Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Anderssen Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Anderssen Variation, White starts with the move e4. This move aims to control the center of the board and creates more space for the pieces to develop. By playing e4, White also opens up lines for the bishops and the queen to exert pressure on the Black pieces. Additionally, this move prepares to castle kingside and offers the possibility to launch a quick attack on the Black king. In sum, e4 is a strong move that sets the tone for the aggressive play that the Ruy Lopez is known for.

When Black plays e5 in response to e4, they also aim to control the center of the board. By advancing their pawn to e5, Black establishes a strong presence in the middle of the board and creates potential threats against White's position. This move also allows Black's knight to be developed to f6, putting pressure on White's pawn on e4. Additionally, e5 opens up opportunities for Black's bishops to come into play, which can attack White's position and create weaknesses. In sum, e5 is an essential move in many openings, and it sets the stage for a dynamic and complex game.

When White plays Nf3 after Black's e5, they help to control the center of the board while simultaneously developing their knight. By placing the knight on f3, White aims to support their pawn on e4, as the knight is well positioned to protect the pawn from potential attacks by Black's pieces. Nf3 also clears the way for the light-squared bishop to be developed to c4 in many openings, putting pressure on the vulnerable pawn on f7. Additionally, Nf3 prepares to castle kingside and brings White's knight closer to the center of the board, where it can exert more influence on the game.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Anderssen Variation, Black plays Nc6 in response to White's Nf3. This move adds pressure to White's pawn on e4 by attacking the knight on f3, which defends the pawn. It also helps Black to control the center of the board by placing a piece there. Additionally, Nc6 clears the way for Black to develop their queenside pieces and castle kingside. Some variations of this opening involve the Knight being captured by the Bishop on b5, which leads to the exchange of a bishop for a knight. In sum, Nc6 allows Black to increase their presence on the board while simultaneously putting pressure on White's position.

When White plays Bb5 in the Ruy Lopez, they aim to pin Black's knight on c6 and potentially win the pawn on e5. By pinning the knight, White forces Black to either move the knight or defend the pawn, which can lead to a slightly awkward position. Bb5 is also a key move in many variations of the Ruy Lopez as it sets up a strong central structure while bringing the bishop into play. Additionally, Bb5 puts early pressure on Black's position and can limit Black's development options. In sum, Bb5 is an aggressive move that sets the tone for the Ruy Lopez, one of the oldest and most popular openings in chess.

When Black plays a6 in response to Bb5, they aim to chase the bishop away from b5 and control the b4 square. By chasing the bishop, Black can avoid potential pins and tactical tricks that could arise with the bishop on b5. Additionally, a6 prevents White from advancing their pawn to b4, which can help to disrupt Black's position. This move also prepares the way for Black's own pawn to advance to b5, putting pressure on White's central pawn structure. In sum, a6 is a useful move in many variations of the Ruy Lopez, and it allows Black to control an important square while limiting White's options.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Anderssen Variation, Ba4 is a natural move for White after Black plays a6. This move allows White's bishop to retreat to a4 and maintain its position on the diagonal while avoiding any potential captures by Black's pawn on b5. Additionally, Ba4 puts pressure on Black's knight and prepares the way for White's pieces to occupy the center of the board. It's also worth noting that Ba4 is a useful move to make before castling kingside, as it can help to prevent potential attacks against White's king. In sum, Ba4 is a solid move in the Ruy Lopez and helps White to control key squares while maintaining their position on the board.

When Black plays Nf6 in response to Ba4, they develop their knight while aiming to challenge White's control of the center. This move also puts pressure on White's pawn on e4 and prepares the way for Black's queen to be developed to the kingside. Additionally, by developing the knight to f6, Black can challenge the development of White's knights on c3 and f3. Nf6 is a key move in many variations of the Ruy Lopez, as it allows Black to establish a strong presence in the center of the board while limiting White's options. In sum, Nf6 is a natural move that helps Black to establish a solid foundation in the opening.

In the Ruy Lopez, when White plays d3 after Black's Nf6, they aim to solidify their pawn structure and prepare the way for the development of their other pieces. By playing d3, White moves their pawn to a more secure position and creates a strong support for the pawn on e4. This move also allows White's light-squared bishop to be developed to e3 or d2, where it can control important squares and exert pressure on Black's position. Additionally, d3 prepares the way for White to castle kingside and brings the knight on f3 closer to the center of the board. In sum, d3 is a useful move that helps White to improve their position and prepare for the middle game.