I still dont really get h6. It seems like a) a move that creates practical issues but would fail after close inspection b) something a higher rated player would do to avoid White's prep after ... Nc6 I really can't take this move seriously
Glad to see that early h6 ideas are becoming more meta at a higher level! I've had to play those structures for years because online, you don't get "normal" KID positions. I never studied GM theory in the KID, because whenever I play anything that "weakens" my h6 square (g6) the bots online immediately try to play Bh6. I don't know what exactly is going on there, but I do not ever get anything resembling a GM KID, white literally never cooperates even when they play the Saemisch. The closest I get is a fight over the g4 square (which they almost always lose but shouldn't have signed up for to begin with). I ended up learning how to play h6 very early, and get away with Kh8 Ng8. Normally I wait until after Ng8 to play h6. Unfortunately, I *can't* play e5 when you're "supposed to," because 90% of the time they take everything because online spazoids, see free pawn take free pawn. I'll try to work in h6 earlier because of this lecture, but I guarantee that with the way you've played, I'll never reach the positions you're talking about online. Those bots will have Be3 Qd2 on the board way too quickly, and more than likely castle long anyhow so h6 Ng8 ends up being a defensive idea to control e5 and g5 and I can untangle my pieces later. Maybe one day I'll get to play real OTB chess!
