Russian Game: Modern Attack, Murrey Variation

The opening move of e4 is a standard approach that is highly aggressive for white's game right from the start. By playing e4, white aims to grab control of the center of the board, thereby giving them more space to maneuver their pieces and attack the opponent's position. This move is a popular choice for those players who prefer an energetic attacking game. Additionally, e4 provides white an opportunity to create more pawn tension, put pressure on the opponent's position and gain control of the board early on in the game.

Black plays e5 in response to e4 to also center control of the board. By doing this, Black's pawn frees up the knight and bishop that lie behind it, allowing them to develop to more favorable squares. Furthermore, e5 move creates a symmetrical pawn structure and ensures that black is committed to a fully-fledged counter-attack on the board. This move acts as a defense to the white pawn and sets the stage for the opening to gain a fast and dynamic pace.

White plays Nf3 to develop their knight and continue to control the center of the board after Black's e5 move. The knight on f3 also helps support White's pawn on e4 and can later move to g5 or e5, putting pressure on Black's position. Additionally, Nf3 frees the c1-h6 diagonal for the bishop to be developed. This is a common move in many openings, as it helps to rapidly deploy pieces while maintaining a strong position in the center.

In the Russian Game: Modern Attack, Murrey Variation, Black plays Nf6 to challenge White's control over the center of the board. This move also attacks White's pawn on e4 and defends Black's pawn on e5. Moreover, Nf6 puts pressure on the White knight on f3, which must now consider the options of moving, being exchanged, or retreating. Lastly, Nf6 serves as a springboard for Black's next move option, which involves defending the knight or further development of their pieces.

White plays d4 to attack Black's knight on f6 and reinforce their pawn on e4, which helps to strengthen their position in the center of the board. This move also opens the way for the queen and bishop, allowing them to be developed and further extend the control and the pieces' mobility towards the center. By playing d4, White increases the pressure on Black, forces them to make decisions over whether to exchange the knight or retreat. Additionally, the pawn on d4 can be used as a center anchor for White’s other pieces, providing protection against Black’s counter-attack, giving White more options later in the game.

Black plays Nxe4 to attack the pawn on e4, gain control of the center and acquire more space to maneuver their pieces. This move also creates a double attack, as the knight both attacks the pawn and threatens to grab the bishop on d3 if it is not secured. Moreover, Nxe4 exploits the d4 pawn push by White to open lines of attack and increase the pressure on their opponent. By capturing the pawn in the center, Black creates the potential for more counter-attacks and fractures White's position.

In the Russian Game: Modern Attack, Murrey Variation, White plays Bd3 to develop their bishop and control the center once again. This move also defends White's pawn on e4 from Black's knight and puts pressure on Black's knight to retreat to a less central square. Additionally, Bd3 hinders Black's development of their light-squared bishop, and allows White to castle kingside in the next move. By placing the bishop on a central square, White is also preparing for potential attacks on Black's position later in the game. Lastly, Bd3 avoids a discovered attack on the knight and helps in the overall continuity of the opening.

Black plays Nc6 to develop their knight while attacking White's bishop on d3. This move also applies pressure on White's pawn structure, compressing their center and providing a foundation for Black's counterplay on the board. Additionally, Nc6 retains instabilities in White's formation if they try to block or exchange the knight. The knight can also support moves like d5 to challenge White's control of the center. The move Nc6 in the opening also prepares Black's queenside castle and helps build the backbone of their position. Lastly, Nc6 threatens a discovered check if either the bishop or knight are moved.