Chess Combinations

Chess Combinations : 4. The Case of the Clumsy Rook (p109) 

• Yasser Seirawan named this Chapter in honor of his early experiences learning to play Chess …He alludes to how his Rooks seemed clumsy in defence and the awkwardness of trying to maneuver his King around a Rook, as he fled his King from persistent attacks.
• Rooks appear to be not very effective when it comes to protecting weak squares. As a result, they become a regular target for the opposing army.
• Always remember: “Rooks need Open Files and they play best on Open Ranks! “

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Seirawan Combination Example (p110-111)

Diagram 82: Either side to move
Combination: Case of the Clumsy Rook

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Seirawan Combination Example (p111-112)

Diagram 83: Black to Play
Combination: Case of the Clumsy Rook

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Seirawan Combination Example (p112-114)

Diagram 84: White to Play
Combination: Case of the Clumsy Rook

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Seirawan Combination Example (p115-119)

Game: Kovacevic-Seirawan, Wijk aan Zee, 1980
Opening: Modern Defence
Diagram 85: Black to Play
Combination: Case of the Clumsy Rook

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Seirawan Combination Example (p119-122)

Game: Wenzhe-Donner, Buenos Aires Olympiad, 1978
Opening: Pirc Defence
Diagram 87: White to Play
Combination: Case of the Clumsy Rook

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Seirawan Combination Example (p122-124)

Game: Bohm-Hernandez, Amsterdam, 1979
Opening: Ruy Lopez
Diagram 89: Black to Play
Combination: Case of the Clumsy Rook

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Seirawan Combination Example (p124-130)

Game: Sigfusson-de Firmian, Copenhagen, 2005
Opening: Sicilian Defence
Diagram 90: White to Play
Combination: Case of the Clumsy Rook

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Seirawan Combination Example (p131-138)

Game: Van Wely-Piket, Wijk aan Zee, 1996
Opening: English Opening
Diagram 94: White to Play
Combination: Case of the Clumsy Rook