Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Botvinnik Variation

Chess is a game of strategy and the first few moves often set the tone for the rest of the game. In the Nimzo-Indian Defense opening, white's first move d4 sets up a strong central pawn structure and controls the center of the board. This move also puts pressure on black's pawn on d5, which can potentially be captured by white's pawn on c4. By controlling the center and creating threats, white aims to gain an advantage in the game.

After White plays d4, the move Nf6 is a common response for Black. By moving the knight to f6, Black develops a piece and usually wants to control the central squares e4 and d5. This move also prepares for e6, followed by the development of the dark-squared bishop to d6 or b4. Additionally, the knight on f6 can put pressure on White's pawn on e4 or attack the queen if it moves to d3, c4, or b5. In sum, Nf6 is a logical move for Black in response to d4.

After playing d4, White's next move of c4 is a strong move since it allows them to control the center of the board and improves their pieces' mobility. It also puts pressure on Black's knight on f6 since White's pawn can capture it if Black decides to make another move with it. Additionally, c4 allows White to develop their bishop on c1 and potentially push their pawn to d5 later on to gain even more control over the center. All in all, c4 is a key move in many popular openings for White as it provides them with a flexible and solid position to start the game.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Botvinnik Variation, Black often wants to play e6 after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4. This move is crucial for Black to solidify their position and control the central squares d5 and f5. By playing e6, Black also prepares to develop their dark-squared bishop to d6 or b4 and creates a strong pawn chain. Moreover, e6 can also prevent White's pawn on d4 from advancing to d5, effectively blocking their central pawn's potential for further development. All in all, e6 is a strong move to strengthen Black's position and set up further development.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White often wants to play Nc3 to develop their knight and control the center. This move also prepares for the pawn advance to d5, potentially giving White a stronger central pawn structure and controlling more space on the board. Furthermore, Nc3 also supports White's pawn on d4 and puts pressure on Black's pawn on e6. The knight on c3 also potentially makes it more challenging for Black to develop their knight to c6. In sum, Nc3 is a key move in many popular openings for White, and it sets the stage for further development and potential central control.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3, Black often wants to play Bb4, taking advantage of the loose pin on White's knight and putting pressure on White's center. By playing Bb4, Black also develops their bishop and puts pressure on White's pawn on c4, potentially forcing its capture and damaging White's pawn structure. The bishop on b4 also controls the diagonal a3-f8, limiting White's ability to develop their knight to b5, and potentially giving Black more space and freedom to maneuver their pieces. In sum, Bb4 is a strong move in many popular openings for Black, and it sets the stage for potential counter-attacks and control of the board.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Botvinnik Variation, White often wants to play Qc2 after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4. This move supports White's pawn on c4 and also prepares for the potential pawn advance to d5, gaining more central control. Additionally, Qc2 unloads the pressure on White's knight on c3 and potentially prepares for the development of White's bishop on d3 or e2. Furthermore, the queen on c2 also potentially targets Black's pawn on c6, limiting Black's options for counterplay. In sum, Qc2 is a strategically important move for White in this opening, setting the stage for further development and pressure on Black's position.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2, Black may want to play d5 to challenge White's central pawn and gain more space on the board. By playing d5, Black also prepares to potentially open up lines for their pieces, creating opportunities for attack and counterplay. Additionally, d5 potentially limits the mobility of White's pieces, especially their knights. However, Black needs to be careful as playing d5 also weakens their pawn on e6 and can potentially limit the mobility of their own bishop on c8. In sum, d5 is a move that Black should consider carefully, taking into account potential strategic and tactical implications on the board.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5, White may want to play a3 in order to discourage Black's bishop from pinning their knight on c3. This move also prepares for the eventual advance of White's pawn to b4, gaining more space on the queenside, and potentially forcing Black's bishop to retreat to a7 or b6. Additionally, a3 potentially prevents Black's knight on c6 from jumping to b4, gaining control over the a2-g8 diagonal. However, White needs to carefully evaluate the potential effects on their own pawn structure and not create weaknesses in doing so. In sum, a3 is a strategically important move for White in this opening, setting the stage for further development and control of the board.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Classical Variation, Noa Variation, Botvinnik Variation, after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3, Black often wants to play Bxc3+. This move opens up Black's position, creating opportunities for counterplay and potentially weakening White's pawn structure. By taking the pawn on c3, Black also eliminates White's strong central knight and potentially gains control over the central squares d4 and e5. Furthermore, taking the pawn with the bishop instead of the knight allows Black's knight on f6 to control more space and potentially threaten White's queen on c2. In sum, Bxc3+ is a move that allows Black to seize the initiative and potentially create a more favorable position for themselves.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+, White may want to play Qxc3 to eliminate Black's bishop and potentially create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure. By capturing the bishop with the queen, White also maintains control over the central squares and prepares for potential pawn advances, such as b4 or d5. Additionally, Qxc3 develops the queen and potentially puts pressure on Black's pawns on b7 and d5. However, White needs to carefully evaluate the potential effects on their own position, such as potentially weakening their king's position or making the queen vulnerable to attack. In sum, Qxc3 is a move that can give White more control over the board and potentially create weaknesses in Black's position, but it needs to be played with caution and strong positional evaluation.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 d5 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. Qxc3, Black often wants to play Nc6 to develop their knight and further control the central squares. By placing the knight on c6, Black can also potentially support the advance of their pawn to d4, gaining more space and potentially opening up lines for their pieces. Additionally, placing the knight on c6 potentially allows Black to push their pawn to b5 and gain more space on the queenside. Nc6 also potentially limits the mobility of White's pawn on c4, creating opportunities for Black to attack and gain more control over the board. In sum, Nc6 is a solid move that sets the stage for further development and counterplay for Black.