"The small knight's move on the second line..."
Yu Shao calmly studied the board, recognizing the subtle complexities emerging after Black's move. After contemplation, he decisively picked up a white stone and swiftly placed it.
Sixteenth column, seventeenth row - the solid connection!
"What an absolutely brilliant response!"
The recorder and referee nearby couldn't help holding their breath at this move.
This equally dazzling strong play showed Black meeting White's challenge head-on, securing White's eye space and protecting vital groups with just one stone!
"But Black won't surrender easily. Though the solid connection is powerful, after the second-line small knight's move, Black has numerous variations and follow-ups!"
All eyes remained glued to the board as spectators silently analyzed.
Click!
The sound of stone against wood echoed again.Su Yiming's expression turned stern as he plucked a black stone from the bowl and immediately placed it.
Fifteenth column, seventeenth row - the block!
Yu Shao scanned the board and without hesitation placed another white stone.
Eleventh column, third row - the extension!
"He's ignoring the local fight!"
Su Yiming lowered his gaze to study the position, his dark eyes reflecting the 19x19 grid.
"He exchanged the solid connection for my block, then ignored the area to take a big point, but—"
His hand dipped into the stone bowl again, fingers retrieving a black stone.
"My Black group has also gained thickness!"
Clack!
Stone met board.
Sixth column, fifteenth row - the jump!
The Go room buzzed with murmurs.
Witnessing this move, the recorder and referee widened their eyes in astonishment!
With this single stone, White's initially quiet lower-left corner suddenly connected with the right flank, transforming the entire board's shape. White's framework now encompassed nearly a quarter of the playing field!
Previously showing no intention to claim center territory, this move suddenly revealed White's ambitious framework taking form.
"Jumping here appears to attack Black's right flank..."
"But that's not its true purpose."
The female recorder stared unblinking at the newly placed white stone, sensing the game's balance had shifted dramatically.
"Examining the whole board, this jump secretly aims to build center influence!"
"It's like... a celestial move from heaven!"
She could hardly believe that in just the opening phase, Su Yiming had repeatedly played world-shaking moves. This single stone's elegance alone could awe any spectator!
Black resembled a lion now, unleashing its full majesty in this life-or-death struggle!
White's pressure intensified exponentially after this move.
"Su Yiming must be exhausting every ounce of his skill—this is another masterstroke!"
"Who could imagine playing there?!"
"An utterly unthinkable placement!"
"At this point, Su Yiming's performance is astonishing. He might actually achieve revenge against Yu Shao!"
Countless comments flooded the Twin Stars Cup official livestream.
Seeing this move, Yu Shao silently studied the board for an extended period without playing.
"The jump..."
This move felt hauntingly familiar.
In his previous life, during countless battles against AI opponents, the computer had frequently employed similar tactics!
Like thunder from clear skies—avoiding obvious framework building yet silently constructing unimaginably vast influence!
This move embodied that philosophy.
Claiming it aimed solely at framework seemed forced—it appeared more about securing the lower-left while pressuring White's two stones. Yet it subtly hinted at framework potential!
Just like—
The advice he'd given Su Yiming after their first Twin Stars Cup match!
Yu Shao's expression gradually hardened from initial calmness to icy determination.
Click!
Finally, he placed another white stone.
Snap!
The sound of stone striking board resonated through the room.
...
Southern Go Academy, review room.
"The jump—completely beyond my imagination! Who could conceive such a move? It seems utterly nonsensical yet maintains elusive connections!"
Le Haoqiang's throat felt dry as he stared at the screen: "It simultaneously threatens Black's right flank while secretly building framework—like killing two birds with one stone!"
Zheng Qin watched the broadcast with equal astonishment before shaking his head: "I can't fathom how to respond..."
Xu Zi frowned thoughtfully before speaking slowly: "Go embodies dialectical philosophy. Black's dual-purpose move inevitably carries weakness—neither direction achieves full strength."
Her eyes remained fixed on the virtual board as she continued: "White could consider attacking Black's weak group to undermine its potential, or build territory above to counterbalance."
"True, but both approaches require exceptionally strong moves as foundation," Zheng Qin nodded gravely. "Because Black's move maintains flexibility between two aims, White faces too many possible responses—an embarrassment of choices!"
He paused before adding: "Precisely because there are so many options, White struggles to select the optimal path!"
The group turned their attention back to the board, immersed in silent analysis.
"Exactly. Too many choices, each with complex variations and valid reasoning—finding the correct path becomes impossible."
Le Haoqiang unconsciously bit his thumb, beads of sweat forming: "Faced with this jump...what will Yu Shao choose?"
An abrupt exclamation shattered their concentration.
"Yu Shao has moved!"
Everyone immediately looked up at the screen—then froze in stunned silence.
There on the display, a white stone glittered brilliantly.
Fourth column, eleventh row—the large knight's move!
"Neither attacking Black's weak group nor shifting to counter-framework above..."
Le Haoqiang stared dazedly at this deceptively simple yet profoundly unsettling move.
"After considering countless possibilities, I never imagined..."
"Facing Black's celestial jump, White chose the most fundamental, honest move—securing territory while observing Black's intentions!"
Indeed.
Conventional wisdom demanded White answer Black's heavenly jump with equally brilliant counterplay—either direct confrontation or mirroring framework.
The most aggressive options were precisely those Xu Zijin had identified: either fierce fighting or mutual framework building.
Yet no one anticipated Yu Shao's ultimate choice—this large knight's move!
The most elementary, straightforward response possible—a move even beginners could understand:
Take territory, observe Black's strategy, and adapt accordingly.
Thus this move radiated unprecedented calmness.
Too calm.
This composure in the face of mortal danger became terrifying upon reflection—chilling to the bone!
As if regardless of Black's schemes, White remained utterly confident in having countermeasures!
Go room.
"Large knight's move."
Su Yiming studied the board coldly, his face expressionless.
"Waiting for my move?"
"Very well."
His gaze sharpened.
In one fluid motion, he placed another black stone.
Clack!
Tenth column, fifth row—the diagonal press!
"Here it comes!"
This move sent shockwaves through every spectator worldwide.
"Black strikes!"
"This..."
"Too incredible! Another brilliant move!"
This bold, magnificent play suddenly wove Black's upper, lower-left and lower-right positions into an interconnected net—hyperbolically speaking, nearly encircling the entire board!
Moreover, this diagonal press concealed lethal possibilities—if White answered with a small knight's move, Black could push, White would extend, then Black could return to invade the 3-3 point, leaving Black's forces vibrant while White became constrained everywhere!
Move after move, Su Yiming played flawless gems, allowing White no breathing room!
Yu Shao studied the position for two minutes before placing his response.
Fourteenth column, third row—the two-space extension!
"He's seen through everything."
Su Yiming's expression darkened slightly—this move dismantled his offensive, though he'd anticipated as much.
"First instinct is the knight's move. If White extends, I'll push. Complete containment would satisfy Black."
"But White might have attachment tactics, creating murky complications. Whether I block or knight's move, White could counterattack."
"Then..."
His hand dove back into the stone bowl, gripping a stone while fixing his gaze on one particular intersection.
"If you won't defend the upper area, I'll directly invade to force conflict!"
Resolve flashed in Su Yiming's eyes as he slammed down the stone.
Clack!
Tenth column, third row—the contact play!
This move severed White's access to the left side, initiating close combat. The entire board suddenly bristled with tension!
Across the board, Yu Shao studied the position coldly before meeting Su Yiming's gaze and countering.
Clack!
Tenth column, fourth row—the wedge!
"Wedge!"
Witnessing Yu Shao's strongest local counter, Su Yiming remained unfazed.
"If I atari from the left, White must connect. After I connect the cutting point, White protects, over-solidifying four stones while I struggle with two weak groups—undermining my lower framework."
After brief calculation, he committed to his plan.
"If White conserves energy, I must attack with overwhelming force—crushing White before recovery becomes possible!"
"Otherwise, if White regains footing, I'm doomed!"
"Must cut off all retreat!"
Clack!
Eleventh column, fourth row—the block!
"Blocking on the right..."
Yu Shao's expression turned glacial, sensing the murderous intent radiating from the board. Even he felt pressure now.
This move severed connections between White's stones, creating chaotic complexity. Both sides now engaged in desperate, unpredictable combat—a life-or-death struggle!
Crack!
Another crisp stone placement echoed.
Yu Shao placed his response.
Clack!
Eleventh column, ninth row—the extension!
"Chasing White's right-side group now would be premature."
Despite the decisive moment, Su Yiming remained composed. After studying Yu Shao's move, he immediately countered.
"First attack the upper Black group—test his response!"
Clack!
Twelfth column, third row—the atari!
Yu Shao glanced at the board and answered.
Eleventh column, second row—the extension!
Black: twelfth column, second row—the block!
White: thirteenth column, fourth row—the cut!
Stones flew across the board with increasing speed.
Tension mounted as the 19x19 grid seemed engulfed in flames of war. Spectators stared unblinking, sweat dripping from their brows.
"Divine-level play...every move unimaginably strong."
In the Eastern Go Academy broadcast room, someone whispered awedly: "Against White's extension, Black normally connects. But Black chose to block—the most aggressive response, denying White both cutting points!"
"Yet White's cut is an equally fierce counter, leveraging the right-side stone to threaten a ladder!"
"That early stone placed for framework now—thirty moves later—becomes a hidden reinforcement!!!"
A nearby professional nodded grimly: "Facing the ladder threat, Black must flee, letting White seize sente to capture the upper Black group!"
"But Su Yiming isn't surrendering either."
Someone traced variations: "Black uses the escaping stones to push White down through continuous forcing moves."
"And this large knight's move perfectly prevents White from invading Black's framework!"
Stones intertwined in lethal patterns, the battle growing ever more intense.
"In this game...who will prevail?"
All witnesses felt the blood-soaked desperation radiating from each stone, their hearts pounding uncontrollably.
Now.
Only battle remains!