Here's a game between Steinitz and Czarnowski: lichess.org/study/nR7KhaGo
The move I'm having the most trouble understanding is 11.h3
The reason the move came as a surprise to me is that it weakens the dark squares around the King, and that both the Black Queen and Bishop are eyeing the h2 square. In the game, Steinitz opted for a queenside attack starting on move 12, so I don't think 11.h3 was part of that attack. Therefore, I'm thinking 11.h3 was a defensive move. However, I don't see what threat 11.h3 is addressing. Why didn't White launch his queenside attack immediately with 11.Ne2 instead of playing h3 first?
Thanks in advance for looking at this interesting game with me!
The move I'm having the most trouble understanding is 11.h3
The reason the move came as a surprise to me is that it weakens the dark squares around the King, and that both the Black Queen and Bishop are eyeing the h2 square. In the game, Steinitz opted for a queenside attack starting on move 12, so I don't think 11.h3 was part of that attack. Therefore, I'm thinking 11.h3 was a defensive move. However, I don't see what threat 11.h3 is addressing. Why didn't White launch his queenside attack immediately with 11.Ne2 instead of playing h3 first?
Thanks in advance for looking at this interesting game with me!