11-15 is the strongest opening move by Black as evidenced by its use 95% of the games played between experts in go-as-you-please (GAYP = unrestricted) play. Black exits from a single corner, as opposed to a double corner, which leaves the back row more vulnerable to kingship. Also, 11-15 is a move towards the board center for maximum mobility. 11-15 is so strong that more responses have been used by White to obtain equality than in any other opening. Nevertheless, irrespective of the reply to 11-15, Black has a small theoretical edge, although all result in equality with best play. 22-18 ("Single Corner"), 23-19 and 23-18 are the strongest replies, while 22-17 is only adequate. 24-20 ("Ayrshire Lassie"), 24-19 and 21-17 are inferior.

The above 24-20 reply to 11-15 can at best draw, so it is not much used among experts. However, it is popular among novices who prefer the piece's dubious safety along the board side. 8-11 is Black's strongest second move. This alternative, 15-18, which leaves a wedge at square 19 is more aggressive and disconcerting to an unwary White, but the resulting early removal of several pieces leads to an early draw among experts. In response to Black's 15-18, White's above reply 22-15 is less popular than 23-14.

• 20-16 8-12 (wins)
• 21-17 9-13
• 25-22 8-11
• 26-22 6-10
• 26-23 19-26, 30-23 8-11
• 26-23 19-26, 31-22 9-14 (wins)
• 27-23 8-12 -> 12-19
• 27-24 7-10 -> 10-19