Page 51 - Learning Chess Workbook Step 5

O p en file

Files without pawns are called open files. Open files can be used to invade the opponent's position.
Such an invasion is most effective on the ih rank, since this is where most of the opponent's pawns are
positioned. Using an open file involves four different, but related aspects:
� opening a file
� using an outpost
;.. gaining control of an open file
;.> preventing the opponent from using an open file

I. *
, I. , ,
, ,
,
� � �
� � �
� �

n

Opening a file Opening a file Using an outpost
White opens the d-file by 1 . Although White can open the White cannot gain control of
dxe5, thereby undoubling a-file with I . axb6, he cannot the c-file immediately. He
Black's f-pawns. The first is actually conquer it. The right must threaten to double his
more important, since White strategy in this position is to rooks WIth I . ReS. Black now
can occupy the open file. wait. White should first play f a ces an unpleasant choice.
• fxe5 2. Rd I the 1. Ra3 and 2. Real and only • Rxc5 2. dxc5
A fter I . . . After 1. • •
rook can go to d7. We know then take on b6. Black will White gets a protected passed
from the lesson on the ih then have to give up the a­ c-pawn, while Black is left
rank that the rook is very file. with a vulnerable pawn on
active there. d5 . If Black does not take, he
will lose control of the c-fiIe.

I. 1. * X .! * i. E
, I. , , I. � " , ' *
, , , I. , , 'I , , , , I
� �
�
� � � � � I
� � � � � �
� � � � l::t � � � I � � rJ;;

� � � � � � l �
- - -
Take control of an open file Preventing the opponent Preventing the opponent
In this position White and from using an open file from using an open file
Black are both controlling It would appear as though Black must prevent the white
the d-file. White can chase White is controlling the d­ rook f r om invading the ih
away the black rook with 1 . file. Black is unable to rank. Exchanging on d4 does
8f6. White gains control of oppose rooks. However, he not help; rather, Black must
the d-fiIe, regardless of can make sure that the white create an outpost with I • .•.
whether Black takes on d J or rooks will not invade his Rd5. After 2. Rxd5 exd5 3.
moves away his rook. position. Black can seal off ReI Kf6 the white rooks are
the d-file with 1. ... Nd5. effectively harmless.

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