Kondo versus Konishi

Apparently Konishi is not concerned about Ln - 8f.

Since Black has invested a move in creating the High Lion position, White plans to make him use yet another move.

Avoiding the Konishi system Black can avoid wasting a move, by playing Ln - 7g voluntarily at move two, if he suspects that White wants to play the Konishi system. Of course, White will then switch to a more regular system of deployment. In any case, White should play Ln - 7e before playing P - 5e, and in that case Black will not get the chance to play Ln - 7g. If Black does not care to play against Konishi's system, then he has the alternative of playing it himself, with an increased lead in development. 3 GB - 4g Ln - 7f 4 P - 4h P - 8e 5 DH - 4i Ln - 6f Personally, I would rather be on the receiving end of the Konishi system. White cannot save a move by playing P - 8e first, as then Black would definitely play Ln - 6g. Once White has played P - 8e, he can no longer play the Konishi system.

Black decides to sacrifice the Go-Between in return for speeding his development. The alternatives are to play P - 7h followed by P - 6h, keeping the centre closed (White can respond with Ln - 5f ‐ then if Black goes after the Go-Between, White can occupy the centre with Ln - 6g.), or Ln - 8g, investing yet an move, in order to take material himself. The latter move is rather awkward, as White can respond with P - 6e and Ln - 6f. I might play DH - 6g followed by P - 7h then P - 5g. Or DH - 11h, then B - 6g , P - 7h, P - 5g, B - 5h, but I think I prefer the GB sacrifice first ‐ speed will be important in such a game, as White will no be able to play in the centre, and so is forced to play an all out attack on the right flank.

This move represents success for White's strategy. B - 6g followed by P - 5g and P - 7h is an alternative which I favour.

If instead Ln x! 7g, then DK - 7j and Ln - 7g follows. But then Ph - 5e, Ln x 6f - 6g, P - 8f forces the Lion back. White retains an advantage.

If DH - 11e, intending to strike back with P - 10e, then Black can play P - 7f, looking at B x 9e. I think Black is now a little better, but he must now bring up his left-side Copper to try to consolidate. I think his next move, and the follow up, is an overplay.

Blocks the emergence of the Copper and Silver Generals. He should bring the Copper to 4c, and then play FK - 3a. Unfortunately, this will fail to P - 6h - 6g. Perhaps Ph - 4e first will do the trick.

The whole game is being played as a trial of fighting strength in the centre. Seeing as White has retreated his Free King, and can now bring a Rook to 6c, this move is too agressive.

White's attack is running very smoothly. Kondo must have been feeling a bit desperate at this point.

Invading with the Lion is what it's all about, so Konishi doesn't waste any time saving the Free King.

Without BT - 7j, White's Bishop will be able to promote. Now Kondo gets greedy. (Understandably, as he is losing by too much to be content with picking off a few Pawns.). Notice how one Copper, and both Silvers, on each side, have yet to move (and will not do so). The whole game has been a contest in fighting spirit, rather than sound strategy.

And Black resigns, as he must lose the Bishop.