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Day Seven: Example games
[2]Until the middle game

· We will now look at middle-game examples, giving continuations of games that we looked at in the section on the opening. There's no need to try to understand the exact reason for each move. Instead, just try to get a general impression of the way the game develops into the middle game. As you gain experience, you'll come to understand naturally what is going on. There's no need to be in a hurry.
· Dia. 6. The borders have been more or less defined, so the task now for each player is to expand his territory as much as he can. Black approaches White's position with 1, so White blocks his way with 2, which is a good move. White expands his territory while reducing Black's with 4 and 6. This is a skilful way of settling the border. Up to 9, Black more or less secures the right side as his territory. White 10 expands his territory while reducing Black's.
Dia. 6
· Dia. 7. Black expands the centre with 1 and 3. The border on the left side is settled by White 4 to Black 9. White 10 expands his own territory. Dia. 7
· Dia. 8. Black expands the centre with 1. The left is mainly settled after Black 3 to White 6. White 8 and 10 settle the shape on the right side. Dia. 8
· Dia. 9. The stones are still separated from each other. After playing Black 1 and White 2, Black turns the right side into his territory with 3 to 9. White tries to take territory at both the top and the bottom with 4 to 10. Dia. 9
· Dia. 10. The stones of the two players are close to each other. With 1 and 2, Black and White block off the top right border, then mainly settle the left side with 5 to 8. If the players just play a few more moves blocking off the open areas, the game will be over.
· In the middle game on a 9x9 board, keeping going ahead, trying to expand your territory even a little and reducing the opponent's territory, is probably a good strategy. If you just follow the opponent around, responding directly to every move he plays, he will keep taking profit, so you should aim to play somewhere before him and make him answer you.
Dia. 10
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Day Seven: Example games
[1]The opening [2]Until the middle game
[3]Near the end [4]Model games on a 19x19 board
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