What is really the threat? I like to play fast against the dragon so usually play h4 instead of this move. What's the worst thing that can happen if I never play this move?
Gets the king off the c file, which is normally a major source of counterplay, plus off the potentially risky c1-h6 diagonal, plus protects the a2 pawn
Amateurs are often puzzled by this handy defensive move - RJF
All correct what you said, sometimes a Qa3+ with check after Rxc3 comes in handy for Black or a hanging a2 pawn.
By playing Kb1 there's also no shocking Nd3+ which is rather a common motif.
Or Rc2+:
By playing Kb1 there's also no shocking Nd3+ which is rather a common motif.
Or Rc2+:
In the main line
12 Kb1 is merely directed against Qa5, after which white has Nd5 (Qxd2 (no check!) Nxe7+). 12 ...Nc4 is also not best, white gets advantage with Bxc4 Rxc4 g4. Blacks arguably best answer is 12 ...Re8 preparing Qa5. Carlson has played 12 ...a6 but i doubt its good.
12 Kb1 is merely directed against Qa5, after which white has Nd5 (Qxd2 (no check!) Nxe7+). 12 ...Nc4 is also not best, white gets advantage with Bxc4 Rxc4 g4. Blacks arguably best answer is 12 ...Re8 preparing Qa5. Carlson has played 12 ...a6 but i doubt its good.
12...Re8 not only defends e7, but also allows ...Bh8 in response to Bh6.
@tpr correct. Still in the race games in the main line with h4 h5 black usually does not play Bh8 as he does not have the time. Also it is often desirable for him to have his king on g7 as he then has R to h8.
In the lines with h4 and black keeps his pawn on h7, Bh8 is played more frequently as R to h8 is obviously not very useful here (still, i have seen it in some lines, not that the dragon is simple to understand ...). Sometimes, when the h-file is open, white then has motifs with Bf8 and Rxh8+ followed Queen and other rook to h.
In the lines with h4 and black keeps his pawn on h7, Bh8 is played more frequently as R to h8 is obviously not very useful here (still, i have seen it in some lines, not that the dragon is simple to understand ...). Sometimes, when the h-file is open, white then has motifs with Bf8 and Rxh8+ followed Queen and other rook to h.
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