key point

In Go, a key point is a particularly important place in a local fight where a move should be played. Occupying it can determine whether an attack, defense, or tactical sequence succeeds. The point is often urgent because the opponent may take it or exploit the weakness created by leaving it open.

A player finds the key point by reading the local position, then plays there before the opportunity disappears. The aim is to recognize and occupy the decisive point in the fighting position. This is different from tesuji, which is a specific tactical technique, and from sente, the initiative created by a move. The correct key point depends on the position and on accurate reading. Even so, a locally important point may be less urgent than a larger move elsewhere on the board.