Italian Game: Hungarian Defense, Tartakower Variation

The Italian Game is a popular opening for white as it quickly controls the center of the board and allows for easy piece development. The move e4 specifically aims to support the pawn on d4 and set up a strong pawn chain in the center. By controlling the central squares, white can limit black's options and gain an advantage in the opening.

Playing e5 in response to e4 is a common move for Black as it aims to control the central squares and challenge white's control over them. By doing so, Black can also create a path for their light-squared bishop to become active and put pressure on white's position. This move also opens up opportunities for the knights to develop and supports the idea of creating pawn chains in the center. With e5, Black is hoping to equalize the position and gain control of some key areas of the board.

Playing Nf3 is a logical move for White as it aims to control the center and develop a knight to a strong position. By placing a knight on f3, White is further supporting the control of e5 and d4, as well as creating potential threats to Black's pawn structure. Additionally, Nf3 prepares for White's kingside castling and keeps open options for future moves, including possible attacks on the Black king. In sum, Nf3 sets up White for a solid and flexible position.

In the Italian Game: Hungarian Defense, Tartakower Variation, Black's move of Nc6 is a common response to White's move of Nf3. Nc6 helps protect the e5-pawn and puts pressure on the white knight, forcing it to move again. Additionally, Nc6 sets up the possibility of developing the dark-squared bishop, which can become an important attacking piece. By developing minor pieces and protecting key pawns, Black is setting up a solid defense while also creating potential counterattacks against White's position.

Playing Bc4 in this position is a common move for White as it aims to control the center while developing a bishop with potential for creating threats. By placing the bishop on c4, White is eyeing the f7-square, which is often a weak spot in Black's position. This also prepares for possible tactics such as the Fried Liver Attack or the Two Knights Defense. Additionally, Bc4 pins the knight on c6, making it difficult for Black to develop their dark-squared bishop and putting pressure on the e5-pawn. In sum, Bc4 sets up White for an aggressive and attacking position.

Playing Be7 is a common move for Black in response to Bc4 as it develops the light-squared bishop while retaining flexibility in the pawn structure. By placing the bishop on e7, Black prepares to castle kingside and defends the knight on c6, which is often under attack from the bishop. This move also avoids potential tactics such as the Fried Liver Attack or the Bishop's Gambit. Additionally, Be7 leaves open the option for the f-pawn to move to f6, creating a more solid defense, or for the bishop to move the d6-square where it can also eye the white king. In sum, Be7 sets up Black for a flexible and solid position.

In the Italian Game: Hungarian Defense, Tartakower Variation, White's move of d4 is a common plan after developing the light-squared bishop. d4 aims to control the central squares and undermine Black's center. This move also prepares for possible tactics such as the Scholar's Mate or the Danish Gambit. In addition, d4 paves the way for White's pieces to become more active and targets Black's weakness on e5. By advancing the pawn, White increases the pressure on Black's position and sets up the potential for a strong attack. In sum, d4 is a key move in this variation that helps White make progress in the opening.

Playing exd4 is a common move for Black in response to d4 as it captures the central pawn and trades material. By doing so, Black aims to reduce the pressure on their position and open up lines for their pieces. Additionally, capturing the d4-pawn makes it harder for White to continue their plans of controlling the center. This move also prepares for the possibility of Black's knight moving to d5, attacking White's central pawns and controlling key squares. In sum, exd4 is a dynamic move that challenges White's position and opens up opportunities for Black to equalize the position.

Playing c3 in this position is a common move for White as it aims to develop a strong pawn chain while preparing to retake the d4-pawn. By playing c3, White defends the d4-square and prevents Black's knight from taking the pawn and adding pressure to the center. Additionally, c3 can help create a space for the knight on c3 or the bishop on d3 to develop and put more pressure on Black's position. This move also can prevent Black from obtaining a strong outpost on d5. In sum, c3 sets up White for a solid position while also laying the groundwork for active piece development.

In the Italian Game: Hungarian Defense, Tartakower Variation, playing Nf6 is a common move for Black in response to c3. Nf6 aims to control the central squares and attack the white bishop on c4, which can become a target after the pawn push to c3. Additionally, Nf6 develops a knight to an active square and puts pressure on White's position. This move also prepares for possible tactics such as the Fried Liver Attack or the Two Knights Defense. By playing Nf6, Black sets up a flexible position, creating multiple opportunities to exert control over the board and potentially gain an advantage.

Playing e5 in this position is a common move for White as it aims to control more central squares and increase the pressure on Black's position. By playing e5, White opens up lines for their bishops and queen, creating potential threats against Black's king. Additionally, this move exposes the knight on f6, which must either move or be captured, and White can use this newfound weakness to gain an advantage. By breaking up Black's pawn structure and taking control of more space on the board, White sets up a strong position and puts pressure on their opponent. In sum, e5 is a dynamic move that opens up options for White while creating new obstacles for Black to overcome.

Playing Ne4 is a common move for Black in response to e5 as it attacks the white bishop on c4 and regains control of the center. By placing the knight on the central e4-square, Black is looking to create a strong outpost for their piece while putting additional pressure on White's position. Additionally, Ne4 blocks the queen's access to the g5-square, potentially preventing a strong attack against Black's king. This move also helps open up the f-file, which can be useful for Black's rooks to become active. In sum, Ne4 establishes Black's presence in the center of the board while setting up potential attacking opportunities against White's position.