tengen
The exact center point of the Go board and a move played there.
Also known as
Tengen is the central intersection of the Go board, also known as the center point. On a standard 19×19 board, it is where the tenth line and the tenth column meet.
Tengen is a fixed board intersection, not a shape or tactical sequence. A move played on this point is likewise called a tengen move. Playing at tengen aims to exert broad influence over the center and can be used as an opening strategy. It refers specifically to the board’s exact center, unlike named opening points such as hoshi and komoku, which are located elsewhere. The central location alone does not make tengen the best opening move: its value depends on the position and on the strategic plan behind the play.
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