Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, White starts with 1. e4 e5, occupying the center and freeing the e2-square for the development of the king's knight. 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 is the beginning of the Ruy Lopez and aims to put pressure on Black's e5 pawn. 3... a6 is a common response to protect the knight on c6 and ask the bishop on b5 for its intentions. 4. Bxc6 is the Exchange Variation, which allows White to damage Black's pawn structure and gain control over the d5-square.

After 1. e4, Black's most natural response is e5 to take control of the center and create a symmetrical pawn structure. This move also frees Black's light-squared bishop and allows the knights to be developed towards the center. By playing e5, Black also puts pressure on White's e4 pawn and prepares to counter-attack with d5 if White doesn't maintain control of the center.

After 1. e4 e5, White plays Nf3 to develop the knight towards the center and prepare for moves like Bc4 or Ng5. The knight on f3 also guards the e5 pawn and supports the control of central squares, especially d5. Additionally, by playing Nf3, White creates a threat of attacking the e5 pawn with the queen and/or bishop, putting pressure on Black's position and forcing them to be vigilant in defending the center.

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Black's move Nc6 develops a knight towards the center and prepares to control d4. This move also attacks White's e4 pawn and supports Black's own pawn on e5, creating a solid pawn chain in the center. Additionally, by playing Nc6, Black prepares to castle kingside and connects the rooks. This move discourages White's plan of playing d4 and opening up the center too early.

After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6, White plays Bb5 to attack Black's knight on c6 and pressure the e5 pawn, a key pawn in Black's center. This move also prepares for the exchange of the knight on c6, which weakens Black's pawn structure and allows White to improve their pieces' positions. Additionally, the bishop on b5 pins Black's knight on c6 to their king, creating potential tactics and limiting Black's options for developing their pieces. By playing Bb5, White establishes control of the board's center and creates threats that Black must address, making this a popular and powerful opening move.

After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6, Black's response of 3... a6 aims to create a waiting move and prevent White's bishop from pinning the knight on c6. This move also prepares for the development of the bishop on a7 or b7, supporting the pawn on e5 and controlling the b4 square. Additionally, playing a6 discourages White's plan of playing Nb5 to attack the c7 pawn and potentially forcing Black to weaken their pawn structure. By playing a6, Black gains space and time to make moves that improve their position before committing to a specific pawn or piece structure.

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, White's move Bxc6 carries out the exchange of the bishops on b5 and c6. This move damages Black's pawn structure and gives White control of the d5 square, restricting the movement of Black's pieces. Additionally, by playing Bxc6, White can develop their queen to d4, putting pressure on Black's central pawns. This move also speeds up White's development, as the bishop on c6 was potentially blocking the c1-h6 diagonal. By playing Bxc6, White aims to increase their control of the center and force Black to struggle to have good piece placement.