The Net in Go (Geta): Capture Without an Atari
An atari is not the only way to capture. When a ladder would fail, the strongest move often doesn't touch the running stone at all. You play Black.
Step 1 of 4
Shut both ways out
White's stone on E5 has two ways out, D5 and E6. An atari would start a ladder toward the top left, and White's stone on C7 would break it. So Black plays D6 instead: no atari, but it stands next to both ways out at once. This is a net. White runs to D5, Black ataris at C5, White runs back to E6, and Black takes three stones at E7.
Cast the net
Now the other way round. White's stone on E5 can run to E6 or to F5, and White's stone on G7 breaks the ladder in either direction. Catch the stone with a net.
Your move
Play the move that keeps the stone on E5 from getting out either way.
Close the net
You played the net on F6, and White ran to F5. The pair has two liberties, E6 and G5. Atari it from the side that sends it back into your stones.
Your move
Capture the white stones.
Net or ladder?
The same position, but White's stone on G7 is gone. Which captures work now?
What you learned
- A net is a loose move that shuts every way out without an atari.
- Play it when the ladder would fail because of a stone in its path.
- After the net, atari from the side that drives the stones back inside.
In this course
Unit 1The rules
Unit 2Capturing stones
- Atari in Go: How to Escape and Which Way to Run
- The Ladder in Go: Chase a Stone to the Edge
- The Net in Go (Geta): Capture Without an Atari
- Snapback in Go: Give Up One Stone, Capture More
- Capturing Races in Go (Semeai): How to Win Them
Unit 3Life and death
Take it to the table.
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