Kakari

A Kakari is a move played near an opponent’s corner stone, normally approaching it from the outside rather than attaching directly. It contests both the corner and the surrounding area, while beginning to develop outside influence or preparing a follow-up. The approach point and distance depend on the position of the corner stone and on nearby stones. One familiar form is the keima kakari. The opponent may answer with a pincer, an extension, or a corner enclosure.

A kakari can reduce or challenge corner potential, start a corner-side fight, and influence the direction of subsequent play. It is different from a shimari: a shimari is a corner enclosure made by the stone’s owner. An invasion or reduction goes more deeply into, or diminishes, an established framework. The value of a kakari depends strongly on surrounding stones and the opponent’s likely response, so an approach is not automatically urgent or favorable.