Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Gligoric Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Gligoric Variation, White's move e4 aims to control the center of the board by placing a pawn on the fourth rank. This move also opens up White's bishop on b5, allowing it to exert pressure on Black's knight on c6. Additionally, this move is crucial in laying the foundation for White's potential pawn push to d4, which can lead to a strong central pawn structure and greater control of the board. In sum, e4 is a solid starting move for White in the Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation.

Black's move e5 in response to e4 aims to control the center of the board by placing a pawn on the fourth rank, much like White's move. This move also allows Black to develop their knight on f6, putting pressure on White's pawn on e4. Additionally, by controlling the center, Black can open up pathways for their other pieces and create potential threats against White's position. In sum, e5 is a common and solid response for Black to the e4 opening move.

White's move Nf3 after 1.e4 e5 aims to support White's pawn on e4 while also developing the knight to a more active square in preparation for future moves. This move also puts pressure on Black's pawn on e5, making it more difficult for Black to maintain control over the center of the board. Additionally, Nf3 opens up possible pawn moves to d4 or g3 which could lead to a strong pawn center or allow White's bishop on c1 to be developed to a threatening position. In sum, Nf3 is a flexible move that fits into numerous opening systems and is an excellent starting move for White.

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Gligoric Variation, Black's move Nc6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 aims to develop a knight to a safe square while also preparing to attack White's pawn on d4. This move also supports Black's control over the center of the board by placing a piece on an active square. Additionally, by developing a minor piece, Black is preparing to castle quickly and begin their development of other pieces. In sum, Nc6 is a solid and flexible move for Black that allows for numerous variations in response to White's future moves.

White's move Bb5 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 aims to develop the bishop to an active square while also pinning Black's knight on c6 against their king, potentially disrupting Black's development. This move also puts additional pressure on Black's pawn on e5, making it more difficult to maintain control over the center of the board. Additionally, Bb5 is the hallmark move of the Ruy Lopez opening, which is a popular and strategically rich opening system in chess. In sum, Bb5 is a strong and flexible move in response to 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6, and it can lead to many potential variations and opening systems.

Black's move a6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 aims to force White to retreat their bishop to a7 or c1, thereby relieving the pin on Black's knight and allowing for the possibility of later developing a bishop on a more favorable square. This move also prepares eventual capture on c6 if White should decide to take Black's knight. Additionally, a6 limits the potential mobility of White's knight if they retreat it to a less active square. In sum, a6 is a solid move that is often seen in the Ruy Lopez opening, and it can help Black to gain additional control over the center of the board.

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Gligoric Variation, White's move Bxc6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 aims to exchange Black's bishop for White's knight and subsequently create doubled pawns on Black's queenside. This move also puts additional pressure on Black's pawn structure and opens up the possibility of later attacking Black's pawn on d6. Additionally, by exchanging a bishop for a knight, White may be able to establish greater control over the center of the board. In sum, Bxc6 is a strategic move that emphasizes White's willingness to exchange pieces in order to gain a positional advantage.

Black's move dxc6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 aims to open up the c-file for Black's queen and rook, as well as gain control over the center of the board. This move also creates a semi-open file for Black's pawn on c6, which can be further advanced to put pressure on White's position. Additionally, by taking with the pawn on c6, Black is able to maintain a pawn structure that is generally considered more flexible and enduring than the doubled pawns which would have resulted from capturing with the b-pawn. In sum, dxc6 is a flexible and strategic move that emphasizes Black's strong control over the center of the board and active piece placement.

White's move O-O after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 aims to castle White's king to safety and connect the two rooks, preparing for the middle game. This move also allows White's king to play a more active role in future attacking plans. Additionally, by castling early, White is able to take advantage of the relative inactivity of Black's king, which may still be stuck in the center of the board. In sum, O-O is a standard and flexible move that fits into the general strategy of controlling the center of the board and creating tactical opportunities for White.

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Gligoric Variation, Black's move f6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O aims to protect Black's pawn on e5, which is under pressure from White's pawn and bishop. This move also prepares to develop the knight on f7 while also limiting the potential mobility of White's knight on f3. Additionally, by creating a pawn chain with pawns on e5 and f6, Black is able to maintain a strong and solid central pawn structure while still leaving open avenues for potential tactical opportunities. In sum, f6 is a flexible and strategic move that supports Black's continued control over the center of the board.