SC Week 4/2: An Anonymous Game (Open Files)

 "The power of a rook on the seventh rank. It ties down both the black major pieces single-handed."

Michael Stean

Stean doesn't mention who played this game. If anybody out there knows, please do leave a note in the comments box.

Notes and Observations

Take full control of an open file is as easy as 3 Rc3, 5 R(d2)c2, 9 Qc3. Once you’ve got it you can use an entry point - 7 Rc7.

This game is similar to Fischer - Gadia (Outposts/4) in that White first focusses purely on gaining a particular positional advantage - control of an open file here; occupation of a central outpost there - and only then sets about creating further weaknesses, e.g. 10 e5, 11 h4, 15 g4. Why? Stean’s note to White’s 10th move is important.

12 Rc6 - reminiscent of Botvinnik - Donner (Outposts/3) shows that outposts can be useful in the endgame too. Stean’s note to 17 … Kc8?? is an instructive demonstration of how to take advantage of the advanced passed pawn once Black trades rooks.