Typical Attack on Same-Side Castled Positions
Dear Chess Friends!
This past Sunday, we had an insightful webinar titled “Typical Attacks on the Same-Side Castling Positions”. For those who missed it or want to revise the material, I’m excited to announce that the recording is now available here:
Together we learned that attacking with one-sided castling is a common strategic technique in chess. It can occur in the opening, middlegame, and even the endgame. Certain prerequisites are necessary for a successful attack:
- Advantage in development
- Superiority in forces on the desired flank
- Weakened position of the enemy king
- Space Advantage on the kingside
Sometimes the attack is lightning-fast, while other times it is slow, with a consistent strengthening of the position. The attack can involve pieces or pawns, or a combination of both. During a pawn attack, your king may become vulnerable, so the closed nature of the position is important to prevent falling victim to a counterattack.
Typical techniques include the quick transfer of heavy pieces, the impact of bishops on the enemy king’s position with possible sacrifices, knight attacks, and advancing a pawn to h6 (or h3) to weaken the king’s fortress. Often, an attack on the king is the only way to fight for an advantage.
Now, here’s a little homework assignment to help reinforce what you’ve learned.
Puzzle 1. How would you start the attack in this position for White?
If you would like to attend my webinars, please, let me know. We do them on Sundays at 11 a.m. EST.
Best Regards,
FM Viktor Neustroev
