Strategy Rook (chess)

1 strategy

1.1 relative value
1.2 placement
1.3 endgame

strategy
relative value

in general, rooks stronger bishops or knights (which called minor pieces) , considered greater in value either of pieces 2 pawns less valuable 2 minor pieces approximately pawn. 2 rooks considered worth more queen (see chess piece relative value). winning rook bishop or knight referred winning exchange. rooks , queens called heavy pieces or major pieces, opposed bishops , knights, minor pieces.

placement

in opening, rooks blocked in other pieces , cannot participate in game; desirable connect 1 s rooks on first rank clearing pieces except king , rooks first rank , castling. in position, rooks support each other, , can more move occupy , control favorable files.

a common strategic goal place rook on first rank of open file (i.e. 1 unobstructed pawns of either player), or half-open file (i.e., 1 unobstructed friendly pawns). position, rook relatively unexposed risk can exert control on every square on file. if 1 file particularly important, player might advance 1 rook on it, position other rook behind – doubling rooks.

a rook on seventh rank (the opponent s second rank) typically powerful, threatens opponent s unadvanced pawns , hems in enemy king. rook on seventh rank considered sufficient compensation pawn (fine & benko 2003:586). in diagrammed position game between lev polugaevsky , larry evans, rook on seventh rank enables white draw, despite being pawn down (griffiths 1992:102–3).

two rooks on seventh rank enough force victory, or @ least draw perpetual check.

endgame

rooks powerful towards end of game (i.e., endgame), when can move unobstructed pawns , control large numbers of squares. clumsy @ restraining enemy pawns advancing towards promotion, unless can occupy file behind advancing pawn. well, rook best supports friendly pawn towards promotion behind on same file (see tarrasch rule).

in position rook , 1 or 2 minor pieces versus 2 rooks, in addition pawns, , possibly other pieces – lev alburt advises player single rook should avoid exchanging rook 1 of opponent s rooks (alburt 2009:44).

the rook powerful piece deliver checkmate. below few examples of rook checkmates easy force.