Chess School Quiz Challenge #1

Challenge

In preparation of an attack against the black king, German national player Hanna Marie Klek has let her h-pawn wander to h5, probably not the end of its journey on the h-file. How should Black react?

Solution

King safety, one of the most important concepts in chess. In the center, where the battle rages and lines open up early, the king would be in danger. That's why we usually castle it towards safety in the opening: to the edge of the board, where the king is safe. 

A healthy castling position in the form of a pawn phalanx offers the king ideal protection. As can be seen here in front of the black king: like a protective wall, the pawns f7, g7, h7 shield the black king from threats. 

However, there is a threat in the air. In this game of the first round of the German Masters 2023 against Zoya Schleining, Hanna Marie Klek wanted to weaken the black castling position and smash the protective wall. That's why she played 26.h4-h5. The white h-pawn intends to go all the way to h6. Then mate threatens on g7 and the black g-pawn has to declare itself. Whatever Black does, there would be a gaping hole in the black castling position. King safety would be harmed. 

Zoya Schleining should therefore stop the white h-pawn before it's too late. 26...h7-h6 would be the best move.