Dragon Pawn Structure Flashcards
Set up the Dragon pawn structure from White’s perspective.
Set up the Dragon pawn structure from Black’s perspective.
Set up the reversed Dragon pawn structure from White’s perspective.
Set up the reversed Dragon pawn structure from Black’s perspective.
Set up the Marco Hop pawn structure from White’s perspective.
Set up the Marco Hop pawn structure from Black’s perspective.
Set up the reversed Marco Hop pawn structure from White’s perspective.
Set up the reversed Marco Hop pawn structure from Black’s perspective.
How did the Dragon pawn structure get its name?
It’s named after the draco constellation.
What are the three plans for White in the Dragon?
- f4 attack
- dark-square attack with Bh6
- Marco Hop
What is the threat after White pushes f4?
f5+Nd5
What are the two reasons why White doesn’t want to push e5 after f4?
- The d3-h7 diagonal is still closed so this doesn’t free the bishop.
- It’s easy for Black to attack the isolated e-pawn with pieces.
What are three weaknesses Black can exploit when White does an f4 attack?
- b6-g1 diagonal
- e5 square for Knight after f5
- e4 pawn (since it can’t be defended by f3)
If Black responds to the f4 attack with h6, what’s the plan for White?
Open the g-file with g5.
If Black responds to the f4 attack with h6+g5, what’s the plan for White?
Play h4 and open the h-file.
Where does Black’s counterplay come from in the Bh6 attack?
Attacking the queenside.
Who has a better endgame after the Bh6 attack?
Black.
Why is the Marco Hop pawn structure so favorable to White?
The e7 pawn is extremely weak.
What are the four ways for Black to counter the Marco Hop strategy?
- Overprotect d5 to stop Nd5 from ever happening.
- Play d5 himself and then push e4.
- Play b5 before c4 to make the d-pawn a target.
- Attack the queenside before White can solidify.
When does Marco Hop work best for White?
When after exd5 Black can not play either b5 or e6?
What are the differences between Black’s plans in the Scheveningen and Black’s plans in the Dragon?
In the Dragon Black’s entire plan is the Queenside attack via the c-file.
