Russian Game: Modern Attack, Trifunovic Variation

The first move, 1.e4, is played to control the center and create space for the development of the pieces. After Black responds with 1...e5, White again controls the center with 2.Nf3, attacking Black's pawn and preparing for further development. Black responds with 2...Nf6, also attacking the pawn on e4, but White defends it with 3.d4, which can lead to sharp play. This move challenges Black to either defend the pawn or continue to attack it. In sum, this opening favors White's aggressive and active style, forcing Black to play calmly and carefully in order to maintain balance on the board.

The move 1...e5 is played by Black to also control the center and create space for their pieces. By mirroring White's move, Black aims to achieve balance on the board and prevent White from gaining too much space and control. Additionally, this move opens up the diagonals for Black's bishops and provides potential targets for future pawn breaks. However, Black must also be wary of potential pawn attacks or sacrifices by White in this opening.

The move 2.Nf3 is played by White to continue controlling the center and preparing for further development. This move attacks Black's pawn on e5 and restricts the potential advancement of Black's f-pawn. Additionally, the knight is well-placed to support the pawn on e4 and defend it from any future attacks. The move also opens up different possibilities for White's bishops to be developed to active positions. This move is an essential part of many classical and open games where White is looking to open up the game highly.

In the Russian Game: Modern Attack, Trifunovic Variation, Black's move 2...Nf6 aims to put pressure on White's pawn on e4, and try to gain control of the center. By attacking the pawn, Black also frees up the e7 square for their king's bishop. The knight on f6 can also be a strong defender of the king's position, especially if it is later supported by Black's d7-pawn. This move also looks to create potential threats of pushing d7-d5 to control the center with a pawn mass. Black's aim for this opening is to control the game in the center and maintain a good position through exchanges.

White's move 3.d4 aims to break the symmetry created by Black's last move and reinforce control over the center. This move also attacks Black's knight on e4, forcing it to either retreat or capture the pawn. If the knight captures the pawn, White can move their bishop to d3 or e2 and create a strong central pawn structure. Additionally, the pawn on d4 creates a strong outpost for White's pieces and creates potential threats to Black's pawn chain. This move also frees up the bishop on c1 to be developed to an active square later on. White's aim for this opening is to create an advantage in space and development, and to use the central pawn mass to launch an attack against Black's position.

Black's move 3...Nxe4 aims to challenge control over the center and gain an advantage in development. By threatening White's pawn on e4 and forcing a capture, Black can also open up lines for their queen and bishop. Moreover, the knight can be used as a target for White's pieces, leading to exchanges that could ease Black's development. However, Black must be careful not to overextend their position or lose material by falling into traps. In general, this move aims to create unbalancing positions that require precise handling by both sides. Black's aim for this opening is to aggressively take control of the center of the board while being mindful of tactics.

In the Russian Game: Modern Attack, Trifunovic Variation, White's move 4.Bd3 aims to develop their bishop and put pressure on the knight on e4. There is the potential for Black to follow with d5 to support their knight and compete for control of the center, but if Black chooses to move their knight again then White can follow with Ng5 to attack Black's weakened pawn structure. Additionally, the bishop on d3 can be a valuable attacking piece, especially if White can achieve a strong central pawn structure. By placing the bishop on this square, White can also prepare to castle and start connecting their rooks. In sum, this move aims to both develop White's pieces and create central pressure against Black's position.

Black's move 4...d5 aims to challenge White's control over the center and pave the way for the development of Black's light-squared bishop. By advancing this pawn, Black can also potentially gain a space advantage, cramping White's pieces. The move also gains counterplay in the center, and creates a nice piece coordination overcoming the doubled pawns the move provokes. On the other hand, Black has to be careful not to overextend their position and create weaknesses for White to exploit. In sum, this move looks to create a dynamic and fighting game, in which both sides have good chances to develop their pieces to threaten the opponent.

White's move 5.Nxe5 aims to win a pawn and create an open position where their active pieces can attack Black's position. By putting pressure on Black's knight on e4, White can also create targets for their minor pieces later on. There is also the threat of 6.Nxf7, attacking Black's king and creating tactical opportunities for White. However, White must be careful not to allow Black's knight on d7 to capture the bishop on d3, which can create counterplay for Black. In sum, this move aims to create an imbalanced position and put pressure on Black to find accurate moves to maintain their position. White's goal in this opening is to pressurize the center and create tactics, and gain piece development while Black looks to focus on strong pawn play to control the center.

In the Russian Game: Modern Attack, Trifunovic Variation, Black's move 5...Bd6 aims to develop their light-squared bishop and put pressure on White's knight on e5. By looking to exchange their opponent's active piece, Black can free themselves from the pressure created by White's pawn advances. Moreover, the bishop on d6 can be used to control important squares and diagonal, and potentially look towards attacking opportunities on the kingside. However, Black must be careful not to allow White to continue with f3 and e4, creating a strong central pawn mass. In sum, this move aims to develop Black's pieces while discouraging further aggression from White, and create a solid position with their central pawns.

White's move 6.O-O aims to connect their rooks and get their king to safety. By castling, White can also gain control over the e-file, creating pressure on Black's central pawns. Additionally, castling ensures that White's king is safe and secure, allowing their minor pieces to be more aggressive. Moreover, this move creates potential threats on the kingside, which can lead to attacking opportunities later in the game. However, White must always be mindful of Black's position and ready to adjust for any threats. In sum, this move looks to improve White's position and create more attacking prospects while keeping their king safe.

Black's move 6...O-O aims to connect their rooks and get their king to safety. By castling, Black can also protect their king from future attacks and prepare their pieces for aggressive play. Additionally, castling ensures that Black's king is out of the center, where it might become a target for White's pieces. The move also prepares Black to open lines on the queenside or central files, in particular the c-file, where Black can pressure White's pawns and get to the highly-developed d4 square. However, Black must be careful not to allow White to create too much space on the kingside or launch a sudden attack on the queenside. In sum, this move looks to improve Black's position by securing their king and preparing for a flexible game that can be tailor-made to their opponent's moves.

In the Russian Game: Modern Attack, Trifunovic Variation, White's move 7.c4 aims to gain space on the queenside and open up lines for their pieces. This move also attacks Black's pawn chain, potentially resulting in isolating Black's pawns and creating targets for White's minor pieces. Moreover, the central control granted by this pawn move aims to increase White's mobility of their pieces and create potential tactics against Black's minor pieces. This move can also be used to create new targets along the b and c files, setting traps for Black's pieces. However, White must avoid overextending their position and exposing their own king to attack. In sum, this move aims to create pressure and gain more control over the center of the board.

Black's move 7...Bxe5 aims to exchange White's strong bishop on d3 and potentially create weaknesses in White's pawn structure. By exchanging their opponent's bishop, Black can also disrupt White's plans to dominate the center and create pressure on the e5-pawn. However, Black must be aware that this can also allow White to activate their rooks or knights on c3 or e3, and create attacking chances on Black's king. Additionally, Black must be ready for the opening of the d-file, where White's rook can become active. In sum, this move aims to create a balanced game by exchanging material and potentially weakening White's camp, while removing immediate pressure from Black's game.