Understanding before Moving 49: The beginning of an attack

by ChessBase
10/17/2021 – Herman Grooten is an International Master, a renowned trainer and the author of several highly acclaimed books about chess training and chess strategy. In the 49th instalment of his ChessBase show "Understanding before Moving", Herman shows how White conducts a typical attack in the Sicilian. | Photo: Tommy Grooten
Your personal chess trainer. Your toughest opponent. Your strongest ally.
FRITZ 20 is more than just a chess engine – it is a training revolution for ambitious players and professionals. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of serious chess training, or already playing at tournament level, FRITZ 20 will help you train more efficiently, intelligently and individually than ever before. 

In the  Sicilian, White has a number of typical ways to start an attack against the Black king. One of the most famous is the so-called "bayonet attack" in which White storms forward with his kingside pawns to shatter the black pawn structure at its base: White plays g2-g4-g5-g6 to attack the pawn on f7 to weaken Black's pawn on e6. If White can play g5-g6 and manages to put pressure on Black's position, the attack will follow naturally.

Studying such attacking patterns enhances one's under­standing of typical structures.

In the diagram position, White has already advanced his pawns on the kingside. But White's rook on h1 is unprotected and g5-g6 seems to be impossible. Or can White make it work?

 

This week’s show (for Premium Members only)

Links

Reports about chess: tournaments, championships, portraits, interviews, World Championships, product launches and more.

Discuss

Rules for reader comments

 
 

Not registered yet? Register