Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit

The move d4 on move one by White controls the center of the board, which is a fundamental principle of chess strategy. By controlling the center, White gains more space and ensures greater freedom for their pieces. Additionally, the move d4 puts pressure on Black’s pawn on e6 and prepares for the development of the White pieces. In sum, this move sets the stage for the strategy of the game and shapes the flow of action for both sides.

Black plays Nf6 on move 1 in response to White's d4 to control the center. The move develops the knight, prepares for the kingside castling, and creates a threat on the pawn on e4 in some cases. By playing Nf6, Black sets up a flexible position, allowing for a range of responses that can adapt to White's strategy. This move is an opening favorite among many grandmasters due to its versatility and solid development.

The move c4 by White on move 2 is called the Queen's Pawn Opening and is a common response to 1. d4 Nf6. It supports the center and frees the queen's bishop's diagonal. By controlling the d5 square, a key square in the center of the board, White challenges Black's pawn on e6 and creates space for their pieces. Additionally, the move c4 prepares for the development of the knight on c3 and sets up the possibility of a powerful pawn chain with d4 and e3. This move is often seen in many solid and aggressive opening lines.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit, Black plays e6 on move 2, which is a standard response to White's c4 move. By playing e6, Black controls the d5 square and prepares for the logical development of their light-squared bishop to b4, which pins the knight on c3. The move also protects the pawn on d5 and allows Black to develop their queenside pieces. Furthermore, e6 can also set up the possibility of playing d5, aiming to expand in the center and create a pawn wedge, serving as a springboard for a queenside counterattack.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6, White plays Nf3. This move develops the knight and aims to control important squares in the center, such as d5 and e4. Additionally, the move prepares for the castle and ensures the protection of the pawn on c4. Furthermore, Nf3 places pressure on Black's pawn structure, as now White can play d5 at some point, creating an isolated pawn for Black on d5 and tactical possibilities with Nxe5. Nf3 is a versatile and flexible move that can lead to a wide range of opening lines, making it a popular choice for many players.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3, Black plays Bb4+. This move pins the knight on c3, preventing White from playing d5 and controlling important central squares. Additionally, Bb4+ develops the bishop and creates pressure on White's position, forcing them to react to the pin. The move also prepares for the possibility of exchanging the bishop for the knight, versus Nbd7 which does not offer this possibility. Bb4+ can lead to dynamic and tactical positions, making it a popular choice for Black in the opening.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit, White plays Nc3 after 3. Nf3 Bb4+. This move develops the knight, defends the pawn on d4, and increases pressure on Black's bishop on b4. Additionally, Nc3 prepares for the possibility of playing d5, gaining a central pawn and opening the diagonal for the light-squared bishop. The move also prepares for the castle, ensuring that the king is placed in a safe position in the opening. Furthermore, Nc3 aims to control the squares in the center and restrict Black's freedom of movement, limiting their options for developing their pieces.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nc3, Black plays c5. This move strikes at the center of the board and gains space, undermining the pawn chain that White has established. Additionally, c5 opens up lines for Black's pieces and creates possibilities for tactical motifs, such as a pawn break with dxc4 and Bxc5 exploiting the weak c4 square. The move also prepares for Black's queenside expansion, aiming to gain counterplay and open up the position for their pieces. Furthermore, c5 creates pressure on the knight on c3, forcing White to make a decision regarding how to protect or move the knight.

After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Nc3 c5, White plays d5. This move aims to gain central space and open lines for their pieces, particularly the queen and light-squared bishop. Additionally, d5 sets up the possibility of a pawn break with e4 or cxd5, gaining material or opening up lines for White's pieces. The move also puts pressure on Black's pawn chain, as the pawn on c5 becomes isolated and vulnerable to attack. Furthermore, d5 can restrict Black's options and force them to make positional concessions or retreat their pieces, creating an advantage for White in space and piece development.

In the Nimzo-Indian Defense: Three Knights Variation, Shocron Gambit, Black plays b5 after 5. d5. This move challenges White's pawn on c4, potentially gaining space on the queenside and creating the possibility of playing b4, closing the position and potentially trapping White's bishop on c1. Additionally, b5 gains space and control on the queenside, strengthening Black's pawn chain and preventing White's potential expansion. The move also prepares for the queenside pawn advance, opening lines for Black's pieces, particularly the queen's bishop. Furthermore, b5 can create weaknesses on the queenside for Black, particularly if White can coordinate an attack on the b5 pawn or create passers on the queenside.