Fuseki

Fuseki (布石 or 布局 in Chinese) is the whole board opening in the game of Go.

Since each move is typically isolated and unforced (i.e. not a sente move), patterns for play on the whole board have seen much less systematic study than for Joseki, which are often contact moves which require specific and immediate responses. Hence a game of Go may easily explore an unfamiliar path.

Only a proportion of fusekis have recognised or specific names. These include the two-star fuseki (nirensei fuseki), three-star fuseki (sanrensei fuseki), Chinese fuseki, Kobayashi fuseki, and Shusaku fuseki. These are names for the influential formations which Black makes in the opening.

As played on a large board (eg. the standard 19x19 line goban), traditional wisdom says the priority is to play corner enclosures, then to extend to the middle of the sides, and finally to the center because it is easier to secure territory in the corners than on the sides or in the center. The classical view, particularly for the 3-3, 3-4 or 4-3 point, emphasizes good points to play in the opening because these points ensure larger and/or faster corner enclosure. Higher points are discouraged. This approach has clearer goals (control territory in the corners) and is easier for beginners to grasp and play.

Unlike the territory-oriented playing style, this approach emphasizes control of the center. The reason for this is that one's play should not be narrowly focused on attempting to secure points quickly by occupying the corners first. Although it requires more effort to secure the center, it constitutes the majority of territory on the board. The key is to build a good framework in order to control the center of the board. Higher points like 4-4, 4-5 or 5-4 are encouraged. Some players occupy the side very quickly in order to build up a good framework, while some place their stones around the center. However, the influence-oriented approach is more abstract and harder for beginners to grasp and play.

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