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| 8 |      | 8 | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | ||||||||
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Inchess, ahalf-open file (orsemi-open file) is afile withpawns of only one color. The half-open file can provide a line of attack for a player'srook orqueen. A half-open file is generally exploited by the player with no pawns on it.
Manyopenings, such as theSicilian Defense, aim to complicate the position. In the main line Sicilian, 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 (or 2...e6, or 2...Nc6) 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4, White obtains a half-open d-file, but Black can pressure White along the half-open c-file.
In positions where White has no pawns on a file but Black has one pawn or more on that file, the position is considered to be half-opened for White. In cases where Black has no pawns on a file but White has one or more pawns on that file, the position is considered to be half-opened for Black.
Apawn break occurs when a pawn captures or advances in a way that opens or half-opens one or more files. The demolition of thepawn structure is a common theme in positions with half-open files, sincedoubled pawns orisolated pawns may create half-open files.
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
| 8 |         | 8 | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | ||||||||
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The gameLoek van Wely–Judit Polgár, Hoogeveen, 1997[1] demonstrates the power of half-open files in attacks. Despite having one fewer pawn than White, Black's possession of two powerful half-open files (her rook on the f-file and queen on the g-file) gives her a winning advantage (diagram).
Black played
30... Rxf2+!
and White resigned, anticipating 31.Rxf2 Qxg3+ 32.Kf1 Qxf2#.
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