Half-open file

The half-open file can provide a line of attack for a player's rook or queen.

A half-open file is generally exploited by the player with no pawns on it.

Many openings, such as the Sicilian Defense, aim to complicate the position.

The game Loek 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).