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Sabaki

By Yilun Yang, John C. Stephenson

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Title Sabaki
Authors Yilun Yang, John C. Stephenson
Publisher Wings Go Club
Code wn02
Date 2003
ISBN 0-9705037-1-7
Pages 104
Dimensions 5 3/8. x 4 3/16. - 137mm x 106mm
In print status Out of Print

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In the normal course of a go game, you're eventually faced with managing a weak stone. Knowing how to handle the situation adroitly may mean the difference between winning and losing.

This conveniently sized study guide presents a discourse about sabaki techniques, written in the typically lucid and hard-hitting style of Mr. Yang, 7-Dan professional. Following his discourse are a dozen practice problems to help you determine if you have absorbed the material.

Don't be deceived by the small size of this book. It's packed with applicable information and likely will require several readings to fully master. But as you apply the techniques and develop your judgement, your regular opponents will be in for a surprise as you demonstrate your newly acquired flexibility and lightness.

Please win gracefully and enjoy

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Review by Barney Cohen (AGA) show/hide 2003

Review Author Barney Cohen (AGA) Reviewer Strength 4k (IGS)

This slim little book is based on material presented by Mr. Yang during a recent "Yang workshop" in New Jersey. It is available via the Wings Across Calm Water Go Club web site. The book consists of two parts, the first illustrating important concepts and techniques necessary for creating sabaki (a flexible, light position) and the second a review of essential sabaki guidelines followed by sample problems and solutions.

This is an extremely slim volume for such a huge subject. Nevertheless, it should prove a useful addition to many player's go library. With so many books on various aspects of go now available, it is truly astonishing that this is the first book ever to be devoted solely to the subject of making sabaki (at least in English). Not only does this book provide the reader with a clear analytical framework for assessing sabaki situations, it introduces a number of important concepts not well discussed elsewhere. Even with this book, there is still a huge hole in the literature for one of the major publishers of go books to develop a much larger treatment on the topic with many more examples and practice problems. In the meantime, this seminal volume should enjoy a wide readership. The last time that John Stephenson transcribed material from one of Mr. Yang's lectures, (How to Destroy and Preserve, 2000), it rapidly disappeared from print. This book is even better and more useful than the last.



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