Breaking your Castle Defense

When is it a good idea to break your castle defense? I normally won't break it open until the bishops and queen are gone. By breaking the castle defense, I mean moving the f and g pawns. Sometimes I move the h pawn to threaten a minor piece.

Originally posted by slappy115
When is it a good idea to break your castle defense? I normally won't break it open until the bishops and queen are gone. By breaking the castle defense, I mean moving the f and g pawns. Sometimes I move the h pawn to threaten a minor piece.

I have been known to move the g-pawn as early as move 2 (move 1 if playing black against e4), before I castle. Then I am intending to stick a bishop on g2 (or g7) so not such a weakening move. The f-pawn often goes to f4 whether I have castled or not.

Originally posted by Kepler
I have been known to move the g-pawn as early as move 2 (move 1 if playing black against e4), before I castle. Then I am intending to stick a bishop on g2 (or g7) so not such a weakening move. The f-pawn often goes to f4 whether I have castled or not.

You mean like setting up a King's Indian Defense?

In the Dutch you move the pawn 1...f5 then quite often 2...g6 next move to fianchetto & castle KS.

Originally posted by slappy115
You mean like setting up a King's Indian Defense?

or a King's Indian Attack or a Reti or an English. Sicilians often involve g6 as black (e.g. Dragon) or f4 as white (Grand Prix, Levenfish). There are lots of other variations where the f and g pawns get moved.

Originally posted by Squelchbelch
In the Dutch you move the pawn 1...f5 then quite often 2...g6 next move to fianchetto & castle KS.

I've played the Dutch a couple times. I kind of like it as black.

Originally posted by slappy115
When is it a good idea to break your castle defense? I normally won't break it open until the bishops and queen are gone. By breaking the castle defense, I mean moving the f and g pawns. Sometimes I move the h pawn to threaten a minor piece.

I forget who said it, but... "in order to attack, you need open lines." Often the c and f pawns are the only way to break open the center, or open a file for the rooks. For some reason I like moving the f pawn, its like saying here I come, punish my audacity if you can!