Play compactly
Stones close together make many possible lines; scattered stones are easy to block. Learn why strong players keep their stones together. Playing well · lesson 2 of 2.
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The lesson in words
A stone helps you only if it can become part of a line of five. Stones close together, especially diagonally next to each other, share many possible lines. A stone far from the others shares none.
Keep your stones together and near the action, and look for double threats every turn.
Questions
Which is usually better early in the game?
Next to your group: it joins several of your possible lines at once and gets in Ivory’s way. A distant stone builds nothing.