Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation

The move d4 is a common opening move used by white in chess. It controls the center of the board and allows white to free up their pieces for development. By pushing the d-pawn forward two squares, white creates a solid pawn chain and opens the diagonal for the queen and bishop. This move also puts pressure on black's position, forcing them to respond and potentially giving white an advantage in the early stages of the game.

The move Nf6 is a common response by black to white's first move, d4. This move also exerts control over the center of the board, with the knight attacking the square at e4. By developing this knight early, black sets up potential attacks and opportunities for creating a strong pawn structure. Additionally, placing the knight on f6 supports the potential development of the bishop on c8 and puts pressure on white's position. This move is a solid choice for black in response to d4.

The move c4 is a common follow-up by white to their opening move, d4, aiming to control the central squares and prepare for further piece development. This pawn move creates a strong pawn chain and puts pressure on black's position, hindering the development of their pieces. The move also seeks to gain space on the board, limiting black's options and potentially opening up opportunities for white's pieces to attack. By playing c4, white is continuing to build a solid foundation for their pieces and set the tone for the rest of the game.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, black opts for the move e6 after white's move c4. This move aims to strengthen the pawn on d5, which is under attack by white's pawn. The move also supports the development of black's light-square bishop, as it clears the diagonal for its potential movement. Additionally, by controlling the d5 square, black is preventing white from advancing their pawn further and taking control of the center. By playing e6, black is advancing their own pawn structure and laying a solid foundation for future moves.

The move Nc3 is a common follow-up by white to their opening moves, d4 and c4, in response to black's move, e6. This move develops the knight and supports future development of the pawn on d4 while attacking the pawn on e6. Additionally, by placing the knight on c3, white increases their control over the central squares of the board. The move also frees up the queen's bishop to be developed and potentially participate in future attacks. By playing Nc3, white is continuing to build a strong foundation for their pieces and prepare for later stages of the game.

In response to white's move Nc3, black opts for the move Bb4. This move puts pressure on white's position and is known as the Nimzo-Indian Defense. By attacking the knight on c3, black is forcing white to either retreat the knight or trade it for the bishop. If the knight retreats, black has weakened white's position by forcing an unhelpful move. If white chooses to trade knights for the bishop, it risks doubling its pawns. The move Bb4 also puts the bishop on an active square and supports future piece development. By playing Bb4, black is setting up potential attacks while simultaneously improving their own position.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, white commonly plays the move e3 after black's move Bb4. This move aims to prevent black's bishop from pinning white's knight on c3 and potentially causing problems for white's pawn structure. The move also frees up the queen's bishop to be developed and prepares the way for the pawn on d4 to be advanced, opening the center of the board. The move e3 is also a popular way to solidify white's position and prevent future attacks. By playing e3, white is continuing to develop their pieces and laying the foundation for future strategic moves.

In response to white's move e3, black often plays the move O-O, castling kingside. This move aims to place the king in a safer position, out of potential harm from attacks on the open diagonal caused by the bishop on b4. The move also allows for the rooks to be connected, which may offer protection and support in the center of the board. Additionally, by castling, black is developing the king while freeing up the bishop on f8 to potentially play a more active role in future attacks. By playing O-O, black is continuing to develop their pieces and intensifying their defenses.