urgent point
A board point whose timely occupation matters because delay can give the opponent the initiative or cause substantial damage.
Also known as
An urgent point is a point on the board that requires timely attention. If play there is postponed, the opponent may secure the point first or use the delay to cause substantial damage. The urgency is determined by the current position: either player may need to occupy the point before the other, and its value can change as surrounding moves are played.
This concept helps establish move priority and the proper order of play when several important moves are available. An urgent point differs from a vital point: a vital point is important because of an inherent tactical or strategic effect, while an urgent point is defined primarily by what may happen if play is delayed. It is not necessarily a sente move or the objectively largest move; its urgency must be judged in the specific position.
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