17. 158 P15 The black stones Q14-R14-Q15-R15-R13-R12-R11 have only three liberties (P15, S12, S11), and P15 is also their only link to the black group at P16/O16. White P15 connects solidly to O15/P14 and leaves the black group with just S12 and S11; after B S12 W T12 (or B S11 W T11) the group cannot escape or make eyes, and a black counter-atari at T11 is answered by S11 capturing everything. This is worth far more than anything on the left: Black's E7 only mildly threatens D7/E6, both of which still have several liberties, and the white B12-C16 group can still be defended later if attacked. 159 J17 J17 develops the open upper side, extending from H17 while supporting the isolated K16 stone and limiting White’s room to invade. If White approaches at L17, K17 connects J17 to K16 and keeps a solid upper-side position. I prefer this broad development to D8, which connects C8 to the left-side chain but gains less while those stones are not under immediate threat. 160 B11 The game is close and the biggest open boundary is the left side: if Black plays B11 first he takes the whole A8–C11 area and squeezes my B12–B17 group, whereas White B11 (solidly connected to B12) claims the A9–B11 strip, keeps C7/B7 secure next to the C5–C6 stones and enlarges my left group's eye space. I compared N12 (sealing the N11–P12 pocket, roughly a 5-point gote) and G3/F2 (reverse-sente against Black's F2 push, worth maybe 4–6 points), but the B11 swing is larger. If Black answers with B10 or C11 I can block at A10/C11 or B9 and keep most of the edge, and my top-left group remains alive with eyes at B13/B15/B16.
Reasoning
The game is close and the biggest open boundary is the left side: if Black plays B11 first he takes the whole A8–C11 area and squeezes my B12–B17 group, whereas White B11 (solidly connected to B12) claims the A9–B11 strip, keeps C7/B7 secure next to the C5–C6 stones and enlarges my left group's eye space. I compared N12 (sealing the N11–P12 pocket, roughly a 5-point gote) and G3/F2 (reverse-sente against Black's F2 push, worth maybe 4–6 points), but the B11 swing is larger. If Black answers with B10 or C11 I can block at A10/C11 or B9 and keep most of the edge, and my top-left group remains alive with eyes at B13/B15/B16.
