bar connection

A bar connection, also called a pole connection, joins stones in a straight line, making the group resemble a pole or bar. It is made by playing a stone so that it connects stones along the same straight line, usually by extending an existing line of stones.

The aim is to link the stones securely and preserve continuity through the group or chain. The term emphasizes the straight-line shape of the connection, distinguishing it from a diagonal connection, a bamboo joint, or another specialized connection. Although a bar connection can be solid, it may be inefficient if a more flexible connection or extension would serve the position better.