Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Tarrasch Variation

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Tarrasch Variation, White opens the game with 1.e4, aiming to control the center of the board. By pushing the pawn two squares forward, White immediately puts pressure on Black's position and creates space for the development of the queen and bishop. The move e4 lays the foundation for a strong pawn chain and sets the stage for more aggressive play. With Nf3 and Bb5 following up, White is looking to gain control of the board and put Black on the defensive.

Black plays e5 as a response to 1.e4 to challenge White's center control. By pushing their pawn, Black occupies the important squares d4 and f4, preventing White from advancing their pawn to e5 and limiting the mobility of their knight on f3. Moreover, e5 opens up lines for Black's pieces, particularly their bishop on c8 and queen on d8. Black's move signals that they are ready to contest the center and fight for control of the board.

When White plays Nf3 in response to Black's e5, they are developing their knight and attacking Black's pawn on e5. It is a common move in the opening that reinforces White's control over the center of the board. The knight is also positioned to support future pawn advances or to capture Black's knight should they move to g4. By playing Nf3, White puts additional pressure on Black's position, making it more difficult for them to carry out their own plans. Finally, the knight on f3 can also be used to threaten Black's king-side if needed.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Tarrasch Variation, Black responds to White's Nf3 with Nc6. Black's move aims to fight for control of the center by attacking White's knight while developing their own piece. It also prepares for Black's d6 pawn move, supporting their pawn on e5 and creating a strong pawn chain. The knight on c6 also guards against potential threats by White's bishop or queen on the b5 diagonal. In sum, Nc6 is a flexible move that has the potential to form part of various setups and plans for Black in the Ruy Lopez.

When White plays Bb5 in the Ruy Lopez opening, they are executing the move that gives the opening its name. By pinning Black's knight on c6, White gains control over the center and increases the pressure on Black's position. Additionally, the bishop on b5 is well placed to attack Black's weak pawn on e5 and prevent them from castling in the near future. The move Bb5 is a key move in the Ruy Lopez that often leads to rich tactical possibilities and strategic complexities. It invites Black to make a choice between allowing the pin or breaking it with a6, which can lead to a different set of variations.

Black's move a6 in response to Bb5 is aimed at breaking the pin on their knight and creating a safe space for it to move to. The move also prepares b5, forcing the bishop to retreat and disrupting White's control over the center. By playing a6, Black also forms a pawn chain on the queenside that may come in handy later on in the game. It also potentially prevents future moves by White involving Na4, which would attack the knight on c6. Black's move is a common response in the Ruy Lopez and provides an opportunity for both players to continue their development harmoniously.

In the Ruy Lopez: Morphy Defense, Tarrasch Variation, White's move Ba4 is aimed at reinforcing the pin on Black's knight on c6. By retreating the bishop, White keeps the pressure on Black's position and maintains control over the b5 square. Additionally, Ba4 frees up the c3 square for White's knight, allowing for further development and control over the center. The move also indirectly attacks Black's pawn on a6, which can lead to tactical possibilities and strong attacking positions for White. In sum, Ba4 is a key move in the Ruy Lopez that sets the stage for White's positional and tactical ideas.

Black's move Nf6 in response to Ba4 is a natural developing move that brings their knight towards the center of the board. The knight also attacks White's bishop on a4, putting additional pressure on White's position. By playing Nf6, Black breaks the pin on their knight on c6 and prepares to castle kingside. Moreover, the move signals Black's intention to contest the center and challenge White's control over it. The knight on f6 also indirectly defends Black's pawn on e5 from possible threats by White's bishop or queen in the future. In sum, Nf6 is a flexible move that prepares Black for various setups and plans.

When White plays Nc3 after Black's Nf6 in the Ruy Lopez, they are developing their knight and adding pressure to Black's center control. The knight on c3 also supports a future d4 pawn push, challenging Black's position and further expanding White's control over the center. The knight on c3 also covers the d5 square, limiting Black's options for their own knight development. By playing Nc3, White increases their potential for attacking opportunities, especially along the queenside, and prepares for a strong central pawn push. Additionally, the move puts pressure on Black to make precise and accurate moves to maintain their position.