Tedomari

Tedomari, literally meaning “move stop” or “end of moves,” denotes the final play in a local sequence or in a broader phase of the game, such as the endgame. While it often refers to the literal last big move played, more precisely, it is the final move that still carries value—before the remaining plays become too small to affect the outcome.

In endgame theory, identifying and securing tedomari is a key concept. The player who makes the last profitable move usually gains a territorial edge. There’s even a proverb: “Tedomari is worth double,” emphasizing its importance. However, in some cases, giving up tedomari strategically can be more beneficial if it means gaining sente or setting up larger plays elsewhere.