Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System

At the start of the game, white aims to control the central squares, d4 and e4, with the pawn moves c4 and Nc3. The move d4 allows white to contest the center, develop the queen's bishop, and prepares the possibility of castling kingside. This move also offers white flexibility, giving opportunities to open lines, exchange pieces, and create a pawn majority in the center. Thus, white's decision to play d4 is a standard move that forms the basis of many opening systems.

By playing Nf6, Black aims to control the central squares d5 and e4, challenging White's pawn structure. This move develops a minor piece and prepares for a future attack on White's central pawns, it also has the advantage of increasing control over the e4 square and posing a threat to develop a bishop to g4. Additionally, Nf6 opens a pathway for Black's queen to enter the game along the diagonal a7-g1. In sum, Nf6 is a common and flexible move that sets Black's pieces in motion.

White's move c4 aims to gain control of the center and build a strong pawn structure. This move immediately challenges Black's knight and puts pressure on the d5 square. By playing c4, White clears the way for the queen's bishop to develop and also prepares for the possibility of playing d5, which would open up lines for the queen and bishops. Additionally, this move sets up the basis for the Queen's Gambit, where White offers a pawn and aims to regain control of the center by putting pressure on Black's pawn structure. All in all, c4 is a standard move in many opening systems, offering White a better grip on the center and opening up a range of tactical and positional options.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Black's move e6 aims to support the knight on f6, control the d5 square, and prepare for the development of the light-squared bishop on the diagonal b7-d5. This move also restricts White's central pawn, limiting the possibility of playing d5. By playing e6, Black solidifies their pawn structure and prepares for a potentially longer game, where strategic maneuvering and piece coordination become vital. Additionally, e6 also serves as a stepping stone towards the French Defense, where Black often aims for a similar pawn structure and strategic plans.

White's move Nc3 aims to develop a minor piece, control the d5 square, and offer a potential support to the pawn on d4. This move prepares the way for the development of the queen's bishop and sets the stage for various key positions in several openings. Additionally, Nc3 offers flexibility, giving White several options to further develop their forces, such as preparing for the fianchetto of the king's bishop or a central pawn push to d5. In sum, Nc3 is a standard move in many opening systems, allowing White to establish control over the center and prepare for upcoming tactical and positional skirmishes.

Black's move Bb4 aims to pin the knight on c3, reducing the control of the d5 square, and preparing for potential exchanges or pressure on White's pawn structure. This move also helps establish Black's control over the center and prepares for the light-squared bishop's future development, often to the diagonal a6-f1. By playing Bb4, Black puts pressure on White to make a decision regarding the knight, either by blocking or moving it, potentially causing weaknesses in the pawn structure. Moreover, Bb4 often set the stage for several key positions in various openings, where Black aims to take advantage of White's weak pawns or positional inaccuracies.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, White's move e3 aims to protect the pawn on d4, support the knight on c3, and prepare for the development of the king's bishop. This move also limits Black's light-squared bishop's potential to attack the central pawns, effectively blocking the pin on the knight. By playing e3, White solidifies the pawn structure and prepares for potential pawn exchanges, creating contiguous pawns in the center. Additionally, e3 often serves as a move that allows White to prepare for a pawn thrust in the center, like d5, to gain more space or launch an attack. In sum, e3 offers White flexibility while maintaining a stable position in the center.

Black's move O-O aims to improve the king's safety and complete the development of the king's rook. This move also frees up the queen's bishop to move to the c8-h3 diagonal to pressure White's kingside or to d7 to support the d5 square. By castling kingside, Black often ends up with a stronger pawn structure, as the f7 pawn receives support from the king and the g8 knight. Additionally, castling also puts Black's king in a safer position, away from the center and crucial files that can be targeted in an attack. In sum, O-O is a frequent move in many openings, as it allows players to complete the development stage and prepare for the middlegame.

White's move Bd3 aims to complete the development of the king's bishop, take control over the light-squared diagonal, and potentially initiate an attack on Black's pawn structure or king. This move also prepares for the possibility of opening the center with d5, exchanging black's central pawn structure. By playing Bd3, White establishes a stable pawn structure, allowing for flexibility and the ability to quickly respond to potential threats or opportunities. Additionally, Bd3 helps support the knight on c3, while opening up the possibility for the queen to also enter the game along the diagonal a3-f8. In sum, Bd3 is frequently played in various opening systems, often leading to dynamic positions where precise piece maneuvering and tactical vision become crucial.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, Black's move d5 aims to take control over the central squares, challenge White's central pawn structure, and open up lines for the queen's bishop and queen. This move also helps Black to free up their pieces, allowing both bishops and the queen to become more active. By playing d5, Black makes a bold statement, asserting their control over the center of the board, while also weakening White's central pawns. Moreover, d5 often starts the opening up and the transition to the middlegame, where positional and tactical ideas become crucial. In sum, d5 can lead to a dynamic and advantageous position for the player that is able to execute their ideas more efficiently.

White's move Nf3 aims to support the pawn on d4, control the central squares, and prepare for the development of the knights and the light-squared bishop. This move also prepares for the possibility of castling kingside, which further improves the king's safety and potentially increases the pressure on Black's central pawns. By playing Nf3, White establishes a strong center, allowing for flexibility in the opening and the ability to quickly respond to potential threats or opportunities. Additionally, Nf3 helps solidify White's pawn structure and prepares the way for a future pawn push, such as e4 or g4. In sum, Nf3 is a standard move in many opening systems, where careful planning and a keen sense of piece coordination can make the difference in the outcome of a game.

Black's move c5 aims to challenge White's central pawn structure, break down White's control over the center, and gain space on the board. This move also opens up lines and provides the potential to create an asymmetrical pawn structure, which can give Black more dynamic chances for play. By playing c5, Black puts pressure on White to react and defend their pawns, potentially opening up lines for Black's pieces to become more active. Additionally, c5 can also create weaknesses in White's pawn structure, which can lead to opportunities for Black to initiate an attack. In sum, c5 is a bold move that often leads to an interesting and complex game.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation, Gligoric System, White's move O-O aims to improve the king's safety, complete the development of the king's rook, and potentially put more pressure on Black's central pawns or initiate an attack on the kingside. This move also helps White establish control over the central squares, allowing for strategic maneuvering and the ability to create threats on both sides of the board. By playing O-O, White takes advantage of their lead in development, often preparing for more aggressive play in the middlegame. Additionally, O-O also serves as a natural move in many opening systems, as it allows a player to consolidate their position and prepare for the next stage of the game. In sum, O-O is an important move that sets both players up for strategic and tactical battles in the middlegame.

Black's move Nbd7 aims to transfer the knight to the c5-square, supporting the central pawns and improving its position. This move also prepares for the light-squared bishop to possibly move to d7, supporting the center, attacking the kingside, or defending the queenside. By playing Nbd7, Black strengthens its hold on the central squares and creates more pressure on White's territory. Additionally, this move puts pressure on White to make a decision regarding their next move and whether to push for an attack or focus on the position's fundamentals. In sum, Nbd7 sets up the possibility of interesting exchanges and tactical opportunities that can create advantages for either side.