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3 Check Strategy: Rook Maneuvers

3 Check Strategy: Rook Maneuvers

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TenThousandDays
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I originally wasn't going to do an article on Rooks because a lot of Rook sacrifices are either really obvious, not very interesting, or they are not unique to Rooks. Therefore I have taken KexOpening's (@1-c41-0) suggestion of doing an article about Rook maneuvers instead. Rooks are very strong pieces so knowing how to efficiently activate them is very important. Some of the maneuvers I will show are fairly intuitive and some are more advanced. I'll start with the basic ones first. 

Re8-e6

The equivalent of this Rook maneuver on the White side would be Re1-e3. In order for this maneuver to be possible you need your e-pawn to be advanced up the board, otherwise it will be in the way of the Rook. It's only possible to advance your e-pawn as Black when your opponent plays a passive opening and even then you have to be a little careful.

Rf8-f6

The equivalent of this Rook maneuver on the White side would Rf1-f3. This maneuver is often possible after an f-pawn advance.

Rh1-h3
This is a Rook maneuver that is very often misused by lower rated players. You usually won't have time to make this maneuver if you don't have control of the center or if your opponent can quickly start a stronger counter attack.  You should really only attempt this one if the center is closed and if you have already made some progress with your attack.

Rooks Behind Enemy Lines

If you can invade on your opponent's 1st or 2nd rank with your Rooks you should usually do it as your Rooks can easily create threats against your opponent's King from these ranks. Secondarily your Rooks can target your opponent's pawns on the 2nd rank but your main target should always be the King when possible.

Rb8-b4

From b4 the Rook can transfer to the Kingside or to the center like in the following game:

Rc8-c5

This last game shows an opening novelty that I invented and have, until now, been keeping to myself as my secret weapon to beat many strong players including hopefully_anonymous, @rojitto and FM arimakat. This idea and its different variations have since been used by other players on chess.com and lichess. Even 3 Check legend @gavity has used this idea many times after I used it to win against him in a few games (this was when he was much lower rated though).

Are there any Rook maneuvers that I left out? Have you won any games using an interesting Rook maneuver? Let me know in the comments!