King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation, Ukrainian Defense

The first move, 1. d4, aims to control the center and free up the queen and bishop to be developed. By pushing the d-pawn two squares, White directly challenges Black's control of the central e5 square. This move also sets up potential pawn exchanges and aids in the development of White's pieces. In sum, White is attempting to establish a strong presence in the center of the board.

Black's move 1...Nf6 also aims to control the center by indirectly attacking White's central d4 pawn. Additionally, this move develops Black's knight to a central square and prepares for the eventual development of the other pieces. By playing Nf6, Black maintains flexibility with regards to the pawn structure and leaves open the options of transposing into different openings, such as the Nimzo-Indian Defense or the Grunfeld Defense. In sum, Black is adopting a flexible and dynamic approach to the opening.

White's move 2. c4 is a common response to Black's 1...Nf6. By playing c4, White continues to control the center and challenges Black's influence on it. The move also frees up White's c-pawn and queen while offering the possibility of a queen's gambit. Taking control of the central squares allows White to have more space to maneuver and develop their pieces. Additionally, the move sets up the potential for a number of different variations in the upcoming moves. In sum, White is looking to establish a strong and flexible position.

In the King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation, Ukrainian Defense, Black's move 2...g6 is a common response to White's 2. c4. This move prepares to fianchetto the bishop to g7, which will control the long diagonal and reinforce Black's hold on the center. By playing g6, Black also sets up a pawn structure that is characteristic of the King's Indian Defense. The move has the added benefit of preventing White's knight from advancing to f3 with tempo. In sum, this move signals Black's intention to play a hypermodern and counter-attacking style of chess.

White's move 3. Nc3 is an important move in the development of the pieces. The knight is brought to c3 to support the d4 pawn and threaten the e5 square which is often targeted by black. The knight can also be used to support the advance of the b-pawn, setting up a potential pawn chain along the c and d files. By playing Nc3, White is looking to develop the knight to an active central square and control some more key squares around the board. In sum, this move represents an important step in White's opening strategy, laying the groundwork for further development and control of the board.

Black's move 3...Bg7 is an important move in the King's Indian Defense, as it completes the fianchetto of the bishop. By placing the bishop on g7, Black not only reinforces their control of the center but also exerts pressure on White's pawn on c4. The bishop can provide support for Black's central pawn push, e5, and may also be used to support the advance of the f-pawn. Additionally, placing the bishop on such an active diagonal allows Black to potentially launch counterattacks against White's kingside. In sum, this move is a flexible and important step in Black's strategy.

In the King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation, Ukrainian Defense, White's move 4. e4 is a common response to Black's 3...Bg7. By pushing the e-pawn forward two squares, White looks to further control the center and push back Black's counterplay. With the pawn on e4 supported by the knight on c3, White establishes a strong pawn center that can be used to support an attack on the kingside. Additionally, the move clears the way for White's light-squared bishop to be developed to f4, where it can exert more pressure on Black's position. In sum, this is a dynamic and aggressive move that sets up many possibilities in the coming moves.

Black's move 4...d6 is a natural response to White's 4. e4. By playing d6, Black reinforces their control over the central e5 square and prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop to e6. The move also opens up lines for the queen and bishop, allowing them to participate in the game. Additionally, the pawn on d6 can support the eventual advance of the e5 pawn, which can be a powerful attacking move in the King's Indian Defense. In sum, this move solidifies Black's position and prepares them for further development.

White's move 5. Nf3 is a natural follow-up to the development of the pawn on e4. By playing Nf3, White develops the knight to an active square and prepares to castle kingside. The move also supports the pawn on d4, adding another defender to the central square and increasing control over the center of the board. Additionally, the knight can be used to support an eventual pawn push to e5, creating tension in the center of the board and opening up lines for White's bishops. In sum, this move is a key step in White's development and control of the board.

In the King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation, Ukrainian Defense, Black's move 5...O-O is an important move in the development of their pieces. By castling kingside, Black puts their king in safety and also makes room for the rook to be more effectively used. The move also prepares for the deployment of the queen and the major pieces to support the center and participate in an eventual attack on the kingside. Additionally, by castling opposite White's king, Black sets the stage for a possible race to the enemy monarchs and a direct confrontation of both sides' attacking capabilities. In sum, this move is a flexible and strategic choice in the King's Indian Defense.

White's move 6. Be2 is an important move in the development of their light-squared bishop. By placing the bishop on e2, White prepares to castle kingside and further consolidates their control over the central squares. The bishop can also be used to support a potential pawn break in the center with f3 or d3. Additionally, by placing the bishop opposite Black's bishop on g7, White can potentially contest control of the long diagonal and make threats on the queenside. In sum, this move is a flexible and strategic choice that allows for further development and control of the board.

Black's move 6...e5 is a common pawn break in the King's Indian Defense that aims to seize control of the center of the board. By advancing the pawn to e5, Black frees up their pieces and creates tactical threats against White's center. If White chooses to capture the pawn with dxe5, Black can recapture with their knight, which exerts pressure on the d4 pawn and opens up lines for the bishops. The move also increases the scope of Black's dark-squared bishop, allowing it to be developed and participate more actively in the game. In sum, this move is a dynamic and aggressive choice that aims to create counterplay and disrupt White's position.

In the King's Indian Defense: Orthodox Variation, Ukrainian Defense, White's move 7. O-O is a key step in the development of their pieces. By castling kingside, White puts their king in safety and connects the rooks, allowing for possible coordination and pressure on the central files. Additionally, the move prepares for the deployment of the queen and minor pieces to support the center and participate in an eventual attack. Castling also allows the h1-rook to be used in a possible pawn storm on the kingside. In sum, this move is a widely used and sound choice in the King's Indian Defense.

Black's move 7...a5 is an interesting choice that aims to create a secure and flexible pawn structure on the queenside. By advancing the pawn to a5, Black prevents any potential White pawn advances on the b4 square, and possibly prepares to push for b5 later, gaining space and influence on the queenside. The move can also disrupt White's pawn structure and weaken any potential pawn chain. Additionally, the pawn can be used as support for the eventual advance of the b-pawn, opening up new lines for Black's pieces. In sum, this move shows a cautious and thoughtful approach from Black, looking to solidify their position and limit White's potential counterplay.