Robatsch Defense

Chess is a game of developing pieces to control the center of the board, and white's opening move of d4 does just that. By occupying the center, white's pieces attain greater mobility and control more squares on the board, giving them an advantage in the early stages of the game. With d4, white also aims to open lines for their pieces, allowing them to better coordinate and attack black's position.

With the move d6, Black aims to control the center indirectly by preventing white's pawn on d4 from advancing further. Additionally, Black prepares to develop their knight to f6, attacking white's pawn on e4 if it advances. By delaying their pawn move to e5, Black also avoids opening diagonals for white's bishops that could potentially threaten their position. In sum, d6 is a flexible and solid move that sets the stage for developing Black's pieces harmoniously.

White's move Nf3 develops a piece, controls the central squares and prepares to castle. Additionally, the knight on f3 supports white's pawn on d4, and potentially clears the way for the pawn to advance to e5. By waiting to play Nf3 until after Black's pawn move to d6, White avoids blocking their own pawn's advance and maintains more flexibility in their position. The knight on f3 also puts pressure on Black's pawn on e5, making it more difficult for Black to control the center. In sum, Nf3 is a natural and solid move that supports White's opening strategy.

In the Robatsch Defense, Black's move g6 prepares to fianchetto their bishop and control the important diagonal that leads to White's king. By developing this bishop to g7, Black also puts pressure on White's pawn on d4, since the bishop targets the weak square on f3 through the pawn chain. With the pawn on g6, Black also has the option of eventually pushing it to g5, potentially gaining more control over the center and attacking White's knight on f3. In sum, g6 is a flexible and effective move that allows Black to rapidly develop their pieces while maintaining a solid defense.

White's move c4 aims to control more central squares and challenge Black's pawn on d6. By advancing the pawn to c4, White puts pressure on Black's position, forcing them to decide whether to retreat their pawn or exchange it. Additionally, the pawn on c4 supports a potential pawn advance to d5, which could further strengthen White's control over the center. However, the pawn on c4 may also become a target for Black's pieces, especially if they can gain control over the b-file. In sum, c4 is a solid and aggressive move that aims to put pressure on Black's position and open lines for White's pieces.

Black's move Bg7 develops their bishop, completes their fianchetto and controls the key diagonal that leads to White's king. The bishop on g7 is also well placed to support Black's pawn on e5, control the d4 square and put pressure on White's center. Additionally, the bishop on g7 may become active in conjunction with Black's knight on f6, allowing Black to launch an attack against White's position. In sum, Bg7 is a natural and effective move that further develops Black's position and strengthens their control over the board.

In the Robatsch Defense, White's move e4 aims to gain more central control, attack Black's pawn on d5 indirectly and open lines for their pieces. With the pawn on e4, White also aims to put pressure on Black's position and potentially open diagonals for their bishops to become more active. However, playing e4 also means that White weakens their control over the d4 square, leaving it potentially vulnerable to Black's pieces. Additionally, if Black can gain control over the e4 square, White's pawn may become a target. In sum, e4 is an aggressive and dynamic move that aims to disrupt Black's position and put pressure on them to respond accurately.

Black's move Bg4 pins White's knight on f3 and puts pressure on White's position. By attacking the knight, Black threatens to trade it off for their bishop and potentially weaken White's pawn structure. Additionally, the bishop on g4 is well placed to support Black's pawn on e5, adding more control over the center for Black. However, placing the bishop on g4 also means that it may become exposed to tactical threats from White's pieces. In sum, Bg4 is a flexible and incisive move that aims to actively improve Black's position while putting pressure on White's pieces.