Ruy Lopez: Closed, Martinez Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Martinez Variation, White plays the move e4 with the intention of controlling the center and increasing the mobility of the pieces. This move takes advantage of Black's passive position and puts pressure on the black pawn on e5. It also opens up lines for the white bishop to become more active and allows White to launch an attack on the king's side. By advancing the e-pawn, White can gain space and create more opportunities to develop their pieces.

Black's move e5 in response to 1. e4 aims to gain control of the center and to contest White's presence there. This move also liberates their dark-square bishop, which has the potential to become a strong attacking piece. By advancing their pawn to e5, Black also seeks to challenge White's pawn on e4, creating symmetrical pawn structures and reducing the chances of White gaining a spatial advantage. This move is a common choice for Black and aims to establish an equal fight for control of the board.

White's move Nf3 after 1.e4 e5 continues their development by bringing out a knight and attacking Black's pawn on e5. This move also helps to control the center while preparing to castle kingside. The knight on f3 can also support White's pawns in the center and is in a good position to attack Black's pieces if they become overextended. By playing Nf3, White is taking the initial steps to gain control of the board and putting pressure on Black's defenses. This is a common and flexible move that sets the stage for various tactical and strategic possibilities for White.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Martinez Variation, Black's move Nc6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 aims to develop their knight and prepares to castle kingside. This move also puts pressure on White's knight by attacking it, forcing it to retreat or be exchanged. Additionally, the knight on c6 can support Black's pawn on d4 and hinder White's attempts to control the center. This move is a common response in the Ruy Lopez and helps Black establish a firm presence in the middle of the board. By playing Nc6, Black sets up multiple potential tactical and strategic options for their pieces.

White's move Bb5 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 pins Black's knight on c6 and gains control of the d5 square. This move also develops a piece while threatening to trade its most valuable counterpart on c6. The bishop on b5 can become a powerful attacking piece, working alongside the white queen to create a strong pressure against Black's castled position. Additionally, this move sets up the possibility of castling queenside, allowing White to launch a dangerous attack on the king's side. By playing Bb5, White sets up several potential tactical and positional options, while putting pressure on Black's defenses.

Black's move a6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 prevents White's bishop from pinning the black knight on c6. This move creates a luft (an escape square) for the black king to avoid any discovered checks from the bishop. Playing a6 also prepares Black to develop their own dark-squared bishop by playing b5. The move b5 can create a counterattack on the white bishop forcing it to retreat or be captured which can help Black gain better control of the center. By playing a6, Black is taking the necessary steps to protect their position and maintain a strong presence on the board.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Martinez Variation, White's move Ba4 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 repositions the bishop behind the a-pawn, potentially supporting White's kingside attack. This move also prevents Black from developing their b7-bishop and can exert pressure on Black's position by threatening to exchange the bishop for the knight on c6. Playing Ba4 also opens up the possibility of castling queenside, which can give White a positional advantage, especially if Black's pieces have not yet completed their development. By playing Ba4, White is creating several potential tactical and positional opportunities while putting additional pressure on Black's defenses.

Black's move Nf6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 aims to develop a piece and attacks the bishop on a4, forcing it to retreat or be exchanged. Playing Nf6 also prepares Black's knight to be repositioned to d4, blocking White's attempts to control the center. The knight on f6 can also support Black's pawn on e5 and hamper any attempts by White to push their own e-pawn down the board. By playing Nf6, Black is working to reduce the pressure on their position and to establish a more firm control over the center of the board. This move is a common response in the Ruy Lopez and sets up several potential tactical and strategic options for Black's pieces.

White's move O-O, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6, castles kingside, putting their king into safety and freeing the rook on h1. This also prepares to connect the rooks and reinforces the center pawn structure. Castling kingside also helps to position the king for a possible attack on the enemy's pawn structure, especially on the "f" or "g" file. By playing O-O, White is taking the necessary measures to secure their position and to mobilize their pieces towards the center of the board. This move also puts pressure on Black, who must now cautiously manage their own king's safety while seeking to advance their own positioning.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Martinez Variation, Black's move Be7 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O aims to complete their development and protect their king. This move also makes way for the pawn on f7 to advance, potentially freeing up space for Black's queen. Additionally, the dark-squared bishop on e7 can become an active piece as the game progresses, supporting pawn advances and threatening White's position. By playing Be7, Black is establishing a strong defensive position, while setting up several potential strategic options. This move creates a balanced position to contest with White for control of the board.

White's move d3, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7, prepares to bring the dark-squared bishop on c1 into the game along the d2-h6 diagonal. This move also reinforces the center pawn structure and limits any potential attacks by Black's knights along this diagonal. Playing d3 also prepares White's pawn on e4 to support the center and to contest Black's pawn on e5. Additionally, moving the pawn to d3 serves as a positional move that can help White's pieces become more mobile. By playing d3, White is developing their pieces smoothly and improving their position, while putting pressure on Black's defenses by limiting their tactical options.