Ruy Lopez: Closed, Morphy Attack

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Morphy Attack, White wants to play e4 in order to gain control of the center of the board. Additionally, this move allows White to develop the bishop on c1 and pave the way for the Knight development on f3. By occupying the center with a pawn, White also restricts Black's options and creates potential threats on both flanks of the board. In sum, e4 is a key move in the Ruy Lopez opening as it establishes a strong foundation for White's pieces to attack from.

Playing e5 is a standard response from Black after White plays e4. This move immediately stakes a claim on the center of the board and fights for control of d4. By mirroring White's move with a pawn of their own, Black also opens up lines of attack for their bishop on c8 and queen on d8. Additionally, by controlling the center, Black is better equipped to launch an attack or counterattack on either side of the board. In sum, e5 is a solid and aggressive move that sets the stage for dynamic play in the opening.

White plays Nf3 after the moves 1. e4 e5 to develop a knight and control the center of the board. The knight on f3 puts pressure on Black's pawn on e5, which can limit Black's options for development. Additionally, the knight on f3 prepares for a potential kingside attack or the development of the bishop on c4. By playing Nf3, White also avoids blocking the c1 bishop, which can be a powerful piece in many variations of the opening. In general, Nf3 is a flexible and strong move that sets up White for a variety of different strategies in the opening.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Morphy Attack opening, Black plays Nc6 after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 to develop their knight and control the center of the board. This move also prevents White from pushing their pawn to d4 right away, as Black's knight and pawn would be targeting the square. By playing Nc6, Black also creates the possibility of attacking White's pawn on e4 with their knight, which can force White's pawn to move and leave the d4 square open for Black. Additionally, Nc6 prepares for the development of Black's bishop on c5 or f5. In sum, Nc6 is a solid move that helps Black maintain control of the position while preparing for future attacks.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6, White wants to play Bb5 to immediately threaten Black's knight on c6 and force it to move or exchange pieces. This move also pins Black's e5 pawn, preventing it from moving and potentially weakening Black's position. Additionally, the bishop on b5 adds pressure to Black's queenside and prepares for a potential kingside attack or the development of the knight on d2. By playing Bb5, White also sets up the possibility of initiating a Ruy Lopez, which is characterized by the moves Bb5 followed by a5. In sum, Bb5 is a strong move that puts early pressure on Black and sets up White for a variety of different attacking options.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5, Black wants to play a6 in order to force White's bishop to retreat or to exchange with Black's knight on c6. This move also prevents the possibility of White initiating a Ruy Lopez with a5. By playing a6, Black also gains space on the queenside, potentially preparing for a counterattack or the development of their own bishop to a7. Additionally, a6 can discourage White from castling kingside by opening the possibility of a future b5-b4 pawn thrust. In sum, a6 is a solid move that allows Black to gain control of the position and limit White's attacking options.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Morphy Attack opening, White plays Ba4 in response to Black's move a6. This move relocates the bishop to a secure square and maintains the pressure on Black's knight on c6. Additionally, Ba4 opens up the possibility of exchanging the bishop for Black's knight or the bishop on c8, which can weaken Black's pawn structure. By playing Ba4, White also prepares for the development of their knight on c3 or d2, potentially doubling their pieces on the c-file. In sum, Ba4 is a flexible move that allows White to maintain pressure on Black while setting up further attacking possibilities.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4, Black plays Nf6 to attack White's bishop on a4 and gain control of the center of the board. Additionally, Nf6 prepares for the development of Black's knight on d4 or to f5, and potentially puts pressure on White's pawn on e4. By playing Nf6, Black also avoids the possibility of exchanging with White's bishop on b5, which could develop White's pieces more quickly and put early pressure on Black. In sum, Nf6 is a flexible move that allows Black to maintain control of the position and set up future attacking options.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6, White plays O-O to castle their king and improve its safety. This move also brings the rook on h1 into the game and connects the rooks, potentially enabling White to launch an attack on the kingside. Additionally, O-O protects White's king from potential checks or threats from Black's pieces. By castling kingside, White also avoids potential tactics involving Black's knight on f6 and bishop on c5 or g5. In sum, O-O is a standard move that improves the safety of White's king and sets up potential attacking options.

In the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Morphy Attack opening, Black plays Be7 after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O to develop their bishop and complete their kingside development. Additionally, Be7 prepares for the potential capture of White's bishop on a4 with Black's knight on c6 or bishop on c5. By playing Be7, Black also avoids potential tactics involving White's rook on f1 and Black's bishop on f6. In sum, Be7 is a flexible move that completes Black's kingside development and sets up potential attacking options.

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7, White plays Nc3 to develop their knight and potentially coordinate their pieces on the c-file. This move also opens up the possibility of exchanging on d4, which can influence the center of the board. Additionally, Nc3 prepares for the potential development of White's bishop on c4 or d3 and puts pressure on Black's e5 pawn. By playing Nc3, White also avoids the possibility of exchanging with Black's knight on f3, potentially weakening their queenside pawns. In sum, Nc3 is a flexible move that develops a piece and sets up potential attacking options.