English Opening: Closed, Taimanov Variation

In the English Opening: Closed, Taimanov Variation, White starts with the move c4. This move aims to control the center by putting pressure on d5 and indirectly on e4. The idea is to create a solid pawn structure from which White can develop the pieces and launch an attack on the Black king's position. Additionally, c4 allows for a flexible game plan where White can choose to transpose into a variety of openings depending on Black's response.

After the move 1. c4, Black's natural response is to play e5, which aims to control the center and establish a pawn chain. This move also opens up lines for the bishop and allows for the knights to be developed. However, it leaves the d5-square underdefended and White can exploit this weakness by attacking the pawn with moves such as d4 or Nc3. Ultimately, Black's early aggression with e5 sets the tone for an active and dynamic game.

After the moves 1. c4 e5, White's next move is usually Nc3. This move aims to strengthen the central control by developing a piece and preparing an eventual d4 push that would attack Black's pawn on e5. Nc3 also clears the way for the queen and bishop to be developed while keeping a flexible structure that can adapt to various Black responses. Furthermore, Nc3 adds pressure on Black's Knights, forcing them to move and lose tempi which can aid White in their development.

In the English Opening: Closed, Taimanov Variation, after the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3, Black's natural response is to play Nc6. This move develops a Knight and attacks White's central pawn on d4. It also prepares the pawn push to d5, aiming to secure a share of the center while disrupting White's pawn structure. Nc6 also offers tactical opportunities such as a possible fork in case of a future Bb5 by White. Moreover, this move supports the idea of castling kingside, which can improve the safety of Black's king.

After the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6, White's next move is often g3. This move aims to fianchetto the bishop and control the long diagonal, which leads towards the Black king's position. The fianchetto bishop can support an eventual d4 push and adds pressure on the e5 pawn. Additionally, g3 strengthens the king's position by preventing pinning tactics from the Black knights and providing an escape square on g2. By playing g3, White also keeps the option of developing the knight to g2, which can support the f4 pawn push and create a stronger central control.

After the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3, Black's natural response is to play g6. This move aims to fianchetto the bishop and control the long diagonal that runs from a8 to h1. Fianchettoing the bishop also aids in defending the king's position. This move solidifies Black's pawn structure and creates more space on the kingside, making it more difficult for White to launch an attack. Additionally, g6 prepares for the knight to move to h6 with check and adds pressure on the d4 square. In sum, g6 is a flexible and balanced move that can lead to a variety of strategic setups.

In the English Opening: Closed, Taimanov Variation, after the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6, White's next move is usually Bg2. This move completes the bishop's fianchetto and adds more control over the long diagonal. Bg2 also allows the king to be castled kingside, securing its position. Furthermore, the bishop can aid in controlling the center or create a potential pin against the knight on f6. Bg2 also leaves the option of playing d4 at the right time, further increasing central control. In sum, Bg2 is a flexible move that strengthens White's position while keeping various strategic options open.

After the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2, Black's natural response is to play Bg7. This move finishes Black's development and supports the pawn structure on the kingside while preparing for castling. Additionally, Bg7 adds more control over the long diagonal and indirectly applies pressure on the d4 square. This move also supports the idea of playing d6 and e6, creating a strong pawn chain in the center. Bg7 also creates the possibility of doubling the bishop's power on the long diagonal. In sum, Bg7 is a flexible move that offers both defensive and offensive options for Black.

After the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7, White's next move is often e3. This move aims to support the pawn chain and prepare for the eventual d4 push, which helps to create a strong central control. e3 also allows the Queen's bishop to be developed without blocking in its own pawns. Additionally, this move prevents Black's pawn on d5 from getting too strong and eliminates any possible threat of double attacking the e4 pawn by a bishop-g5 pin. e3 also prepares for castling kingside, providing more support for the king's position. In sum, e3 is a flexible move that helps to prepare for future developments.

In the English Opening: Closed, Taimanov Variation, after the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. e3, Black's natural response is to play d6. This move strengthens the pawn chain in the center and supports the pawn on e5. d6 also prevents any possible Knight incursion on e5 and prepares for the future development of the light-squared bishop to e6, where it can add more pressure on the d4 pawn. Additionally, d6 allows the Queen's bishop to be developed to d7 where it offers support to the central pawns and can decide where to exert its influence. In sum, d6 is a flexible move that solidifies Black's position and creates more strategic options.

After the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. e3 d6, White's next move is often Nge2. This move aims to complete the development of the Knight to one of its more effective squares. Nge2 also supports the d4 pawn push while keeping strong control over the central squares, which is a crucial element of this variation. Additionally, Nge2 can offer support to the f4 pawn push while keeping the d-pawn protected and the Queen free to move. This move also prepares for the castling to kingside, providing more security to the king's position. In sum, Nge2 is a move that seeks to maximize central control while enhancing the flexibility of White's position by preparing for several strategic plans.

After the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. e3 d6 6. Nge2, Black's natural response is to play Nh6. This move aims to develop the knight to a reasonable square and creates more control over the f5-square. Nh6 strengthens the defensive setup by potentially allowing the knight to jump to f5, which attacks the center and can support the pawn push to e4. This move also keeps an eye on the g4-square, making it difficult for White to play f4. Additionally, Nh6 supports the idea of castling kingside, where the knight can take part in any future attack or defense. In sum, Nh6 is a flexible move that can help Black to improve the position of its knights while solidifying the defense.