Four Knights Game: Spanish Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation

In the Four Knights Game: Spanish Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation, White starts with the move e4. This move not only controls the center but also allows the pawn on d2 to be developed. By occupying the center, White intends to establish a strong position and restrict Black's options. Moreover, this move puts pressure on Black's e5 pawn, which is a significant target in many variations of the opening. Therefore, e4 is a crucial move that sets the tone for the rest of the game.

Black plays e5 in response to White's e4 move to also control the center and develop a pawn. By playing e5, Black stakes a claim to a share of the central squares and seeks to gain space and mobility for their pieces. This move also threatens to attack the pawn on e4, forcing White to consider their defense carefully. Additionally, by mirroring White's move, Black aims for symmetry and balance in the early stages of the game. Therefore, e5 is a natural and common response to 1.e4.

White plays Nf3 after 1.e4 e5 to develop a knight, control central squares, and prepare to castle. By putting the knight on f3, White indirectly attacks Black's e5 pawn, putting it under pressure and discouraging Black from playing d6. Nf3 also opens up the possibility of playing Ng5 in certain variations, putting pressure on Black's f7 square. Moreover, Nf3 allows White to maintain flexibility and adapt their strategy depending on Black's response. Therefore, Nf3 is a common and logical move in the opening stages of the game.

In the Four Knights Game: Spanish Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation, Black plays Nc6 in response to 2.Nf3. This move develops a knight and puts pressure on White's e4 pawn, which is now only defended by the knight on f3. Nc6 also frees the d7-square for the development of Black's dark-squared bishop and prepares to castle kingside. Additionally, Nc6 controls the d4-square, limiting White's options for their pawn breaks. By playing Nc6, Black aims to establish a solid and flexible position in the center of the board. Therefore, Nc6 is a logical and common move in this opening.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6, White plays Nc3 to develop a knight and prepare for further central pawn moves. Nc3 defends the pawn on e4, allowing White to continue their development without worrying about Black's knight attacking the pawn. Moreover, Nc3 opens up the possibility of playing d4 in certain variations, putting pressure on Black's center. Additionally, Nc3 prepares for the early development of the light-squared bishop to b5, putting pressure on Black's knight on c6. By playing Nc3, White seeks to establish a solid and flexible position in the center of the board. Therefore, Nc3 is a common and logical move in this opening.

After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Nc3, Black plays Nf6 to develop a knight and control central squares. Nf6 attacks White's pawn on e4, which is only defended by the knight on f3, and lays the groundwork for a pawn break with ...d5. Moreover, Nf6 prepares for the placement of the knight on a more active square such as d4 or g4. Additionally, Nf6 applies pressure on White's position and limits their options for further development. By playing Nf6, Black aims to establish a dynamic and flexible position in the center of the board. Therefore, Nf6 is a common and logical move in this opening.

In the Four Knights Game: Spanish Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation, White plays Bb5 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6. This move develops the light-squared bishop and puts immediate pressure on Black's position. Bb5 pins the knight on c6 and indirectly attacks Black's e5 pawn. This move also prepares for the possibility of doubling Black's pawns or exchanging the knight on c6, disrupting their pawn structure. Moreover, Bb5 provokes Black's bishop to move, potentially weakening their king's defenses or blockading their position. By playing Bb5, White aims to gain a small but significant advantage and shape the direction of the game. Therefore, Bb5 is a common and aggressive move in this opening.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5, Black plays Bb4 to develop a bishop, put pressure on White's position, and threaten to exchange the bishop for White's knight. Bb4 pins White's knight on c3, making it difficult for White to play d4 to gain control of the center. Additionally, Bb4 prepares for the early development of Black's light-squared bishop to d7 or c5, controlling key central squares and putting pressure on White's position. Moreover, Bb4 provokes White's pawn to move to c3, opening up the possibility of a pawn exchange that potentially weakens White's pawn structure. By playing Bb4, Black aims to establish a dynamic and flexible position in the center of the board. Therefore, Bb4 is a common and logical move in this opening.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bb4, White plays O-O to castle the king and put it in a safer position. By castling kingside, White connects the rooks and prepares to bring the other pieces into the game. Additionally, castling allows the king to escape from potential threats on the open e-file. Moreover, castling prepares for the possibility of doubling rooks on the c-file, putting pressure on Black's pawn structure. By playing O-O, White aims to establish a solid and secure position in the center of the board. Therefore, castling is a common and necessary move in the opening stages of the game.

In the Four Knights Game: Spanish Variation, Nimzowitsch Variation, Black plays O-O after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bb4 5.O-O. This move castles the king and puts it in a safer position, connecting the rooks and preparing for the mobilization of other pieces. Moreover, castling kingside allows Black's rook on f8 to potentially support a pawn advance on the f-file. Additionally, castling prepares for the possibility of a pawn exchange in the center that opens up lines for Black's minor pieces. By playing O-O, Black aims to establish a solid and flexible position in the center of the board. Therefore, castling is a common and necessary move in this opening.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bb4 5.O-O O-O, White plays Bxc6 to exchange their bishop for Black's knight, disrupting their pawn structure. Additionally, Bxc6 frees up White's d-pawn to move and potentially gain control of the center. Moreover, Bxc6 forces Black to take back with their b-pawn, potentially weakening their pawn structure on the queenside. Additionally, Bxc6 prevents Black's knight from eventually developing to c6, potentially blocking the c-pawn's advance. Therefore, Bxc6 is a tactical move that aims to gain small but significant advantages in the pawn structure and pave the way for White's further development.