Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Nimzowitsch Attack

In the Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Nimzowitsch Attack, white plays e4 to gain control of the center and develop the pawn and bishop. This move creates a strong pawn chain and allows for the bishop to be developed to a powerful attacking position on b5. By playing e4, white puts immediate pressure on black’s position and sets the tone for an aggressive game. With the center under control, white can now look to capitalize on their positional advantage and launch a decisive attack.

Once White plays e4, Black responds with e5 in order to control the center and counter White's pawn push. E5 puts pressure on White's pawn structure and also opens up lines for Black's pieces to develop. This move also allows Black's knight to be more easily developed to f6 to guard against any potential threats from White's knight on f3. Additionally, by controlling e5, Black can threaten to undermine White's central pawn chain with moves like d6 or f6. In sum, e5 is a common move in response to e4 and helps to establish a foothold in the center of the board.

White plays Nf3 in order to develop their knight to a strong central square and to further control the center of the board. By moving the knight to f3, White also sets up potential threats against Black's pawn on e5 and prepares to castle their king. Additionally, Nf3 clears the path for White's d2 pawn to be developed, allowing for further piece development. In sum, Nf3 is a solid move that contributes to White's control of the center and helps to establish a strong position on the board.

In the Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Nimzowitsch Attack, Black plays Nc6 to develop their knight and prepare for further piece development. By placing the knight on c6, Black also exerts pressure on White's pawn on e5, helping to maintain control over the center. Additionally, the knight on c6 can be used to support Black's potential pawn push on d5 or to threaten White's knight on f3. In sum, Nc6 is a solid move that contributes to Black's development and control of the board.

White plays Bb5 in order to develop their bishop to an active and attacking square, as well as to put pressure on Black's position. The bishop targets the vulnerable knight on c6 and threatens to exchange it for the more passive pawn, which can disrupt Black's pawn structure. Additionally, Bb5 prepares for castling and further development of White's pieces. By placing the bishop on b5, White also sets up potential attacks against Black's king by pinning the knight or queen to their king. In sum, Bb5 is a strong move that contributes to White's control of the board.

Black plays d6 in order to support their e5 pawn and control the center of the board. This move also prepares for the development of the bishop to e6 or f5 and helps to protect against any potential attacks from White's knight on f3. Additionally, d6 prevents White's bishop on b5 from pinning Black's knight or queen. By establishing a solid pawn chain, Black is able to prepare for further piece development and create a strong position on the board. In sum, d6 is a solid move that contributes to Black's control of the center and supports their plans for further development.

In the Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Nimzowitsch Attack, White plays d4 in order to challenge Black's pawn on e5 and gain more control over the center. This move also opens up lines for White's pieces to attack Black's position and creates potential tactics involving forks and pins. Additionally, d4 helps to support White's pawn on e4, further strengthening their pawn chain and central control. By playing d4, White aims to disrupt Black's plans and establish a stronger position on the board. In sum, d4 is a strong move that contributes to White's aggressive style of play in the Ruy Lopez.

Black plays Bd7 in order to protect their knight on c6 and prepare for further development. This move also creates the potential for a future exchange of bishops on c6, which can relieve pressure on Black's position and help to resolve any problems with their pawn structure. Additionally, Bd7 supports Black's pawn on e5 and prevents any tactics involving the pin of Black's knight or queen by White's bishop on b5. By developing their pieces and solidifying their position, Black is able to build a stronger defense and prepare for counterattacks against White's position. In sum, Bd7 is a solid move that contributes to Black's development and control of the board.

White plays Nc3 in order to develop their knight to an active square and prepare for further piece development. This move also pressures Black's pawn on e5 and indirectly threatens Black's bishop on d7, which can be exchanged for the knight on c6 to disrupt Black's pawn structure. Additionally, Nc3 supports White's pawn on d4, further strengthening their pawn chain and central control. By playing Nc3, White is able to connect their rooks and prepare for castling, while maintaining a strong position in the center of the board. In sum, Nc3 is a solid move that contributes to White's development and control of the board.

In the Ruy Lopez: Steinitz Defense, Nimzowitsch Attack, Black plays Nf6 in order to develop their knight to a strong central square and prepare for further piece development. This move also puts pressure on White's e4 pawn and prepares for potential tactics involving a fork on White's queen and bishop with a move to g4. Additionally, Nf6 helps to control the center of the board and contributes to Black's plans to destabilize White's position. By developing their pieces and exerting pressure on White's position, Black can create opportunities for counterattacks and gain the upper hand in the game. In sum, Nf6 is a solid move that contributes to Black's development and control of the board.

White plays Bxc6 in order to force Black to recapture with their pawn, disrupting their pawn structure and potentially weakening their position. This move also removes Black's knight from the board, which could otherwise be a thorn in White's side. Additionally, Bxc6 strengthens White's central control and allows for further piece development, while removing any potential threats from Black's bishop on d7. By exchanging their bishop for Black's knight, White gains a positional advantage and prepares for further attacks on Black's position. In sum, Bxc6 is a strategic move that contributes to White's control of the center and overall domination of the board.