Atsumi

Atsumi represents a strong, resilient shape in Go, where a group of stones exerts outward influence rather than focusing on immediate territorial gain. Unlike territory-oriented moves, thickness does not secure points directly but provides long-term strategic advantages by enabling attacks, supporting allies, and dictating the flow of the game.

Characteristics of Thickness

• Strong and Safe: Thick groups are tough to attack and have plenty of eye potential, making them hard or impossible to kill.
• Board Influence: These formations help you build moyos (potential territories) and control important areas of the board.
• Attack Power: Thickness can be used as a base to pressure your opponent’s weak groups, turning defense into offense.
• Not Immediate Territory: Unlike securing a corner or side, thickness doesn’t give you points right away—it’s an investment in the future.

For new players, thickness can be a tough concept to grasp. It’s easy to focus on grabbing territory right away, but thickness is more subtle. It’s about building strength that pays off later, which requires patience and a good sense of the big picture. As you play more, you’ll start to see how thickness can quietly dominate the game.

In high-level Go, mastering thickness is essential. It’s all about balancing short-term gains with long-term control, and knowing when to build strength instead of chasing points. It’s a skill that takes time to develop.