Tsuke

Attachment (tsuke) is a fundamental move in Go where a player places a stone directly adjacent to an opponent’s stone, creating direct contact. This move is often used to initiate a fight, disrupt an opponent’s shape, or develop a group efficiently. Because it forces an immediate response, tsuke is a key tool in tactical exchanges.

Attachment can be used to solidify your own stones while reducing the opponent’s flexibility. It directly engages an opponent’s stone, forcing them to react and shaping the game’s flow. In invasions, tsuke helps develop a light, resilient shape, especially when combined with moves like the hane. However, if played incorrectly, tsuke can unnecessarily strengthen the opponent’s stones, so it should be used with caution, particularly in attacking positions.

Tsuke is a powerful move that, when used wisely, can shape the course of the game by influencing both offensive and defensive strategies.

To dive deeper into the Art of attachments, check out our advanced course made by professional player Alexander Dinerstein 3p. You can find a free lesson from that course on our YouTube channel: