Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, Fianchetto Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, Fianchetto Variation, White opens with e4 to control the center and develop their pieces quickly. This move also creates a strong pawn chain, which can be further reinforced by d4. It allows White to apply pressure on Black and gain a space advantage. The move e4 is a classic move in the opening, often leading to interesting and dynamic positions.

Playing e5 after White's e4 is a classic way for Black to mirror White's move and control the center. This move also frees up Black's f8 bishop and prepares to develop the knights. By playing e5, Black can also create counterplay against White's center and potentially undermine it with moves like d6 or f5. Additionally, it allows Black to castle and bring their king to safety. In sum, e5 is a strong and common response to White's e4 in many openings.

The move Nf3 allows White to develop their knight and control an important square in the center. This move also prepares to castle kingside, bringing White's king to safety. The knight on f3 also supports White's pawn on e5, making it more difficult for Black to challenge White's center. Additionally, Nf3 sets up the possibility of a later Ng5, which can put pressure on Black's f7 pawn or lead to an attack on the kingside. In summary, Nf3 is a solid and flexible move that is common in many openings.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, Fianchetto Variation, Black plays Nc6 after Nf3 in order to develop their knight and put pressure on White's pawn on e4. This move also prepares to castle kingside and defend Black's pawn on e5. By placing the knight on c6, Black also lays the groundwork for future pawn breaks like d6-d5 or b7-b5. Lastly, Nc6 allows Black to free up their light-squared bishop and potentially play moves like Nge7 to support the center. In sum, Nc6 is a natural and flexible move in response to Nf3.

White plays Bb5 after Nc6 to put pressure on Black's knight and control the c6 square. This move is the starting point of the Ruy Lopez opening, a very popular opening played both at the amateur and master level. By threatening to exchange Black's knight on c6, White creates a weakness in Black's pawn structure that can potentially be exploited later in the game. Additionally, Bb5 pins the knight on c6 and makes it more difficult for Black to develop their kingside pieces. Lastly, Bb5 prepares to castle kingside and connect White's rooks. In sum, Bb5 is a powerful move in the Ruy Lopez that leads to strategic and dynamic positions.

Playing g6 after Bb5 is known as the Gurgenidze Defense. This move allows Black to fianchetto their bishop to g7, controlling the long diagonal and putting pressure on White's center. By playing g6, Black also prepares to castle kingside and bring their king to safety. The move g6 can also discourage White from playing Ng5, which could otherwise prove tricky for Black to deal with. On the other hand, playing g6 does weaken Black's pawn structure on the kingside, potentially leaving them vulnerable to an attack. In sum, g6 is a flexible move that leads to positions with rich strategic and tactical possibilities.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, Fianchetto Variation, White plays c3 after g6 to reinforce their d4 pawn and prepare to develop their queenside pieces. This move also discourages Black's pawn on d5, which could otherwise undermine White's center. By playing c3, White shores up their position on the queenside and prevents Black from establishing a strong outpost on the b4 square. Additionally, c3 prepares to play d4 in a more forceful way, potentially opening up lines for their queen and bishop. In summary, c3 is a solid and flexible move that sets the stage for future exploration of the position.

Playing a6 after c3 is a common move in many openings. In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, Fianchetto Variation, Black plays a6 to prepare to develop their dark-squared bishop to a7. By placing the bishop on this diagonal, Black puts pressure on White's pawn on e4 and potentially eyes the weakened c2 square. The move a6 also discourages White's knight from jumping to b5 to attack Black's c7 pawn. Additionally, a6 sets up the possibility of playing b7-b5, creating a counter play on the queenside and challenging White's pawn chain. In sum, a6 is a flexible and multifunctional move that allows Black to prepare for future pawn and piece development.

White plays Ba4 after a6 to maintain their control of the c6 square and potentially force Black's bishop to retreat. This move also supports White's pawn chain and protects the knight on c3 from potential attacks. By placing the bishop on a4, White also eyes the b5 square and sets up the possibility of a later Nb5, attacking Black's queen and threatening to win material. Additionally, playing Ba4 prepares to castle kingside and bring White's other rook into the game. In sum, Ba4 is a flexible move that sets up potential tactics and helps White to further develop their position.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, Fianchetto Variation, Black plays d6 after Ba4 to prepare to develop their light-squared bishop and further reinforce their pawn chain. By playing d6, Black also guards the central e5 pawn and prepares to bring their bishop to e7. This move further prepares to castle kingside and bring their king to safety. Additionally, d6 can support breaks like c5 or e5 if Black wants to open the center later in the game. In sum, d6 is a flexible and solid move that prepares Black for their future plan while maintaining a solid position.

White plays d4 after Black's d6 to challenge Black's center and open up lines for their queen and bishop. This move also frees up White's light-squared bishop and prepares to castle kingside. By pushing the pawn to d4, White aims to gain more control over the center and create more space for their pieces. Furthermore, if Black takes the pawn on d4, it will open up lines for White's queen and bishop, allowing these pieces to become more active. Additionally, playing d4 helps to solidify White's pawn chain and potentially creates weaknesses in Black's pawn structure. In sum, d4 is a dynamic move that leads to sharp positions and requires precise play from both sides.

Playing Bd7 after d4 is a common move in many openings. In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Modern Steinitz Defense, Fianchetto Variation, Black plays Bd7 to defend their knight on c6 and potentially exchange it for White's bishop on a4. This move also prepares to castle kingside and brings Black's bishop closer to being developed to e7. By playing Bd7, Black also potentially frees up the f8 square for their rook, which can later be useful in a kingside attack or defense. Additionally, playing Bd7 creates a battery against White's pawn on e4, potentially putting pressure on this pawn later in the game. In sum, Bd7 is a flexible move that allows Black to further develop their position while maintaining a solid pawn structure.