Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Rellstab Variation

Chess is all about controlling the center and e4 is one of the most important moves that can be played in the game. The move allows white to occupy the center and gain control over the board. Additionally, the pawn on e4 allows the white bishop on f1 to be developed. In sum, it's a crucial move that sets the foundation for white's strategy and can lead to a strong position on the board.

The move e5 is a common response to White's e4. It allows Black to also control the center and puts pressure on White's pawn. With this move, Black aims to neutralize any advantage that White may have gained with their e4 move. Additionally, e5 opens up lines for Black's pieces, especially the bishop on f8, and prepares for the development of the knight on g8. In sum, it's a solid move that allows Black to activate their pieces and gain a foothold in the center of the board.

The move Nf3 is a natural developing move for the knight, and it adds pressure to the pawn on e5. White aims to control the center and exert pressure on Black's position by placing the knight on a central square. Additionally, Nf3 allows White's light-squared bishop to be developed to a more active position. In sum, it's a key move in any opening system, and it aims to support the development of the rest of White's pieces while controlling the center of the board.

In the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Rellstab Variation, Black plays d6 to reinforce the pawn on e5 and prevent any potential attacks by White's knight on f3. Additionally, d6 prepares for the development of Black's knight on f6 and bishop on f8. The pawn on d6 also controls the important square on e5, which can limit any future maneuvers by White's pieces. In sum, it's a flexible and solid move that sets the stage for Black to develop their pieces and hold their position in the center of the board.

The move d4 is a classic response by White in many openings. It aims to control the center by attacking Black's central pawn on e5. If Black captures the pawn on d4 with their own pawn, White can recapture with their e4 pawn and exert more pressure on Black's position. Additionally, White's move d4 opens up lines for their queen and bishop on c1, which can potentially lead to future attacks. In sum, it's a strong and aggressive move that can disrupt Black's position and give White an advantage in the center of the board.

In this position, Black attacks White's pawn on d4 with their knight, forcing White to defend it and maintain their strong central position. By playing Nf6, Black also frees up their light-squared bishop on c8, which can be developed to a more active position. The knight on f6 also targets the weak square on e4, which can limit White's options for developing their pieces. In sum, Nf6 is a strong move that sets up Black for a solid position and can potentially lead to future tactics and attacks.

In the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Rellstab Variation, White plays dxe5 to capture Black's knight on f6 and open up the center of the board. By removing Black's knight, White gains control over the e5 square, which can limit Black's options for developing their pieces. Additionally, taking the knight with the pawn instead of the queen allows White to develop their queen to a more active position and put pressure on Black's position. In sum, dxe5 is a logical move that aims to maintain control of the central squares and potentially gain a positional advantage.

By playing Nxe4, Black attacks White's queen and gains a pawn in the center. Additionally, the knight on e4 is well-placed and targets weak squares in White's position. If White decides to trade queens, Black can recapture with their pawn and gain further control over the center. If White moves their queen, they must be careful not to fall victim to tactics involving the knight on e4. In sum, Nxe4 is a strong move that allows Black to gain some control over the center and put pressure on White's position.

White plays Qd5 to attack Black's knight on e4 and put pressure on Black's position. The queen also targets the pawn on f7, which can create potential tactics and threats. If Black chooses to move their king to safety with a move like Kh8, White's queen can capture the pawn on f7 and potentially create weaknesses in Black's position. By attacking Black's knight and pawn, White aims to gain an advantage in development and control over the center of the board. In sum, Qd5 is a strong and aggressive move that can disrupt Black's position and lead to tactical opportunities for White.