The Scillian Dragon: What to do if white castles kingside

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boscastleGB

 

Please could you help me develop some principled play after white castles kingside. First of all, is the move a mistake by white, (i.e. it diminishes white's attacking options with the kingside pawns), or is it a solid response to the opening for the more positionally-minded player, (i.e., reigning in the might of the Dragon bishop)?

Any lines (detailed or otherwise) or attacking ideas would be appreciated. I am soon to play an unorthodox and experienced player, who tends - or perhaps intends - to throw me off the more studied lines.

 

 

boscastleGB
[COMMENT DELETED]
jonesmikechess

Larsen said that playing d4 in the Sicilian is a mistake.

Castling kingside does not really reduce attacking chances.  The line I have the most trouble with is the Grand Prix Attack.  

The lines you play, except for Rxc3 sacs, should be the same as in any other game.  The pawn structure is the same therefore the ideas should be the same.  The important difference is when White plays f4, you should be ready to respond f5.  This blocks in White's Bishop, makes it harder to use an effective pawn storm, and provides better control of the center.

boscastleGB

 

Thanks that's really helpful. Carlson's comment is instructive too, as I am never aiming to play d4. Indeed, I prefer Carlsen's line (v Dominguez 2009) - see the lesson on this site 'play like Magnus Carlsen'.  Playing the Chinese Dragon becomes a better option, perhaps, if the Rxc3 is unavailable.