Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense

In the opening move of d4, White aims to control the center of the board and limit Black's possibilities for counterplay. It also develops White's pawn to a strong position and prepares for quick piece development. This opening sets the tone for a strategic game, where both sides will have to carefully plan their moves to gain an advantage.

The move Nf6 allows Black to control the central squares and contest White's grip on the position. It also enables Black to develop their knight and prepare to castle their king. This move has been played frequently in response to 1. d4 because it is flexible and can be used in a variety of openings. By placing the knight in the center of the board, Black hopes to gain a foothold in the position and create opportunities for counterplay.

The move c4 is known as the Queen's Pawn Opening and is played by White to control the central squares and prepare for quick development of their pieces. By advancing the pawn to c4, White gains more space in the center and puts pressure on Black's position. The move also prepares for the development of White's knight to c3, which attacks the pawn on d5 and adds more control over the center of the board. This move has been played frequently in response to 1. d4 Nf6 because it sets up a flexible and dynamic position, giving White many options for their next moves.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense, after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4, Black often plays e6. This move allows Black to control the d5 square and prepare for the eventual development of the light-squared bishop. By placing a pawn on this square, Black curbs White's potential pawn breakthrough at d5, which would give them a strong pawn center. Additionally, the move e6 lays the foundation for a solid pawn structure that can be difficult for White to penetrate later in the game. Finally, the move allows Black to protect the pawn on d5, which is often a target of White's pieces in this opening.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White often plays Nc3. This move further controls the central squares and allows White to develop their pieces quickly. By placing the knight on this square, White prepares to put pressure on Black's e6 pawn and gain more control over the d5 square. Additionally, the move can transpose into many different variations of the Queen's Gambit, which provides White with a lot of flexibility in their opening strategy. Finally, by developing the knight to such an active square early in the game, White sets up opportunities for tactical combinations that can quickly swing the game in their favor.

In response to 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3, Black often plays Bb4. This move serves multiple purposes in the opening. Firstly, it attacks the white pawn on c3 and forces White to either trade their knight or move it to a less optimal square. Secondly, by placing the bishop on this square, Black gains control over the important d4 square, which can prevent White from advancing their e4 pawn in the future. Moreover, the move also develops the bishop to a good square and prepares for castling kingside. Finally, the move sets up the possibility of tactical ideas such as pinning White's knight or winning a pawn with the move a6.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense, after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4, White often plays Bg5. This move pins the black knight on f6 and forces Black to either trade the knight or move it to a less desirable square. Additionally, the move places the bishop on a strong diagonal and puts pressure on Black's position by attacking the pawn on f6 and potentially weakening Black's pawn structure. Furthermore, the move sets up the possibility of sacrifices on h7, which can generate tactical opportunities for White. Finally, the move prepares for castling kingside and developing the other pieces on the kingside while limiting Black's choices.

In response to 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5, Black often plays h6. This move prevents White's bishop from pinning Black's knight on f6 and forces the bishop to retreat. Additionally, the move prepares for the eventual development of Black's knight to f5, which can put pressure on White's position and skewer the queen and bishop. The move h6 also prevents any potential sacrifices on the h7 square, which can be an important defensive resource for Black. In sum, the move secures the kingside and can limit White's attacking options.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6, White often plays Bh4. This move keeps the bishop on a strong diagonal while also avoiding being forced to retreat back to the relatively passive square of e3. The move also forces Black to make another decision regarding their bishop, either by trading on c3 or by retreating to a different square. Additionally, the move can prepare for a future queen or pawn move to h5, which can create weaknesses in Black's position. Finally, the move prepares for castling kingside and allows for other pieces to be developed towards the center of the board.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Leningrad Variation, Benoni Defense, after the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 5. Bh4, Black often plays c5. This move challenges White's control of the center and puts pressure on the pawn on d4. Additionally, the move opens lines for Black's minor pieces and prepares for the eventual development of the knight on c6 and the light-squared bishop to f5. The move also discourages White from playing d5, which would further solidify their control over the center. Finally, the move can prepare for a pawn-break in the center with the move d5, which can create counterplay for Black.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 5. Bh4 c5, White often plays d5. This move aims to break open the center of the board and gain more control over the position. Additionally, the move attacks the black knight on c6 and forces Black to either trade knights or move the knight to a less optimal square. Furthermore, the move creates a passed pawn on d5, which can be an important asset in the middle and endgame. The move can also create tactical opportunities for White, such as discovered attacks on Black's pieces. Finally, the move can provoke Black to make further pawn moves, potentially weakening their pawn structure.

In response to 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Bg5 h6 5. Bh4 c5 6. d5, Black often plays d6. This move solidifies Black's pawn structure and prevents White from breaking through with a pawn on e5. Additionally, the move allows Black's bishop on c8 to be developed to a good diagonal and also prepares for the eventual development of the knight on d7 or e8. Furthermore, the move puts pressure on White's pawn on d5 and limits White's options for further expansion in the center. The move d6 can also be used to support the pawn on c5, which is sometimes a target of White's pieces.