The Power of the Star-Point: The Sanren-sei Opening, Shukaku Takagawa

The sanren-sei, which consists of three stones played in a row on the star-points on one side is the most powerful and dynamic of modern fuseki patterns, yet it is the easiest to master. It has enjoyed consistent popularity ever since it was invented because of its emphasis on developing a bold attacking style.,

In this lucid exposition, Takagawa Shukaku helps you grasp its key concepts and shows you how to use it to secure centre influence and build large moyos. He gives a comprehensive coverage of sanren-sei basics, then shows it in action in top-level professional play.

Sanren-sei strategy is easy both to understand and to apply. The main themes of this opening are clear and compelling, and there are relatively few josekis to memorize, yet by the time you finish this book you will understand why it has been the favourite fuseki of so many great players.

Comments & Reviews

The sanren-sei is decidedly modern, extremely influence oriented, and actually quite simple to understand as an opening. Whether you have a sanren-sei with 1-3-5 or come back later to complete the three star points on a side, this book will give you a core understanding of this fuseki.

A host of joseki are discussed—and many are discarded as being inconsistent with the high stone on the side that characterizes the sanren-sei. The author takes pains to remind us that the sanren-sei isn’t just about making a big moyo, but a strategy that can also be based on severe fighting.

Besides joseki choice, direction of play is discussed, and there are examples of pro play analyzed. There are some whole-board problems with answers and some discussion, as well.

With this book in hand one has a thorough grasp of the fundamental ideas behind the sanren-sei and the reader can then look toward developments that came after this book was written. Takemiya’s use of the diagonal move, for example, gets no mention.

Even if you don’t play the sanren-sei yourself, this book can still help you understand formations based on the star point (e.g., a star point and a wide extension), and of course in any handicap game it is almost impossible to avoid making some kind of wide extension from a star point, and in higher handicaps you will naturally begin with a sanren-sei. For those players who aim to make solid territory with their handicap stones, this book might be the cure for such slow playing. Attack with the Power of the Star Point!

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