Fuseki (Nihon Ki-In Small Encyclopedia, Vol.2), Fujisawa Kazunari (editor), Max Golem (translator)

The Fuseki Small Encyclopedia covers basic opening strategy for the game of go. Although a few common corner openings (joseki) are discussed, the idea here is to concentrate on applying the basic principles of whole-board openings (fuseki) so you can choose the joseki that is the most suitable for the whole-board position. After reading this book, you will find it easier to figure out what is important on the board and what to do when your opponent departs from the flow of the game.

Thirteen chapters examine the full spectrum of go openings, which are divided into twenty-nine specific patterns and strategies. The traditional order of play is emphasized – (1) empty corners; (2) a corner enclosure (shimari); (3) an approach of pincer; (4) an
extension along the side; then lastly, (5) a jump out into the center – but popular departures from this order, such as three star points in a row (sanrensei) and the Chinese fuseki, are given considerable coverage.

In addition, 94 openings are included from professional games from study.

Comments & Reviews

“I’ve played the Chinese Opening. Now what?”

“She’s formed a Nirensei. Is there a good way to counter that?”

“The Shusaku Opening worked great without komi. How should it be played today?”

Behind every fuseki formation are strategic ideas that players must understand in order to apply their stones to the fullest. “Fuseki” does a great job of summarizing those of the most common openings into a concise and easy-to-digest book.

The book shows the most common opening formations, explains and illustrates how Black is supposed to use them, shows how White should try to counter the formations, and then gives examples of their use in professional games. I consult it frequently and try to to experiment with the formations (and countermeasures) when applicable to my games.

Rating this book was hard. For beginners and double-digit kyus, it could probably be a core book. It gives enough at the strategic level without bogging-down into excessive tactical detail. Fuseki is more open-ended than Joseki so the strategic concepts are more useful. At this level, I don’t think you would regret adding it to your library.

For high single-digit kyus, it’s a great overview but a little shallow in detailed tactics. One possible alternative is Rin Kaiho’s “Dictionary of Basic Fuseki” (two volumes) but I haven’t had a chance to examine those books yet.

ChiyoDad’s Interpretation of the Rating Scale 5 = Core library item 4 = Good study supplement 3 = Fair study supplement 2 = Interesting 1 = Buy it if you just collect Go books

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