Angle play

Angle play is a move at a vital point in or near a Go corner. It uses the special geometry of the two board edges to produce a tactical effect, especially in corner life-and-death and eye-reduction sequences.

The play often occupies the corner angle or a nearby key point, restricting the opponent’s eye space or liberties and forcing a particular response. Its purpose may be to attack or kill a corner group, reduce its eyes, or secure another favorable tactical result. It is not simply any move in a corner or along a diagonal: it is the tactical use of a corner vital point. The result depends closely on surrounding stones and the opponent’s available replies, so the same point may fail in a different position.