Gyaku Sente

Gyaku sente, more commonly known as Reverse sente, describes a situation where a player makes a move that prevents the opponent from playing a sente move (a move that demands an immediate response) but does not maintain the initiative afterward. Instead, the move results in gote, meaning the player must later respond to the opponent’s next move.

Reverse sente is particularly important in the endgame, where players compete for the most valuable moves. It’s a way to neutralize the opponent’s potential gains, even if it means sacrificing the initiative temporarily. For example:

Playing reverse sente too early can backfire, as it might give the opponent the chance to take control of other areas of the board.

While reverse sente results in losing the initiative, it’s often the best available option when the opponent has a strong sente move waiting to be played. It’s a subtle but powerful tool in a player’s strategic arsenal, highlighting the importance of foresight and timing in Go.

If you’re looking to master the nuances of reverse sente and other advanced endgame techniques, check out our Endgame course for advanced players. One of the lessons is entirely devoted to reverse sente.