The point of a3 and h3 / a6 and h6

Hi,

I'm a beginner and really not good at chess... yet.  I'm learning quickly and for that I use Stockfish 10. I find it useful to practice using it to play against the chess.com computer, gradually increasing its strength.

For most moves I can figure out why they're made. But for a3 and h3 (white) / a6 and h6 (black) I don't see it yet. One thing I thought was that it gives a knight a place to go. But Stockfish also plays those moves when there is no knight in sight.

Could someone explain the point of those moves? Thanks in advance!

Hi @Stone2150. I like your learning methods. Just remember to keep those games unrated .

Those moves you mentioned are usually to keep the opponent's bishop away. To avoid those pins.

Beware though, they also open the way for a bishop sacrifice that would leave your kingside wide open.

Aside from that, b4, b5, g4, and g5, are very powerful squares for the opponent to control. We generally play a3, a6, h3, and h6, to keep the power-balance.

Next time you study, take note of the opportunities you're presented with when you control those squares. Most checkmate combinations are based on these squares. If you research some basic mating combo's, then they might help you understand better.

Good luck.

An in a "nutshell" type of explanation is...It depends.

a6 is not about controlling b5 in the Ruy or making the bishop control fewer squares. It makes sure that the bishop can be prevented from capturing the knight once white defends the e4 pawn.

IM trying to keep it basic for the OP.

Mostly what comes to mind is the move is good when it helps protect a central square (by avoiding a pin).

But, notoriously, new players tend to waste time in the opening by making these moves unnecessarily. And in positions where you castle kingside, h3/h6 can weaken your king.

Here's a situation where it doesn't involve a fight for a central square, and then also how it might go wrong.

And here's a typical sacrifice