The h thumb|The h shape is created by placing a stone in the center of the L shape. Because the placement of the center stone creates an open tria, the opponent is forced to respond. This allows white to progress to the X shape. A play that creates an open tria in the middle of the L shape forms the h shape. The h shape is powerful because when it has been formed the opponent must immediately respond to the open tria threat. This begins actively using the potential for threats that began with the I shape and gives the first player initiative. From the h shape a player can immediately form three other open trias. One of the open trias available forms the X shape. If the opponent fails to stop this from happening they will lose the game by allowing the attacking player to form an unstoppable open tessera.
The h thumb|The h shape is created by placing a stone in the center of the L shape Because the placement of the center stone creates an open tria the opponent is forced to respond This allows white to progress to the X shape A play that creates an open tria in the middle of the L shape forms the h shape The h shape is powerful because when it has been formed the opponent must immediately respond to the open tria threat This begins actively using the potential for threats that began with the I shape and gives the first player initiative From the h shape a player can immediately form three other open trias One of the open trias available forms the X shape If the opponent fails to stop this from happening they will lose the game by allowing the attacking player to form an unstoppable open tessera