After a move like , for example, making life for White at left, Black is forced eventually to live in the top right corner with - . White has sente to play in the upper left corner. To simplify the matter here, we have added the sequence shown in the lower left.

Black has gained four points of territory, and four prisoners ( / ). White has the option to get up to eight further points in the centre (using the sequence from to ), and on the left edge ().

The result is balanced, so far. But, Black must still keep most of the top left corner.