Horikomi

Horikomi, or “throw-in,” is a powerful tactical move in Go that involves sacrificing a stone at a critical intersection where the opponent intends to connect. This bold play is often used to disrupt the opponent’s plans and create opportunities for capturing or weakening their group.

Key Uses of Throw-in

• Creating a False Eye: By throwing in a stone, you can prevent the opponent from forming a secure living shape.

• Executing a Squeeze: Restricting the opponent’s available moves and forcing them into a disadvantageous position.

• Inducing a Shortage of Liberties: This can set up a capture or force the opponent into a losing sequence.

• Triggering a Snapback: The opponent may be forced to capture your stone, only to be 

Unlike nakade, which is played inside a real eye to create a larger capturing shape, throw-in is used to prevent an eye from forming or to exploit weaknesses in the opponent’s structure. Another related concept is oki (placement), which involves strategically placing a stone to maximize its influence or disrupt the opponent’s formation. While throw-in focuses on sacrificing a stone to achieve a tactical goal, oki emphasizes optimal placement for long-term advantage. Effective use of throw-in requires precise reading of liberties and careful planning of follow-up moves to maximize its impact.