Shoulder hit
A flexible contact-oriented move that pressures an opposing stone from the side.
Also known as
A Shoulder hit (also known as Katatsuki) is a move played at the shoulder of an opposing stone. It is typically diagonally adjacent and offset toward the edge or the center, depending on the position. Rather than approaching the stone directly, the move applies pressure from its side, often prompting the opponent to push, block, or begin a running sequence.
The usual aims are to reduce or challenge opposing influence, induce a favorable exchange, or steer the opponent’s stones in a direction that suits your strategy. Unlike a direct attachment, a shoulder hit emphasizes directional pressure and reduction more than immediate contact fighting. Its value depends heavily on the surrounding stones and on the direction in which the opponent can extend or counterattack, so the local context must be assessed before playing it.
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