Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Keres Defense

Chess is a strategic game where proper planning and execution are essential for success. In the opening phase, white's first move is d4, which establishes control over the center of the board. This move also creates opportunities for the queen and bishop to enter the game. By controlling the center, white aims to develop his pieces quickly and put pressure on black's position. This opening sets the stage for a complex and challenging game ahead.

After White's move d4, Black responds with Nf6, which encourages the development of Black's pieces and aims to contest White's control over the center. By placing the knight on f6, Black prepares to castle kingside while simultaneously attacking White's pawn on d4. This move is also common in many other openings and provides flexibility and options for Black's next move. In sum, Nf6 is a strong move that helps to establish a solid foundation for Black's position.

Following the move Nf6 by Black, White plays c4, which is known as the Queen's Pawn opening. This move further controls the center and creates more space for White's pieces to develop, particularly the light-squared bishop. This move also potentially puts pressure on Black's knight on f6, forcing it to move and potentially wasting time. Also, c4 prepares for the pawn to move to d5 in the next move, putting more pressure on Black's position. In sum, this move sets a strong foundation for White's position and aims to control the game's tempo.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Keres Defense, Black often responds to c4 with the move e6. This move supports Black's pawn on d5 and prepares the development of the light-squared bishop. By placing the pawn on e6, Black also deter's White's pawn from advancing to e5, which could potentially lock out the bishop and make the d5 pawn vulnerable. Additionally, the pawn on e6 can create a solid pawn chain in combination with d5, providing potential advantages for Black in the center of the board. In sum, e6 is a flexible move that sets the stage for further development of Black's pieces.

Following the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White aims to develop their knight to c3. This move supports White's control over the center of the board and prepares for the pawn to move to d5, aiming to attack Black's knight on f6. Additionally, by developing the knight to c3, White prepares to castle kingside and puts pressure on Black's queen bishop. This move also creates opportunities for potential pawn exchanges in the center, increasing the likelihood of open lines for pieces to maneuver. In sum, developing the knight to c3 is a strong move that helps to further White's control over the board.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3, Black plays Bb4, which further contests White's control of the center and puts pressure on White's knight on c3. This move is part of the Nimzo-Indian Defense, where Black aims to force White to either exchange the bishop for the knight or to move the knight to a less-optimal square. Additionally, after the bishop is placed on b4, it threatens to capture the knight on c3, potentially doubling White's pawns and opening up the c-file for Black's rook to control. This move helps Black to maintain a strong position and sets up potential advantages in the future. In sum, Bb4 is a strong move that helps Black to establish control of the center and puts pressure on White's position.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Keres Defense, White often plays Qc2 in response to Black's move Bb4. This move aligns the queen with the bishop and prepares for a potential future capture on c3 without compromising White's pawn structure. Additionally, Qc2 prepares for White's kingside castling and helps to protect the pawn on c4. This move also creates pressure on Black's pawn structure, as White threatens tactics such as a potential queen invasion to the seventh rank after a future exchange on c3. In sum, Qc2 is a solid and flexible move that helps to further White's position without losing tempo.

After White's move Qc2, Black often plays O-O in the Nimzo-Indian Defense. This move completes Black's kingside development and prepares to connect the rooks. Castling kingside also provides an additional layer of protection for Black's king, allowing the rooks to come to the center of the board without the fear of an attack. This move also frees up the bishop on f8 and enables Black to initiate a counter-attack on the queenside, potentially pressuring White's pawn structure. In short, O-O is a solid move that allows Black to complete their development and prepares for attacks on the queenside.

After Black castles kingside with O-O, White often plays a3 to prevent Black's bishop from pinning the knight on c3 permanently. This move also creates a future retreat square for the queen or bishop in case of a potential pin on the c-file. Additionally, a3 secures the b4 square, making it difficult for Black to pressure the pawn on c4. This move also potentially frees up White's queen for an invasion in the center or kingside. In sum, a3 is a solid defensive move that prevents Black's pieces from invading White's position and helps to solidify White's pawn structure.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Keres Defense, Black often plays Bxc3+ in response to White's move a3. This move allows Black to open up the b-file and gain control over the square b4, which can be used as a potential outpost or to put pressure on White's pawn structure. Additionally, capturing on c3 forces White's pawn to recapture, thus creating a potential pawn weakness on d4. This move also removes the knight on c3, potentially reducing White's control over the center of the board. In sum, Bxc3+ is a strong move that helps Black to advance their position and create more potential threats on the board.

After Black captures on c3 with Bxc3+, White often responds with Qxc3 in the Nimzo-Indian Defense. This move regroups White's queen and prepares it for potential attacks. By capturing on c3 with the queen, White's pawn structure remains intact and preserves central control. Additionally, White's queen on c3 potentially poses a threat to Black's kingside and aims to put pressure on Black's queen bishop. This move can also increase the security of White's king position, as the queen can offer additional protection on the kingside. In sum, Qxc3 is a strong move that helps to maintain both White's pawn structure and central control while setting up potential threats on the board.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3, Black often plays b6 to develop their bishop to b7 and potentially attack White's pawn on c4. B6 helps to create a solid pawn chain with c6 and d5 pawns, which controls the center and also adds more protection to the king's position. Additionally, b6 prepares for Black's future expansion on the queenside and aims to limit any potential invasion by White on the b-file. In sum, b6 is a flexible move that helps Black to further their position and prepares for future attacks on the queenside.