Snap-back

A Snap-back (also written Snapback) is a tesuji in which a player allows an apparent capture and then recaptures the stone or stones that made it. Typically, a stone or chain is played—often as a throw-in—to force the opponent to capture it. The capturing stone or chain is then left with too few liberties and can be taken immediately in return.

This tactic can capture stones efficiently, exploit a shortage of liberties, or create a favorable tactical exchange for the player initiating it. Unlike a ko, an immediate snap-back recapture is legal because the board position after the sequence is not identical to the previous position. The reading must still be accurate: the sequence works only when the capturing stone or chain cannot escape or gain additional liberties. An apparent snap-back may fail if that possibility has been overlooked.