Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Normal Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Normal Variation, white's first move e4 aims to control the center of the board and develop the pawn to a more active position. By advancing the pawn, white frees up the development of the kingside knight and bishop. Additionally, this move puts pressure on the black knight, which is currently defending the e5 pawn. In sum, this is a solid move that sets the tone for the rest of the game.

Black's move e5 mirrors White's opening move by advancing their own pawn to the center of the board. This move aims to control the center and develop the pawn to a more active position, giving Black more space to maneuver their pieces. By doing so, Black can put pressure on White's position and force them to react defensively. Additionally, this move frees up the development of Black's kingside knight and bishop, ensuring a balanced distribution of forces.

White's move Nf3 aims to control the key central squares d4 and e5, which are currently targeted by the black pawn on e5. Additionally, this move develops the knight towards the center of the board and also prepares for the kingside castle. By developing this knight, White creates the possibility of putting pressure on Black's pawn on e5 with a fork, should Black develop their own knight to g4, or by exerting pressure on the d5 square. This move is commonly played in a variety of chess openings as it is considered a solid and flexible move.

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Normal Variation, Black's move Nc6 aims to develop a piece and gain control over the central d4 square. The knight can also support the e5 pawn and prepare for a potential pawn push to d4 in the future. Additionally, this move puts pressure on White's knight on f3 and creates a threat of attacking White's pawn structure with the bishop on b4. In sum, this is a flexible move that prepares for further piece development while still controlling the center of the board.

White's move Bb5 in this position is known as the Ruy Lopez opening, and it aims to put immediate pressure on the black knight on c6. This move develops the bishop to an active square and pins the knight to the queen, potentially weakening Black's position. Additionally, this move prepares for castling kingside and reinforces White's control over the central d4 square. The Ruy Lopez is one of the most popular and flexible openings in chess, and the Bb5 move sets the stage for a complex and strategic game.

In response to the Ruy Lopez opening with move Bb5, Black's a6 move aims to force the bishop to retreat or exchange itself for the black knight on c6. This move allows Black to disrupt White's plan of putting pressure on Black's position with the pin on the knight. Additionally, a6 frees up the b7 square for the development of the queen's bishop, which can later challenge White's bishop on b5. In sum, a6 is a useful prophylactic move that can potentially gain a tempo or initiative in the opening game.

In the Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Normal Variation, White's move Bxc6 is a common response to Black's a6 move. This captures the knight on c6 and forces the black pawn to recapture with the b7 pawn, which creates a weakness on the c6 square for Black. Additionally, this exchange frees up White's bishop on b5, potentially creating threats against Black's king-side. Furthermore, this move can also open the b-file, providing potential pressure against Black's pawn structure and creating a half-open file for White's rooks to penetrate into Black's position. In sum, this move is flexible and allows White to dictate the course of the game.

In response to White's Bxc6 move in the Ruy Lopez opening, Black's dxc6 move recaptures the bishop with the pawn. This reinforces Black's pawn control over the center while opening up the position for the queen's bishop to develop to a more active square. Additionally, this move creates a pawn majority on the queenside and frees up the c7 square for Black's knight. However, Black also accepts an isolated pawn on d6, which could become a target for White's pieces in the mid to endgame. In sum, dxc6 is a principled move that aims to maintain a balanced position while looking to create potential counterplay.

In response to Black's dxc6 move in the Ruy Lopez opening, White's O-O move is a natural and solid choice. This move castles the king to safety while completing the last step of White's development. The king now has better protection on the king-side, freeing up White's rooks to occupy the central files. Additionally, this move puts pressure on Black to complete their development in a timely manner, as White's pieces are already optimally placed. Moreover, this move opens up possibilities for the placement of a rook on the e1 square, creating potential pressure against the black pawn on e5. In sum, O-O is an essential and flexible move that prepares White for the next stage of the game.