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Oogeima-gakari

A large-knight approach to an opponent’s corner stone.

Also known as

Large knight's move approachLarge knight approach

Oogeima-gakari—also called a large knight’s move approach or large knight approach—is an approach move directed at a stone in the corner. The approaching stone is placed two points along one line and one point along the perpendicular line from the opponent’s corner stone, creating a large-knight relationship.

Played from the outside, it challenges or reduces a corner enclosure before the opponent can secure the corner. It often begins a joseki or creates an opening-side fight. Oogeima-gakari is the approach use of the large-knight move, not the large-knight corner enclosure known as oogeima-jimari. Because it leaves more distance than a keima approach, it permits different forcing responses and reduction ideas.