Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Primitive Pillsbury Variation

The opening move 1.d4 is often used by White to control the center of the board. By occupying the d4 square with his pawn, White prevents Black's pawn from advancing to d4 and restricts the movement of Black's knight on f6. This move also allows White to develop his pieces quickly and in a coordinated fashion. Through the opening sequence 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c5 5.Nf3 cxd4 6.Qxd4, White is forcing Black to exchange his pawn on d4 with the queen, gaining control over the center of the board and increasing pressure on Black's position.

Black's move 1...d5 is a common response to 1.d4, aimed at gaining control over the center of the board. By advancing his pawn to d5, Black is mirroring White's strategy, attacking the d4 square and preventing White's pawn from advancing further. This move also frees up Black's pieces to move and develop more easily. Additionally, controlling the center is particularly important in chess as it can provide greater mobility and activity for the pieces. In sum, 1...d5 is a solid opening move that establishes a strong foundation for Black's position.

White's move 2.c4 aims to gain greater control over the center of the board, specifically the square d5. By advancing his pawn to c4, White is threatening to capture Black's pawn on d5, pushing it back and hindering Black's control over the center. This move also frees up the pawn on d4, allowing for greater mobility for White's pieces. Additionally, the move c4 is a common method of opening up lines for White's light-squared bishop and queen, allowing them to be more active in the game. In sum, the move 2.c4 is a common and effective response to Black's 1...d5, enabling White to gain greater control and activity on the board.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Primitive Pillsbury Variation, Black's move 2...e6 aims to support their pawn chain and control the center of the board. By advancing the pawn to e6, Black increases the strength of their pawn on d5, which becomes more difficult for White to attack or control. This move also allows Black's light-squared bishop to potentially develop to the square b4 or a5 in the future, further improving the control over the center. Moreover, by avoiding pawn exchanges, Black can maintain a solid pawn structure and limit White's counterplay. In sum, the move 2...e6 is a strong choice for Black in this variation.

White's move 3.Nc3 is aimed at developing their knight and controlling the center of the board. By placing the knight on c3, White supports their pawn on d4 and increases the pressure on Black's central pawn chain. This move also prepares for further development of White's light-squared bishop to the square e3, where it can put additional pressure on Black's position. Additionally, the knight on c3 controls the squares b5 and e4, limiting Black's attempts to counterattack. In sum, the move 3.Nc3 is a common and effective choice in this opening, supporting White's central pawns and contributing to the overall control of the board.

Black's move 3...Nf6 aims at developing the knight and adding more control over the center of the board. By putting the knight on f6, Black provides additional support for their pawn on d5, while also eyeing the square e4. This move also opens up the possibility for Black's dark-squared bishop to be developed, aiming to put pressure on White's central pawns. Furthermore, the knight on f6 could also contribute to queenside castle. In sum, the move 3...Nf6 helps to improve Black's position and lays the groundwork for further development and control over the board.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Primitive Pillsbury Variation, White's move 4.Bg5 aims to put immediate pressure on Black's position. By pinning the knight on f6, White increases the pressure on Black's central pawn chain, creating potential weaknesses that can be exploited in the future. This move also prepares for the exchange of the knight on f6, weakening Black's control over the center. Additionally, the bishop on g5 may force Black to weaken their kingside position to defend their position against potential tactics. In sum, the move 4.Bg5 puts immediate pressure on Black's position and attempts to gain positional advantage on the board.

Black's move 4...c5 aims to challenge White's central pawn chain and create counterplay. By advancing the pawn to c5, Black seeks to undermine the pawn on d4 and potentially force White to make pawn exchanges, which could lead to an open position that benefits Black's pieces. This move also prepares Black's knight on c6 to potentially challenge White's light-squared bishop. Additionally, by creating pawn tension in the center, Black can gain more space and limit White's mobility. In sum, 4...c5 is an active move that seeks to reduce the pressure of White's position and give Black some breathing room.

White's move 5.Nf3 aims to develop the knight and safeguard the pawn on d4. By placing the knight on f3, White adds more support for the pawn on d4, while also allowing for potential development of their light-squared bishop. This move also prepares for potential kingside castling and allows White's e2-pawn to potentially become free for movement. Additionally, it removes the tension in the center of the board, avoiding potential pawn exchanges that could favor Black's position. In sum, the move 5.Nf3 is a solid move that aims to develop White's position while also avoiding tactical pitfalls.

In the Queen's Gambit Declined: Pseudo-Tarrasch Variation, Primitive Pillsbury Variation, Black's move 5...cxd4 aims to strike at the center and open up lines for their pieces. By capturing the pawn on d4 with the c5 pawn, Black aims to increase the mobility of their pieces while creating potential weaknesses in White's pawn structure. In this particular position, capturing on d4 also gains a tempo on the knight on f3, as the knight must capture the pawn on d4, allowing Black to recapture with their knight and improve their own control over the center of the board. Moreover, capturing on d4 could also allow Black to put pressure on White's pieces and create tactical opportunities. In sum, the move 5...cxd4 is a sharp and active move, seeking to open up lines and gain greater control over the board.

White's move 6.Qxd4 aims to regain control over the center and create potential tactical opportunities. By capturing Black's pawn on d4, White gains a greater central presence and restricts Black's mobility. Additionally, capturing the pawn with their queen instead of their knight allows White to potentially threaten Black's king with tactics such as discovered attacks or pins. Moreover, the move Qxd4 prepares for the development of White's bishop on e3, which can put additional pressure on Black's position. In sum, the move 6.Qxd4 seeks to regain control over the center, create tactical opportunities, and prepare for further development.