Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Botvinnik Variation

The opening move 1. d4 is played to control the center of the board and gain more space on the queen's side of the board. This is because the pawn on d4 controls the e5 square and stops Black from playing their pawn to that square. Additionally, after Black moves their knight to f6, White plays 2. c4 to strengthen their control over the center. By playing the Queen's Gambit Declined, White hopes to open lines for their pieces and potentially create a passed pawn on the queen's side. The Orthodox Defense is a popular response by Black and the Botvinnik Variation involves delaying the development of the knight on c6.

Black's move Nf6 is played in response to White's d4, aiming to control the e4 square. This move also develops the knight and prepares to castle kingside. Additionally, Nf6 allows Black to potentially put pressure on White's d4 pawn and create some counterplay in the center of the board. By putting their knight on f6, Black is taking their first step towards fighting for control of the board.

White's move c4 follows the opening principles of controlling the center and developing a piece. It adds pressure on Black's knight on f6 and opens the possibility of bringing the bishop out to pin the knight on c3. Playing c4 also prepares to gain control of the d5 square, making it difficult for Black to play their pawn to that square. By advancing the pawn on the queen's side, White is trying to gain more space on the board and create potential for an attack. It's a strong move that prepares the way for many different opening systems.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Botvinnik Variation, Black's move e6 solidifies their control over the d5 square and aims to control the center. This move prepares to develop their dark-squared bishop and potentially create a pawn chain on d5 and e6. By closing the diagonal for White's bishop on c1, Black limits some of White's options for developing their pieces. Additionally, e6 allows for the possibility of a pawn exchange on d5, which would help to further centralize Black's pawns and potentially weaken White's pawn structure.

White's move Nf3 continues to develop their pieces and prepares to control the center. This move also allows White to potentially develop their knight to g5, putting pressure on the f7 pawn and creating potential for an attack. The knight on f3 also protects the pawn on d4, which is necessary for maintaining control over the center. Additionally, developing the knight to f3 allows White to potentially castle kingside and prepare the rook to move to the center of the board. By placing their knight on f3, White is preparing for potential tactical possibilities and solidifying their control over the board.

Black's move d5 aims to control the center and potentially create a pawn chain with pawns on d5 and e6. By playing d5, Black challenges White's control over the center and fights to gain more space on the board. This move also prepares to develop their light-squared bishop and potentially put pressure on White's pawn on c4. Additionally, playing d5 allows Black to free up their knight on f6, which can later be developed to a more active square. By advancing their pawn to d5, Black is taking a step towards equality in the center and preparing for further development.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Botvinnik Variation, White's move Nc3 continues to develop their pieces and prepares to gain more control over the center. By playing Nc3, White prepares to develop their light-squared bishop and potentially create a battery with the queen to put pressure on Black's position. This move also protects the pawn on d4, which is essential for maintaining a stronghold over the center. Additionally, the knight on c3 puts pressure on Black's pawn on d5, which is central to their pawn chain. By placing their knight on c3, White continues their development and prepares for future tactical possibilities.

Black's move Be7 aims to develop their bishop and potentially create a battery on the e7-g5 diagonal. By placing their bishop on e7, Black also prepares to castle kingside and potentially transfer their queen to the kingside. This move additionally protects the pawn on d5, which is necessary for central control. By developing their bishop to e7, Black continues their development and prepares for potential future attacks or exchanges in the center of the board.

White's move Bg5 aims to put pressure on Black's knight on f6 and force its exchange. By placing their bishop on g5, White pins the knight and threatens to win a tempo by capturing it. Additionally, Bg5 develops the bishop and potentially creates a battery on the h2-b8 diagonal. Furthermore, this move creates potential for an attack on the kingside by bringing the queen, or eventually the rook, to the g-file. By playing Bg5, White aims to further restrict Black's options and gain more control over the board.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Botvinnik Variation, Black's move O-O aims to connect their rooks and bring their king to safety. This move also potentially frees up their bishop to be developed to a more active square. By castling kingside, Black also prepares to increase their control over the center and potentially create counterplay against White's bishop on g5. Additionally, castling protects Black's king from potential future attacks on the kingside. By playing O-O, Black continues their development and solidifies their position on the board.

White's move e3 aims to control the center and solidify their position before further development. By playing e3, White prepares to potentially bring their light-squared bishop out to the e2 square and potentially create a strong pawn chain with pawns on d4, e3 and f4. This move also prevents Black's knight on f6 from advancing to the g4 square to potentially attack White's bishop on g5. Furthermore, e3 prepares to potentially castle kingside and adds an extra layer of defense to the king's position. By playing e3, White continues to build their position and prepare for future strategic possibilities.

Black's move Nbd7 develops the knight and prepares to potentially put pressure on White's pawn on c4. By playing Nbd7, Black also prepares to potentially move their queen to the b6 square and put pressure on White's pawns on a4 and c4. Additionally, this move allows Black to potentially create a battery on the b-file with their rooks and challenge White's control over the b4 square. Moreover, Nbd7 allows Black to potentially exchange knights with White's knight on c3 and potentially relieve any pressure on Black's central pawns. By playing Nbd7, Black continues their development and prepares for future tactical and strategic possibilities.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Botvinnik Variation, White's move Bd3 aims to develop the bishop and potentially create a battery with the queen to put pressure on Black's position. By placing their bishop on d3, White prepares to potentially castle kingside and centralize their rooks. This move also eyes Black's pawn on f5 and prepares to potentially put pressure on it with their bishop and queen. Additionally, Bd3 adds support to the pawn on e4 and prepares to move the knight on f3 in order to create potential tactical threats. By playing Bd3, White continues to develop their pieces and prepares for potential future possibilities on both sides of the board.