Rook on an Open File...What next?

White to Play
https://chessneurons.com/challenge/uNtaTx9RuZ

Hello, This is Grandmaster Ankit Rajpara here. I am back with the explanation of another position in more detail.

Overview:
The material is equal. Kings are on the opposite side. White has the bishop for black's knight. White's rook is on an open file.

Solution:
Please remember that whenever your rook is on an open file, you must try to bring it on the 7th rank! (or 2nd rank if you are black). 7th rank is important because that can help us in attacking the opponent's weak pawns and restrict the opponent's king.

White should play Qb4, improving the queen's position with a tempo as it attacks the b7 pawn. Once black defends it by playing b6, white can get the rook on the 7th rank by playing Re7, this was the important point behind playing Qb4, the queen covers the e7 square. Black can reply with a5 to harass white's queen but white can play Qe1, keeping the rook defended. White's clearly better due to active pieces, especially with the rook on e7.

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Grandmaster Tip:
Whenever your rook is on an open file, always consider the ideas of bringing it on the 7th rank to attack your opponent's weaknesses.

P.S. Chess is all about patterns. Stay vigilant and keep practicing! If you enjoyed this post, let me know – more exciting positional concepts are coming.