Professional Games

Cho Hyeyeon vs Lee Hajin

Hajin — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 18:54:21 +0900

The 16th Gahgrin Cup Female Kuksu, best 16

2010. 9. 15

White: Lee Hajin 3P Black: Cho Hyeyeon 8P

Black won by 2.5 points

W8 is an unusual move. Either C10 or K16 is predictable. Because I was playing a match after about 1.5 months' break, I felt like playing as I like it, not as I know it.

W14 is the right direction. Answering on R3 calls Black's R9, which erases white's potential on the upper side.

B19 is a good move. Although joseki is to play on S6, the result of the joseki would be better for white. Theoretically white should play on R3 instead of W20, but black's Q9, white R10, black's P11 seems too good in this case.

It's playable opening for both sides up to W22.

B23 is a typical reducing move. W24 is a bit aggressive. This move is seeing the miai of R14 and Q15 depending on black's move.

B33 looks slow, but thick and good place.

W40 is a very big and important move. Without this move, black's invasion would be severe.

B41 is better to be on D10.

W58 is to prevent black's invasion.

B59 and W60 is miai, and B61 is inevitable because black's big group in upper right corner is not yet alive.

With W74, white is ahead.

White's territory: right corner 20 + upper side 15 + left side 5 + lower side 8 = About 48 + Komi

Black's territory: upper left corner 10 + lower left corner 15 + right corner 6 + upper right corner 3 = About 35.

B75 is a good move. If white blocks on L2, black M3, white M4, black L4 will be followed, and black makes thickness in sente. Then white's group will be in danger.

B85, 89 are both sente.

black should have peeped on N4 before B95. White's lower side is alive with W96.

White 100 is a probing move before playing on G7.

W104 is a big mistake. Just playing on either A10 or C12 was proper. Yet, the game is still in white's favor after W112.

B113 is a big place, and W114 is to get sente. Otherwise black can cut on B6 and make Ko.

W136 is the losing move. I was being chased by countdown, and wasn't sure if it was OK to just answer on K12. But very soon I realized that W36 brought many ajis in the center. As a result, I got gote here. White was still winning if white played on K12 and made some territory in the center.

From W116 to W166, white gained almost nothing white black captured one stone and got sente. Considering black had three weak groups with W116, the result is bad for white. Consequently the game is reversed, too. Then I tried hard to catch up during the endgame, but it didn't work.

I omitted after B215, for I thought the rest of them is meaningless.

I used to be sick in morning before important matches, especially Insei league. Although there were Insei league games almost every Saturday and Sunday, no single game wasn't quite important. I felt huge pressure, and hated playing Insei games. Yet, as soon as I became a professional player, the 'sickness-before-match disappeared as if it had never existed.

In the morning I played this game, I was very sick. The sickness reminded me of those days when I was only studying Baduk. At the time, doing or studying something else was forbidden for me. These days, however, I am studying in a college. I also couldn't believe that it had been already 6 years since I became a professional player.

Time limit was 3 hours and 60 seconds 5 times countdown. I spent a lot in the early and middle stage (partly thanks to the sickness), and started countdown at around W116. What happened next is as you saw in the aforementioned game. Though I felt quite depressed, the feeling wasn't as bad as it used to be. I am proud to be a professional player, but I don't think I am professional-tournament-type.

Cho Hyeyeon vs Lee Hajin

Hajin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:48:51 +0900

The 15th Gahgrin Cup Female Kuksu, Quarter final

2010. 1. 5

White: Lee Hajin 3P Black: Cho Hyeyeon 8P

Black won by resignation

B7 is a trendy move. It used to be played at (L,17) instead.

W18 is dynamic choice. The other option is to play at (S,3) and black would answer at (L,3), then (R,7), (R,8), (S,8), (S,9), (S,7). This is an old joseki.

B19 is necessary, because otherwise white would be able to connect by (R,8) and cut.

From B21 to W28 is a natural sequence.

B29 is appropriate direction. If black keeps playing in the center, black's upper right corner gets hurt.

B41 is good place to take the initiative of the game. White should have played at (L,10) instead of W40.

W44 is a territory oriented move, but gives black thickness.

W50 is inevitable because black has many ko threats in the right side.

Up to W56, the game is well balanced.

W58 was too smooth. White should have played more strongly.

B59, 61 are good tesujis for tabaki in this situation.

With B65, 67, black took care of it in sente.

B69, 75 are agreeable sentes.

By B79, black is ahead now.

W82, 84 are do or die moves.

Because white successfully reduced black's potential in the center, the game got close, but still a little favorable for black.

White should have played at W14 before playing at W4. Then if black plays at B15, white would play at either (K,15) or (K,16).

In the actual game, black's territory from the upper right corner became too big.

Although White made some profits at the end game, it was not enough to reverse the game.

Cho Mikyung vs Lee Hajin

Hajin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:43:05 +0900

The 15th Gahgrin Cup Female Kuksu, best 16

2009. 9. 16

White: Lee Hajin 3P Black: Cho Mikyung 1P

White won by 2.5 points

From B5 to B17 is frequently played opening.

White may play at B35 instead of W18, but it is a little slow.

W22 is territory oriented.

Though B23 could be loss in terms of territory, it's a thicker choice.

To W34, it's expectable sequence.

B35 is a vital point.

Up to W40, white has more terriotory, but black's thickness and potential is greater.

B41,45 are nice moves, which enlarge black's moyo in the center.

W48, 50 avoid being surrounded.

B53 seems submissive, but proper in this situation as black's big group on the left side is weak.

W54 is sente.

B57 is thick. It eliminates white's ajis.

From W58 to B69 is natural sequence.

W70, 72 are aiming at the weakness of black's territory on the upper side.

W82 is premature. White should have played somewhere on the lower side.

W84~94 is big, but B95 is bigger.

Up to B111, black takes profits here. Consequently, black is leading the game.

B115, 117 are safe and thick.

W126 is a big place.

B135 is more efficient way to connect.

W136 is thin, but inevitable since white is behind.

B139 is too slow.

W140 is the biggest on the board.

B141 is a slack move. Black should have played at the center.

W142, 146 are agreeable.

With W160, white makes some points in the center.

Because black took nothing while white made territory in the center, white reversed the game.

By W186, the game is actually over.

Lee Changho vs Kong Jie

Hajin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:20:34 +0900

The 14th Samsung Cup, best 32

2009. 9. 11

White: Kong Jie 9P Black: Lee Changho 9P

Black won by resignation

B7 is new - being studied and frequently played these days among pro players.

B11 is unexpected, diagonal move on the third line is more common.

From W12 to B19 is natural sequence. Playable for both sides.

B23 to 29 is aiming at W's weakness at upper right corner.

W30 is the biggest place on the board.

B31, 37 are severe.

W's 3 stones at the center are too big to give up.

W50 is good sequence.

B57 is good exchange - makes white's shape bad.

W58 takes out B55, B59 connects.

B69, 71 are light, flexible moves.

W72 is probing move, and 73 is counter-probing.

If W answers with hane, B will cut.

W played 74 because white's big group at the center is weak.

Up to 82, the exchange is OK for both.

B 83 is keen.

W 84 is over play, W should have just answered at W92.

Because B85 works, the game is actually over.

With B97, White's dragon at upper right corner gets caught.

B101 is safe, and thick.

Although W makes a big territory at the lower-left center, it's not big enough to reverse.

Black doesn't make a ko fight after B169, because B is already winning the game.

With B179, the game is actually over.

Black played a few more moves and resigned.

Lee Hajin vs Lee Yong-su

Hajin — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:00:02 +0900

The 53rd Kuksu Cup preliminary

2009. 6. 4

W: Lee Yong-su 5P B: Lee Hajin 3P

White won by resignation

Usual opening up to W14.

W16 is avoiding complicated variations which may start if white plays at below w16.

Though B25 seems weaker than one space jump it's better in this situation as W's left corner is strong.

If black connects by b33 white would hane at w42 instead of w34.

Black should have played at w40 before playing at b37.

B45 was a probing move, but w46, 48 were severe.

From w46 to w62 is inevitable sequence.

Black 67 is thin but I wanted to play more dynamic moves since I was behind.

W70 is so unbearable for black.

Black 85~89 were probably overplay, but had no choice.

This variation looks very difficult and complicated, but it's natural sequence.

There was no other way for either side.

Up to w134, it's playable for both.

W142~146 are good moves. White made some points here in sente.

Black has tried to find some clue to a reversal with b173, but it didn't work by w184.

When white captures black's two stones by w226, white is leading by about 3.5 points.

Hu Yaoyu vs Lee Hajin

Hajin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:04:07 +0900

The 14th LG Cup preliminary

2009, April 15

W: Hu Yaoyu B: Lee Hajin

White won by resignation

When black approaches and didn't extend, W12 to 16 are frequently played moves for attacking Black's one stone.

B15 is important because W14 will get settled easily in sente if white approaches to the upper right corner.

B17 is more speedy and lighter than one space jump.

White may play a diagonal move from W10, instead of W18.

B19, 21 are utilizing moves for strengthening black's shape.

From W22 to W28 is natural sequence.

W32 is unavoidable choice because black's connection will be too thick.

With B35 the fight begins. The surrounding is favorable for black.

Black should have played at W42 before 41.

Yet, because white has two weak groups in the center, Black has the initiative.

W60 is to prevent black's 63 and a tiger mouth, which is really big.

B73 is a light way to stabilize black's two stones.

If black didn't play at b83, white would play at b85 which is unbearable for black.

Black thought the big group is alive with b93 and 95, but it was misreading.

Black should have played at w98 instead of b93.

By W104, black's group is captured and the game is over.

Huyaoui vs Heo Yeongho

Hajin — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:40:40 +0900

The 1st BCCard Cup World Baduk Championship Best of 32

2009, 3, 22

Black: Huyaoui 8P (China) White: Heo Yeongho 6P (Korea)

White won by 1.5

B1,3,5 is a trendy opening.

B played 15,17 to make it simple.

W20 is a sacrifice strategy. Up to W28, white's group got settled.

B29 is necessary, because white's invasion is severe.

W32 is thick.

B37, 39 are kind of tesuji, frequently played in this shape.

W56 is a probing move for playing at W60.

B57 is a good timing, you shouldn't be meek on the board. (keep thinking of counter moves)

B67 is proper direction, because the white's group in the left center is still weak.

W74 is preventing black's cut and aiming at black's group at the same time.

W94 is indispensable. If white ignored here, black would disconnect white's group.

B103,111 are brilliant moves. it made white play at112, instead of (11. 2 right side of B117).

W124, 126 are agreeable exchanges for white.

W136 is a vital point of black's shape.

W played at W144 to utilize it, and remove black's eye shape.

Black had to abandon B165 to make this big group alive, but it was unbearable.

With B173, the game became quite close, but a little bit favorable for white.

Lee Hajin vs Rui Naiwei

Hajin — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:27:23 +0900

The 14th Female Kuksu Title (2nd of best of three)

2009. 3. 9

B: Lee Hajin W: Rui Naiwei

White won by resignation

B15 is studied.

B17,19 are following combination.

W24 seems slow.

Up to B25, the opening is favourable for B.

B27,29 are severe, and W is in trouble now.

B35 is a big mistake. B should have played at 40, then B would give W hard time.

W40 is good and the game becomes close.

W48,50 are sensible.

B51 is questionable, B should have played at 52.

Since W58, W takes the initiative of the game.

W68,70 are keen, and up to W74, W takes the read of the game.

B85 is slack, reinforcing upper right corner is the biggest point to play.

W92,94 are good combination.

B141 is resisting, but doesn't work with W144.

At W150, the game is actually over.

Choi Chulhan vs Park Younghun

Hajin — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:34:31 +0900

The 10th Maxim Cup <1st match of the best of three final>

2009. 1. 28

B: Choi Chulhan 9P W: Park Younghun 9P

Black won by resignation

W 20,22 are territorial strategy.

B 23,25 are probing moves.

W 32 is kind of fighting spirit.

W 40 is questionable. W should have made a pincer attack at the left side.

Up to 47, the opening is favourable for black.

W 48,50 are good sequences for attacking.

B 63,67 are good tesujis.

B is still ahead with B83.

W 94 is a do or die move.

When W plays at W114, B seems in trouble, but B117,119 are brilliant.

With B123, black captures W’s five stones in the cantre.

It’s an amazing result for B, and the game is actually over.

After then, withe tried to find a clue to reverse the game but didn't succeed.

Kang Dongyun vs Lee Sedol

Hajin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:19:04 +0900

The 13th Chunwon title 2nd of best-five final

2008. 12. 26

W: Kang Dongyun B: Lee Sedol

Black won by resignation

W8, 10 are center oriented style.

B21 is a proper move in this situation.

B27 is an often-used invasion and up to B41, the opening is well balanced.

W 46 is a good point

W52 is slow and not big enough to play right away.

B61 and 63 are strong moves.

The sequence from W72 to 78 is a sacrificing strategy.

B93 and 95 are sharp and B's big group is almost alive, After this, B takes the lead of the game.

W106 is a do or die move. W reverses the capturing race by ko threat, 122 and 124.

Yet the game is still in B's favor.

B 131 is a winning declaration, and there's no chance for W to catch up with B ever after.

Lee Sedol vs Hwang Yijung

Hajin — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:39:48 +0900

The 13th Samsung Cup International Baduk Open

2008. 12. 17

B: Hwang Yijung W: Lee Sedol

White won by resignation

Large avalanche joseki is begun with W14.

Up to W40, this is a relatively simple one among many variations of this joseki.

W46 looks slow but thick.

B63 is wrong direction, B should have played at (W82).

W64, 70 are good places and the game is favourable for W.

B89 is big and B has many territory but W has a lot of potential territory due to its thickness.

B93 is a losing move, B should have played at (K12), right next to (W76).

W102,104 are good timing.

Because W106 is keen, B is in trouble.

B117 is unbearable to play but inevitable.

W120 is severe and B's group is in danger.

With W158, Black has no option but let white to capture B's one stone. B's territory has been shrunk.

B167 is the do or die move but wasn't successful.

Mok Jinsuk vs Lee Sedol

Hajin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:50:02 +0900

The 52nd Kuksu Cup the 3rd game of the best five

2008. 12. 10

B: Lee Sedol W: Mok Jinsuk

White won by resignation

B23 is a good reducing move.

W26 is Mok's style move but up to B39, B gets stable easily and the game is favourable for B.

B49 is an important point.

W58 is usually overplay but in this circumstance, it was nice counter attack.

W60,62 are fabulous tesuji and the game is getting complicated.

W94 is unexpected but very strong.

With W104, the game is very close.

B127,131 seem to be too deep, but B was aiming at B141.

B141 is very good and sharp, with this move white stones are basically captured.

However B missed W156. Because there are more ko threats of W's, B is in trouble.

Thus B played at B181, which doens't work and with W's accurate sequence in the center, the game is over.

Lee Sedol vs Kang Dongyun

Hajin — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:07:20 +0900

The 36th Myoungin Cup 3rd game of Best-five

2008. 12. 8

B: Lee Sedol W: Kang Dongyun

Black won by resignation

B9 and 23 are unusual, but interesting moves.

Up to 36, a new variation is born and playable for both parties.

W50 is a professinal sense of probing move.

B51 is a tight response, but up to W68 the result is slightly good for white.

W78 was too slow, white should have played at (B79).

B 95 is a good tesuji and B begins leading the game.

B103 is a good ko threat. With B111, B captured the right side and it was quite big.

B129 is a nice timing and it's inevitable for white to play 130~136.

W150 is the losing move, instead should have captured B's five stones.

After then, B's moves were accurate and W couldn't get any chance to reverse the game.

Lee Hajin vs Lee Jihyun

Hajin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:54:27 +0900

The 14th Professional Female Kuksu Cup

2008. 12. 4

B: Lee Hajin W: Lee Jihyun

Black won by 0.5 point

B9 is unusual.

W14 is good timing.

Up to W30, white makes thickness but because the lower right corner is Ko, the result is playeable for both.

W40 is a strong move and the battle begins.

B47,49 are also strong responses.

B61 is an urgent place but W66 is a good probing move.

B77 is slack and B should have played at (W78).

W78,80 are good combination and with W84, W begins to lead the game.

It's unbearable for black to play at (B85) but there is no option.

W 102 is good judgment and W is still ahead.

B113 is keen and B makes some points here.

W126 is proper in this surrounding.

W142 is big and W is still leading by small margin.

With B171 and B193 the game became very close.

W216 is the losing move.

B217 is bigger and the game is reversed.

Mok Jinsuk vs Kim Jisuk

Hajin — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:49:30 +0900

2008 Korean Baduk League

2008. 12. 3

B: Mok Jinsuk (Sinsung Construction) W: Kim Jisuk (Youngnam Daily)

Black won by resignation

B11 is Takemiya's cosmic style.

Up to39, B makes a big moyo in the centre.

W40 is a good reducing move.

With B45's cut, the crucial battle begins.

W60 is the first mistake. W should have played at (B61).

When W78, B79 is a good response.

B91,93 are not big in terms of territory, but very thick and severe.

B105 is unbearable to white.

B119, 121 are keen and W's upper right corner is in trouble.

Because white's big group is not yet alive, W couldn't manage its corner to stay alive.

By B129, the game is practically over.

W152 is the last do or die move, but unfortunately W doesn't have enough ko threats.