5 years ago I heard first time about this book and instantly get feeling that this must be great lecture. At Polish Summer Camp 2009 I won this book in lighting tournament and was happy to get opportunity to read book that I heard a lot from my friend. I’m great fan of Lee Changho thick style and was very curious what Hane Naoki wrote about creating thick and strong way of playing.

Second best strategy

In beginning Hane Naoki introduced very interesting approach: “one should be satisfied with an 80% result, not avariciously striving or more, overreaching an meeting with unfortunate setback.” With this statement it’s easy to judge that Hane Naoki isn’t looking for the best move but for thick and sometimes slow move which will give him strength and hope to catch in endgame. Philosophy of 80% stomach work very well with great risk management of Lee Changho. The book contains 22 games with deep reviews divided into 3 parts.

Days of Study to Become Professional

In first chapter Hane Naoki present his 3 games before he become pro. There is 2 games against insei (one with famous Takao Shinji) and one teaching game with his father: Hane Yasumasa. First game with Takao Shinji is not only great because of possibility to look on games of two great Japanese master when they were still amateurs but also it’s great explanation of 80% strategy.

Next two games with his father and Inagaki Yo (insei) are showing that playing strong and thick is very difficult. Playing the most strongest and complicated variations are really tempting but playing this way is dangerous because rushing in looking for fast profit can be double-edged sword.

From becoming Professional to First League Entrance

In this part Hane Naoki show 9 games of his early days as professional. There are many reviews of important matches in Hane career for example Japan-China Super Go Series or Okan final (by winning this title Hane Naoki made record of capturing Okan title by father and son). The Chapter ended with his entrance into Meijin league – the goal of every Japanese Go Master.

The Path to Winning Titles

This is the most entertaining part of the book. Games with strongest players in Japan are really interesting. My favorite game from this chapter is game with Takemiya Masaki who always show great style of Cosmic Go.

The main part of this chapter is devoted to Hane capture of Judan title with outstanding score for new-comers 3-1. Hane Naoki could feel that his play is strong enough to fight with top Japanese Master, but last game in the book show that he have long way before he will be #1.

Overall the book is great, especially for this players who wants to solidify own play and get rid of far-fetched overplays from their games. The comments of the games are easy to understand, so even double digit kyu players can profit from this book, but I think main target player is about Polish 3k-1d. Only minus of this book is that Hane Naoki show mainly only his victories, I think lost games are better to show how to play thick and strong game.

Author: Hane Naoki

Title: The Way of Creating a Thick and Strong Game

ISBN: 978-0-9788874-6-9

Where to buy: Slate&Shell; E-Go.PL (in Poland)

Rating: 9/10