Dragon Pawn Structure

Question 1

Set up the Dragon pawn structure from White’s perspective.

Answer 1

Question 2

Set up the Dragon pawn structure from Black’s perspective.

Answer 2

Question 3

Set up the reversed Dragon pawn structure from White’s perspective.

Answer 3

Question 4

Set up the reversed Dragon pawn structure from Black’s perspective.

Answer 4

Question 5

Set up the Marco Hop pawn structure from White’s perspective.

Answer 5

Question 6

Set up the Marco Hop pawn structure from Black’s perspective.

Answer 6

Question 7

Set up the reversed Marco Hop pawn structure from White’s perspective.

Answer 7

Question 8

Set up the reversed Marco Hop pawn structure from Black’s perspective.

Answer 8

Question 9

How did the Dragon pawn structure get its name?

Answer 9

It’s named after the draco constellation.

Question 10

What are the three plans for White in the Dragon?

Answer 10

1. f4 attack
2. dark-square attack with Bh6
3. Marco Hop

Question 11

What is the threat after White pushes f4?

Answer 11

f5+Nd5

Question 12

What are the two reasons why White doesn’t want to push e5 after f4?

Answer 12

1. The d3-h7 diagonal is still closed so this doesn’t free the bishop.
2. It’s easy for Black to attack the isolated e-pawn with pieces.

Question 13

What are three weaknesses Black can exploit when White does an f4 attack?

Answer 13

1. b6-g1 diagonal
2. e5 square for Knight after f5
3. e4 pawn (since it can’t be defended by f3)

Question 14

If Black responds to the f4 attack with h6, what’s the plan for White?

Answer 14

Open the g-file with g5.

Question 15

If Black responds to the f4 attack with h6+g5, what’s the plan for White?

Answer 15

Play h4 and open the h-file.

Question 16

Where does Black’s counterplay come from in the Bh6 attack?

Answer 16

Attacking the queenside.

Question 17

Who has a better endgame after the Bh6 attack?

Answer 17

Black.

Question 18

Why is the Marco Hop pawn structure so favorable to White?

Answer 18

The e7 pawn is extremely weak.

Question 19

What are the four ways for Black to counter the Marco Hop strategy?

Answer 19

1. Overprotect d5 to stop Nd5 from ever happening.
2. Play d5 himself and then push e4.
3. Play b5 before c4 to make the d-pawn a target.
4. Attack the queenside before White can solidify.

Question 20

When does Marco Hop work best for White?

Answer 20

When after exd5 Black can not play either b5 or e6?

Question 21

What are the differences between Black’s plans in the Scheveningen and Black’s plans in the Dragon?

Answer 21

In the Dragon Black’s entire plan is the Queenside attack via the c-file.