Harry Attack: Rook Pawn Push in Chess

Harry Attack

Definition

The Harry Attack is an informal, slang term for aggressively advancing the h-pawn (the rook pawn on the h-file) early and often, typically with the goal of opening lines against the enemy king. Popularized in online chess culture—especially by streamers and commentators who nickname the h-pawn “Harry”—the plan is summarized by the rallying cry “Send Harry!” It is not a formal opening in the ECO sense, but a practical attacking idea that can arise from many openings.

How it is used in chess

Players use the Harry Attack to generate quick kingside pressure, especially in blitz and bullet. It’s most effective when the opponent castles short or fianchettos a kingside bishop, giving White/Black a ready-made “hook” to pry open files.

• Versus kingside fianchetto setups: after …g6 or g3, advancing h4–h5 (or …h5–…h4) can provoke weaknesses or open the h-file.
• In the London System: White often goes h4–h5 against a Black kingside fianchetto to spark a direct King hunt.
• In the Sicilian Dragon/Yugoslav structures: both sides “send Harry”—Black plays …h5 to slow g4, while White plays h4–h5 to open lines.
• In fast time controls: the plan creates practical problems quickly and pairs well with premoves and intuitive attacking play.

Strategic ideas and themes

• Creating a hook: If the opponent has a pawn on g6/h6 (or g3/h3), the advance h4–h5 gains a point of contact to open files.
• Opening the h-file: Trades like hxg6 (or …hxg3) and Rxh5/Xxh5 often lead to a half-open or fully open h-file for heavy pieces.
• Piece coordination: Typical attacking set-ups include Qd2–h6 ideas, a rook lift via Rh3–h1, bishops aiming at the king (Bd3, Bxh7/…Bxh2 is different, but sacs on h6/h7 can appear), and knights jumping to g5/e5/f5.
• Fixing a wedge: A pawn on h6 (or …h3) can clamp dark squares around the king and create mating nets with Qg7#, Qg2#, or sacrifices on g7/g2.
• Central stability first: Successful Harry Attacks usually rest on a solid or controlled center. If the center collapses, your own king can become exposed.

Risks and when to avoid it

• King safety: If you are castled short, advancing the h-pawn can weaken g3/g6 and your own king’s shelter.
• Irreversibility: Pawn moves don’t go backward; overextension may hand the opponent counterplay or targets.
• Timing: If the center is fluid or your development lags, a premature h-pawn push can backfire.
• Sound defense: Strong defenders will challenge the center, trade attacking pieces, or meet h4–h5 with timely …h5/…h4 to close the flank.

Illustrative mini-lines

These examples show typical Harry Attack ideas in popular structures. They are not strict “theory,” but showcase the plan and motifs.

• Anti-King’s Indian with an early h-pawn thrust:

  1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. h4!? Bg7 4. Nc3 d6 5. h5 Nxh5 6. e4

  White aims to provoke …Nxh5 and then hit back in the center with e4, opening lines while Black’s knight has moved twice.

  
  
• London-style Harry Attack versus a kingside fianchetto:

  1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. h4 d6 5. h5 Nxh5 6. Rxh5 gxh5 7. e3

  White sacrifices the h-pawn to open the h-file; after Rxh5 …gxh5, the h-file is half-open and Black’s kingside structure is compromised.

  
  
• Both sides “send Harry” in Dragon-like positions:

  1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 O-O 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. O-O-O h5 10. h4

  Black uses …h5 to restrain g4; White meets it with h4 to keep kingside tension and attacking chances.

  
  

Strategic and historical notes

The nickname “Harry the h-pawn” and the phrase “Send Harry!” were popularized by British GM Simon Williams in videos and streams, and the idea spread widely across online chess. While the Harry Attack is a meme in blitz and bullet, the underlying concept is serious: modern elite games and engines frequently advance rook pawns to provoke weaknesses and seize space. The AlphaZero vs. Stockfish matches (2017) included multiple games where rook-pawn advances—especially the h-pawn—played a starring role in long-term attacks.

Practical tips for using the Harry Attack

• Check the center first: secure or contest d4/e4 (or …d5/…e5) before flinging Harry forward.
• Castle wisely: castle long or delay castling if you plan to pitch your h-pawn up the board; keep your king safe.
• Coordinate: aim for Qd2–h6 ideas, rook lifts like Rh3–h1, and piece pile-ups on the h-file.
• Know the hooks: h4–h5 is strongest when it hits a pawn on g6/h6 (or g3/h3 for Black), forcing captures that open lines.
• Be flexible: sometimes …h5/h4 is an excellent defensive counter to stall your opponent’s pawn storm.

Usage in casual and online settings

In casual rooms, blitz, and bullet, the Harry Attack is a crowd-pleaser that often creates immediate threats and time pressure. It can also produce swindling chances in sharp time scrambles. Still, avoid turning it into a Cheapo: sound development and central control should underpin your pawn storm.

Interesting facts

• The phrase “Send Harry!” became a meme on many streams; chat often demands the h-pawn push as soon as a kingside fianchetto appears.
• “Harry” applies for both colors—pushing …h5/…h4 as Black can be just as thematic as h4/h5 for White.
• Many mating patterns on the h-file come from fixing a pawn on h6 (or …h3) and swinging heavy pieces to h1/h8.

Related concepts

• Pawn storm and Kingside storm
• King hunt and overall Attack
• Practical chances in fast time controls like Blitz and Bullet chess
• Potential pitfalls: Cheap shots, overextension, and LPDO (Loose Pieces Drop Off) when you overpush without support

Try it yourself

Load a basic position and visualize the plan: advance h-pawn, create a hook, open the h-file, and swing heavy pieces toward the king.

Bonus: If you’re a frequent “Harry sender,” track your progress: your reflects how well you balance attack with king safety.