Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation

The Ruy Lopez opening begins with the move e4, which is a central pawn push that allows for control of the center of the board. This move is often played in order to gain a strategic advantage in the game as it opens up lines for bishops and knights to enter the game and gain control of the board. By playing e4, white hopes to control the board and put pressure on black's position from an early stage in the game.

After 1.e4, Black often responds with e5 as it also gains control of the center of the board. This move allows Black's own pieces to enter the game with more flexibility. By pushing e5, Black hopes to limit the scope of White's bishops and knights. Additionally, this move sets the stage for a pawn structure where Black's pawns control the center and White's pawns can come under attack. In sum, playing e5 is a solid opening move for Black, providing numerous strategic options for the rest of the game.

White's move, Nf3, is played with the aim of reinforcing the central pawn on e4. By developing a knight to a good square at the earliest opportunity, White plans to add pressure to Black's position. Additionally, the knight on f3 can support White's pawn on d4, paving the way for future pawn breaks. Furthermore, the knight on f3 puts pressure on the central squares that Black's own knight wishes to occupy, thereby limiting Black's possibilities for development. In sum, Nf3 is a strong move that supports White's early plans.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation, Black responds to 2.Nf3 with Nc6 as it sets up a counterattack on White's central pawn on e4. Moreover, the move also develops Black's knight on a good square, making it easier for Black to control the center of the board. By playing Nc6, Black also puts pressure on White's knight on f3, which can't easily be defended with another pawn. Furthermore, this move lays the foundation for future attacks on White's center and queenside. In sum, Nc6 is a solid move in Black's opening repertoire.

White's move Bb5 is a common continuation to the Ruy Lopez opening. The bishop pins Black's knight on c6, which is a key defender of the pawn on e5. By pinning the knight, Black is forced to either move the knight or risk losing the pawn. Furthermore, Bb5 develops a piece to an active square, which is always desirable in the opening. Additionally, the move prepares the way for castling kingside and bringing the rook on a1 into the game via a future move, Ra1-b1. In sum, Bb5 is a sharp move that puts early pressure on Black's position.

In response to 3.Bb5, Black often plays a6. This move aims to prepare b5, with the idea of forcing the bishop to retreat and gain space on the queenside. Additionally, a6 stops White from playing Nb5, which would attack Black's queen and put pressure on the knight on c6. By playing a6, Black also gains control of the square b5, which can be used to support future pawn advances and knight maneuvers. In sum, a6 is a flexible move that can lead to a variety of strategic options for Black.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation, White commonly continues with Ba4 after Black's move a6. The bishop continues to pressurize the knight on c6 and maintains the pin, while also maintaining its active post on the board. Another idea behind Ba4 is to use the bishop to support the pawn on d4 or to prepare c3 as a pawn break. Furthermore, this move keeps the pieces fluid and allows White to keep various options open, including fianchettoing the bishop in the kingside or preparing queenside castling. In sum, Ba4 is a flexible move that supports various tactical elements of White's opening plans.

After 4.Ba4, Black often plays Nf6 in order to challenge White's control of the center and develop a piece. This move also prepares for the pawn break, d7-d5, gaining power in the center. Additionally, Black's knight provides support for the e5-pawn and controls the vital key central squares, d4 and e4. Nf6 also sets the stage for a potential blockade on the d4-square, stopping White's pawn push on d4 in the future. In sum, Nf6 is an excellent move that accelerates Black's development and puts early pressure on White's center.

White's move, O-O, is a crucial step in the Ruy Lopez opening and is central to White's long-term strategy. Castling the king to the kingside ensures the safety of the king and allows White to connect the rooks. From the castled position, White can better support central pawn advances and also prepares the possibility of central pawn exchanges. Moreover, castling also makes it easier for the rooks to join the game and pressure Black's position. Additionally, castling also frees up the f1-square for use by the White queen or bishop. In sum, O-O is a fundamental move in the Ruy Lopez that allows White to solidify the king's position and prepare for future tactics in the opening.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation, Black often responds to 5.O-O with Bc5. This move develops a new piece while simultaneously attacks the pivotal e4-pawn, which is defended only by a king and a bishop. Furthermore, by playing Bc5, Black prepares the way for future exchanges of the knights leading to a more open position. This may be beneficial for Black as it frees up space for the bishop on c8 to join the game more easily. Additionally, Bc5 can reinforce the d4-pawn control once d5 becomes played in the center. In sum, Bc5 is a useful and active move for Black that aims at gaining some control of the center while developing pieces.