Rf6?! The Move You’re “Not Supposed” to Play (But Should Know)
Dear Improvers,
You’ve probably heard the rule: never play f6.
This article by Coach Jeremy Kane takes a closer look at that rule and explains why the move Rf6—putting your rook on the f6-square—can actually be one of the most dangerous attacking ideas in chess.
Here, we’re looking at rook lifts and sometimes even direct rook sacrifices right in front of the enemy king. At first, it might seem completely wrong, but the real point isn’t about material. It’s about restricting your opponent. Rf6 freezes the f-pawn, blocks the king’s escape squares, and quietly creates a position where your opponent has almost no moves.
Why it’s a fun read:
• You’ll have several moments where you think, “This can’t be right… oh wow!”
• These ideas aren’t just for one opening—they can appear in all sorts of positions.
• The examples are creative, aggressive, and even a little bit sneaky.
What you’ll take away:
Strong attacks aren’t always about quick tactics or sacrifices that win instantly. Sometimes, the best move is the one that limits your opponent so much that your attack works by itself, even if it looks odd at first.
If you want to sharpen your attacking instincts and play less mechanically, this article is well worth your time.
