FLAG 9a: ( 1055)
In the case of a larger eye for Black, it is White's choice to play at , resulting in an external ko on the upper edge. However, this will have the slight disadvantage that White must use her own ko-threats in the top left corner.

Black still needs one external ko-threat to win. Again, there is a precondition that Black needs to play a protective move in the upper left corner, to enable wholly approaching White's centre group.

Please note that this case is White's choice. So even in the case of a Black success, White is not forced to choose this sub-variation.

FLAG 9b: ( 1059)
After the hane on the upper edge, and with the gote-sente-combination of , , , played, White will be able to win by killing Black's group in the lower left, even if her centre group dies.

FLAG 8c: ( 1064)
If Black does not play at , there results a smaller eye in the centre alone.

However, Black must not choose this line of play, because he will need two additional external ko-threats (three in total).