Forcing move

A forcing move compels or strongly encourages a reply because ignoring it would cause an immediate tactical or positional loss. It creates a threat or demands a local answer. Once the opponent responds, the player may continue in the area or take sente elsewhere. Its value often lies in securing a useful exchange before returning to the main position.

The aim may be to obtain a favorable exchange, improve the position, induce a concession, or preserve the initiative while preparing a larger-scale move. A forcing move is a type of move or tactic; sente describes who has the initiative or the right to make the next meaningful move. A force often gains sente, but the terms are not interchangeable.

Not every move that receives a reply is useful. The move can be bad if it gives the opponent too much benefit, damages the player’s aji, or commits the position unnecessarily.