Nose tesuji

A nose tesuji is a tesuji played at the nose—the exposed front—of an opposing stone chain or group. This point is a tactical weakness created by the shape of the stones.

The move is usually an attachment at the front of the opposing shape. The opponent’s forced reply can then be used to cut or separate stones, or to gain liberties and another tactical advantage. Its purpose is to exploit a weakness in the opponent’s shape and produce a forcing result. It is more specific than a general attachment or an ordinary attacking move because it is defined by being played at the nose of a chain. The surrounding shape and liberties are crucial: without sufficient tactical support, the attached stone may simply be sacrificed.