okkaystudio
Gomoku lessons · Advanced · Step 9
Blocking Combos in Advance
Once your opponent has made a 4-3 or 3-3, it can't be stopped. That's why strong players watch for the "spot where two lines meet" even before the opponent has any threes. Take that spot first, or cut one of the two lines, and the combo never happens.
Puzzle 1
White can make a 3-3 next move. Stop it in advance. (Black to move)
Show answer and explanation
The green circle marks the answer. If White plays where the horizontal two and vertical two meet, two open threes appear. Taking that spot first is the surest defense, but blocking an end of either line also prevents the 3-3.
Puzzle 2
This time it's a 4-3. Stop White's next move in advance. (Black to move)
Show answer and explanation
The green circle marks the answer. Extending the blocked horizontal three makes a four, and the same spot makes an open three vertically. Taking the meeting point, cutting the vertical line, or blocking the horizontal line all make the 4-3 disappear.