Center Game: Normal Variation

In the Center Game: Normal Variation, White's first move is e4. This move aims to control the center of the board and gain space advantages. Additionally, the pawn on e4 supports the development of White's minor pieces towards the center. By placing the pawn on e4, White asserts pressure on Black's position, forcing Black to react according to White's game plan. All in all, e4 is an aggressive and dynamic move that sets the tone for the whole game.

Playing e5 after e4 is a common response from Black. This move aims to control the central squares, just like White's pawn on e4 does. By placing the pawn on e5, Black asserts pressure on White's position, challenging the control over the central squares. Additionally, e5 opens up the diagonal for Black's bishop, which will have more play in the game. By playing e5, Black is also preparing to develop its knight to f6 or d6, further controlling the center and contesting White's dominance. In sum, e5 is a solid and straightforward move that Black uses to establish its own position and start the game on an equal footing with White.

By playing d4 after 1.e4 e5, White aims to control more territory in the center. This pawn move challenges Black's pawn on e5, forcing it to either capture on d4 and compromise its pawn structure or retreat to e6 or f6. Additionally, d4 supports the development of White's queen and bishop, aiming towards the center and putting pressure on the black position. In sum, playing d4 is an aggressive and dynamic move that sets the stage for a sharp position and a strategic battle for control over the central squares.

In the Center Game: Normal Variation, Black's move exd4 after 1.e4 e5 2.d4 aims to capture White's central pawn. By taking control of the d4 square, Black aims to contest White's dominance in the center of the board. Additionally, exd4 opens up the diagonal for Black's light-squared bishop, which will have more play in the game. This move, however, also comes with the cost of conceding the center pawn structure to White. Black's position becomes slightly weaker, and White gains a tempo by attacking the black queen with the next move Qxd4. In sum, exd4 is a double-edged move that Black uses to attempt to gain more control over the center, but it comes with some risks and drawbacks.

By playing Qxd4 after 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4, White aims to develop the queen to an active square, attacking Black's knight on c6 and putting pressure on Black's position. Additionally, this move opens up the diagonal for White's light-squared bishop, that becomes more active and puts more pressure on Black's position. By capturing the pawn on d4, White doesn't only gain a pawn but consolidates control of the central squares. Because Black has already captured on d4, it can't recapture with its pawn, so the knight on c6 has to move or be defended, and this move causes Black's development to be delayed. In sum, Qxd4 is a strong move that helps White to take control of the center, put pressure on Black, and set the stage to launch an attack.

Playing Nc6 after 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4 is a natural move from Black. The knight on c6 attacks White's queen, forcing it to move or be defended. Additionally, Nc6 prepares Black to castle kingside, clears the way for the development of the bishop on c5, and contests White's control over the center squares. By advancing the knight to c6, Black is also aiming to put pressure on White's d4-pawn, which could become a target in the future. In sum, Nc6 is a developing move with the purpose of challenging White's position and creating counterplay.