direct connection

A direct connection—also called a solid connection—joins stones by placing a friendly stone next to another stone or chain. The stones then form one continuous chain through actual orthogonal adjacency, rather than depending on a diagonal relationship or another indirect connection.

This move can prevent a cut, unify a group, and improve the stones’ mutual support and management of liberties. It is a fundamental tactical way to keep stones working together. However, making a connection does not by itself guarantee life or safety. The resulting chain may still suffer from a shortage of liberties, surrounding tactics, or a later cut at another point.