Benko Gambit: Zaitsev System

When playing the white pieces in a chess game, the move d4 is a common opening move. It helps to control the e5 square while also allowing the queen-side bishop to be developed. By occupying the center with the pawn on d4, white obtains a strong central pawn structure that can be used to launch an attack on the opponent's pieces. In the Benko Gambit variation, black responds with b5, challenging white's central control. However, the Zaitsev System allows white to maintain control while still accepting the gambit pawn.

Playing Nf6 in response to d4 is a common move in chess opening theory. It puts pressure on the d4-pawn and frees up the c8-bishop to be developed. By playing Nf6, black also prepares to castle kingside and protects the e5-square, which could potentially be attacked by white's knight. Nf6 is a solid move that allows black to develop their pieces and control the center of the board.

The move c4 by white is known as the Queen's pawn opening and it helps to control the center of the board. By advancing the pawn on c4, white aims to gain more space and challenge black's control over the d5-square. The move c4 also frees up the c1-bishop and allows it to be developed. This move has numerous transpositional possibilities, leading to a variety of openings like the Nimzo-Indian, King's Indian, and Grunfeld Defense. By opening up the bishop on the long diagonal, white puts pressure on black's position and creates opportunities to launch an attack.

In the Benko Gambit: Zaitsev System, Black wants to play c5 in response to c4 by white. This move is known as the Benko Gambit and aims to challenge white's control over the center of the board. By sacrificing a pawn, black gains an initiative and puts pressure on white's position. The move c5 also aims to open up the c8-bishop and create attacking opportunities. With the pawn on c5, black has a solid pawn structure and can potentially create passed pawns on the b and d-files.

In the opening phase of the game following 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5, White often wants to play d5 to create a central pawn duo and gain more control of the center squares. This allows White to advance their pawn structure while also opening up lines for their bishops and queen. Additionally, the move d5 puts pressure on Black's position and prevents them from developing their knight on c6. White's Pawn structure is integral into controlling the position, planning the advance to d5 allows White to maintain a strong central control and limit Black's activity in the center.

In this position, Black's move b5 creates the Benko Gambit where Black sacrifices their b-pawn to gain dynamic compensation. By playing b5, Black aims to challenge White's pawn center and create pressure on the c4-pawn, potentially forcing it to move and thus creating a vulnerability on the b-file. If White accepts the gambit, Black gains a pawn majority on the queenside and can create passed pawns by advancing their b-pawn. The move also frees up the c8-bishop and gives Black attacking chances on the long diagonal. The Benko Gambit is a popular and aggressive option for Black but requires careful play and precise calculation.

In the Benko Gambit: Zaitsev System, White usually wants to play cxb5 in response to b5 by Black. This move accepts the gambit pawn and helps to control the a6-square while also placing more pressure on Black's queenside pawns. By taking the pawn on b5, White opens up the long diagonal for their bishop and also gains a space advantage on the queenside. Additionally, the capture cxb5 allows White to develop their pieces and strengthen their central pawn structure. After cxb5, Black can choose to recapture with their a-pawn or knight, with each option leading to different variations of the game.

In this position, Black's move a6 aims to pressure the c4-pawn and discourage any potential development of the white knight on c3. By playing a6, Black also prevents White's knight from jumping to the b5-square and gaining control over the queenside. The move a6 is a common and useful pawn move, preventing any future piece sacrifice or pawn fork tricks and can also be used to prepare b5. Additionally, a6 prepares for the development of the b8-knight, which might be useful to support Black's central pawn structure or attack White's pieces.

In this position, White's move Nc3 aims to develop the knight and protect the c4-pawn. The knight on c3 also attacks Black's pawn on a6, which adds pressure to Black's structure and prevents any future b5 advances. Additionally, Nc3 prepares the way for White's pieces to reach the center of the board and supports the pawn on d5. White's strategy in this position is to maintain control of the center and prevent Black from developing their pieces. The move Nc3 also frees up the bishop on f1, allowing another piece to contribute to the control of the board.