Hasami

Hasami, commonly known as a pincer, is a move in Go used to attack an opponent’s stone by placing a stone on either side, restricting its ability to extend and form a stable group. This move is frequently played in response to an opponent’s corner approach, preventing them from securing a strong base.

The term hasami translates from Japanese as “scissors,” illustrating the way the move “cuts” an opponent’s stone between two of the attacker’s stones. A well-placed hasami exerts pressure on the opponent, forcing them to choose between escaping into the center or making a weak local formation.

Pincers play a significant role in early-game strategy, as they can shape the development of the board. Different types of hasami include:

• Low and high pincers – Depending on the height of placement, a hasami move can focus on securing territory or exerting influence toward the center.
• 1/2/3-space pincers – Defined by the number of spaces left between the pincer and the opponent’s stone, influencing the strength and flexibility of the move.

Here’s an example of Hasami that restricts an approaching stone, forcing White to decide whether to escape into the center or attempt to settle locally.