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Forced capture

A tactical sequence in which a capture is forced to remove stones or secure a favorable result.

Also known as

Semedori

Forced capture, also known as Semedori, is a tactical capture sequence used to take stones or resolve a tactical situation. The attacker builds a position in which the opponent has no practical alternative to making a capture. That forced exchange then allows the attacker to complete the intended capture or obtain the desired tactical benefit, often removing or neutralizing opposing stones.

The essential feature is compulsion. Unlike a capturing race, which centers on both sides racing to reduce liberties, forced capture centers on making the opponent capture as part of the tactic. The sequence must genuinely be forced: if the opponent can ignore the threat or has a better response, the position is not forced capture.