Semedori

Semedori occurs when a player has no choice but to capture an opponent’s stones after they fill neutral points (dame). While capturing is usually an advantage in Go, semedori is often a forced move that does not always benefit the player executing it. The captured stones may leave inefficient shapes or reduce potential territory, making this an effective strategic tool.

In middle-game battles, a player may lose liberties, forcing them to capture opponent stones instead of continuing to fight. In the endgame, a well-placed move can eliminate an eye or add a cut, eventually leading to semedori and reducing the opponent’s available space.