Nimzo-Indian Defense: Hübner Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Sherbakov Attack

Chess openings are crucial to a player's success in the game, and the Nimzo-Indian Defense is a popular choice for black against 1.d4. In this opening, black aims to control the center with their knight, bishop, and pawn moves. White's move 3.Nc3 attacks the knight, but black responds with 3...Bb4, attacking white's pawn on c4 and putting pressure on their center. White's move 4.e3 is played to defend their pawn, but it also allows black to trade bishops with 4...c5 5.Ne2 cxd4 6.exd4. The move 7.c5 is an attempt to gain space on the board, but it weakens the d5 square and can lead to potential weaknesses in white's position.

In response to 1. d4, playing Nf6 is a logical move for Black. By developing a knight to a central square, Black controls the e4 square and prepares to potentially attack White's central pawn with moves like e5 or d5. Additionally, Nf6 clears the way for Black's light-squared bishop to be developed to a potentially strong diagonal. In sum, Nf6 is a flexible and effective response to White's opening move.

Playing c4 after 1. d4 Nf6 is a common move for White. By advancing the pawn two squares, White controls the important central squares of d5 and e5, limiting Black's options for developing their pieces. Additionally, by pushing the c-pawn, White can potentially develop their knight to c3 and attack Black's knight, forcing it to move again. In sum, c4 is a strong opening move for White, allowing for control of the center and the potential to gain an advantage in development.

It's important to note that this question specifies that the phrase "Nimzo-Indian Defense: Hübner Variation, Rubinstein Variation, Sherbakov Attack" must be used. In the Nimzo-Indian Defense, after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4, Black often plays 2...e6. This move prepares to potentially control the center with d5 and develop the light-squared bishop to a strong diagonal. Additionally, e6 keeps lines open for the Queen's pawn to be developed to e7, allowing for the option of playing f5 to attack White's center. In sum, playing e6 for Black is a flexible move that can lead to various potential plans for development.

Playing Nc3 after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 is a natural move for White. It develops a knight towards the center and prepares for the opening of the bishop on a1. By placing the knight on c3, White also frees up the pawn on d2 to potentially be developed to d4, gaining control of the center. Additionally, the knight on c3 supports the pawn on e4, increasing the pressure on Black's position. In sum, Nc3 is a strong move for White, allowing for further development and potential control of the center.

Playing Bb4 after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 is a key move in many variations of the Queen's pawn opening. By placing the bishop on b4, Black pins White's knight on c3, which adds pressure on White's center while developing a piece at the same time. Additionally, Bb4 prepares to potentially exchange the bishop for White's knight, which can open up White's position and create weaknesses. Moreover, Bb4 puts pressure on the pawn on c4, which can force White to take up more defensive positions and limit their development. In sum, Bb4 is a strategic move that contains multiple benefits for Black.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense, after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4, White often plays 4.e3. This move is played to support the pawn on d4 and protect it from being attacked by Black's bishop on b4. Additionally, e3 prepares for the opening of White's dark-squared bishop, which can be developed to e2 or d3. By placing the bishop on a strong diagonal, White can increase their control of the center and pressure Black's position. In sum, e3 is a flexible move that allows White to consolidate their position and prepare for further development.

Playing c5 after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 is a common move for Black to gain space and control in the center of the board. The move c5 attacks White's central pawn on d4, potentially forcing White to defend it or accept the exchange. Additionally, c5 opens up the diagonal for Black's dark-squared bishop, increasing pressure on White's position. By playing c5, Black takes advantage of White's weakened pawn structure and aims to potentially occupy the center of the board with their pawns. In sum, c5 is a strategic move that creates pressure and disruption in White's position.

Playing Ne2 after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 is a tactical move for White. By developing the knight to e2, White prepares to potentially attack Black's pawn on c5 with moves like dxc5, which can lead to an isolated pawn for Black. Additionally, Ne2 protects the pawn on c4, which was hanging after Black's c5 move. The knight on e2 also makes way for White's f-pawn to potentially move to f4, increasing the pressure around the center of the board. In sum, Ne2 is a strategic move that aims to exploit potential weaknesses in Black's position and consolidate White's own position.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense, after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Ne2, Black often plays 5...cxd4. This move is played to open up the position for Black's pieces and obstruct White's control of the center. By exchanging pawns on d4, Black strikes at the heart of White's position and potentially creates weaknesses in the pawn structure. Additionally, trading pawns on d4 clears the way for Black's light-squared bishop to be developed, increasing the pressure on White's position. In sum, cxd4 is a strategic move that aims to simplify the position and create opportunities for Black to seize control.

Playing exd4 after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Ne2 cxd4 is a common move for White. By exchanging pawns on d4, White can create an open position for their pieces and potentially lead to a rapid attack on Black's position. Additionally, taking on d4 frees up the c3-knight, which can be developed to a more active square. However, exd4 also weakens the pawn structure and can lead to potential weaknesses in White's position, such as an isolated d-pawn or a lack of pawn cover around the king. In sum, exd4 is a tactical move that offers a potential advantage for White in the form of an open position, but also comes with potential risks.

Playing O-O after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Ne2 cxd4 6.exd4 is a natural move for Black. By castling kingside, Black creates a safe haven for their king and brings the rook closer to the center of the board. Additionally, castling allows Black's king to be connected with the rooks, enabling potential endgame power. Moreover, by castling kingside, Black prepares to potentially advance their pawns on the queenside at a later time without compromising the safety of their king. In sum, O-O is a strategic move that aims to consolidate Black's position and prepare for further development.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense, after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Ne2 cxd4 6.exd4 O-O, White can play 7.c5. This move creates pressure on Black's position by threatening to capture the pawn on d6 and potentially create isolated pawns or weak squares in Black's position. Additionally, 7.c5 restricts the mobility of Black's knight on c6 and queen's bishop on c8, creating potential weaknesses for Black's position. On the other hand, playing c5 can also weaken White's position by opening up the d5 square for Black's pieces. In sum, c5 is a tactical move that aims to disrupt the balance of the position and create opportunities for White to seize control.