Hanami Ko

Hanami ko is a type of ko fight where one player has little to lose and much to gain. In a hanami ko, winning the ko brings a major advantage, such as capturing an important group or securing significant territory. On the other hand, losing the ko is relatively inconsequential, often costing just a single point or a minor local concession.

The term is inspired by the Japanese tradition of hanami, or flower viewing, symbolizing the carefree and low-risk nature of the situation for the player initiating the fight.

Hanami ko often puts the opponent in a difficult position because they cannot afford to ignore the threat. It’s a powerful tool in both middle-game fights and endgame scenarios, where the cost of ignoring a ko threat can be devastating.

If you’re interested in learning more about ko fights, including hanami ko and other advanced tactics, check out our dedicated course on ko fights.