Ruy Lopez: Classical Defense, Benelux Variation

One of the main ideas behind the move 1.e4 is to immediately take control of the central squares and create space for the pieces to develop. By playing 2.Nf3, White attacks the black pawn on e5, which can lead to an advantageous position if Black decides to defend it with a pawn or a piece. The move 3.Bb5, known as the Ruy Lopez, is a popular choice among players because it increases the pressure on the e5 pawn and develops a piece at the same time. From this position, White can continue to build up their control of the center and start to apply pressure on Black's position.

By playing e5 on move 2, Black hopes to control the center and establish a strong pawn presence. This move also frees up the knight on c6 and allows Black to put pressure on the e4 pawn. With both sides having a pawn in the center, the game becomes more dynamic and tactical, providing opportunities for both sides to gain an advantage. This move also leads to an open game, which can be advantageous for players who prefer a more attacking style of play.

The knight on f3 supports White's central pawn and prepares for knight development to f3. This move also attacks the pawn on e5 indirectly, forcing Black to respond and defend the pawn with another piece or pawn. Nf3 is a flexible move that allows White to choose which side of the board to develop the knight to, depending on the pawn structure and the opponent's response. Additionally, this move is one of the most commonly played moves in the opening, indicating its effectiveness and versatility.

In the Ruy Lopez: Classical Defense, Benelux Variation, playing Nc6 is a popular response to White's move 2.Nf3. This move attacks the pawn on e4 and defends the pawn on e5, which is under indirect attack by the knight on f3. The knight on c6 also puts pressure on White's control of the center and supports Black's plan to develop their pieces. Furthermore, this move sets the stage for the pawn to be pushed forward to d5, which can help Black gain more space and activity on the board. In sum, Nc6 is a solid move that helps Black control the board by developing their pieces and challenging White's central pawn.

By playing Bb5, White pins Black's knight on c6 to the queen and threatens to capture the knight, which would double Black's pawns. This move also develops a piece and puts pressure on the e5 pawn, which Black is defending with their knight. Bb5 is a key move in the Ruy Lopez opening as it helps White gain control of the center and dominate the board. Additionally, this move sets the stage for castling kingside in the next move, which can help White protect their king and connect their rooks. In sum, Bb5 is a strong move that puts Black in a difficult position and gives White an early advantage in the game.

In response to White's move 3.Bb5, Black wants to play Nf6 to attack the bishop and reinforce control over the central squares. This move also helps Black to complete their development by developing their knight to an active square. Furthermore, Nf6 prepares for the pawn to be pushed forward to d6, which can help Black gain more control over the center and make it harder for White to advance their pieces. This move is a common response in the Ruy Lopez opening and helps Black to maintain an active and balanced game against their opponent.

In the Ruy Lopez: Classical Defense, Benelux Variation, playing O-O on move 4 is a common response for White. This move completes White's development of the kingside and helps to connect the rooks. Castling kingside also places White's king in a safer position, away from the center of the board and behind a wall of pawns. Additionally, this move prepares the way for White to double their rooks on the c-file in the next few moves, which can put pressure on Black's position. Castling kingside is a fundamental move in chess and is important to do quickly and efficiently to ensure the safety of the king.

In response to White's move 4.O-O, Black wants to play Bc5 to develop a piece to an active square and increase their control over the center. This move also puts pressure on White's pawn on e4, which Black can attack with their knight on f6. Additionally, Bc5 prepares Black to potentially castle queenside in the future, which can be advantageous for Black if they can successfully control the open b-file. This move is a standard move in many variations of the Ruy Lopez opening, as it helps Black to complete their development and challenge White's position.

Playing c3 on move 5 is a common response for White in the Ruy Lopez: Classical Defense, Benelux Variation. This move supports White's d4 pawn, which is an important central pawn that can help White gain more space and activity. By playing c3, White also prepares to push their pawn to d4, challenging Black's control of the center and potentially forcing Black to move their knight to a less desirable square. Additionally, c3 helps to prevent Black's knight on b4, if it is ever played, from attacking the bishop on b5. This move is a strong and flexible move that helps White to increase their control of the center and prepare for more aggressive moves in the future.

In the Ruy Lopez: Classical Defense, Benelux Variation, playing O-O on move 5 is a solid response for Black to White's move c3. This move allows Black's king to escape to a safer position, away from the center of the board and behind a wall of pawns. Additionally, castling allows Black's rook on f8 to connect with the central pawns, potentially allowing for more coordinated attacks or defensive measures. Castling also prepares Black for potential future pawn storms on the kingside, which is a common strategy for Black in many variations of the Ruy Lopez. This move is an important part of any opening strategy, as it helps to protect the king and prepare for future moves.

Playing d4 on move 6 is a common response for White in the Ruy Lopez: Classical Defense, Benelux Variation. This move challenges Black's control of the center and forces Black to make a decision whether to capture the pawn or move the knight. By playing d4, White can also open up a line for their bishop on b5, putting pressure on Black's position. This move is particularly effective if Black has castled on the kingside, as it can help to open up lines for White's pieces and threaten a quick attack. Additionally, d4 helps White to gain more space and activity on the board, potentially leading to a more advantageous position. In sum, d4 is a key move in the Ruy Lopez opening and helps White to create a more aggressive and dynamic game.

In response to White's move 6.d4, Black wants to play Bb6 to develop the bishop to an active square and potentially attack White's knight on c3. This move also protects the pawn on e5 and prepares to potentially capture on d4 with the bishop. Bb6 can also put indirect pressure on the pawn on d4 if White decides to move their knight or capture the bishop. Additionally, this move can help Blacks to prepare for future moves such as pawn to d6, which can help to reinforce control of the center. In sum, Bb6 is a solid move that helps Black to continue their development, maintain control over the center, and challenge White's position.