Russian Game: Nimzowitsch Attack

In the Russian Game: Nimzowitsch Attack, white plays 1.e4 with the aim of gaining control of the center by occupying the d5-square. This move restricts black's pawn movement and allows white to develop the pieces quickly. White's second move, Nf3, supports the e4 pawn and prepares for castling. The third move Nxe5 attacks the black knight on f6, causing the defender to move, thus creating an imbalance in the center. The Nimzowitsch Attack variation is named after the famous chess player, Aron Nimzowitsch, who employed it successfully in his games.

Playing e5 by black in response to 1.e4 is a common and aggressive continuation known as the King's Pawn Opening. It aims at grabbing control of the center by placing the pawn on e5, preparing to develop the knights and bishop. This move also puts pressure on white's e4 pawn, forcing it to defend or add more pressure by moving its piece. If black manages to establish a strong position in the center, it can launch a successful attack on opponent's pieces. However, playing e5 also has its drawbacks, such as creating weaknesses in black's own pawn structure and exposing the king to attacks.

In response to Black's e5, White plays Nf3 to control the central squares of the board. This move is intended to support the e4 pawn and opens up possible square for the g1-knight. By developing the knight, White prepares for castling and fortifies its king's position. This move also puts pressure on Black's pawn and limits the mobility of their d8-knight. Nf3 also controls the g5 and h4 squares, which are potential targets for Black's f6-knight. In sum, Nf3 is a flexible move that sets up White's position for further development and creates multiple strategic possibilities.

In the Russian Game: Nimzowitsch Attack, Black plays Nf6 in response to White's Nf3. This move attacks the e4 pawn and indirectly defends its own e5 pawn. Moreover, it develops Black's knight which controls the d4 and e7 squares, opening up avenues for queen and bishop development. Nf6 also prepares the way for a potential kingside pawn storm and can potentially counterattack White's center. However, this move also weakens Black's king position and hinders the development of the light-squared bishop. Nf6 is a common move that aims to quickly develop the pieces while exerting pressure on White's position.

In response to Black's Nf6, White plays Nxe5 in the hope of winning Black's e5-pawn. This move exploits the weakness caused by Black's knight's interposition, which no longer defends the e5-pawn. Additionally, Nxe5 opens up a line for the bishop along the f1-a6 diagonal, which can potentially pressure Black's position. This move also forces the Black knight to retreat, further delaying Black's piece development. However, Nxe5 is a double-edged sword since it allows Black to seize control of the center by capturing the knight with its pawn, thus targeting White's position. In sum, Nxe5 is a tactical move that aims to apply pressure on Black early in the game and create opportunities for positional advantages.

In response to White's capture of the e5-pawn, Black plays d6 to reinforce its control over the center by attacking the knight on e5. This move also prepares the way for Black's light-squared bishop development and provides more support to the e5-pawn. Moreover, d6 pawn advance makes the c8-bishop free to move, which in turn improves Black's potential mobility and contributes to more pieces in the game. The move d6 also serves as a possible precursor to a future d5 break, which can help Black to contest the center. However, d6 move also can trigger potential weaknesses in Black's pawn structure along its light-square diagonal. In sum, d6 is a solid move that puts pressure on White's position and can lead to a more dynamic game.

In the Russian Game: Nimzowitsch Attack, after Black's move d6, White chooses to develop its knight to f3. This move supports the e5 pawn, preparing for potential castling and further development of the dark-squared bishop. Additionally, Nf3 controls the d4 square, which can limit Black's c8-bishop development and pose a threat to Black's central pawn. Moreover, Nf3 defends the e5 knight against a potential pin by Black's bishop. Nf3 also allows for future Knight jumps to g5 or h4. However, Nf3 drops the pressure placed on Black's position by the e5 knight capture. In sum, Nf3 is a standard developing move that continues White's piece mobilization and sets up the board for more complex strategic maneuvers.

In response to White's knight development to f3, Black plays Nxe4, capturing the e4-pawn. This move attacks White's knight and opens up Black's bishop, helping to support its pawn at e5 and gain greater control of the center. Nxe4 also forces White to move the knight again, delaying its piece development and potentially weakening White's pawn structure. Moreover, the advanced piece placement on e4 can restrict White's pawn advancement and limit White's control of the center. However, capturing the pawn with the knight also has its drawbacks, such as developing the knight too early and the possibility of losing material if White can mount a successful attack on it. Nxe4 is a move that aims for active play and puts pressure on White's position, but must be played with precision to avoid potential pitfalls.

In response to Black's Ng4, White's knight on f3 retreats to c3. This move aims to support the d4 pawn and prepares for further development of the light-squared bishop. The knight on c3 also helps to control the vital d5 square and prepares for castling. Additionally, this move frees up the e5-pawn for potential support by the f1-bishop in case of an exchange on the e5 square. However, the knight move to c3 can also make the c2-pawn vulnerable to a subsequent attack by Black's light-squared bishop. In sum, Nc3 is a flexible move that reinforces White's position and contributes to further piece development.