Fun with Rooks

     Most everybody knows the basics of Rook handling: the power of Rooks on open or semi-open files, Rooks on the seventh rank, behind passed Pawns, etc. One lesser known Rook handling scenario is what Tartakower called the “Hyper-modern Rook,” a Rook in front of the Pawn chain. This method can be very effective when the normal methods, e.g. open files, are ineffective or not available. In the following game Alekhine uses his Rooks in front of the Pawn chain to conduct a direct attack on Kmoch’s King.  What makes the game interesting is watching Alekhine's attack appear from what appears to be nowhere.