Where to move rooks when files aren't open or semi-open?

I know it's advisable to move rooks to open or semi-open files when I can. But, what if there are none? Where are the best files for the rooks to reside on? I know the answer is probably on files that may open. But, how do I determine that? Is it on files that I try to open? Here's an example of a game I just played. The Stockfish engine is recommending I move my rook to Rd1. I don't know why.

https://i.imgur.com/Kal6sUR.png

@echodaisy said in #2:

In this position there's ~10 perfectly playable moves that keep the position equal / keep the tiny advantage. The 0.2 differences almost certainly won't decide the game, so I wouldn't read too much into the engine's top recommendation. It's largely a matter of preference and style of play.

The rook on d1 may assist in controlling the center, while it's unlikely the f-file will open up any time soon. It's a general improving move that doesn't commit to any too specific complications, pawn breaks, attacks.

Thanks, that's what I didn't get. With 10 perfectly playable moves, why did the engine choose this one as #1? Thought I was missing something.

@mullerrj said in #1:

You can determine it if you know your opponent's plans. If i understand correctly this position is catalan where black chose to play Be7 in the opening. After b6 black wants to play Bb7 and then c5 or e5 (usually c5). By moving your rook on d1 you're preparing to that by attacking d5 pawn or at least you put your rook on the same file where stands black queen

@Interesting_choice said in #4:

You can determine it if you know your opponent's plans. If i understand correctly this position is catalan where black chose to play Be7 in the opening. After b6 black wants to play Bb7 and then c5 or e5 (usually c5). By moving your rook on d1 you're preparing to that by attacking d5 pawn or at least you put your rook on the same file where stands black queen

Perfect. that's it. Indeed, I played the Catalan Opening. Thanks.

The mysterious rook move (Nimzowitsch).

@mullerrj Chess is a game, where it often depends on the concrete situation on the board. The placemet of a single pawn can change the complete evaluation of the position, so general rules may not work in those cases.

Nevertheless there are general rules for placing your rook, if you don't know what to do in closed positions (no special order / list is by far not complete):

Move the rook...

...on a file which may open soon if you or your opponent performs a pawn-break or capture
...on a file which x-rays the opponent's pieces (often the queen or the king)
...away from a square, so other pieces of you may maneuver/move/regroup to this square ("getting the wood out of the way")
...away from an x-ray or a square/file/diagonal that may soon be attacked by your opponent
...on the 2nd rank to support your own pawns in defence and simultaneously prepare for a possible battery later
...eh - no, don't move the rook until it makes sense/there is a purpose for movin the rook (don't waste tempi)

Bye

@derkleineJo said in #7:

@mullerrj Chess is a game, where it often depends on the concrete situation on the board. The placemet of a single pawn can change the complete evaluation of the position, so general rules may not work in those cases.

Nevertheless there are general rules for placing your rook, if you don't know what to do in closed positions (no special order / list is by far not complete):

Move the rook...

...on a file which may open soon if you or your opponent performs a pawn-break or capture
...on a file which x-rays the opponent's pieces (often the queen or the king)
...away from a square, so other pieces of you may maneuver/move/regroup to this square ("getting the wood out of the way")
...away from an x-ray or a square/file/diagonal that may soon be attacked by your opponent
...on the 2nd rank to support your own pawns in defence and simultaneously prepare for a possible battery later
...eh - no, don't move the rook until it makes sense/there is a purpose for movin the rook (don't waste tempi)

Bye

Good stuff...thank you!

Move them around and around if there are no threats, and the game would probably end in a draw.
Also, who do you think is going to win the Super Bowl?

Opposite the opponent's queen.