Page:How to Play Chess (Rogers).djvu/81

Rh other Pieces, the student will see that she is about double the value of a Rook, except in end-game positions when two Rooks co-operating could accomplish more than a Queen. An adverse Rook on the same rank or file as the Queen is very dangerous, no matter how many Pieces and Pawns may come between, and the player should guard against it by capturing the adverse Rook, if it can be done without sacrifice, or by moving the Queen into a safer position.

The Rook. The Rook is a mating force like the Queen, and two Rooks co-operating are equal in value to three minor Pieces. Because of the number of squares which the Rooks command, they are of greatest value in end game positions, when the board is comparatively clear and the ranks and files are open. The beginner, however, must not leave the development of his Rooks until too late in the game, for if he does he will find himself with bad positions which it is too late to remedy. They must not be moved, though, until the