Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Showalter Variation

The Ruy Lopez opening begins with e4, which controls the center and develops the pawn and allows the bishop to be freed. The main idea behind advancing with e4 is to dominate the center of the board and create a potential attack on black's position. By occupying the central squares, white tries to obtain an advantage in space and better piece mobility. This move is considered to be one of the most popular opening moves and has been played by many strong players throughout history.

Black plays e5 in response to e4 in order to contest the central squares and gain control of them. By occupying e5, Black not only challenges White's pawn on e4 but also opens up lines for their queen and bishop. Also, by placing a pawn on the center of the board, Black has a better chance of developing their pieces efficiently. The move e5 is one of the most common responses to e4 and has been played by many strong players throughout history.

After the e4 e5 opening moves, White plays Nf3 to develop their knight and support their pawn on e4. The knight on f3 not only adds central control but also prepares for castling to connect the rooks. Developing knights is an essential part of chess strategy, and placing them on active squares early in the game can lead to good positions. Furthermore, the knight on f3 also threatens the f7 pawn, which can create some tactical opportunities later in the game.

In the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Showalter Variation, Black plays Nc6 in response to Nf3 to develop their knight and control the central squares. The knight on c6 also supports the pawn on d5 and prepares for the upcoming dxe4 pawn capture. Moreover, this move is a typical response to Nf3 in many similar openings and can lead to a variety of positions. Additionally, by placing the knight on c6, Black keeps their options open, indicating their willingness to play different openings.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6, White plays Bb5 to control the key central square d4. This move also pins the knight on c6 that defends the pawn on d4, preventing Black from advancing it safely. The bishop on b5 also puts pressure on f7, which can create some tactical opportunities later in the game. This move is an essential part of the Ruy Lopez opening and leads to one of the most studied and popular variations in chess history. Furthermore, White's bishop on b5 supports potential castling and adds to the central control of the board.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5, Black plays Nf6 to attack the bishop on b5. This move also develops the knight and puts it on a central square. The knight on f6 also creates some pressure on White's e4 pawn and supports Black's pawn on e5. Additionally, the move Nf6 is typical in many variations of the Ruy Lopez and can lead to different structures and positions. By placing their knight on f6, Black aims to challenge White's setup and gain some control over the board.

In the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Showalter Variation, White plays O-O to connect the rooks and move the king to a safer position. This move also prepares the f1-rook to join the central battle and puts pressure on Black's position. Moreover, castling early in the game is a well-known strategy to improve the king's safety and connect the rooks for potential attacks. The move O-O also opens the possibility for the f1-rook to get onto the e1-square, which can be useful in controlling the central d-file. By castling kingside, White takes a crucial step towards getting their pieces onto active squares and improving their overall coordination on the board.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O, Black plays d6 to bring their pawn to a central position and control the e5-square. This move also supports their pawn on e5 and prepares for the upcoming pawn capture on d6. Additionally, the move d6 can be useful in protecting the knight on f6 against any potential attacks by White's pieces. The move d6 is an important part of many variations of the Ruy Lopez and can lead to different structural formations and positions. By playing d6, Black aims to gain more control over the center and improve their chances of developing their other pieces to active squares.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O d6, White plays d4 to challenge Black's e5 pawn and gain more space in the center. By advancing the d-pawn, White aims to occupy more central squares and open lines for their pieces. Additionally, this move frees White's light squared bishop, allowing it to become a more active piece. Playing d4 can create some tactical possibilities since Black might decide to capture the pawn on d4, opening up lines and creating some weaknesses in their position. This move is a typical strategy in many similar openings, and White uses it to put some pressure on Black's game and create new possible variations.

In the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Showalter Variation, Black plays Bd7 to attack White's knight on c6 and prepare for the upcoming pawn capture on d4. By placing their bishop on d7, Black also prepares to castle kingside and protects the pawn on e6. Moreover, the bishop on d7 can be a useful piece in many variations of the Ruy Lopez and can take part in potential attacks on White's position. The move Bd7 also frees the f8-square for Black's rook and adds some flexibility to their position. By playing Bd7, Black aims to improve their piece activity and respond to White's advances with natural developing moves.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O d6 5. d4 Bd7, White plays Nc3 to develop their knight and create possible threats against Black's position. By placing their knight on c3, White aims to better control the central squares and prepare their pieces for more active placement. Additionally, the knight on c3 indirectly attacks the pawn on d5, potentially putting pressure on Black's position. The move Nc3 is a standard developing move in many variations of the Ruy Lopez and can lead to different types of positions. By playing Nc3, White aims to get their pieces onto safe and active squares and prepare for possible future attacks against Black's pawns or pieces.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O d6 5. d4 Bd7 6. Nc3, Black plays Be7 to develop their bishop and prepare for castling kingside. This move also creates a battery with their queen on d8, which can be useful in potential attacks on White's position. By placing their bishop on e7, Black also protects their pawn on d6 and adds more support to their center. Moreover, the bishop on e7 can be a valuable defensive piece and can help in controlling some central squares. The move Be7 is typical in many variations of the Ruy Lopez and can lead to different types of positions. By playing Be7, Black aims to coordinate their pieces and prepare for potential future attacks or positional maneuvers.

In the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Showalter Variation, White plays Bxc6 to capture Black's bishop and potentially damage their pawn structure. By capturing the bishop on c6, White can remove a useful and well-placed piece from Black's position. Additionally, capturing the bishop can lead to doubled pawns for Black on the c-file, potentially creating some weaknesses in their position. This move can also open up the b-file for White's rook, which can be useful in potential attacks on Black's position. Moreover, the move Bxc6 supports White's central control by opening up the d-file for their pieces. By playing Bxc6, White aims to improve their pawn structure and create new possibilities for their pieces.