influence

Influence is the potential of a group or position to project strength into surrounding open space, where it may acquire territory or support an attack. It is created by strong, outward-facing stones and formations, but its practical value depends on the rest of the board: the opponent may approach, invade, or reduce the area.

Influence helps guide the direction of play and decisions about attacks, extensions, invasions, and reductions. It also frames the balance between outward strength and territory that has already been secured. Unlike territory, influence is not a set of guaranteed points. It is broader and less definite than thickness, which describes a particularly strong and stable position. Influence has no fixed point value and can be neutralized or made inefficient, so it should never be counted as guaranteed territory.