Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit, White begins with 1.e4 in order to control the center and open lines for their pieces. This move marks White's intention to fight for the initiative from the very beginning of the game. By occupying the center, White aims to restrict Black's development options and gain a space advantage on the board. Additionally, 1.e4 also prepares for the deployment of the f1-bishop to its most active square. In sum, 1.e4 is a typical and strong move in the Ruy Lopez that sets the stage for a dynamic and strategic battle.

Black's move e5 is aimed at undermining White's control over the center of the board. By advancing this pawn, Black strives to equalize the position and open lines for their own pieces. The move e5 frees the f8-bishop and the queen, and also creates new attacking options against White's pieces. Additionally, e5offers Black the possibility of capturing the pawn on e4 with their knight, which would put extra pressure on White's position. In sum, the move e5 is a powerful and fundamental response to White's opening move 1.e4 and is a common way to counteract White's early central control.

When White plays Nf3 after 1.e4 e5, they develop their knight and support the control of the central squares, mainly d4 and e5. The knight on f3 protects the pawn on e5, creating more potential for White to maintain their central control and continue the fight for the initiative. Additionally, the knight on f3 also opens the way for the deployment of the king’s bishop, as it clears the c1 square. By putting their knight on f3, White takes a small but useful step towards completing their development, while also creating more possibilities for future moves based on the response of Black.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit, Black plays Nc6 after 1.e4 e5 and 2.Nf3. By advancing their knight, Black also develops a piece and fights for control of the center. The knight on c6 attacks the pawn on e5, and prepares to support the advance of the d-pawn, opening lines for the dark-squared bishop. Also, by controlling the d4 square, Black hampers White's development options, and might prepare to launch an attack on White's pieces. In sum, Nc6 is a classical and robust move that effectively places pressure on White's central control.

When White plays Bb5 after 1.e4 e5 and 2.Nf3 Nc6, they are developing their bishop and exerting pressure on Black's position. The bishop pins the knight on c6, preventing it from moving without compromising the defense of the b7-pawn. Also, the bishop targets the weakest point in Black's pawn formation, tempting them to play a6 and create weaknesses in their position. By placing their bishop on b5, White is preparing to castle kingside, safeguarding their king and enabling their rooks to connect on the back rank. In sum, Bb5 is an aggressive and useful move which aims to destabilize Black's position and prepare for a potential attack.

When Black plays a6 after 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 Nc6, and 3.Bb5, they are making a prophylactic move which aims to prevent White from pinning the knight on c6. Additionally, a6 also prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop to a7, where it may challenge the white bishop on b5 and support the c6-rook's control over the d-file. By playing a6, Black also prevents White's pawn from advancing to b5 and creating pressure on the sensitive c6-square. In sum, a6 is a common move in the Ruy Lopez which ensures the solidity of Black's position, allowing them to continue developing their pieces safely.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Jaffe Gambit, White plays Ba4 after Black's move 3...a6. By moving their bishop, White creates more space for their queen to develop and also threatens the weak c6-pawn. The bishop on a4 can be seen as a minor piece sacrifice, as White is willing to trade it for Black's bishop or knight, in order to double their pawns and disrupt Black's pawn structure. Additionally, the bishop on a4 also puts pressure on Black's d7-pawn, potentially weakening the kingside pawn structure. In sum, Ba4 helps White gain more control over the board, increase their positional advantages, and prepare their pieces for further tactical strikes.

In response to White’s 4.Ba4 in the Ruy Lopez, Black plays Nf6, which develops their knight and puts pressure on White's central pawn on e4. This move prepares the d7-pawn to advance to d6, and opens up the possibility of sacrificing the e5-pawn for an attack on White's position. Additionally, Nf6 defends the weak pawn on d5, protecting it from potential threats. By advancing their knight, Black also increases the chances of doubling White's pawns on the kingside, which can lead to a structural weakness that can be exploited later in the game. In sum, Nf6 is a solid, flexible move that aims to increase Black's control over the center of the board and provide an adaptable response to White's strategy.

After Black's move 4...Nf6 in the Ruy Lopez, White plays c3. By advancing their pawn, they create a secure square for their bishop to retreat to if Black chooses to attack it with a pawn. Additionally, c3 prevents Black's knight from entering White's position via b4, controlling the b4-square with White's pawn. Furthermore, c3 prepares for the advancing of the d2-pawn, supporting the center and providing a strong base for White's pieces. By playing c3, White limits Black's options for further pawn advances, creates additional space for their pieces, and strengthens their overall control of the board. In sum, this move is an important step to consolidate White's position and maintain their momentum in the opening phase.