How AlphaZero(AZ) and top grandmasters use the h-pawn !

While there have been a few articles on this, let me highlight one of the themes AZ  (AlphaZero) used to dominate SF (Stockfish) in his match. Of couse Fischer and Kasparov played h4-h5 before but AI brought new depth to this old idea, in particular h5-h6! with a long-term spatial positional advantage.

Position 1

The opening was a french defense and AZ had white. How did he get there ? Lets go to the key phase of that game leading to the diagram above

While SF thinks the position is about equal at move 32, this h-pawn push created weaknesses for Black and White (AZ) converted eventually.

Here's another great example of h4-h5-h6 theme

You should also be aware AZ used this theme with black. For instance in the in English defense fairly early on in the opening stage.

Position 2

How did the AI Engine follow up ? lets take a look

Now you may say even Stockfish plays at 3000+ rating and AZ is stronger so what ?

Take a look at the same theme used in the Candidates by Caruana this year in arguably the most important tournament of the year !

Position 3

How did Caruana get there ?  lets look at the moment where he starts pushing the h pawn.

Finally Carlsen has used this idea several times. Here against Mamyedarov back in 2019

Position 4:

Even though the game ended up in a draw, Carlsen had a clear advantage . Here's the key phase of the game

If you have seen a top game with such a theme, please add it in the comments section.