Sansan

In Go, sansan refers to the 3-3 point on the board, located at the intersection of the third line from both the top and side edges. This point is strategically significant, especially in the opening phase, as it focuses on securing solid territory in the corner. A move to the sansan point is often employed to establish a firm base early in the game.

The term “sansan” translates directly from Japanese as “three-three,” indicating its specific position on the board. In English, it is commonly referred to as the “3-3 point.”

Playing on the 3-3 point aims to secure immediate, solid territory in the corner, often at the expense of potential influence towards the center. Sansan is a common target for invasions, especially against opponents’ 4-4 stones (hoshi), as it can undermine their territorial potential. There are established sequences (joseki) involving the 3-3 point that dictate common patterns of play, balancing territory and influence. With the advent of AI in Go, early 3-3 invasions have become more popular, as AI programs have demonstrated their effectiveness in certain positions.

If you want to dive deeper into 3-3 invasions, we have a comprehensive course from Korean professional player Yeonwoo Cho available here. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning joseki for the 3-3 point, explore the San-San Safety section of our Joseki ABC course.