Iyama Yuta the 67th Honinbo's Challenger

Honinbo is 1 of the top 3 Japanese title. It has a long history and could be dated back in Edo period. After it became an annual tournament, 16 people already claimed this title. This year, Iyama Yuta got his first shot to be the 17th people to hold the annual Honinbo.

Iyama won the Honinbo league in his 3rd try. In the previous 2 leagues, he scored 4-3 and 6-1 and stayed at the second position. This year he scored 6-1 again but the circumstance is difference as he collected most win and doesn't have to play a tiebreak game.

Iyama won the last game against Hane Naoki and avoided a possible tie result with Yuki Satoshi. This victory gave Iyama his 5th major title challenger's right. Oza and Gosei are the only tournament where he never become challenger.

Hane Naoki (left) vs. Iyama Yuta (right)

Final league result:
1. Iyama Yuta 6-1
2. Yuki Satoshi 5-2
3. Cho U 4-3
4. Takao Shinji & Kono Rin 4-3 (Will play demotion player decision match)
6. Hane Naoki 3-4 (demoted)
7-8 Seto Taiki & Ko Iso 1-6 (demoted)

Here is one of Iyama game during the league. His second round's victory from Cho U started his winning streak at the league after previously losing to Takao Shinji at the first round.

Here is the game record:
Iyama Yuta (white) vs. Cho U (black). Result: W+R

(;
WR[Judan]
EV[67th Honinbo league]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
PW[Iyama Yuta]
GM[1]
PB[Cho U]
BR[Kisei]
RE[W+R]
DT[2011-11-14]
KM[6.5]
;B[pd];W[dp];B[qp];W[dc];B[lq];W[nc];B[pf];W[jd];B[df];W[ce];B[cn]
;W[dk];B[fp];W[dn];B[dm];W[en];B[em];W[co];B[cm];W[fn];B[fm];W[gn]
;B[di];W[hq];B[cq];W[bp];B[er];W[gm];B[bq];W[dj];B[ci];W[bj];B[fk]
;W[fl];B[el];W[gl];B[ek];W[ej];B[fh];W[fi];B[gi];W[eh];B[gj];W[fg]
;B[gh];W[ei];B[eg];W[dg];B[ef];W[cf];B[gf];W[fq];B[eq];W[fr];B[gp]
;W[ep];B[hp];W[es];B[dr];W[iq];B[ip];W[jp];B[jo];W[io];B[jq];W[kp]
;B[ir];W[hr];B[hs];W[gr];B[kr];W[ho];B[lp];W[ko];B[lo];W[qk];B[gs]
;W[fo];B[kn];W[jn];B[kq];W[jo];B[ds];W[go];B[ql];W[qq];B[rp];W[pp]
;B[qn];W[oq];B[oo];W[po];B[pn];W[rr];B[nr];W[or];B[rq];W[pr];B[sr]
;W[on];B[no];W[qs];B[op];W[nq];B[mr];W[os];B[qi];W[qc];B[pc];W[pb]
;B[lc];W[qd];B[qe];W[oe];B[pe];W[ob];B[le];W[gd];B[re];W[kc];B[kb]
;W[jb];B[kd];W[jc];B[rb];W[qb];B[sb];W[ke];B[ld];W[lb];B[mb];W[ka]
;B[mc];W[ma];B[na];W[nb];B[la];W[lf];B[kf];W[je];B[mf];W[lg];B[mg]
;W[me];B[lh];W[kg];B[kh];W[jg];B[ne];W[ma];B[md];W[hg];B[gg];W[oa]
;B[bk];W[bl];B[ck];W[cj];B[cl];W[ll];B[mk];W[nd];B[me];W[ml];B[nl]
;W[mn];B[nn];W[nm];B[om];W[nk];B[mm];W[mj];B[cc];W[dd];B[jh];W[mh]
;B[ig];W[jf];B[of];W[km];B[db];W[bb];B[cd];W[cb];B[de];W[ee];B[ff]
;W[bd];B[fd];W[ok];B[lk];W[kj];B[kk];W[jk];B[kl];W[lm];B[jl];W[jj]
;B[il];W[hk];B[lj];W[li];B[oi];W[mi];B[rs];W[qj];B[ri];W[ss];B[nj]
;W[pk];B[rs];W[gq];B[fs];W[ss];B[ii];W[ki];B[rs];W[js];B[qr];W[is]
;B[es];W[rr];B[rk];W[ss];B[oj];W[jm];B[rs];W[jr];B[bs];W[ss];B[ol]
;W[im];B[rs];W[fc];B[gc];W[ss];B[rj];W[ik];B[rs];W[fe];B[ge];W[ed]
;B[hd];W[fd];B[hb];W[ss];B[fb];W[bc];B[rs];W[if];B[he];W[ss];B[pl]
;W[hl];B[rs];W[ng];B[nf];W[ss];B[dh];W[cg];B[rs];W[oh];B[ph];W[ss]
;B[bi];W[ai];B[rs];W[gb];B[ga];W[ss];B[bh];W[bg];B[rs];W[ic];B[hc]
;W[ss];B[ah];W[aj];B[rs];W[cr])

Yamashita Keigo (Still) Honinbo!

The tense of this year's Honinbo was in the air when Hane Naoki played his sealed move to start day 2 of the 66th Honinbo game 7.



Hane Naoki (left) vs. Yamashita Keigo (right)

A big fight started at the center when Yamashita attacked Hane's group. Black found his way out with black 95 and 97. The second big fight started after white played white 102. The fight was really difficult and a ko fight will determine the result. White finally got to play A16 to save his group. Black then struggled to save his black group and achieved it by sacrificing his group at the lower left.


Hane Naoki once again failed to win a title

The game was very close until the end and Yamashita finally pulled it off together and won by 4.5 points. This year's Honinbo is very interesting! Yamashita excited all his fanse by winning the first 3 games. Then, it's Hane's turn to excite his fans by winning the next 3 games! However, Yamashita avoided the fightback's stereotype (where the one who fightback often won the last game) and defends his title. Congratulations for Yamashita!


Yamashita Keigo Honinbo

Throughout the series, I threw a poll and 68% of the readers chose Yamashita as this year's Honinbo. Congratulations guys! You got it right!

Here is the game record:
Yamashita Keigo (white) vs. Hane Naoki (black). Result: W+4.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[66th Honinbo title match, game 7]
DT[2011-07-20,21]PB[Hane Naoki]BR[9p]PW[Yamashita Keigo]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+4.5]
MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dp];B[pp];W[dd];B[oc];W[qn];B[nq];W[pj];B[qh];W[oh];B[cj];W[cl];B[cg];W[gc]
;B[bd];W[jp];B[cn];W[dn];B[do];W[eo];B[co];W[dm];B[cp];W[dq];B[cq];W[cr];B[br];W[dr]
;B[bm];W[bl];B[fo];W[fp];B[en];W[ep];B[fn];W[ek];B[ho];W[bs];B[ar];W[hp];B[ip];W[gp]
;B[fk];W[fl];B[gl];W[fm];B[io];W[iq];B[hm];W[gk];B[fj];W[hk];B[ik];W[hl];B[il];W[gm]
;B[ij];W[gj];B[gi];W[fi];B[ej];W[hi];B[gh];W[hj];B[ei];W[hh];B[gg];W[jh];B[lk];W[kp]
;B[li];W[mj];B[lj];W[lg];B[qf];W[kn];B[lm];W[km];B[kl];W[ml];B[mk];W[nl];B[nk];W[ol]
;B[rp];W[ll];B[mg];W[jl];B[im];W[mh];B[lh];W[kk];B[ji];W[kg];B[oi];W[mf];B[ng];W[df]
;B[ge];W[hf];B[gf];W[eh];B[dh];W[cf];B[bf];W[eg];B[ce];W[di];B[dj];W[de];B[id];W[cd]
;B[be];W[bc];B[le];W[ch];B[ci];W[bh];B[bi];W[bg];B[ah];W[dg];B[ag];W[di];B[fh];W[ke]
;B[kd];W[je];B[ec];W[fc];B[cb];W[cc];B[ed];W[eb];B[db];W[dc];B[fb];W[ea];B[fa];W[fd]
;B[da];W[eb];B[hb];W[gb];B[ga];W[hc];B[ic];W[hd];B[he];W[ie];B[ee];W[fe];B[ea];W[ef]
;B[bb];W[af];B[ae];W[ac];B[dh];W[ib];B[ha];W[di];B[ig];W[ih];B[dh];W[kc];B[jb];W[di]
;B[ld];W[ad];B[bk];W[al];B[hg];W[lf];B[jd];W[jg];B[jf];W[nf];B[og];W[of];B[ph];W[ak]
;B[dl];W[cm];B[el];W[em];B[dk];W[bn];B[ql];W[qm];B[lq];W[rj];B[bo];W[an];B[nd];W[mr]
;B[mq];W[lr];B[kr];W[qq];B[pq];W[qp];B[rq];W[qo];B[qr];W[rr];B[sr];W[kq];B[jr];W[ir]
;B[nr];W[pf];B[ri];W[pg];B[nh];W[qg];B[re];W[rf];B[qe];W[rh];B[sh];W[rg];B[qj];W[qk]
;B[qi];W[rk];B[pk];W[ok];B[oj];W[go];B[eb];W[ff];B[pl];W[rl];B[pm];W[om];B[pi];W[pn]
;B[pj];W[ro];B[if];W[kf];B[nn];W[sj];B[on];W[mo];B[mn];W[mp];B[ln];W[kj];B[ki];W[jq]
;B[ms];W[ko];B[np];W[rs];B[qs];W[sp];B[ss];W[so];B[sq];W[si];B[ab];W[af];B[ai];W[js]
;B[ls];W[se];B[sd];W[sf];B[pe];W[oe];B[od];W[me];B[md];W[oo];B[no];W[op];B[oq];W[po]
;B[hn];W[gn];B[jn];W[dh])

66th Honinbo Game 7

The seventh game of the 66th Honinbo is underway. Yesterday, Hane Naoki, the challenger, did the sealing move for black 59. Second half of the game will be played later this day.


Board position at the end of day 1


Nigiri for the 7th game. Hane got black while Yamashita got white.

Who do you think will win the title this year?

do you think will win the 66th Honinbo?
	Yamashita Keigo
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Fightback From the Past

The 66th Honinbo reached its climax after Hane Naoki won the sixth game and got his chance to fightback at the title series. Today, let's see a game from the past where Otake Hideo (9 dan) had the same position with Hane. Otake was down by 0-3 at the 38th Honinbo title series, but he showed his quality by winning the next 4 games from Cho Chikun (9 dan).


Otake Hideo (9 dan)

This is the fifth game of the series. This game was full of fighting fron the beginning to the end. Both players attacked each other strongly and ended after Otake read the fight at the upper board correctly. This game is a classic example of 1 eye vs. no eye semeai. Enjoy :)

Otake Hideo (black) vs. Cho Chikun (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[38th Japanese Honinbo, title match #5]
DT[1983-06-29]PB[Rin Kaiho]BR[9p]PW[Cho Chikun]WR[9p]KM[4.5]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dc];B[dq];W[qp];B[ce];W[di];B[fe];W[ee];B[ef];W[ed];B[cg];W[ff];B[eg];W[gf]
;B[fc];W[fd];B[hd];W[gd];B[he];W[ge];B[co];W[ch];B[ei];W[eh];B[fh];W[dh];B[fg];W[dk]
;B[hh];W[kc];B[mc];W[jd];B[if];W[hc];B[ic];W[ib];B[oq];W[cm];B[pn];W[po];B[oo];W[op]
;B[np];W[pp];B[no];W[nq];B[or];W[nr];B[lq];W[pr];B[mq];W[os];B[ej];W[ek];B[gl];W[hp]
;B[fq];W[hm];B[gm];W[hn];B[hl];W[jm];B[go];W[jp];B[bi];W[bh];B[cl];W[bl];B[ck];W[bk]
;B[cj];W[dj];B[dl];W[bj];B[ci];W[ai];B[dm];W[cn];B[bo];W[dn];B[em];W[bn];B[an];W[am]
;B[ao];W[gk];B[fi];W[hk];B[il];W[en];B[fm];W[fj];B[ik];W[hj];B[ji];W[hi];B[kl];W[lo]
;B[hg];W[bc];B[ln];W[mn];B[mo];W[lm];B[kn];W[km];B[ko];W[kp];B[lp];W[jn];B[ml];W[jo]
;B[mr];W[pq];B[lo];W[ll];B[lk];W[gq];B[fr];W[mm];B[nl];W[kr];B[kq];W[jq];B[qn];W[gr]
;B[gp];W[fs];B[es];W[ep];B[fp];W[ir];B[qe];W[ql];B[qj];W[om];B[nm];W[pj];B[qk];W[ol]
;B[rl];W[nj];B[mk];W[pi];B[rh];W[kf];B[hb];W[gc];B[kh];W[jg];B[aj];W[ak];B[ke];W[je]
;B[jf];W[kg];B[le];W[ih];B[jb];W[ig];B[hf];W[id];B[ia];W[jc];B[kb];W[ib];B[ii];W[lh]
;B[ic];W[lc];B[me];W[gg];B[gh];W[nf];B[ib];W[li];B[ne];W[jl];B[on];W[ij];B[dp];W[eo]
;B[gn];W[qg];B[rg];W[lb];B[mb];W[ma];B[gb];W[nb];B[nc];W[pb];B[ob];W[oa];B[na];W[er]
;B[gs];W[nb];B[oc];W[qc];B[na];W[eq];B[dr];W[nb];B[lg];W[lf];B[na];W[hs];B[fs];W[nb]
;B[mf];W[mg];B[na];W[df];B[dg];W[nb];B[jh];W[lg];B[na];W[pl];B[rm];W[nb];B[fk];W[fl]
;B[na];W[cf];B[bf];W[nb];B[de];W[na];B[ka];W[la];B[ec];W[dd];B[rd];W[cd];B[rb];W[be]
;B[ae];W[rc];B[sc];W[ad];B[bd];W[sb];B[sa];W[be];B[qb];W[af];B[bg])

Don't forget to vote who do you think will be crowned as the 66th Honinbo? We will know the result tomorrow!

do you think will win the 66th Honinbo?
	Yamashita Keigo
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Another Fightback?

After Yamashita Keigo won the first three games of the 66th Honinbo title match, many fans expect him to take the title again. Most of them think this is going to be a piece of cake for Yamashita. However, Hane proved it wrong by winning the sixth game and brought the whole thing to the final 7th game!


Yamashita Keigo (left) vs. Hane Naoki (right)

Yamashita who played black chose a fighting game with his joseki at the bottom right corner. Day 1 ended with Yamashita did the sealing move for black 57.

Day 2 started by Yamashita played F5, trying to help black's stone while attacking white's group. The fight became really fierce. Black captured white's big group at the center, but Hane collected enough territory to defeat Yamashita by 7.5 points.


The calm Hane Naoki. Will he make it again like 3 years ago?

The final game will be played at July 20-21. Will Hane got his second fightback for Honinbo title? Or will Yamashita get out of the dirty mud at the finale?
Vote who do you think will be the 66th Honinbo below

do you think will win the 66th Honinbo?
	Yamashita Keigo
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Here is the game record:
Hane Naoki (white) vs. Yamashita Keigo (black). Result: W+7.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[66th Honinbo title match, game 6]
DT[2011-07-13,14]PB[Yamashita Keigo]BR[9p]PW[Hane Naoki]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+7.5]
MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[fq];W[cn];B[qk];W[np];B[op];W[no];B[lp];W[oo];B[nq];W[pp]
;B[oq];W[qq];B[po];W[qp];B[pn];W[mq];B[mr];W[lq];B[lr];W[kq];B[qr];W[rr];B[pr];W[rn]
;B[rm];W[ro];B[mp];W[om];B[qm];W[kp];B[lo];W[kr];B[rs];W[sq];B[ko];W[jo];B[jn];W[io]
;B[km];W[nl];B[mm];W[nm];B[ns];W[ls];B[or];W[pj];B[pk];W[nj];B[oj];W[ni];B[oi];W[nh]
;B[fo];W[in];B[im];W[gn];B[iq];W[ip];B[hm];W[jl];B[kk];W[jm];B[kn];W[jk];B[mk];W[nk]
;B[jj];W[hk];B[ij];W[hl];B[gm];W[fm];B[gl];W[hq];B[li];W[hj];B[hn];W[go];B[fn];W[gp]
;B[em];W[fp];B[fj];W[gi];B[eh];W[fg];B[pi];W[lh];B[kh];W[ki];B[lj];W[lg];B[jh];W[jf]
;B[ig];W[he];B[hf];W[fh];B[ge];W[ie];B[gd];W[gf];B[hh];W[fe];B[ic];W[jc];B[jd];W[id]
;B[kg];W[me];B[kc];W[jb];B[kf];W[oe];B[og];W[kb];B[ld];W[lc];B[kd];W[hc];B[md];W[pe]
;B[ng];W[qd];B[nd];W[ne];B[qf];W[od];B[lf];W[dl];B[fi];W[gh];B[dj];W[cj];B[gj];W[hi]
;B[ck];W[dk];B[cl];W[dm];B[ci];W[ej];B[di];W[fl];B[cd];W[ce];B[dc];W[bd];B[cc];W[de]
;B[nb];W[pf];B[qg];W[ob];B[fk];W[el];B[cm];W[bn];B[bc];W[eb];B[ec];W[fb];B[be];W[bf]
;B[ad];W[rp];B[oa];W[re];B[ef];W[eg];B[ff];W[gg];B[gc];W[gb];B[ed];W[ee];B[gk];W[cg]
;B[bh];W[hg];B[qb];W[oc];B[ma];W[pa];B[pb];W[na];B[dq];W[nc];B[er];W[bq];B[hr];W[ba]
;B[bb];W[ca];B[ab];W[cr];B[jr];W[js];B[ms];W[is];B[ks];W[pg];B[oh];W[ls];B[cq];W[dr]
;B[ks];W[af];B[ae];W[ls];B[br];W[cp];B[ks];W[bk];B[bj];W[ls];B[ek];W[en];B[ks];W[bl]
;B[bg];W[eq];B[ls];W[gr];B[jp];W[ii];B[ji];W[hs];B[mc];W[mb];B[bm];W[am];B[cj];W[sr]
;B[lb];W[la];B[rf];W[qh];B[rh];W[ph];B[qi];W[mf];B[mg];W[sf];B[db];W[da];B[ho];W[hp]
;B[ih];W[if];B[ak];W[dh];B[ei];W[kl];B[ll];W[sm];B[sl];W[sn];B[ri];W[qe];B[rg];W[qn]
;B[pm];W[sg];B[sh];W[se];B[jq];W[ir];B[ag];W[cf];B[ch];W[dg];B[hd];W[ib];B[lc])

Hane Strikes Back

Hane failed to take the lead at Gosei, but he didn't miss his chance to win the fifth game of the 66th Honinbo title match.


Hane Naoki (left) vs. Yamashita Keigo (black)

Hane who got black at the fifth game played a territory oriented strategy. He took a big corner at the upper right, leaving his weak group at the left side. Day 1 ended with Hane did the sealing move for black 65.


Hane gave his sealed move to the referee

Day 2 focused at the battle on the right center. Hane settled the group and turned his sword at white's upper left corner. Hane found the correct moves to kill white's corner and won the game by resignation after 191 moves.

With this victory, Hane is one step closer to his second fight back. Will Hane bring Yamashita down once again? Or will Yamashita put an end at Hane's fight? The sixth game will be played at July 13-14.


Yamashita only need 1 win to defense his title. Will he make it?

Vote who do you think will be the 66th Honinbo below

do you think will win the 66th Honinbo?
	Yamashita Keigo
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Here is the game record:
Hane Naoki (black) vs. Yamashita Keigo (white). Resu;t: B+R

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[66th Honinbo title match 5]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PB[Hane Naoki]
DT[2011-06-29]
BR[9d]
RE[B+R]
WR[Honinbo]
PW[Yamashita Keigo]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[oc];W[po];B[qo];W[pp];B[qp];W[oq];B[qn]
;W[dj];B[pr];W[jp];B[cq];W[cp];B[dq];W[fq];B[fr];W[fd];B[bp];W[bo]
;B[bq];W[cn];B[gq];W[fp];B[eq];W[ep];B[jd];W[oe];B[md];W[qe];B[pd]
;W[pe];B[pi];W[me];B[ld];W[ni];B[be];W[cd];B[ch];W[ci];B[dh];W[fi]
;B[cf];W[bd];B[fg];W[hi];B[gc];W[gd];B[hc];W[bi];B[hg];W[fc];B[no]
;W[ie];B[fh];W[gi];B[jg];W[id];B[ic];W[je];B[kd];W[pk];B[oj];W[kf]
;B[ih];W[gf];B[hh];W[ol];B[nj];W[li];B[mk];W[mm];B[kk];W[jj];B[mg]
;W[kj];B[kg];W[lf];B[lg];W[oh];B[nf];W[ne];B[ei];W[ej];B[bg];W[ml]
;B[ll];W[lm];B[km];W[kn];B[jm];W[jn];B[mi];W[lj];B[lk];W[mj];B[nk]
;W[pn];B[nq];W[qm];B[rm];W[ql];B[rl];W[rk];B[qj];W[qq];B[qr];W[qk]
;B[pg];W[rq];B[rr];W[sl];B[sn];W[og];B[of];W[pf];B[ph];W[mh];B[oi]
;W[nh];B[jk];W[np];B[or];W[op];B[gl];W[ij];B[hm];W[fk];B[in];W[io]
;B[ho];W[ef];B[ff];W[df];B[ge];W[rh];B[hd];W[rd];B[rc];W[rf];B[sd]
;W[re];B[qg];W[sk];B[gb];W[il];B[ik];W[im];B[hn];W[jl];B[hj];W[ii]
;B[gj];W[di];B[eh];W[fj];B[kl];W[he];B[fe];W[gp];B[gr];W[hf];B[ee]
;W[de];B[ed];W[ec];B[dc];W[db];B[eb];W[cc];B[fb];W[dc];B[bb];W[ba]
;B[ad];W[ac];B[ae];W[ab];B[ca];W[bh];B[aa];W[bc];B[ba];W[da];B[jh]
;W[ag];B[ce];W[hp];B[fm])

Hane Naoki Survived First Kadoban

After 3 consecutive losses at the 66th Honinbo title match, Hane Naoki finally pulled himself together and won the fourth game by the slightest 0.5 point margin. This made the position became 3-1 for Yamashita and the title match went for the fifth game at the end of June.


Hane Naoki (left) vs. Yamashita Keigo (right)


Yamashita did the sealing move for day 1


Will this victory turn to be Hane's second fightback in this title history?
Vote who do you think will be the 66th Honinbo below

do you think will win the 66th Honinbo?
	Yamashita Keigo
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Here is the game record:
Hane Naoki (white) vs. Yamashita Keigo (black). Result:W+0.5

(;
KM[6.5]
EV[66th Honinbo title match 4]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
PB[Yamashita Keigo]
DT[2011-06-15]
BR[Honinbo]
RE[W+0.5]
WR[9d]
PW[Hane Naoki]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[op];W[co];B[jp];W[qj];B[qh];W[qm];B[pl]
;W[ql];B[pj];W[pk];B[ok];W[qk];B[pi];W[ol];B[nk];W[pq];B[on];W[oq]
;B[pm];W[pp];B[po];W[qn];B[qo];W[np];B[oo];W[ri];B[mr];W[mq];B[nr]
;W[nq];B[lq];W[lp];B[kq];W[ln];B[qq];W[ml];B[nl];W[nm];B[nn];W[mn]
;B[rh];W[lj];B[fq];W[hp];B[fo];W[hn];B[jn];W[mm];B[om];W[jm];B[no]
;W[mp];B[hq];W[in];B[gp];W[jc];B[cm];W[cf];B[lc];W[je];B[di];W[nc]
;B[md];W[qi];B[rn];W[rm];B[ro];W[ph];B[qf];W[rk];B[pc];W[ec];B[dg]
;W[df];B[fg];W[bh];B[jo];W[il];B[gj];W[mf];B[nd];W[cj];B[hf];W[hj]
;B[hi];W[ii];B[hh];W[hd];B[ij];W[hk];B[ji];W[gk];B[jk];W[kl];B[fj]
;W[kb];B[ni];W[lh];B[kg];W[lg];B[do];W[cp];B[er];W[dr];B[kf];W[fm]
;B[mi];W[kh];B[li];W[le];B[jf];W[ke];B[lb];W[jh];B[ih];W[ng];B[fe]
;W[fd];B[el];W[qr];B[rr];W[or];B[qs];W[ps];B[pr];W[ns];B[lr];W[qr]
;B[rs];W[fn];B[ho];W[dn];B[dm];W[eo];B[cn];W[en];B[kc];W[jb];B[ie]
;W[id];B[bo];W[bk];B[bp];W[bq];B[bl];W[dk];B[ek];W[dj];B[ej];W[ci]
;B[ds];W[cs];B[es];W[cr];B[of];W[pg];B[pf];W[sh];B[rg];W[oh];B[cg]
;W[bg];B[eg];W[ee];B[ge];W[dl];B[em];W[eq];B[fr];W[si];B[sg];W[oi]
;B[oj];W[la];B[ma];W[ka];B[mc];W[dh];B[ei];W[ch];B[jl];W[kn];B[ik]
;W[fl];B[lk];W[mk];B[kk];W[mj];B[nj];W[jg];B[ll];W[km];B[gn];W[gm]
;B[go];W[ig];B[if];W[hg];B[gg];W[eh];B[fh];W[kj];B[ki];W[me];B[gd]
;W[gc];B[hl];W[im];B[fk];W[gl];B[ep];W[dp];B[ak];W[aj];B[al];W[ap]
;B[bn];W[io];B[ip];W[ne];B[oe];W[qg];B[rf];W[ao];B[an];W[aq];B[cl]
;W[sn];B[so];W[sm];B[ck];W[bj];B[ef];W[ms];B[ls];W[os];B[he];W[jj]
;B[fp];W[pr])

Yamashita Picked Third Victory

After successfully won game 1 and game 2, Yamashita Keigo is one step closer to defend his title by winning the third game.

The third game was played at Hokkaido. Yamashita Honinbo played white in this game, while Hane Naoki challenger played black. Black quickly claimed the bottom right corner in exchange of giving white several useful stones toward the left side. Day 1 ended with Yamashita sealed the 48th move for the next day.


Yamashita Keigo handled his sealed move.

Day 2 continued with Yamashita playing K8. White chose to abandon black's approach at F17 and aimed for the center. Black quickly entered the moyo with E9 and a fight started. Black successfully alive but white got so many points at the left side from the fight. Yamashita played very well at the end game and won by 1.5 points.


Yamashita is leading the race with 3-0.

The fourth game will be played at June 15-16. Hane Naoki will face his first kadoban. Will Hane make another fight back in Honinbo title match? Let's wait and see.


Hane Naoki, will he make another comeback like 3 years ago?

Vote who do you think will be the 66th Honinbo below

do you think will win the 66th Honinbo?
	Yamashita Keigo
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Here is the game record:
Yamashita Keigo (white) vs. Hane Naoki (black). Result: W+1.5

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[66th Honinbo title match, game 3]
DT[2011-06-02,03]PB[Hane Naoki]BR[9p]PW[Yamashita Keigo]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+1.5]
MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pp];W[dp];B[oc];W[qn];B[nq];W[pj];B[qh];W[cj];B[pl];W[on];B[nl];W[no]
;B[qp];W[lp];B[ll];W[ro];B[mo];W[oq];B[op];W[np];B[mp];W[mq];B[nr];W[mn];B[lo];W[lq]
;B[or];W[kn];B[ko];W[jo];B[kp];W[ln];B[kq];W[kr];B[lr];W[mk];B[nk];W[oi];B[mj];W[pg]
;B[qg];W[pf];B[qf];W[mh];B[fc];W[jl];B[kj];W[ij];B[lh];W[lg];B[kh];W[mi];B[nm];W[nn]
;B[li];W[nj];B[lj];W[nd];B[nc];W[fd];B[gd];W[fe];B[dc];W[cc];B[ec];W[cd];B[ek];W[dl]
;B[el];W[dm];B[ei];W[hl];B[hi];W[ii];B[hh];W[fh];B[hj];W[fi];B[fj];W[kk];B[lk];W[hk]
;B[gk];W[ih];B[hg];W[gc];B[hc];W[gb];B[hb];W[hd];B[ge];W[gf];B[he];W[hf];B[ie];W[if]
;B[dj];W[je];B[id];W[ci];B[em];W[dn];B[fo];W[fn];B[en];W[eo];B[dk];W[ck];B[gn];W[fp]
;B[fm];W[gp];B[di];W[jq];B[mr];W[jp];B[dg];W[ch];B[nf];W[mf];B[ng];W[mg];B[md];W[ph]
;B[pe];W[me];B[ld];W[ne];B[qi];W[db];B[eb];W[da];B[cb];W[bb];B[eg];W[rl];B[ff];W[ea]
;B[ga];W[rq];B[rp];W[sp];B[jr];W[ir];B[ks];W[ho];B[qr];W[gg];B[is];W[hr];B[cg];W[rj]
;B[qj];W[oe];B[jf];W[kf];B[jg];W[ig];B[le];W[qk];B[kg];W[ri];B[lf];W[pk];B[rh];W[rr]
;B[rs];W[pd];B[qe];W[od];B[pc];W[bg];B[bf];W[bh];B[hs];W[gs];B[js];W[gr];B[ce];W[bd]
;B[jm];W[im];B[jk];W[kl];B[km];W[il];B[jj];W[ik];B[lm];W[gl];B[fl];W[pm];B[ok];W[oj]
;B[in];W[hn];B[jn];W[io];B[qq];W[so];B[qo];W[rn];B[sh];W[si];B[be];W[mm];B[ml];W[ji]
;B[de];W[ed];B[fb];W[ef];B[fg];W[ee];B[ad];W[ac];B[ag];W[ah];B[df];W[ae];B[af];W[gh]
;B[gj];W[ql];B[ad];W[ca];B[gm];W[hm];B[go];W[ol];B[om];W[pl];B[ae])

Yamashita Leads 2-0

The Honinbo title match continued! The second game was played on May 24-25 in Kagoshima. This time, Yamashita Keigo Honinbo played black against chalenger, Hane Naoki.


Yamashita Keigo (left) vs. Hane Naoki (right)

Hane Naoki played a Low Chinese Fuseki and quickly developed the game into a moyo game with the right side as his main framework. Day 1 ended with Yamashita did the sealing move for move 43.


Yamashita handling the sealed move

Day 2 continued with Yamashita playing his sealed move, which turned out to be a probe at B6. Hane started a fight with White 46 and used that stone as an aji to live inside Yamashit's moyo. However, he ended up in gote.

At move 107. white went into a trouble where his stones around O17 got attacked. Hane made a ko fight to survive, but a lack of threat soon sent himinto resignation.

With this, Yamashita leads the title match with 2-0. The next game will be played at June 2-3.


Yamashita Keigo

Don't forget to cast your vote on who do you think will win the 66th Honinbo title below.

do you think will win the 66th Honinbo?
	Yamashita Keigo
	Hane Naoki
pollcode.com free polls

Here is the game record:
Yamashita Keigo (black) vs. Hane Naoki (white). Result: B+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[66th Honinbo title match, game 2]DT[2011-05-25]
PB[Yamashita Keigo]BR[9p]PW[Hane Naoki ]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qk];W[jp];B[lp];W[nc];B[pf];W[pb];B[qc];W[kc];B[fq];W[dn]
;B[hp];W[eq];B[fp];W[jn];B[gm];W[im];B[em];W[cl];B[ln];W[ik];B[ek];W[dj];B[km];W[gj]
;B[fi];W[fj];B[ej];W[ei];B[dk];W[fh];B[cq];W[gi];B[di];W[cp];B[dh];W[fr];B[gr];W[er]
;B[bn];W[bo];B[kj];W[nq];B[np];W[qm];B[ql];W[qo];B[qq];W[pm];B[ol];W[rn];B[rl];W[rp]
;B[rq];W[op];B[oq];W[no];B[mp];W[so];B[df];W[fe];B[le];W[cd];B[gg];W[ji];B[ge];W[gd]
;B[hd];W[gc];B[ff];W[ki];B[ee];W[fd];B[hc];W[gb];B[jj];W[ij];B[li];W[eg];B[ef];W[cj]
;B[ck];W[bi];B[bj];W[ci];B[bl];W[dg];B[ch];W[cg];B[bh];W[lh];B[kh];W[jh];B[kg];W[jg]
;B[kf];W[ie];B[jd];W[he];B[jl];W[il];B[je];W[jf];B[jc];W[ne];B[od];W[nd];B[lc];W[ng]
;B[of];W[nf];B[mh];W[nh];B[ni];W[ph];B[oi];W[pg];B[rg];W[qf];B[rf];W[qe];B[qb];W[lb]
;B[kb];W[mc];B[kd];W[nb];B[pc];W[oa];B[gf];W[if];B[ma];W[re];B[qg];W[qh];B[rh];W[ri]
;B[rj];W[qi];B[si];W[sh];B[sg];W[sd];B[sj];W[rc];B[rb];W[sb];B[ra];W[oc];B[pa];W[qa]
;B[hh];W[pa];B[na];W[ob];B[se];W[og];B[sh];W[qd];B[pe];W[sf];B[ed])

Yamashita Keigo Won Game 1

The first game of the 66th Honinbo title series continues! Hane Naoki, the challenger, played S12 as his sealed move. A natural choice to help his weak stones at the right side.


Hane Naoki played his sealed move.

Yamashita started a fight at the left side with white 104. He got a nice wall while giving Hane territory. Later, Yamashita played white 158 and 160 to seal the territory. During the end game, Yamashita captured 5 stones thanks to black's weak group around F17. The Honinbo won the first game by 7.5 points.


Hane Naoki (left) vs. Yamashita Keigo (right)

Here is the game record:
Yamashita Keigo (white) vs. Hane Naoki (black). Result: W+R

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rated game]EV[66th Japanese Honinbo title match, game 1]
DT[2011-05-11,12]PB[Hane Naoki]BR[9p]PW[Yamashita Keigo]WR[9p]KM[6.5]HA[0]RE[W+7.5]
MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dp];B[qo];W[jq];B[cn];W[fp];B[cj];W[cl];B[fc];W[cf];B[bl];W[ic]
;B[dl];W[nc];B[qg];W[dc];B[lc];W[pc];B[qc];W[qd];B[qe];W[rd];B[oc];W[pb];B[od];W[ob]
;B[nd];W[re];B[nb];W[qb];B[hd];W[kc];B[hc];W[ld];B[mc];W[je];B[lq];W[co];B[dn];W[bn]
;B[bm];W[qf];B[og];W[if];B[gf];W[oo];B[np];W[qn];B[rn];W[ro];B[rp];W[po];B[qp];W[rm]
;B[so];W[ol];B[hq];W[fr];B[ho];W[pf];B[of];W[pg];B[ph];W[oh];B[rf];W[pe];B[oe];W[qe]
;B[pi];W[nh];B[rh];W[qj];B[pj];W[ql];B[pk];W[no];B[gr];W[gq];B[hr];W[mp];B[eq];W[er]
;B[dq];W[cq];B[dr];W[fq];B[ep];W[eo];B[cr];W[do];B[br];W[go];B[fn];W[fo];B[bp];W[hp]
;B[ip];W[hn];B[io];W[bo];B[cp];W[dk];B[ek];W[el];B[dm];W[en];B[em];W[fl];B[fm];W[gm]
;B[ko];W[gn];B[cm];W[fk];B[ej];W[fj];B[ei];W[mq];B[kq];W[jr];B[kr];W[fi];B[eh];W[jn]
;B[qk];W[fh];B[eg];W[mg];B[me];W[rk];B[se];W[sd];B[sf];W[rb];B[rj];W[lb];B[kd];W[jd]
;B[lo];W[ke];B[mb];W[fg];B[ee];W[ff];B[fe];W[sj];B[ri];W[oq];B[km];W[in];B[mm];W[pr]
;B[qr];W[pp];B[qq];W[ll];B[lm];W[jk];B[pn];W[qm];B[om];W[nm];B[nl];W[nn];B[pl];W[pm]
;B[nr];W[mr];B[or];W[ok];B[nq];W[mo];B[nj];W[nk];B[ml];W[mk];B[lk];W[lj];B[kk];W[kj]
;B[kl];W[mj];B[eb];W[db];B[ng];W[is];B[ks];W[gs];B[iq];W[hs];B[ms];W[ch];B[da];W[ca]
;B[ea];W[bb];B[bh];W[ef];B[bg];W[dg];B[gb];W[ci];B[bi];W[dj];B[ck];W[di];B[mh];W[lh]
;B[mi];W[li];B[ni];W[ge];B[he];W[hf];B[gd];W[bf];B[gg];W[hh];B[lf];W[kf];B[lg];W[kg]
;B[im];W[il];B[jm];W[ap];B[bq];W[hm];B[sm];W[on];B[af];W[ae];B[ag];W[de];B[jb];W[le]
;B[mf];W[ib];B[kb];W[jc];B[jl];W[ik];B[hb];W[ja];B[la];W[op];B[cg];W[dh];B[oa];W[pa]
;B[na];W[gh];B[ha];W[ia];B[ka];W[hg];B[ge];W[oj];B[oi];W[lr];B[ls];W[ds];B[cs];W[am]
;B[al];W[aq];B[ar];W[ao];B[ed];W[rl];B[si];W[ir];B[jp];W[es];B[an];W[sk];B[am];W[gp])

66th Honinbo Title Series Starts!

The 66th Honinbo title series finally arrived. This year, Yamashita Keigo Honinbo will face the league winner, Hane Naoki, in a best-of-7 series.

The first game started today and will continue tomorrow. Hane Naoki got black in this game and did the sealing move for move 73.


Hane Naoki handed over his sealed move.

The position is quite difficult. Black's group at the right side and upper side are under attack. I think Yamashita could take the advantage from attacking them. However, white's group at the upper side and at the lower right are not settle as well.


Final position of day 1

Hane Naoki's Honinbo Hunt

It was a sad 29 June 2010 for Hane Naoki. It was the day when he lost his Honinbo title to Yamashita Keigo. The meeting result between the two was less favorable for Hane (24-12 in Yamashita's favor) and he failed to break the jinx down and lost his only title.

This time, Hane Naoki is back for a revenge. He won the last game against O Rissei (9 dan) with a slim 0.5 point margin to win the challenger's seat. He will play Yamashita Keigo Honinbo on May 11-12 and will continue in a best-of-7 series.


Hane Naoki (left) vs. O Rissei (right)

Here is the game Hane played earlier at the league:
Hane Naoki (black) vs. Seto Taiki (white). Result: B+R

(;DT[2011-03-03]EV[66th Japanese Honinbo, league]
PB[Hane Naoki]PW[Seto Taiki]
KM[6.5]RE[B+R]SO[Go4Go.net]
;B[qd];W[dd];B[pq];W[dq];B[do];W[oc];B[cq];W[qo];B[ld];W[me]
;B[od];W[nd];B[oe];W[pc];B[qc];W[le];B[jd];W[lc];B[qk];W[qg]
;B[qf];W[rf];B[re];W[pf];B[qe];W[ok];B[op];W[ql];B[fc];W[cf]
;B[pl];W[pk];B[qm];W[rl];B[rm];W[rk];B[qj];W[rj];B[ol];W[nl]
;B[pn];W[qi];B[nk];W[ml];B[nn];W[dl];B[dp];W[eq];B[cr];W[ip]
;B[gq];W[go];B[cj];W[ek];B[dg];W[cg];B[ej];W[fj];B[ei];W[fk]
;B[gh];W[fd];B[gd];W[fe];B[ec];W[dc];B[ge];W[fg];B[fh];W[gf]
;B[hf];W[hg];B[gg];W[ff];B[ie];W[ig];B[hi];W[hb];B[mc];W[lb]
;B[ib];W[kd];B[ic];W[ik];B[ij];W[jk];B[jj];W[kk];B[ke];W[md]
;B[kg];W[qq];B[pr];W[mp];B[mo];W[lp];B[lo];W[kp];B[fo];W[rn]
;B[sm];W[rp];B[rr];W[pp];B[po];W[qr];B[qs];W[oq];B[qp];W[if]
;B[he];W[pp];B[nq];W[kf];B[or];W[je];B[ch];W[bh];B[bi];W[dh]
;B[ci];W[eg];B[bl];W[db];B[eb];W[fn];B[fp];W[bm];B[cl];W[id]
;B[gb];W[jc];B[hc];W[cm];B[bg];W[bf];B[ah];W[gn];B[af];W[bd]
;B[ir];W[ko];B[lm];W[kn];B[hk];W[hl];B[nj];W[oi];B[ll];W[mk]
;B[lk];W[mj];B[kj];W[lj];B[ni];W[nh];B[mi];W[li];B[mh];W[lh]
;B[ng];W[mg];B[oh];W[oj];B[nh];W[ph];B[of];W[jh];B[lg];W[mf]
;B[jm];W[km];B[kl];W[il];B[jl];W[in];B[dk];W[dm];B[ad];W[be]
;B[ae];W[ac];B[ag];W[hh];B[gi];W[qb];B[rb];W[ra];B[pb];W[pa]
;B[qa];W[bk];B[ak];W[qb];B[ob];W[nb];B[qa];W[aj];B[al];W[qb]
;B[nm];W[kh];B[qa];W[eh];B[fi];W[qb];B[rg];W[rh];B[qa];W[am]
;B[ck];W[qb];B[sf];W[rc];B[qa];W[ai];B[bj];W[qb];B[pg];W[sb]
;B[qh];W[ai];B[aj];W[qg];B[og];W[rs];B[ss];W[mr];B[qh];W[sh]
;B[pi];W[pj];B[kr];W[np];B[no];W[rq];B[mq];W[sq];B[so];W[lr]
;B[ps];W[nr];B[qn];W[bp];B[bo];W[ao];B[cp];W[bb];B[gk];W[gl]
;B[en];W[em];B[bq])

Cho Sonjin Joined Honinbo League

The second player from four seats at the Honinbo league has been filled. Cho Sonjin, ex Honinbo title holder, followed Seto Taiki (7 dan) footsteps.


Cho Sonjin

Now there are only 2 seats left. The next league player will be decided at August 19. The game will be Kobayashi Satoru vs. Suzuki Shinji.

Young Promising Player at the 66th Honinbo Final

Cycle for the Honinbo league is close. The remaining 4 league players are almost complete.

The first player to enter the league is Seto Taiki (7 dan). He beat Kataoka Satoshi (9 dan) at the final of the last preliminary tournament to win his ticket. He beat Mimura Tomoyasu (9 dan) and Akiyama Jiro (8 dan) along the way.

The remaining three players are still unknown. Yamashiro Hiroshi who currently leads Kisei League B will face Cho Sonjin, ex Honinbo title holder, to determine who will get the league's seat.

At the other final, 2 famous name, Kono Rin (9 dan) will meet O Rissei (9 dan) to win one of the three league seats.

At the last final, Kobayashi Satoru (9 dan) will play a promising young player, Suzuki Shinji (2 dan). Suzuki turned professional in 2008 and was promoted to 2 dan early this year. Considering that male's titles take 2 years to finish, I assume that he never lost at the tournament. It'll be very impressive if he beat Kobayashi Satoru. It won't be easy though. However, Suzuki beat Cho Chikun at the second round. Hopefully this is enough moral booster he needs to beat Kobayashi.


Suzuki Shinji

Let's see whether we can start pointing him as Akira Toya or not.

Here is the game record between Suzuki Shinji and Cho Chikun at the second round of the last 66th Honinbo preliminary.

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[66th Japanese Honinbo, preliminary]
DT[2010-06-24]PB[Suzuki Shinji]BR[2p]PW[Cho Chikun]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+1.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dq];B[do];W[co];B[cn];W[cp];B[oq];W[qf];B[nc];W[rd];B[qh];W[qc]
;B[qe];W[re];B[pf];W[pg];B[qg];W[rf];B[og];W[jp];B[ph];W[dn];B[fc];W[df];B[lp];W[ec]
;B[fd];W[id];B[gf];W[if];B[gh];W[hc];B[ih];W[lc];B[eh];W[dm];B[jo];W[io];B[jn];W[qo]
;B[pp];W[kp];B[lo];W[ip];B[ll];W[ko];B[ln];W[kg];B[lh];W[kh];B[ki];W[lg];B[li];W[si]
;B[ri];W[sh];B[sj];W[lq];B[mq];W[ff];B[cc];W[dc];B[cd];W[ce];B[ee];W[ef];B[be];W[fe]
;B[cg];W[bf];B[cf];W[de];B[bd];W[cj];B[ci];W[hm];B[lr];W[bi];B[jr];W[ch];B[bg];W[ir]
;B[fk];W[hk];B[di];W[dj];B[ge];W[gd];B[bj];W[bh];B[dg];W[ei];B[dh];W[bk];B[ej];W[fi]
;B[fg];W[cb];B[gj];W[ek];B[fj];W[el];B[bb];W[db];B[is];W[hr];B[gl];W[gm];B[fl];W[fm]
;B[lb];W[kb];B[mg];W[mf];B[nf];W[rg];B[rh];W[sg];B[rj];W[me];B[mb];W[jc];B[pb];W[qb]
;B[hl];W[il];B[jm];W[pc];B[oc];W[hi];B[gi];W[hg];B[hh];W[im];B[hs];W[gs];B[js];W[gr]
;B[ig];W[kq];B[kr];W[mr];B[nr];W[kk];B[lk];W[hf];B[gg];W[he];B[oa];W[ba];B[ca];W[da]
;B[qa];W[rb];B[jg];W[jf];B[lf];W[le];B[ik];W[jl];B[ij];W[ab];B[bc];W[kl];B[km];W[kj]
;B[lj];W[oe];B[ne];W[pe];B[od];W[qd];B[ra];W[md];B[ac];W[la];B[ma];W[ka];B[ah];W[aj]
;B[in];W[hn];B[jq];W[kn];B[lm];W[iq];B[jh];W[kf];B[jj];W[nb];B[nd];W[mc];B[na];W[fb]
;B[aa];W[ai];B[ag];W[ab];B[of];W[qe];B[sb];W[sc];B[ob];W[sa];B[pa];W[sb];B[aa];W[ca]
;B[ab])

Yamashita Captures Honinbo

Yamashita Keigo repay his lost of Kisei title with capturing another top 3 title, Honinbo.

The fifth game was played on June 28-29 in Saitama. Hane ended day 1 with a sealing move.



The game went interestingly with both player taking big territory. In the end, Yamashita won the game.



This is the first Honinbo title for Yamashita. Congratulations Yamashita!!

One Win to Honinbo

Yamashita Keigo is really close to Honinbo title with his victory over Hane Naoki yesterday. He won the fourth game of the 65th Honinbo title match by resignation.



He managed to kill white in the center after a big fight. With this, Yamashita only need one victory to capture the title.



Here is the game record

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]GN[Rating game]EV[65th Honinbo title match, game 4]
DT[2010-06-17,18]PB[Yamashita Keigo]BR[Tengen]PW[Hane Naoki]WR[Honinbo]KM[6.5]HA[0]
RE[B+R]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[pd];W[dd];B[qp];W[dp];B[op];W[qf];B[qi];W[qc];B[qd];W[pc];B[od];W[rd];B[re];W[rc]
;B[qe];W[nc];B[fq];W[jp];B[cn];W[dn];B[dm];W[en];B[cp];W[cq];B[co];W[dr];B[do];W[ep]
;B[eo];W[fp];B[fo];W[gp];B[cf];W[fd];B[bd];W[of];B[pg];W[pf];B[rg];W[nd];B[ne];W[oe]
;B[me];W[rf];B[sf];W[qg];B[rh];W[pi];B[pj];W[oi];B[pk];W[mg];B[qh];W[ph];B[hc];W[eg]
;B[he];W[cg];B[bg];W[bf];B[dg];W[ch];B[df];W[bh];B[be];W[ag];B[dh];W[cc];B[bc];W[gc]
;B[gb];W[fb];B[gd];W[fc];B[fe];W[hb];B[ib];W[ga];B[bj];W[cj];B[di];W[bk];B[ck];W[bi]
;B[dj];W[aj];B[lq];W[ic];B[je];W[mj];B[ml];W[pq];B[qq];W[lp];B[mp];W[mq];B[kr];W[lo]
;B[iq];W[pp];B[po];W[np];B[mo];W[oo];B[nq];W[oq];B[mr];W[pn];B[qo];W[mn];B[ln];W[mm]
;B[om];W[on];B[lm];W[nl];B[ll];W[qn];B[qr];W[ol];B[nk];W[ro];B[rm];W[rn];B[or];W[rl]
;B[ql];W[qm];B[rk];W[sm];B[nj];W[ni];B[lh];W[mh];B[li];W[mi];B[pl];W[pm];B[kk];W[lg]
;B[ho];W[jg];B[ji];W[ih];B[oc];W[ob];B[nb];W[mb];B[na];W[ma];B[mc];W[oa];B[nb];W[na]
;B[md];W[nb];B[jc];W[hd];B[ge];W[ii];B[ij];W[hj];B[hk];W[gj];B[id];W[kh];B[jj];W[gk]
;B[gh];W[gg];B[fh];W[hh];B[hl];W[rj];B[qj];W[sk];B[mk];W[fg];B[cb];W[db];B[hc];W[hq]
;B[cd];W[dc];B[dk];W[eh];B[fi];W[gl];B[gm];W[fm];B[fj];W[gn];B[hm];W[go];B[kf];W[kg]
;B[og];W[ng];B[oh])

You can download the sgf by clicking here.

65th Honinbo Game 4

The fourth game of the 65th Honinbo Cup started this morning. Challenger Yamashita Keigo played as black this time.


Put the game on!

Yamashita played a moyo game. He created a big moyo in the right side, but he has an unsettled group at the upper board in return.

Meanwhile, Hane Naoki got 2 corners and some thickness at the right side.


Yamashita handled his sealed move.

Yamashita sealed the move. Now let's see how he'll handle Hane's sabaki in the left side. The game will continue tomorrow


Board position at the end of day 1.

Yamashita Keigo Won the Third Game

After successfully winning the second game by 1.5 points, Yamashita Keigo Tengen repeated his victory by winning the second game by resignation.

The game was played on June 8-9 at Nara.

The game opened with Hane who played black made moyo in the left side. In return, he had a weak group in the upper board.


Yamashita handling his sealed move

Day 1 ended with Yamashita doing the sealing move.


Board position at the end of day 1

Day 2 started with Yamashita played a peep at A in diagram above. Hane resigned at move 158. With this, Yamashita is leading with 2-1.




Here is the game record:

(;
WR[Tengen]
RE[W+R]
RE[W+R]
PW[Yamashita Keigo]
FF[3]
SZ[19]
GM[1]
BR[Honinbo]
EV[65th Honinbo title match 3]
KM[6.5]
DT[2010-06-08,09]
PB[Hane Naoki]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[dq];W[pp];B[ce];W[ed];B[ci];W[nc];B[pc];W[kc];B[do]
;W[jq];B[qn];W[np];B[rp];W[qq];B[qk];W[gq];B[jd];W[jc];B[id];W[le]
;B[ig];W[ef];B[cg];W[kg];B[ic];W[dh];B[di];W[ei];B[ej];W[fj];B[ek]
;W[he];B[jf];W[ji];B[fe];W[ee];B[gg];W[hh];B[ge];W[gc];B[gh];W[ch]
;B[bh];W[eh];B[hi];W[bg];B[bf];W[bi];B[ag];W[dj];B[cj];W[dk];B[dl]
;W[ck];B[bj];W[el];B[fk];W[gi];B[fl];W[hj];B[jh];W[bk];B[ai];W[em]
;B[bl];W[cl];B[dm];W[bm];B[cm];W[al];B[bn];W[cn];B[dn];W[co];B[bo]
;W[cp];B[bp];W[cq];B[cr];W[bq];B[br];W[gm];B[md];W[fm];B[ld];W[nd]
;B[me];W[ne];B[mf];W[nf];B[mg];W[qf];B[rf];W[qg];B[rg];W[mb];B[ob]
;W[oh];B[ki];W[rh];B[qe];W[qi];B[on];W[pm];B[pn];W[qm];B[rn];W[rm]
;B[rl];W[om];B[nm];W[ok];B[sm];W[nl];B[mn];W[ll];B[lo];W[lq];B[rq]
;W[rr];B[kp];W[kq];B[lm];W[kl];B[mp];W[no];B[nn];W[mq];B[km];W[ii]
;B[pj];W[mi];B[kh];W[rj];B[bc];W[gl];B[hd];W[jo];B[ml];W[mk];B[jl]
;W[jk];B[jn];W[ko];B[nj];W[oj];B[nk];W[mm];B[ol];W[pl];B[ml];W[kd]
;B[ol];W[kf];B[mj];W[ni])

Or you can download the game by clicking this link .

Yamashita Keigo Won the Second Game

After a disappointing lost at the first game, Yamashita Keigo bounced back to the Honinbo's road by winning the second game by 1.5 points.

The game started by playing Yamashita's sealing move at K10. I predicted yesterday that he will invade the corner, but it seems Yamashita chose to aim the center by attacking white's group in the right side.

At move 131, Yamashita went for the center by sacrificing the left side. It was a natural choice since the center was more potential for black. There is a good tsumego at move 198. Black must play it right or again he'll lost the game.


Yamashita Keigo

After 236 moves, Yamashita won the game.



Here is the game record

(;CA[Windows-1252]SZ[19]AP[MultiGo:4.4.4]EV[65th Honinbo title match, game #2]DT[2010-05-26,27]
PB[Yamasita Keigo]BR[9p]PW[Hane Naoki ]WR[9p]KM[6.5]RE[B+1.5]MULTIGOGM[1]
;B[qd];W[dc];B[pp];W[dp];B[ce];W[oc];B[ld];W[me];B[pf];W[md];B[lc];W[le];B[jd];W[gc]
;B[ke];W[qc];B[rc];W[pd];B[qe];W[kf];B[jf];W[kg];B[jg];W[kh];B[ii];W[jh];B[ih];W[ig]
;B[if];W[hg];B[gd];W[hf];B[hd];W[de];B[ff];W[fd];B[fe];W[ie];B[je];W[id];B[ic];W[he]
;B[jc];W[hc];B[ge];W[gh];B[ed];W[dd];B[fc];W[fb];B[eb];W[ec];B[gb];W[fd];B[fh];W[fi]
;B[eh];W[fc];B[hh];W[cf];B[fq];W[hq];B[jj];W[cn];B[jq];W[qn];B[ro];W[np];B[on];W[pq]
;B[qq];W[oq];B[qr];W[lq];B[mn];W[jr];B[kr];W[kq];B[ir];W[jp];B[iq];W[ip];B[hr];W[qo]
;B[qp];W[rn];B[qk];W[oo];B[po];W[pn];B[sp];W[pl];B[om];W[pk];B[pj];W[oj];B[pi];W[oi]
;B[ph];W[nk];B[mp];W[mo];B[lo];W[no];B[mq];W[ln];B[lp];W[nq];B[kn];W[lm];B[km];W[kl]
;B[kp];W[ll];B[cg];W[bf];B[nn];W[pm];B[nr];W[or];B[lr];W[os];B[cl];W[dr];B[bn];W[bo]
;B[jl];W[dl];B[dk];W[dm];B[ek];W[ck];B[cj];W[bk];B[fm];W[fo];B[eq];W[dq];B[kk];W[lk]
;B[lj];W[bj];B[qb];W[ci];B[mc];W[of];B[og];W[nf];B[ei];W[gm];B[gl];W[gn];B[ng];W[mg]
;B[mh];W[mj];B[oe];W[ne];B[nc];W[nd];B[pe];W[od];B[ob];W[li];B[rl];W[hl];B[fl];W[gq]
;B[gr];W[in];B[dg];W[bg];B[ns];W[ol];B[hk];W[ib];B[jb];W[ha];B[kj];W[nh];B[oh];W[ni]
;B[pc];W[lf];B[hm];W[im];B[il];W[er];B[fr];W[fn];B[ch];W[bh];B[dj];W[ja];B[kb];W[sn]
;B[rm];W[sr];B[rr];W[rp];B[rq];W[so];B[ps];W[mm];B[rs];W[rp];B[sq];W[fp];B[di];W[bi]
;B[ee];W[df];B[ef];W[sm];B[sl];W[ql];B[rj];W[ji];B[ij];W[hn];B[ka];W[ia];B[ep];W[eo]
;B[em];W[fs];B[gs];W[es];B[en];W[dn];B[jo];W[io];B[pr];W[nm];B[hl];W[ro])

You can download the game record here.

Yamashita Sealed the 63rd Move

The second game of the 65th Honinbo-sen started this morning. This time the challenger, Yamashita Keigo Tengen plays as black and the title holder, Hane Naoki Honinbo plays as white.



So far, an awkward position appeared in the upper board. Yamashita successfully trapped Hane's group which gave Yamashita at least 13 points and thickness toward center. As for Hane, he got a solid upper left corner which is around 20 points.



Yamashita sealed his next move after Hane played a pincer. I wonder where Yamashita's sealed move is. If I were him, I'll go for the corner with C3.