Typical Patterns Everyone Should Know. The dangerous 'h' file.

Last week we discussed the dangerous diagonal 'a5-e1'.  Today we are going to talk about the most dangerous file. I think no other file can claim even a half of the number of Kings killed on the 'h' file.  This is not a big surprise since the Rh1 (Rh8 for Black) can attack the position of the opponent's castle along the 'h' file without even moving!  All you need to do is get rid of the h2 (h7) pawn that obstructs the 'h' file for its own Rook and you instantly get an attack. There are many ways to accomplish this task.  One of them was discussed in "Typical Patterns Everyone Should Know. Part Three."  Today we'll see some other ways to achieve the same goal.

One of the most common ways to open the 'h' file is to place your Bishop on g5 and when your opponent tries to kick the Bishop, you calmly play h4.  If your opponent accepts the sac, the 'h' file gets opened instantly and a deadly attack follows as the next classic game shows.