Open files and the seventh rank

Nimzowitsch and Capablanca

Rooks need open files. When one breaks into the seventh rank, it attacks pawns from the side and traps the king.

Key ideas

1. Put a rook on the first open file.
2. Double your rooks on the same file.
3. Invade the seventh rank once it is safe.

When to use it

After pawn exchanges open the files, especially late in the middlegame.

Interactive lesson