Bogo-Indian Defense: New England Variation

The opening move 1.d4 is a popular choice for white as it initiates control over the center. It also opens up the diagonal for the queen and bishop, enabling them to be utilized effectively. By playing d4, white intends to push the pawn to d5, gaining control of more space on the board. From there, the game can take various directions depending on the black player's response.

The move Nf6 is a flexible response from Black. It develops a knight to an active square while indirectly attacking white's pawn on d4. Additionally, Nf6 sets up a potential attack on white's e4 square, opening up more possibilities for black to create threats. Lastly, this move helps Black maintain symmetry in the center, making it challenging for white to gain a clear advantage early on in the game.

The move c4 is played by White with the aim of controlling the center and opening up lines for the queen and bishop. By advancing the pawn to c4, White prepares the way for a potential queen's pawn opening, gaining more space in the center. Additionally, c4 indirectly supports the pawn on d4, making it difficult for Black to push their own pawn to center. Moreover, c4 puts pressure on Black's knight on f6, forcing it to move or be exchanged.

In the Bogo-Indian Defense: New England Variation, Black's move e6 is chosen as a flexible response that supports the pawn on d5, aiming to firmly hold onto their central position. Additionally, e6 prepares to develop the bishop on c8, usually to b7, where it aims at white's pawn structure. By playing e6, Black avoids pinning their knight on f6 to the queen that would occur after Bg5, a common continuation for White. The move e6 also simplifies Black's plan by giving more options for the queen's bishop to be developed.

The move Nf3 by White in response to Black's e6 is aimed at developing a knight and freeing the queen to move and support other pieces. Nf3 supports the pawn on d4, putting increased pressure on Black's central pawn. Additionally, it prepares to castle kingside, bringing the king to safety while simultaneously connecting the rooks. Nf3 also prevents Black from playing Ng4, which would attack White's bishop on c4. From Nf3, White can explore different attacking options, such as pushing their pawn to e4 or playing Bg5.

In this position, Black's move Bb4+ is a check that attacks White's knight on f3, forcing it to either capture the bishop or retreat to a square like d2 or g5. This move from Black also helps to develop the bishop and put pressure on White's pawn structure, specifically the pawn on c4. By playing Bb4+, Black gains useful time and also makes it harder for White to castle kingside. It is not always necessary for Black to retreat the bishop to a8, as in some cases it can be developed to b7 or a6 to exert more pressure on the central pawns.

In the Bogo-Indian Defense: New England Variation, White's move Nfd2 is played as a way to develop the knight while protecting it from the bishop's attack. Nfd2 also clears the way for the queen or rook to occupy the f1 square after castling, solidifying White's king's position. By playing Nfd2, White can prepare to join the central pawn push with e3, reinforce the e4-point and gain more control over the center. Moreover, Nfd2 enables White to pose a potential threat to the knight on c6, which is guarding the d4 pawn, by playing Nb3 or Ng4.