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In a normal Wolf, each group must have g > 0 and a - b + t > 0, where t is the number of liberties gained from capturing the tail. If the number of tail stones s >= 2, t = 2, otherwise t = s. Gain is the number of liberties gained by capturing the block. From the table we can see that the only possible pairs of values for a and t are (3, 1), (3, 2) and (4, 2).
Normal half-wolves only mate with partners of the same ‘a’ number.
Abnormal wolves form where there exists within ⚟ a point that is neither a liberty of the surrounding stones, nor a vital point for making two eyes. In this case we must have a - b + t > 1, so (3, 2) and (4, 2) are the only possibilities.
Block Size a
Block Liberties b
a – b + t
Gain g
1
1
t
-1
2
2
t
0
3
3
t
1
4
5
t - 1
2
5
8
t - 3
3
6
12
t - 6
4
⚟ liberties a
Block liberties b
Tail t 2
Tail t 0
Straight-3 corner
ko-1
3
Bent-3 corner
3 3
3
Square-4 side
ko-3 + 1
5
Square-4 corner
4
3
Bent-4 corner
Tail end short
5 4
5 or 3 with ko
Tail end long
5 4
5 or 3 with ko
Square-5 side
8
Square-5 corner
4
Square-6 corner
7