This rather mundane looking opening is actually quite new. The first example we have is 1997 when Yi Ch'ang-ho (he who is supposedly not creative) played it against Cho Hun-hyeon. Then it stayed in limbo almost, until it suddenly exploded into popularity in the middle of 2003.

We already have over 50 examples. This time the Koreans really do dominate. This opening was considered the most popular there in 2004.

Fascinatingly there are 10 different replies by White, and the commonest is a fuseki move - not a joseki move. (In Korea??!!) If you are not familiar with this new opening, you may like to try guessing the 10 replies (in order, of course!).

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