Quote Originally Posted by DreadedHermie
Let's assume that for some reason you intended to sacrifice your bishop and snagged my QRP.

Would I have been better off taking the piece with my rook, moving him into better (maybe) offensive position but diminishing his ability to protect the king (at least, as it seemed to me); OR simply taking him with the pawn as I finally decided?

Hermie
You'll prolly never see that choice in a non-stoner game, but.

Best would be the rook capture.
Brings the rook into the fray.
He was underemployed protecting a single pawn.
And it sets him free to actually defend the king.

The pawn capture would break white's "pawn chain" ,
which is very important in the end game.
It does come at a high price
and is not worth a bishop sacrifice.

Snatching the KRP is not only a freebie, but will enhance Blacks chance for pawn promotion on the king's side.
The king side defense crumbles,
and the path then opens, wide.

Al Oha,