Hamete

Hamete refers to a deceptive move in Go, often played within a joseki sequence, that leads an opponent into an inferior position if they fail to respond correctly. While hamete may initially appear as a standard or natural move, its effectiveness lies in luring the opponent into a predictable but suboptimal response. If the opponent recognizes the trap and responds accurately, the player using hamete may end up in a worse position.

The term originates from the Japanese verb hameru, meaning “to get into a trap” or “to be deceived.” 

While commonly associated with joseki, hamete can also appear in other stages of the game, particularly in middle-game battles and life-and-death situations.

A deceptive move in a standard corner sequence tempts the opponent into an incorrect response, allowing the hamete player to gain an advantage.

Hamete relies on the opponent making a mistake, so experienced players often recognize and neutralize these traps. If answered correctly, it would put the one who played the hamete into a disadvantageous position. It is very rare that even when refuted, it still leads to an even result. Some view hamete as opportunistic rather than a legitimate strategy, as it exploits an opponent’s lack of knowledge. However, studying hamete sharpens reading skills, enhances pattern recognition, and reinforces the importance of knowing joseki sequences beyond rote memorization.