Ruy Lopez: Closed, Averbakh Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Averbakh Variation, White starts with the move e4 to gain control over the center of the board. By doing this, White attempts to limit Black's mobility and restrict the movement of Black's pieces. Additionally, this move allows White's bishop on c1 to be developed, which can then be placed on the b5-square later on to pin Black's knight on c6. In sum, by playing e4, White sets up a strong foundation for their pieces and puts pressure on Black from the very beginning of the game.

Black's move e5 in response to the opening move e4 mirrors White's attempt to control the center of the board. By occupying the e5-square, Black gains a foothold in the center and increases their own mobility and options for future moves. Furthermore, with e5, Black creates a pawn chain that supports their pieces and gives them a strong base to work from. This move also opens up lines of attack for Black's light-squared bishop, allowing it to potentially become a powerful attacking piece. In sum, by playing e5, Black looks to establish control of the center and set the stage for a solid defense and potential counterattacks.

White plays Nf3 to bring out another piece and prepare to castle their king. Additionally, this move puts pressure on Black's pawn on e5 and indirectly attacks Black's knight on c6. By developing the knight to f3, White also adds support to the pawn on e4, making it more difficult for Black to challenge White's central control. In sum, Nf3 is a flexible move that helps White to solidify their position and prepare for future maneuvers while also applying pressure to Black's position.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Averbakh Variation, Black responds to White's knight development with their own knight move, Nc6. By doing this, Black increases pressure on White's pawn on e4 and supports their own pawn on e5. Furthermore, the knight on c6 can later be developed to b4, creating the potential to trade off White's important bishop on c1. In sum, Nc6 is a logical move that allows Black to gain more control over the center of the board and prepare for future strategic possibilities.

White plays Bb5 in the hopes of pinning Black's knight on c6 and gaining more control over the center of the board. By attacking the knight, White aims to force Black to spend time defending it, potentially allowing White to gain an advantage elsewhere on the board. Additionally, this move allows White to develop their bishop and put pressure on Black's pawn on e5, potentially weakening Black's pawn structure. In sum, Bb5 is a strong move that helps White to control the center of the board and apply pressure to Black's position early in the game.

Black plays a6 to stop White's bishop from pinning the knight on c6 and gaining control over the d5-square. Additionally, this move prevents any future invasion of the knight on b5, forcing it to retreat to a less active square. Furthermore, a6 creates the potential for a future b5 push, which can be a useful counterattacking move for Black. In sum, a6 is a strong move that helps Black to maintain their position and prevents White from gaining an early advantage.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Averbakh Variation, White plays Ba4 to maintain pressure on Black's position and potentially force the exchange of Black's bishop for White's knight. Additionally, this move gives White the option of retreating their bishop to a2, which can help prevent Black's b5 push and maintain control over the a-file. Furthermore, Ba4 removes the possibility of Black achieving an early ...b5 move with tempo, as it would allow White to capture on b5 with their bishop and gain control of the c6-square. In sum, Ba4 is a strong move that maintains the pressure on Black's position and helps to limit their strategic options.

Black plays Nf6 to add more control over the central squares, as well as pose a threat on White's knight on f3. By developing this piece, Black is one step closer to castling their king and making it more defensible. Additionally, this move puts pressure on White's bishop on a4, potentially forcing it to retreat to a less active position. Nf6 is a strong move that attempts to equalize the position by developing pieces and creating potential threats.

White castles kingside to improve the safety of their king and centralize their rook. By doing this, White gets their king out of the center of the board, where it could potentially be attacked. Additionally, castling allows White to connect their rooks, which can be useful in creating threats on both sides of the board in the mid to endgame. In sum, O-O is an important move that ensures White has a solid foundation for their pieces and helps set the stage for future strategic possibilities.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Averbakh Variation, Black plays Be7 to develop their light-square bishop and prepare to castle kingside. By doing this, Black adds an extra defender to their king and prepares to get their pieces ready for the midgame. Additionally, Be7 creates the potential for a future f5 push, which can challenge White's center and potentially create openings in their position. In sum, Be7 is a strong move that advances Black's development and sets the stage for future strategic possibilities.

White plays Re1 to add support to their e4-pawn and improve the coordination of their rooks. By doing this, White prepares to potentially double their rooks on the e-file, creating pressure against Black's central pawns. Additionally, Re1 can be useful in preparing for future tactical possibilities, such as creating threats against Black's queen or rook. In sum, Re1 is a flexible move that helps to strengthen White's position and create potential threats on the board.

Black plays d6 to add another defender to the e5-pawn and prepare to castle kingside. By doing this, Black solidifies their pawn structure and prepares to get their pieces ready for active play in the middle game. Additionally, the pawn on d6 can serve as a strong shelter for Black's king should it move to the kingside. In sum, d6 is a strong move that allows Black to strengthen their position and prepare for future strategic possibilities.