Summary on fighting shape The study of shape isn't about how to avoid fights. but how to enter them only on your own, well-positioned terms. The key factors in close fighting are liberties, eye shape, and connections. The quickest way to lose a local fight is to reduce your own liberties by clumsy play. The common patterns of liberty shortage are fairly easy to pick up. On the other hand detailed discussion of connections takes up much time in an introduction to shape.