Kikashi

Kikashi refers to a strategic move in Go that forces an opponent to respond, often with the goal of creating long-term advantages rather than gaining immediate territory. The word kikashi in Japanese translates to “effective” or “beneficial,” emphasizing its role in shaping future developments.

Unlike standard sente moves, which demand a response but may lead to direct gains, kikashi is often more subtle. It influences the opponent’s position and can make their shape heavier or inefficient, ensuring that the kikashi-playing side gains a hidden advantage.

A well-placed kikashi move:

• Creates future opportunities by setting up later attacks or reducing the opponent’s options.
• Disrupts an opponent’s shape by forcing them into suboptimal structures.
• Influences the whole board rather than just a local area.
• Can be sacrificed later if necessary without a major loss.

However, improper use of kikashi can backfire, leading to aji-keshi (erasing one’s own latent potential) or reinforcing the opponent’s shape without sufficient compensation.