Controlling files, A beginner's guide pt. 1

The use of controlling files using rooks or queen's has many uses, and are an under-noticed strategy for beginners. Let's get into it.

Controlling files using the rook is used commonly during mid game and becomes extremely useful during late game. Controlling a file using a single rook is when something like this happens.

The rook is in control of the E file and hold the king in the F, G, and H files. This also stops white from easily putting pressure on black's king. White will face struggles until they remove that rook, which is quite difficult in the current position. White can't take control by moving their rook to E1 because black can ignore it. If white takes the E8 rook with theirs, Black will still have control of the file with queen. While white could continue taking that file, they'd lose alot of defense for their king, and would have difficulties balancing their pieces out. The power of controlling files also help you feel more comfortable with your position, having more land that you control. Allowing your opponent to take control of files, gives them more power, but can also be better for you.

Using the opponents move against them is giving black the move, as white needs to spend their move protecting their queen. Moving closer to the king allows white to use the E file, and forcing black to be condensed, stuck together, and in an uncomfortable situation as white can now put pressure on black's kingside defense.

Taking a file doesn't require an empty file. Taking when a file is weak allows more pressure away from what your opponent wants to do. In many cases, an opponent will defend it, unless they can find a higher danger level. Make sure to see what the opponent can respond with. Thanks for reading. Have a good night.