♟️ Should You Capture the Opponent’s Dead Group in Go? 🤔

🎯 1. Is the Group Really Dead?

Before you even think about capturing it, ask yourself:

❓ Can the group make two eyes?

❓ Is there any aji (potential for life or trouble)?

❓ Are you absolutely sure it can’t come back?

✅ Clearly dead: Fully surrounded, no eyes, no tricks left.

❌ Suspicious: It still has space, or could be used for a tactical comeback.

🔍 Tip: If you're unsure, play reducing moves or just leave it. Don’t be the one to overplay!

⚖️ 2. Is Capturing Worth the Points?

Capturing may look awesome — and it feels great! 😎

But Go is a game of balance and efficiency.

Ask:

💰 Is this capture more valuable than other big points on the board?

🧱 Will capturing make your shape stronger, or just heavy and slow?

Sometimes, leaving a “dead” group untouched is strategically better. You waste no moves, and your opponent can’t use it anyway.

🧨 3. Could It Be a Trap? 

Capturing it might:

⚔️ Make your shape thin and vulnerable

🎯 Let the opponent cut, invade, or counterattack

🧲 Distract you from the bigger picture

🛡️ Rule of Thumb: If your opponent wants you to capture it... be suspicious!

🕹️ 4. Are You Falling into a Damezumari?

Damezumari = self-filling of your own liberties.

Capturing a group in a tight space can backfire if it fills your liberties and lets your opponent snapback or counter-capture 🔄.

Especially dangerous in:

📐 Corners

🧱 Narrow walls

🧩 Complicated life-and-death shapes

💡 Think ahead. Can they make you regret capturing?

🧘‍♂️ 5. Stay Cool — Don’t Let Emotions Decide

Capturing feels like winning, but don’t let your emotions take over:

Are you chasing points you don’t need?

Is this consistent with your overall strategy?

What will your opponent do after you capture?

🧠 Strong players often leave dead groups alone and take bigger territory elsewhere.

✅ Final Check: Only Capture If...

✔️ The group is 100% dead

✔️ It's efficient to capture (good points or solid shape)

✔️ It doesn’t hurt your liberties or shape

✔️ There’s no better move elsewhere

If those boxes are all checked — go ahead and eat it! 🍽️

If not, walk away like a pro. 😎

🔁 TL;DR Decision Table

Question If YES If NO

Is it truly dead (no eye space)? Proceed Wait or reduce

Is it worth the points? Capture Play elsewhere

Is it tactically safe? Go ahead Avoid the trap

💬 Your Turn!

Have you ever fallen for a sacrifce trap? Or maybe set one up? 🎯

Share your stories or ask questions in the comments below! 👇