Pincer

A pincer is a move that attacks an enemy stone or group from one side while limiting its ability to extend or escape in the opposite direction. The pincer stone is placed at a suitable distance from the target, often between it and the side or corner. Together with an existing friendly stone or the board edge, it creates pressure from two directions and may initiate a joseki.

In corner openings, a pincer commonly answers an approach move against a corner stone. Its purpose is to pressure the approaching stone, restrict its development, and gain influence or initiative around the corner or side. Unlike an approach move, which attacks a corner stone directly, a pincer is usually aimed at the approaching stone. It is not automatically effective: the opponent may counter-pincer, attach, or invade, and the right distance depends on the surrounding stones and the intended joseki.