counter-hane

A counter-hane is a move played in response to an opponent’s hane that itself makes a hane against the opponent’s stones. The responding stone is placed diagonally adjacent to the opponent’s hane, creating a reciprocal hane and often forcing a tactical continuation around the contact position.

The aim is to resist the opponent’s shape, preserve or create cutting possibilities, and seize the initiative in a local fight. A counter-hane is specifically a hane answering a hane; it is not simply any move that counters an opponent’s attack.

Its success depends on liberties, cutting points, and nearby support. Answering a hane automatically can instead produce a heavy or tactically unsound result.