Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation

The Ruy Lopez opening begins with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6, followed by the key move 3. Bb5. The main idea behind the third move is to attack the knight on c6, which is guarding the central pawn on d4. By pinning the knight with the bishop, White can prepare to control more space in the center with moves like d2-d4, or put pressure on Black's position by developing pieces and castling. The Ruy Lopez opening has been played by many of the greatest chess players in history because of its flexibility and strategic potential.

Black's move e5 in response to e4, is an attempt to contest the center and establish control over the squares d4 and f4. By occupying the central space with a pawn, Black can prepare to develop pieces towards the center, and can also create threats against White's position. e5 also allows Black to open lines for their bishop and queen, creating potential for devastating attacks down the middle of the board. In sum, e5 is a powerful and aggressive move that puts pressure on White's position right from the start of the game.

White's move Nf3 in response to e5 serves two main purposes. Firstly, it protects the pawn on e4 which is now under attack. Secondly, Nf3 prepares to control the central squares d4 and e5. By developing knights towards the center of the board, White can establish a strong presence and limit Black's options. Additionally, Nf3 can be followed by moves such as g2-g3 and Bf1-g2, forming a strong pawn structure and developing the bishop along a long diagonal. By playing Nf3, White is setting up a solid foundation for their pieces and preparing for a flexible game.

In the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation, Black's move Nc6 serves the dual purpose of developing a knight and attacking the pawn on e4. By placing the knight on c6, Black puts pressure on the pawn and can potentially capture it. Additionally, the knight on c6 controls the d4-square, hindering White's ability to control the center. Nc6 also prepares for future moves such as d7-d5, which can open up lines for Black's pieces and lead to a more aggressive game. In sum, Nc6 is an important move in the opening as it sets up a strong foundation for Black's position.

White's move Bb5 in response to Nc6 is a strong pinning move that places pressure on Black's position. By attacking the knight with the bishop, White threatens to capture it and disrupt Black's development. Additionally, Bb5 prepares to control more space in the center with moves like d2-d4, putting even more pressure on Black's position. Bb5 is a key move in the Ruy Lopez opening, as it sets up the potential for a powerful attack against Black's position if Black is unable to counter the pinning of the bishop.

In response to Bb5, Black's move Nf6 serves to regain control over the central squares d4 and e5, while also challenging the bishop on b5. Nf6 attacks the bishop and puts pressure on White's position, forcing White to either retreat or capture the knight. Additionally, Nf6 prepares for future moves such as d7-d6, supporting the central pawn on e5 and bringing the dark-squared bishop into play. Nf6 is an important move in the Ruy Lopez opening as it helps Black establish a solid foundation and create counterplay against White's position.

In the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation, White's move O-O serves to secure their king and put it on the opposite side of the board from Black's king. By castling kingside, White protects their king while also freeing the rook on h1 to potentially participate in an attack on Black's position. Additionally, castling allows White to connect their rooks and improve the safety of their position overall. O-O is an important move in the opening as it prepares White for a more aggressive game, while also keeping their king safe and secure.

In response to O-O, Black's move d6 serves to protect their center and limit the influence of White's pieces. By placing a pawn on d6, Black supports the pawn on e5 and takes control of the square on e6, preventing White's knight from occupying it. Additionally, d6 prepares for future moves such as Nd7 and c7-c5, creating more space for Black's pieces and potentially counterattacking on the queenside. d6 is an important move in the opening as it helps Black establish a solid structure in the center while also preparing for future developments.

In response to Black's move d6, White's move d4 serves to gain more space in the center and open up lines for their pieces. d4 attacks the pawn on e5, which is now only defended by the knight on f6, and puts pressure on Black's position. Additionally, d4 prepares to develop the bishop on c1 and the knight on c3, creating potentially powerful threats against Black's position. By pushing the pawn to d4, White takes control of the center of the board and sets the stage for a dynamic and aggressive game.

In the Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Closed Wolf Variation, Black's move Bd7 serves to protect the knight on f6, which is now under attack by White's pawn on d4. Bd7 also prepares for potential future exchanges on d4, where Black can recapture the pawn with the bishop and uncover an attack against the knight on f3 or the queen on d1. Additionally, Bd7 gives Black's bishop more scope, allowing it to potentially control the long diagonal. By playing Bd7, Black creates a flexible and dynamic position while also preventing immediate threats from White's pieces.

In response to Black's move Bd7, White's move Nc3 serves to increase the control over the central square d5. Nc3 also prepares for future developments like Bxc6, which will help White to recapture with a pawn and maintain control over the center. Additionally, by moving the knight to c3, White applies more pressure on Black's position and continues to develop pieces with a plan. Nc3 is an important move in the opening as it sets up White for a more aggressive game in the center while still maintaining solid control over key squares on the board.

In response to Nc3, Black's move exd4 serves to gain control of the center and open up lines for their pieces. exd4 captures the pawn on d4, which was previously defended by the knight on c3, and creates a passed pawn on d4. Additionally, exd4 helps Black in the development of their pieces by creating potential threats against White's position along the long diagonal. By playing exd4, Black attempts to take control of the center and set up a position with more aggressive potential.