Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Charousek Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Charousek Variation, White’s move e4 is aimed at controlling the center of the board and developing the pawn. This move opens up the possibility of attacking Black’s knight on c6 and putting pressure on the d5 square. By occupying the center, White gains more space to maneuver their pieces and increase their control over the board. Additionally, e4 prepares for the development of the light-squared bishop. In sum, this move sets up the foundation for White’s aggressive and dynamic play in the Ruy Lopez opening.

Black's move e5 in response to 1.e4 aims to control the center of the board and develop their own pawn. This move also frees up their pieces and opens up lines for their bishops and queens to become more active. Furthermore, playing e5 prevents White from advancing their pawn to e5, which would give White a central pawn majority. By playing e5, Black creates a balanced position and gains equality in the game. In sum, this move is a key part of Black's strategy to fight for control of the board and counter White's opening moves.

White's move Nf3 following 1.e4 e5 is aimed at developing the knight and reinforcing control over the central squares d4 and e5. By placing the knight on f3, White also prepares for the possibility of advancing their g-pawn to g4, which could pressurize Black's position and threaten their king's safety. Additionally, placing the knight on f3 allows White to castle kingside and bring the rook into play. This move is a key part of White's strategy to take control of the center and gain an advantage in the opening.

In the Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Charousek Variation, Black's move Nc6 following 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 is aimed at developing the knight and contesting White's control over the central squares. This move also prepares for the possibility of advancing the d-pawn to d5, which would put pressure on White's pawn on e4 and free up Black's bishop on c8. By placing the knight on c6, Black also gains control over the d4 square and restricts White's options for developing their pieces. Additionally, this move allows Black to castle kingside and bring the rook into play. In sum, Nc6 is a key part of Black's strategy to achieve equality in the opening and set up counterplay against White's position.

White's move Bb5 in response to 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 is aimed at targeting Black's knight on c6 and forcing it to move, thereby disrupting Black's development plans. This move also serves to put pressure on Black's e5-pawn, which can become a weakness in Black’s position. By developing the bishop, White also gains control over the d4 square and prepares for the possibility of advancing their pawn to d4, which would give White a strong center. Furthermore, Bb5 pins Black's knight against the queen, making it more difficult for Black to move their d-pawn and putting pressure on their queen. In sum, Bb5 is a key part of White's strategy to gain an advantage in the game and set up future attacking possibilities.

Black's move Bc5 in response to 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 is aimed at developing the bishop and putting pressure on White's knight on f3. This move also prepares for the possibility of advancing the d-pawn to d6, which would support the pawn on e5 and free up Black's light-squared bishop on c8. Furthermore, by placing the bishop on c5, Black gains control over the d4 square and restricts White's options for developing their pieces. Additionally, Bc5 puts pressure on White's e4-pawn, which could become a weakness in White’s position. In sum, this move is a key part of Black's strategy to counter White's development and set up potential attacking opportunities.

In the Ruy Lopez: Classical Variation, Charousek Variation, White's move c3 following 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5 aims at supporting and defending the pawn on d4, which could become a target for Black's pieces. This move also prepares for the possibility of advancing the d-pawn to d4, which would give White greater control over the center and attack Black's e5-pawn. Additionally, c3 creates a square on b3 for White's knight to relocate in some variations. By playing c3, White also gains space on the queenside and limits the possibility of Black's knight maneuvering to b4. In sum, this move is a key part of White's strategy to maintain control of the center and prevent Black's counterplay.

Black's move Bb6 in response to 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5 4.c3 is aimed at developing the bishop and putting pressure on White's knight on c3. This move also prepares for the possibility of advancing the d-pawn to d6 or d5, which would further support the pawn on e5 and potentially open up lines for Black's pieces. Additionally, by placing the bishop on b6, Black gains control over the a5-e1 diagonal and can potentially create threats against White's king. Furthermore, Bb6 can be played as a waiting move, forcing White to decide how to proceed before Black makes any further commitments. In sum, this move is a flexible part of Black's strategy to maintain their position and look for potential weaknesses in White's setup.