Katatsuki

A shoulder hit is a move played diagonally next to an opponent’s stone, typically aimed at reducing their potential influence rather than directly attacking. This balancing tactic allows the player to apply pressure while maintaining a stable and flexible position. Unlike more aggressive plays, a shoulder hit is difficult to cut off and often leads to a resilient shape.

The shoulder hit is frequently seen in midgame battles, especially when reducing the opponent’s framework without direct confrontation. It’s often followed by extensions, jumps, or forcing exchanges that enhance the player’s stability. Depending on the context, it can be combined with other techniques, such as pressing or shoulder-blocking, to maximize its effectiveness.

The best response depends on the overall board position and the player’s strategic goals. A well-placed shoulder hit can disrupt large territorial frameworks and force the opponent into a less efficient shape.

If you’re interested in mastering the shoulder hit and avoiding common mistakes, check out our course on typical mistakes in Go. Lesson 2-1 focuses on this topic.