Importance of Rook activity in the endgame 2
The game Capablanca-Tartakower, played on 1924, is a wonderful classical example for the importance of Rook’s activity in the endgame. Most of the notes bellow will be translations from Paul Keres’ book, because it is hard to expect anyone else to explain it better, and some will be of Irving Chernev (Capablanca’s Best Chess Endings
This position is very interesting and not easy to evaluate. Black King is cut off on the 8th rank and White also has a protected passed pawn. On the other hand, Black Rook is about to start collecting White’s weak pawns. Which factors here are more relevant?
In Rook endings, to some lesser extent than in Queen endings, a general rule says that it is very important to make yourself a passed pawn. The difference is that Queen alone is usually providing sufficient support for the pawn’s advance, while in Rook endings, when enemy King is on the pawn’s route, it is required to have King’s help.
In the given example, White already has passed pawn and an active Rook, and knowing that King has to be involved eases future planning.
1. Kg3!
