Sagari
Importance: ★★☆
Descending move
Sagari refers to a move where a stone is placed directly below an existing stone of the same color, extending the formation towards the edge of the board. This move plays a critical role in securing additional territory, especially in corner and edge play, and reinforces a player’s position by creating stronger connections and reducing vulnerabilities.
The term sagari, which means “hanging down” or “descending” in Japanese, is a basic yet important move that helps both attack and defend, making it useful in many situations.
Sagari is often used to secure extra points along the board’s edge, expanding your territory. It also strengthens the connection between your stones, making it harder for your opponent to invade or reduce your area.
Although it’s a straightforward move, sagari is very versatile and valuable for players of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.