Bogo-Indian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation

Chess is all about controlling the board and d4 is a central move that helps white achieve that. By pushing the d-pawn two squares forward, white gains control of the center of the board and frees up the bishop on c1 to be developed. This move is a popular choice as it makes the position of the knight on f6 more challenging. White is aiming to develop pieces and control the center of the board, making d4, the most strategic move at this point in the game.

Nf6 is a common move by black in response to d4, as it attacks the pawn on d4 and helps control the central squares on the board. By placing the knight in the center, black can put pressure on white's position and make it more challenging for them to control the game. Additionally, Nf6 allows the black knight to be developed to an active square where it can influence the board and set up future moves. All in all, Nf6 is a key move in the opening, as black seeks to gain control of the center of the board and set up future maneuvers.

After 1.d4 Nf6, c4 is another central move by White. By pushing the c-pawn, White gains more control of the center of the board and helps secure a strong pawn structure. Additionally, c4 allows White to develop their queen's bishop to the long diagonal, which can be an aggressive attacking piece in the future. By controlling the center and developing pieces, White aims to put pressure on Black's position. In sum, c4 is a strong move that helps White take the initiative and set the tone for the rest of the game.

In the Bogo-Indian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Black plays e6 after White pushes their c-pawn to gain control of the center. This move helps Black gain space on the board and prepares to develop their dark-squared bishop. By playing e6, Black also creates a pawn chain with d6 and controls the important d5-square, which can be a strong outpost for the knights. Additionally, e6 helps support the pawn on d5 in case of a future exchange. All in all, e6 is a key move in the opening as Black sets up a solid defensive position and prepares to develop their pieces.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White plays Nf3 to develop another piece and control the center. Nf3 supports the pawn on d4 and sets up future tactical opportunities. By playing Nf3, White also prepares to castle their king and connect their rooks, which can be critical in middle and endgame positions. Additionally, Nf3 helps support the knights on the board, as they can be developed to f3, d2, or g5 depending on the situation. In summary, Nf3 is a solid move that helps White control the game and prepare for any tactical opportunities that may arise.

In response to 3. Nf3, Black plays Bb4+ which pins the knight on f3 and gains control of the central d4-square. Furthermore, Bb4+ is a developing move that brings a minor piece out into play, with the bishop placed on an active square where it can influence the board and defend the pawn on e6. Black's idea behind Bb4+ is to exchange the knight on f3, which can potentially weaken White's pawn structure or force them to recapture with a pawn, thus giving black the advantage of controlling the center of the board. Bb4+ is a strong and popular move in the opening, as it sets up a tactical sequence that can favor Black.

In the Bogo-Indian Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, White plays Bd2 in response to Black's Bb4+. This move develops the bishop and prepares to castle kingside while also breaking the pin on the knight on f3. Additionally, Bd2 creates more space in White's position and can potentially support the pawn on c3 in case of future exchanges. By playing Bd2, White aims to control key squares on the board and prepare their pieces for future tactical opportunities that may arise. In sum, Bd2 is a solid and flexible move that sets up White's position for a strong mid and endgame.

In response to 4. Bd2, Black plays Qe7 which helps to protect the pawn on e6 and vacate the d8-square for future development of the queen rook or knight. Qe7 also puts pressure on the pawn on c4 and prepares for a potential expansion of Black's pawn structure with c5. Black's queen on e7 also controls the d5-square, which can be an important outpost for Black's minor pieces. By playing Qe7, Black coordinates their pieces and develops a strong defensive position while also preparing for potential counterattacks. In sum, Qe7 is a solid move that helps Black maintain control of the center and set up a flexible position for the future.