Open Files

What is an open file? 

An open file is a file free of pawns. It is one of the most important strategic elements. The main reason as to why this is the case is the fact that major pieces (especially rooks) need it in order to become active. Often, the battle for an open file decides which player gets initiative!

Also, controlling an open file often allows us to infiltrate the 7th (2nd) and 8th (1st) ranks. From there the rook or queen can attack the opposing king or the unprotected pawns.

-How to fight for an open file?

•When we are trying to fight for open files, the following ideas are used:

1. Doubling rooks

2. Outposts

3. Controlling the entry square on the 8th (1st) rank

-In positions where there are no open files, opening a file in a timely manner is often the key!

-Conclusion: 

In most cases rooks are the least useful pieces in the early game. This fact often makes players feel like they are not that valuable. I often like to remind my students that two rooks are (usually) more valuable than a queen, making them extremely important!

Already in the late opening / early middlegame stages of the game a player should try to anticipate which files might get opened, and think about how to control them.

With fewer pieces on the board the control of a file becomes even more important since infiltrating on the 7h/8th rank becomes much easier.

All of this means that an open file is a critical strategic element, and that if we master it we’ll be able to frequently gain the initiative from it!