Now I know these are two first-time players from Washington State, but this is an excellent match to analyze. It doesn't matter if you are Black or White, but taking the time to examine both sides of the Papamū is always a smart move.
Here is how it went down.
White took the double A-2 to E-2 because humans are greedy by nature.
Black takes the double E-1 to E-5 because, besides being greedy, humans are vindictive by nature. Black got revenge but gave away two moves on the 6 line because White took E-6 to E-4 to punish that black `ili `ili for taking two. Humans also love to punish their opponents for instant gratification quickly.
Black was in shock but moved from D-4 to F-4.
White didn't want to give Black the double, so White took C-6 to E-6 out of spite. White gave away the match because Black took B-4 to D-4.
White's only move left was A-6 to C-6. Black had two choices for the win. D-4 to D-6 or D-4 to D-2. Of course, the smart move is D-4 to D-6, gaining an extra move. (Practice makes perfect.)
White got emotional and lost sight of the opportunities. But, unfortunately, Black also got emotional and could have won much earlier by not taking the revenge double.
>> This is the match analysis and a quick explanation of understanding human behavior.
Time is a resource you have to take advantage of. Analyzing the board is vital to success. It's white's move, so what are White's options?
A-2 to E-2 (White might as well take both because White cannot be affordable to give Black a free move in the end game)
C-4 to A-4 (A safe move)
D-3 to D-1 (A lousy move because White will give Black a free move when A-2 moves to C-2.
Now if White is innovative, White should also look at Blacks Options.
D-4 to F-4
D-6 to F-6
But the critical point for White `ili `ili on E-6. If White had recognized this, White could have won. White didn't know due to lack of experience, but White was on the right track strategically but made a move purely on greed. Strategically the double A-2 to E-2 was a good move. (I would have used it set Black up to test Black's greed.)
Emotions play a significant role in Kōnane. Understanding how emotions can help or hurt you is critical to long-term success. Feelings can break if you are not paying attention. Black would have won if Black just took the hit, not gotten jolted, and moved D-4 to F-4, leaving White with only C-4 to A-4. At this point, Black, no matter what, will win the question is how can Black win using the least amount of resources?
The emotions you need to be aware of are Greed, Revenge, and Reactionary Shock. In addition, you need to be mindful of other feelings, like keeping the wife happy, because sometimes winning in Kōnane is a more significant loss on the ride back home. But I'll save those for another blog.
When players know the different emotions and how they can affect the game, they can control themselves in critical situations and use them against their opponent when the time is right.
Like in life, in the heat of battle, we sometimes say things we don't mean that can come back to haunt us.