Rook Development Tutorial



1.
[{F:W} {B:r7/ppp1pppp/32/PP1PPPPP/R7}{W:003_112}Can you tell me why a Rook is more powerful on an open file than on a half open file?]

2.
[{B:r7/ppp1pppp/32/PPP1PPPP/R7}{D:3700}{S:a1d1}{A:Wd1d8}{D:6300}{B:r7/ppp1pppp/32/PP1PPPPP/R7}{D:2000}{S:a1c1}{A:Wc1c6}{W:003_113}The answer has to do with the Rook's ability to penetrate. On an open file the Rook has the option of penetrating the enemy's camp through all possible squares. On a half open file the number of possible penetration squares is immediately reduced.]

3.
[{B:2r5/p4ppp/2p5/1p1p4/3P4/4P3/PP3PPP/2R5}{D:4900}{A:Wc1c5}{W:003_153}From this diagram, how can White further activate his Rook? His Rook is sitting on the half open c-file, doing a good job. Just because a piece is performing a task doesn't mean it can't be improved!]

4.
[{B:2r5/p4ppp/2p5/1p1p4/3P4/4P3/PP3PPP/2R5}{D:2000}{A:Wc1c3}{D:3000}{A:Wc3a3}{W:003_155}What about the idea of bringing the Rook up to the third rank and then moving across to the a-file? White could then pressure Black's pawn structure from a different direction. How to carry out this operation?]

5.
[{B:2r5/p4ppp/2p5/1p1p4/3P4/4P3/PP3PPP/2R5}{D:1500}{S:c1c3}{G:WRc3}{D:2500}{A:Wc3a3}{D:2000}{A:Wa3a7}{D:2500}{R}{D:1400}{S:c1c3}{O}{D:900}{S:a7a5}{D:1200}{S:c3a3}{D:700}{S:a5a4}{W:003_156}The immediate plan of 1.Rc3 intending Rc3-a3 hitting the a7-pawn has a drawback. If 1.Rc3 a5! 2.Ra3 a4! Black's a7-pawn is no longer a weakness.]

6.
[{B:2r5/5ppp/2p5/1p1p4/p2P4/R3P3/PP3PPP/8}{D:3750}{H:a4}{D:1000}{H:b5}{D:750}{H:c6}{W:003_158}Black's a-pawn has now connected itself to the head of the a4, b5, c6-pawn chain. In two moves White has given up his pressure on Black's c6-base pawn while allowing Black to strengthen his pawn structure.]

7.
[{B:2r5/p4ppp/2p5/1p1p4/3P4/4P3/PP3PPP/2R5}{D:5000}{S:b2b4}{W:003_159}Instead of these moves, White tries another tack. He begins with 1.b4!]

8.
[{B:2r5/p4ppp/2p5/1p1p4/1P1P4/4P3/P4PPP/2R5}{D:9310}{S:f7f5}{D:2020}{S:c1c3}{D:1439}{S:c8c7}{D:2240}{S:c3a3}{W:003_161}By playing this move first, White prevents Black from moving his pawn to the a4-square. A possible line might go 1... f5 2.Rc3 Rc7 3.Ra3]

9.
[{B:8/p1r3pp/2p5/1p1p1p2/1P1P4/R3P3/P4PPP/8}{D:6000}{A:Wc1c3}{D:2000}{A:Wc3a3}{W:003_163}This maneuver is known as a ROOK LIFT. Literally, the Rook is lifted from the back rank up a file in order to move across a free rank. White's Rook lift will allow White to mobilize his Rook and move it to a more powerful position.]

10.
[{B:8/p1r3pp/2p5/1p1p1p2/1P1P4/R3P3/P4PPP/8}{W:003_175}Is this plan original? Not at all! Rook lifts occur very often. They don't always work, only when the pawn structure or the tactics of a given position justify the idea.]

11.
[{B:8/p1r3pp/2p5/1p1p1p2/1P1P4/R3P3/P4PPP/8}{W:003_176}These first few diagrams reinforce the idea that Rooks would prefer positions with lots of open files. However, if there are lots of open files, deciding which one to choose may not be so easy.]

12.
[{F:W}{B:r6r/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R6R}{W:003_178}This is a nice clean position. By now, you should know that both sides are going to be locked in a mortal struggle to control the open d-file.]

13.
[{B:r6r/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R6R}{D:4400}{A:Wa1d1}{D:2600}{A:Wd1d7}{D:2400}{A:Wh1d1}{D:3100}{R}{D:2500}{A:Ba8d8}{D:2300}{A:Bd8d2}{D:2200}{A:Bh8d8}{W:003_179}If you were playing White, you might win with the brilliant strokes 1.Rad1, 2.Rd7, 3.Rhd1 and so on. Or if you were Black 1...Rad8, 2...Rd2 and 3...Rhd8 would be equally effective.]

14.
[{B:r6r/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R6R}{R}{D:5000}{A:Wa1d1}{D:3000}{R}{S:h1d1}{W:003_180}To the victor go the spoils. Thus, the race is on, 1.Rad1 or 1.Rhd1.]

15.
[{B:r6r/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R2R4}{D:1500}{A:Ba8d8}{D:4450}{R}{S:h8d8}{W:003_182}And now 1...Rad8 or 1...Rhd8, is quickly played, opposing White's control of the open d-file. Well, so much for the race.]

16.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R2R4}{D:4800}{A:Bd8d1}{W:003_185}What does White do now? He would love to force Black to play ...Rd8xd1, ceding control over the d-file. But, from the diagram position, this can't be done.]

17.
[{R}{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R2R4}{D:4800}{S:d1d5}{W:003_186}White decides to go for a Rook lift. He plays 2.Rd5!]

18.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{D:1200}{A:Wd5c5}{D:900}{A:Wd5e5}{D:4400}{R}{N:d5}{W:003_188}{W:sil}{W:003_189}By attacking both the c5 and e5-pawns, Black is forced to clarify the position. The d5-square is an OUTPOST in the position. An outpost is a square that can't be attacked by an enemy pawn. The best outposts are those squares that we control.]

19.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{N:d5}{D:8000}{A:Wc4d5}{A:We4d5}{W:003_190}Here, White's outpost is the d5-square. None of Black's pawns defend the square, while two of White's pawns, at c4 and e4, attack the d5-square.]

20.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{D:2500}{N:d4}{D:3500}{S:d5d1}{D:3800}{S:d8d4}{W:003_191}For the same reasons, Black's outpost is the d4-square. If White had waited to play 2.Rd5!, Black would quickly move 2...Rd4!]

21.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{W:003_192}Throughout your chess career, outposts and understanding which squares constitute outposts will be a critical part of mastering chess strategy.]

22.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{W:003_193}A critical principle to understand is this: As pawns move forward, the unprotected squares that they leave behind become potential outposts for the enemy army.]

23.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{W:003_194}{D:4000}{N:d5}{D:4500}{A:Wd5c5}{A:Wd5e5}{W:003_195}After the move 2.Rd5! we move to the next problem. Black is faced with a crisis that he must resolve. If the d5-Rook is not captured, Black faces the potential loss of either his c5 or e5-pawn.]

24.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{D:5800}{S:a1d1}{W:003_196}{W:003_197}{W:sil}{W:003_198}Black also faces a more deadly threat. Here, White threatens to play 1.Rad1 doubling his Rooks on the open d-file. The doubling of the Rooks is a key strategy with Rooks. This doubling of power is also known as creating a BATTERY. Batteries are powerful, because they often force an opponent into making a pawn weakness or other concessions.]

25.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP1Q1PPP/R7}{D:2800}{A:Wd2d8}{W:003_199}{R}{W:sil}{D:3575}{S:a1d1}{W:003_200}When a Queen is present, a Rook might work with her to double up and form a battery. Also, when a Queen is present, she might even triple up on an open file.]

26.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{D:452}{W:003_201}{D:450}{S:f7f6}{D:2000}{S:a1d1}{W:003_202}{W:sil}{D:500}{S:d1a1}{D:2700}{S:d5c5}{W:003_203}Black cannot allow White's Rook to roost on the d5-outpost. Also, he doesn't want to face the possible consequences of 1...f6 2.Rad1! (This move is even stronger than 3.Rxc5 which wins a pawn but gives up control of the open d-file.]

27.
[{B:r2r4/pp4pp/5p2/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/3R4}{D:481}{S:d8d5}{D:2484}{S:d1d5}{W:003_204}2...Rxd5 3.Rxd5!]

28.
[{B:r7/pp4pp/5p2/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/8}{D:8500}{N:d7}{W:003_205}{W:003_206}Although White has not yet won a pawn, he is master of the situation. Black's Rook is helpless to prevent penetration to the d7-square. This conquest of the opponent's seventh and eighth rank is the ultimate mission of any Rook. From these ranks, a Rook can perform the maximum damage.]

29.
[{B:r7/pp4pp/5p2/2prp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/3R4}{D:5200}{A:Wc4d5}{D:8300}{R}{A:We4d5}{W:003_207}After 1...Rxd5, White can also recapture by 2.cxd5, following the sage principle of, 'Capture towards the center.' In this case 4.exd5 would also be reasonable, but, by playing 4.cxd5, White gains a greater influence in the center.]

30.
[{B:r7/pp4pp/5p2/2pRp3/2P1P3/8/PP3PPP/8}{W:003_208}Your reasons for not capturing towards the center should be very specific. Keep in mind that, in most cases, you will want to capture towards the center.]

31.
[{B:r7/pp3ppp/8/2pPp3/4P3/8/PP3PPP/R7}{D:4500}{N:c1c2c3c4}{W:003_221}From the position in this diagram, we know that White's half-open file is the c-file. Plenty of reason for White to put his Rook there.]

32.
[{C}{D:1600}{S:a1c1}{D:1200}{A:Wc1c3}{A:Wc3a3}{D:4000}{R}{D:3600}{S:b2b4}{W:003_222}White might play 1.Rc1 and then attempt a Rook lift. He might even try 1.Rc1 and try the pawn sacrifice 2.b4 in order to blast his way down to the seventh rank.]

33.
[{R}{S:b4b2}{D:5200}{N:d8d7d6}{W:003_223}From Black's perspective, life is bleak. His counterplay is supposed to be his half open d-file. But, what's the solace there? White's d5-pawn is in such a dominating position that all of Black's counterplay along the d-file is effectively snuffed out.]

34.
[{B:r6r/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/4P3/8/PPP2PPP/R6R}{D:6200}{N:c2}{A:Wc4c2}{W:003_224}This diagram is exactly the same as the previous one with one subtle difference. White's c4-pawn has been moved back to the c2-square. This small difference of the pawn structure can create a profound change of the plan.]

35.
[{B:r6r/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/4P3/8/PPP2PPP/R6R}{D:2066}{S:h1d1}{D:3831}{S:h8d8}{D:8853}{A:Wd1d3}{D:2600}{R}{A:Wd1d5}{W:003_225}We know that White begins 1.Rhd1 and Black responds 1...Rhd8 challenging the open d-file. Which Rook lift to make? Should we try 2.Rd3 or 2.Rd5?]

36.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/4P3/8/PPP2PPP/R2R4}{W:003_226}Those of you who tried 2.Rd3 give yourself a slap for failing to understand the consequences of your action. For those who thought 2.Rd5! was still best, give yourselves a cookie and send me one too.]

37.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/4P3/8/PPP2PPP/R2R4}{D:708}{S:d1d3}{D:1567}{S:d8d3}{D:2577}{S:c2d3}{W:003_227}2.Rd3? Rxd3 3.cxd3]

38.
[{B:r7/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/4P3/3P4/PP3PPP/R7}{D:4200}{N:d3}{W:003_228}Instead of having a passed pawn, White has created a backward d3-pawn.]

39.
[{B:r7/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/4P3/3P4/PP3PPP/R7}{D:6989}{S:a8d8}{D:2744}{S:a1c1}{D:1149}{S:b7b6}
{D:1799}{S:c1c3}{D:1201}{S:d8d4}{D:2118}{N:d4}{W:003_229}Black, being no fool, would immediately place his Rook on his half open d-file with 1...Rd8! and after 2.Rc1 b6 3.Rc3 Rd4! it is Black's Rook that occupies an important outpost.]

40.
[{B:8/p4ppp/1p6/2p1p3/3rP3/2RP4/PP3PPP/8}{N:d4}{W:003_230}Note that from his outpost, Black's Rook has far more influence than White's.]

41.
[{B:r2r4/pp3ppp/8/2p1p3/4P3/8/PPP2PPP/R2R4}{D:3448}{S:d1d5}{D:1149}{S:d8d5}{D:2333}{S:e4d5}{W:003_231}In the previous diagram, White should have played 1.Rd5! Rxd5 2.exd5 which moves us to...]

42.
[{B:r7/pp3ppp/8/2pPp3/16/PPP2PPP/R7}{D:5000}{N:d5}{W:003_232}{C}{D:200}{S:c5c4}{W:003_233}Note the important difference between the two diagrams. White has created a passed d5-pawn. But, it is not yet a protected passed pawn. Black to play chooses 1...c4!]

43.
[{B:r7/pp3ppp/8/3Pp3/2p5/8/PPP2PPP/R7}{D:4000}{A:Wc2c4}{D:2500}{R}{A:Ba8d8}{W:003_234}{R}{D:522}{S:a1d1}{D:1596}{S:a8d8}{D:2252}{S:d5d6}{W:003_235}This move cuts the d5-pawn off from protection by the c2-pawn. Black's Rook will have to stop the d5-pawn from promotion, but he will simultaneously be attacking the d5-pawn. A likely continuation is 2.Rd1 Rd8 3.d6.]

44.
[{B:3r4/pp3ppp/3P4/4p3/2p5/8/PPP2PPP/3R4}{D:1800}{N:d6}{A:Wd5d6}{D:2200}{R}{N:d1}{D:3000}{H:d8}{W:003_236}White has advanced his passed d-pawn a rank, which gives his d1-Rook more influence than Black's d8-Rook. Depending upon the other factors in the position, Black might be able to save the game.]

45.
[{B:3r4/pp3ppp/3P4/4p3/2p5/8/PPP2PPP/3R4}{W:003_237}The difference between the two diagrams, the pawn being on c2 as opposed to the c4-square, considerably changed the plans in the position.]

46.
[{B:3r4/pp3ppp/3P4/4p3/2p5/8/PPP2PPP/3R4}{W:003_238}{W:sil}{W:003_239}The final strategical observation to be made here is that Rooks don't like blocking passed pawns. A Rook that stands in front of a passed pawn is only there because he has to be. He would prefer to be wreaking havoc upon the opponent's army, not all bottled up as a baby sitter.]

47.
[{B:3r4/pp3ppp/3P4/4p3/2p5/8/PPP2PPP/3R4}{W:003_240}These diagrams show us that all Rooks, while having been created equal, can overpower one another based on the pawn structure.]

48.
[{B:64}{W:003_250}Are all open files the same? The question itself implies that the answer is no. And indeed that is the case. Some files are better than others.]

49.
[{B:8/ppp2ppp/32/PPP2PPP/8}{D:2300}{N:d1d2d3d4d5d6d7d8e1e2e3e4e5e6e7e8}{W:003_251}{W:sil}{B:5rk1/ppp2ppp/32/PPP2PPP/5RK1}{W:003_252}Here there are two open files. The e and d files. Which one is better for a Rook? We don't have enough information to tell and the e and d files appear to be of equal value. If we were to add a pair of Rooks and Kings, we would have a position like this.]

50.
[{B:5rk1/ppp2ppp/32/PPP2PPP/5RK1}{D:8614}{S:f1d1}{D:2229}{H1:d1d2d3d4d5d6d7d8}{W:003_253}Now that a few more pieces have been introduced, we can indeed make a choice. If it was White to move, he should chose 1.Rd1, grabbing the open d-file. The reason will soon be made clear.]

51.
[{B:5rk1/ppp2ppp/32/PPP2PPP/3R2K1}{C}{D:766}{S:f8e8}{D:3123}{H1:e1e2e3e4e5e6e7e8}{W:003_254}After 1...Re8, Black counters by grabbing the open e-file.]

52.
[{B:4r1k1/ppp2ppp/32/PPP2PPP/3R2K1}{C}{D:4760}{S:g1f1}{D:3240}{A:Be8e1}{W:003_255}White's next move explains his decision on move one. He plays 2.Kf1!, the purpose of which is to stop Black from penetrating with his Rook.]

53.
[{B:4r1k1/ppp2ppp/32/PPP2PPP/3R1K2}{D:5224}{S:g8f8}{D:2150}{S:d1d7}{D:2043}{S:e8e7}{W:003_256}Black, however, cannot prevent similar penetration. Black could still play 2...Kf8! meeting 3.Rd7 with 3...Re7 in order to stop White's Rook from causing havoc.]

54.
[{W:003_257}Let's see this same idea in a more effective setting.]

55.
[{B:5rk1/pp3ppp/4p3/16/4P3/PP3PPP/5RK1}{W:003_258}{W:sil}{D:400}{S:f1c1}{W:003_259}With White to move, he has the choice of moving his Rook to the open c or d-file. Which to choose? Best is 1.Rc1! grabbing the c-file.]

56.
[{D:400}{S:f8d8}{W:003_260}{W:003_261}{W:003_262}{D:400}{S:g1f1}{W:003_263}Now after 1...Rd8?! (I put this sign ?! to denote the meaning 'dubious move'. When you see this sign, it means that the player has a better choice of moves), grabbing the d-file, White plays 2.Kf1, preparing to penetrate Black's position with his Rook.]

57.
[{D:1500}{S:g8f8}{W:003_264}Black plays 2...Kf8, returning the favor.]

58.
[{D:2100}{S:c1c7}{W:003_265}White now plays 3.Rc7, penetrating Black's camp.]

59.
[{D:400}{S:d8d2}{W:003_266}{D:400}{S:c7b7}{W:003_267}Now 3...Rd2 can be met by 4.Rxb7, winning a pawn and eventually, the game.]

60.
[{B:5rk1/pp3ppp/4p3/16/4P3/PP3PPP/5RK1}{W:003_268}{D:400}{S:f1d1}{W:003_269}Let's return to the previous diagram. What would have happened had White chosen 1.Rd1?]

61.
[{D:1033}{S:f8c8}{D:2356}{S:g1f1}{D:1393}{S:g8f8}{D:2008}{S:d1d7}{W:003_270}Then 1... Rc8! 2.Kf1 Kf8 3.Rd7.]

62.
[{W:003_271}{D:4109}{S:c8c1}{D:2647}{S:f1e2}{D:1439}{S:c1c2}{D:4760}{S:d7d2}{W:003_272}{W:003_273}Has White made the same progress as before? No! Black now has the clever response 3...Rc1+! 4.Ke2 Rc2+ and, in order to avoid losing a pawn, White has to retreat with 5.Rd2, blocking the check.]

63.
[{W:003_274}These diagrams teach us some important strategical points about open files...]

64.
[{B:4r1k1/ppp2ppp/32/PPP2PPP/3R2K1}{D:14800}{S:g1f1}{D:1500}{A:Be8e1}{W:003_275}1) Open files are meaningful if the penetration squares aren't protected. In the previous diagram, although Black's Rook took the open e-file, White neutralized his control by moving his King to the f1-square. Black's Rook couldn't penetrate White's camp.]

65.
[{R}{W:003_276}2) Given the choice of which open file to take, it is usually better to take the one that is farthest from potential defenders.]

66.
[{B:5rk1/pp3ppp/4p3/16/4P3/PP3PPP/5RK1}{A:Wf1c1}{W:003_277}In the previous diagram, White grabbed the c-file. This open file was the one that was furthest from Black's King, which is a potential defender of the open file.]

67.
[{R}{B:5rk1/pp3ppp/4p3/16/4P3/PP3PPP/2R3K1}{D:3500}{S:f8d8}{W:003_278}In my explanation, I called Black's first move, 1...Rd8, a dubious move. Did you guess why? The answer is because Black continued on a course that led to disaster.]

68.
[{B:5rk1/pp3ppp/4p3/16/4P3/PP3PPP/2R3K1}{W:003_279}{D:400}{S:f7f5}{W:003_280}{D:2800}{A:Bf8f7}{D:2700}{R}{S:c1c7}{D:1400}{S:f8f7}{W:003_281}Now, it is clear that White is prepared to penetrate to the seventh rank. The best way to neutralize this plan is by 1...f5 in order to prepare ...Rf8-f7. Thus 2.Rc7 Rf7 gets White nowhere. ]

69.
[{S:c7c1}{S:f7f8}{D:4500}{S:g1f1}{W:003_282}White changes his plan and begins by centralizing his King with 2.Kf1.]

70.
[{W:003_283}{D:500}{S:f8f7}{W:003_284}Black plays 2...Rf7!]

71.
[{D:2500}{A:Bf7d7}{W:003_285}Black is now prepared to play ...Rf7-d7 and only then to develop his King.]

72.
[{R}{D:1850}{S:c1c8}{D:1787}{S:f7f8}{D:2449}{S:c8c3}{D:1474}{S:f8f7}{W:003_286}{W:003_287}White tries 3.Rc8+ Rf8 4.Rc3 Rf7! and Black is putting up a better defense than before.]

73.
[{W:003_288}{W:003_289}In beginning this tutorial, I started by speaking about Rooks. Why? Most players have a terrible time learning to use their Rooks. They move them back and forth or don't use them at all.]

74.
[{W:003_290}After going through these examples, learning how to use the 'clumsy' Rooks isn't difficult at all. In fact the principles governing Rooks are the easiest of all!]

75.
[{B:64}{F:W}{B:kr6/pp6/5p1p/3p2p1/8/P3P3/5PPP/4RK1 WHITE}
{V:White to move.{W:wtm} Move a Rook to control the open file.{W:003_RQ1};
e1c1;That's right.{W:tr};
Sorry, that's not the right answer.{W:snra}}]

76.
[{B:5r1k/p5pp/np6/2p1p3/2P5/5P1B/P5PP/6RK WHITE}
{V:White to move.{W:wtm} Move a Rook to control the open file.{W:003_RQ1};
g1d1;You got it right.{W:ygir};
No, that's not correct.{W:ntnc}}]

77.
[{B:64}{F:B}
{B:rn3rk1/pp1q1ppb/3b1n1p/B7/P2p3N/1N1P2PP/1PP2PB1/R2Q1RK1 BLACK}
{V:Black to move.{W:btm} Move a Rook to control the open file.{W:003_RQ1};
f8e8;Correct!{W:cor};
Sorry, that's not correct.{W:stnc}}]

78.
[{B:64}{F:W}{B:kr6/p3pp2/1p5r/3p2pp/3P4/P1R2P2/6PP/4R1K1 WHITE}
{V:White to move.{W:wtm} Move a Rook to create the most effective battery.{W:003_RQ2};
e1c1;That's correct.{W:tc};
That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca}}]

79.
[{B:64}{F:B}{B:k2r4/pp4rp/2p1p3/5p2/8/6P1/PPP4P/K1R3R1 BLACK}
{V:Black to move.{W:btm} Move a Rook to create the most effective battery.{W:003_RQ2};
g7d7;You got it right.{W:ygir};
No, that's not correct.{W:ntnc}}]

80.
[{B:64}{F:W}{B:2k4r/p1r1b3/n1p1p3/P2p2pp/4P3/1BN1B1PP/PR6/5RK1 WHITE}
{V:White to move.{W:wtm}  Move a Rook to create the most effective battery.{W:003_RQ2};
b2f2;Correct!{W:cor};
Sorry, that's not correct.{W:stnc}}]

81.
[{B:r2rk3/1pp3p1/p4p1p/1b6/4P2P/3P1N2/PP4R1/K1R5 WHITE}
{V:White to move.{W:wtm}  Move a Rook to create the most effective battery.{W:003_RQ2};
c1g1;That's correct.{W:tc};
That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca}}]

82.
[{B:64}{F:B}{B:1kr5/pp1r1p1p/6p1/8/1p2P3/1P2P1P1/P4R1P/1R5K BLACK}
{V:Black to move.{W:btm} Move a Rook to create the most effective battery.{W:003_RQ2};
d7c7;You got it right.{W:ygir};
No, that's not correct.{W:ntnc}}]

83.
[{B:6r1/ppR4p/7p/6k1/8/7P/PP5P/6K1 BLACK}
{V:White appears to have successfully penetrated to the seventh rank and intends to munch some pawns. How should Black play to prevent this?{W:003_291};
g5f6;Correct!{W:cor};
Sorry, that's not correct.{W:stnc}}]

84.
[{B:6r1/ppR4p/5k1p/8/8/7P/PPR4P/6K1 BLACK}
{V:{D:700}{S:g1f2}After the White King moves, Kg1-f2, for example, what is the continuation?{W:003_293};
g8g7;That's right.{W:tr};
Sorry, that's not the right answer.{W:snra}}]

85.
[{B:64}{F:W}{B:2r1k3/2r2p2/4p1p1/1p1pP2p/pP1P1P2/P5P1/4K2P/1RR5}
{V:Black has doubled on the c-file. What can White do to neutralize this advantage?{W:003_245};
c1c5;Correct!{W:cor};
Sorry, that's not correct.{W:stnc};
e2d2:There's a better move.{W:tbm}}]

86.
[{B:2r1k3/2r2p2/4p1p1/1pRpP2p/pP1P1P2/P5P1/4K2P/1R6}{D:2500}{S:c7c5}{W:003_246}After Rc5, Black is forced to capture on c5 (Rc7xc5).{J}]

87.
[{B:2r1k3/5p2/4p1p1/1prpP2p/pP1P1P2/P5P1/4K2P/1R6}
{V:How should White recapture?{W:003_247};
b4c5;That's right.{W:tr}{J};
Sorry, that's not the right answer.{W:snra};
d4c5:That is not the best move.{W:tnbm}}]

88.
[{B:2r1k3/5p2/4p1p1/1pPpP2p/p2P1P2/P5P1/4K2P/1R6}
{Q:bxc5. Who is better after this?{W:003_248};
White;That's correct.{W:tc};
Black;That's not the correct answer.{W:tnca};1}]