Kiri

Kiri, or cutting, is a move in Go that prevents an opponent’s stones from connecting. By severing a link between groups, kiri forces the opponent to fight on multiple fronts, often creating tactical opportunities for attack. The term kiri translates from Japanese as “cut” or “slice,” directly describing its role in breaking connections.

A successful cut divides the opponent’s position, making their groups weaker and more vulnerable. However, cutting must be executed carefully—while it can put pressure on an opponent, it may also leave the cutting stones themselves in a weak position if not properly supported.

While cutting is an essential offensive tool, a player must also recognize when to reinforce their own groups to avoid being cut by their opponent.

To learn more about cutting, check out the Cutting and Connecting lesson from our 13×13 course.