4 ms·

No it does not. (Source: I'm European 4 dan. I wipe the go board with weaker players playing whatever unconventional moves they like. Likewise, I get crushed b

• mafuy 2y ago
  I think you'd have to translate the statement into the appropriate space. Here, the unconventional moves would refer to pro-level trick play. These doubtlessly exist, and have for a long time (e.g. secret house moves in joseki 100 years ago). Once made public, they either lose their surprise advantage and become poor moves, or become standard moves themselves. So I'd say it is correct that there is a benefit to unconventional moves where punishing them requires understanding of unusual patterns. On the same note, it is certainly true that playing unconventional moves against an opponent who does now how to punish them would only bring defeat quicker :)
  • tasuki 2y ago
    Pro-level trick moves only work if you play the right continuation. When a weaker player learns a specific trick sequence, the stronger player is going to fall for it all right, but they'll play it differently than what the weaker player learned to punish. If the weaker player learns all the variations of a trick sequence... perhaps he just became stronger :) Unconventional moves can help if you want to throw off a similarly skilled opponent.