Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Heral Variation

The move 1. d4 is one of the most popular opening moves in chess, allowing White to control the center and develop their pieces quickly. This move also prepares the way for White's pawn to advance to d5. By playing d4, White aims to gain more space on the board and restrict Black's pawn movements. It also opens up lines for White's light-squared bishop, which can be developed to g5 or f4. In sum, 1. d4 is a solid and flexible move that can be followed by a variety of different plans.

In response to 1. d4, Black plays d5 to also take control of the center and create pawn symmetry. This move aims to challenge White's pawn on d4 and prevent them from advancing it further to gain more space. By playing d5, Black also frees up their light-squared bishop, allowing it to be developed to c5 or f6. Additionally, this move lays the groundwork for Black to develop their knights to c6 and f6. In sum, d5 is a solid and flexible move that sets the stage for an equal struggle in the center of the board.

After 1. d4 d5, White plays c4 to take control of even more space in the center of the board. This move supports White's pawn on d4 and prepares the way for the development of White's knights. Playing c4 puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5 and aims to disrupt Black's pawn structure. If Black doesn't respond correctly, White can potentially open up lines for their pieces to attack Black's king. In sum, c4 is a strong move that strengthens White's central control and puts pressure on Black.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Heral Variation, Black plays e6 in response to 2. c4 to reinforce their control over the d5 square. This move prepares for the development of Black's light-squared bishop to f5 or d6 while blocking White's pawn on c4. By playing e6, Black also lays the groundwork for their pawn to advance to dxc4 in some lines and claims a share of the center. This move is a flexible response that allows Black to choose from a variety of different defensive setups.

After 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6, White plays Nc3 to continue their development and prepare to castle their king. This move supports White's pawn on d4 and applies pressure on Black's pawn on e6, which is now undefended. Playing Nc3 also enables White's dark-squared bishop to be developed to g5 or e3, potentially putting pressure on Black's position. Additionally, this move prevents Black from playing an early ...dxc4 and obtaining a pawn majority in the center. In sum, Nc3 is a natural and flexible move that helps White gain control of the center and develop their pieces with purpose.

After 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3, Black plays Nf6 to also develop a knight to a good square and put pressure on White's pawn on d4. This move prepares for a potential ...dxc4 in the future and puts pressure on White's central control. Playing Nf6 also allows Black's light-squared bishop to be developed to f5 or g4, increasing the pressure on White's position. Additionally, this move prevents White's pawn on e5 from being pushed and potentially attacking Black's position. In sum, Nf6 is a flexible move that allows Black to continue their development and put pressure on White's position.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Heral Variation, after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6, White plays Bg5 as an aggressive move to create some tactical pressure on Black's position. This move targets Black's knight on f6, potentially forcing it to move or be exchanged. If Black responds with ...h6 in order to prevent the pin, their pawn structure may become weakened. Additionally, Bg5 attacks Black's bishop on e7, compelling it to move or to be swapped off. This move also prepares the way for White to castle kingside and increases the pressure on Black's center. In sum, Bg5 is a provocative move that forces Black to respond carefully and can potentially give White a useful initiative.

After 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5, Black plays Be7 to free up a space for their queen bishop and defend their knight on f6. This move also prevents White's bishop from attacking the knight with tempo and supporting White's central control. Playing Be7 also prepares the way for Black to castle kingside and continue their development. If White plays Bxf6, Black recaptures with their g pawn, pawn structure which allows them to have good central control. In sum, Be7 is a flexible and solid move that maintains the balance of the position and allows Black to continue their development.

After 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7, White plays Bxf6 to open up the center and potentially weaken Black's pawn structure. This move also aims to double Black's pawns by forcing Black to recapture with their g pawn, which can give White some control over the dark squares. White can also follow up with Nd2 and e4, aiming to gain a central pawn majority. Playing Bxf6 also reduces the pressure on White's position by exchanging a pair of minor pieces and potentially opening up the f-file for White's rook. In sum, Bxf6 is a flexible and positional move that can give White some long-term strategic advantages in the position.