Aji Keshi

Aji Keshi refers to a move that eliminates or reduces a player’s own latent potential (aji) in an opponent’s position. This can weaken future attacking or reducing opportunities. While sometimes necessary for defense, premature aji keshi can undermine a player’s overall strategy.

Common forms of aji keshi include playing a forcing move too early, allowing the opponent to respond in a way that strengthens their position, or simplifying an opponent’s position without gaining an advantage, thereby reducing tactical options.

One example of this is unnecessary peep, when a player peeps at the opponent’s stones, helping them to strengthen their shape and thus making future attacks ineffective.

Aji Keshi is an important concept for Go players to understand, as recognizing when to maintain aji and when to remove it is crucial for long-term strategy.