The main Objective of any operation in an open file is the eventual Occupation of the seventh or eighth Rank.
Aron NimzowitschIf in a battle, I seize a bit of debatable land with a handful of soldiers, without having done anything to prevent an enemy bombardment of the position, would it ever occur to me to speak of a conquest of the terrain in question? Obviously not. Then why should I do so in chess?
Aron NimzowitschStrategically important points should be overprotected. If the pieces are so engaged, they get their regard in the fact that they will then find themselves well posted in every respect.
Aron Nimzowitsch