Maroczy Bind Pawn Structure

Question 1

Set up the Hedgehog Maroczy Bind from White’s perspective.

Answer 1

Question 2

Set up the Hedgehog Maroczy Bind from Black’s perspective.

Answer 2

Question 3

Set up the reversed Hedgehog Maroczy Bind from White’s perspective.

Answer 3

Question 4

Set up the reversed Hedgehog Maroczy Bind from Black’s perspective.

Answer 4

Question 5

Set up the Dragon Maroczy Bind from White’s perspective.

Answer 5

Question 6

Set up the Dragon Maroczy Bind from Black’s perspective.

Answer 6

Question 7

Set up the reversed Dragon Maroczy Bind from White’s perspective.

Answer 7

Question 8

Set up the reversed Dragon Maroczy Bind from Black’s perspective.

Answer 8

Question 9

What are White’s four plans in the Maroczy Bind?

Answer 9

1. Push f5
2. Push c5
3. Push e5
4. Marco Hop

Question 10

What are Black’s two plans in the Maroczy Bind, regardless of variation?

Answer 10

1. Push b5
2. f5 Kingside Attack

Question 11

What are Black’s two Dragon-specific plans in the Maroczy Bind?

Answer 11

1. Bxc3 to double White’s pawns and target c4
2. Push a4

Question 12

What is Black’s hedgehog-specific plan in the Maroczy Bind?

Answer 12

d5 break supported by Bb7

Question 13

What are the two goals of White’s f5 push?

Answer 13

1. Increase control of d5
2. Attack the king

Question 14

How should White prepare a c5 break?

Answer 14

Put rooks on the d- and c-files

Question 15

What is the purpose of White’s c5 break?

Answer 15

It blows open the queenside to take advantage of better-placed pieces

Question 16

What is the purpose of White’s e5 break?

Answer 16

Open the d-file for tactical threats

Question 17

After White plays Nd5 and Black takes, what is White’s alternative to transposing to the Marco Hop structure?

Answer 17

He can take with the Rook and attack the Kingside with an h5 push

Question 18

How does Black prepare a b5 push? Play these moves on the board.

Answer 18

a6+Qa5

Question 19

Why should Black only play a6 if he’s going to play b5?

Answer 19

Because otherwise it leaves a hole on b6 that White can easily exploit

Question 20

When does Black’s b5 break work particularly well?

Answer 20

When the e4 pawn is only guarded by the Nc3

Question 21

What is the downside to Black pushing f5?

Answer 21

It leaves a hole on e6

Question 22

Where do the pieces go to target c4 after Black’s Bxc3 Dragon plan? Play these moves on the board.

Answer 22

Rc8, Ne5, Be6, Qa4.

Question 23

How does White defend c4 after Black’s Bxc3 Dragon plan?

Answer 23

He can’t. It’s impossible to defend.

Question 24

How should White respond to Black’s Bxc3 Dragon plan?

Answer 24

Attack the kingside.

Question 25

What is the purpose of Black’s a4 Dragon plan?

Answer 25

Invite’s White to push the b-pawn so Black can pressure the Queenside.