Tarrasch Defense: Prague Variation

The opening move, 1. d4, is one of the most popular choices for White in chess. By advancing their d pawn two squares, White aims to control the center of the board and develop their pieces. This move is a way for White to set up a strong pawn chain, with pawns on d4 and e3, making it difficult for Black to gain space in the center. Additionally, it allows White's queen's pawn to support the eventual advance of the e2-e4 pawn, further strengthening White's control of the center.

Black's move, 1...d5, is a logical response to White's opening move of 1.d4. By advancing their own d pawn two squares, Black also aims to control the center of the board. This pawn move also allows Black's queen's bishop to be developed to a more active square. Additionally, by placing a pawn on d5, Black prevents White from advancing their own pawn to d5 and gaining a space advantage. Finally, this move prepares for Black to bring their knights out to their most natural squares, such as f6 and c6.

White's move, 2.c4, is the start of an aggressive pawn break on the board. By advancing the c pawn two squares, White aims to gain control of the center of the board and support their queen's pawn on d4. This move also allows White's pieces to become more active, particularly their dark-squared bishop, which can now be developed to a more active square. Additionally, by opening up the diagonal for their queen's bishop, White gains pressure on Black's defenses. Finally, this pawn move forces Black to make a decision on how to react and may limit Black's pawn structure options.

In the Tarrasch Defense: Prague Variation, Black's move 2...e6 is a common response to White's pawn break on move 2. By placing a pawn on e6, Black aims to control d5 square and block the advance of White's pawn to e5. This pawn move also prepares for Black's light-squared bishop to be developed to a more active square, such as b7 or d7. Additionally, by supporting the d5 pawn, Black can potentially put pressure on White's center and gain space. Finally, this move can prevent White from playing Nd2-f3, which is a common follow-up move after 2.c4.

White's move, 3.Nc3, is a natural development move after the pawn break on move 2. By developing the knight to c3, White aims to control the center and puts pressure on Black's d5 pawn. Additionally, this move allows for further piece development, such as the queen's bishop or the queen itself. This knight also supports the advance of White's pawn to e4, which further strengthens White's control of the center and gains space for their pieces. Finally, this move can also prevent Black's knight from being developed to the active square of c6 and puts pressure on Black's e6 pawn.

Black's move, 3...c5, is a common aggressive response in the Tarrasch Defense: Prague Variation. This move aims to counter White's control of the center and gain space on the board. By advancing the c pawn, Black puts pressure on White's knight and forces it to move to a suboptimal square. Additionally, this move allows Black's queen's bishop to be developed to a more active square. The move c5 also gives Black control over the d4 square and could potentially lead to Black gaining a passed pawn. Finally, this pawn move can prevent White from gaining space on the board with the pawn move e2-e4.

In the Tarrasch Defense: Prague Variation, White's move 4.cxd5 is a natural response to Black's pawn move c5. By capturing Black's d5 pawn with their c pawn, White not only gains a pawn but also opens up the c file for their rook. Additionally, this move weakens Black's pawn structure and opens up lines for White's pieces to become more active. This pawn capture also forces Black to waste time recapturing with their knight, which can be attacked by White's queen's bishop or knight. Finally, this pawn capture can potentially lead to a favorable endgame for White.

Black's move, 4...exd5, is a standard recapture of White's d5 pawn. By taking the pawn with their own pawn, Black opens up the diagonal for their light-squared bishop and brings another piece into the game. Additionally, this move relieves the pressure on Black's d5 pawn and allows the pawn to be defended by other pieces. By exchanging pawns, Black can also potentially simplify the position and enter an equal or advantageous endgame. Finally, this pawn capture can potentially limit White's pawn structure options and open up lines for Black's pieces to become more active.

White's move, 5.Nf3, is a natural development move after the pawn exchange on move 4. By developing the knight to f3, White aims to control the center and put pressure on Black's e5 pawn. Additionally, this move allows for further piece development, such as the light-squared bishop or the queen itself. This knight also defends White's e4 pawn, which reinforces White's control over the center of the board. By playing Nf3, White also prepares for the move g2-g3, which can aid in the development of their kingside pieces. Finally, this move prevents Black's knight from attacking White's center with the move Nd7-f6.

In the Tarrasch Defense: Prague Variation, Black's move 5...Nc6 is a common response after White's knight move to f3. By developing their knight and attacking White's d4 pawn, Black aims to gain control of the center and put pressure on White's pawn structure. This move also prepares for Black's queen's bishop to be developed to a more active square, such as b4 or d6. Additionally, by placing a knight on c6, Black aims to support their own pawn on d5 and prevent White from gaining more space. Finally, this move can also set up potential tactical opportunities, such as a knight fork on White's queen and bishop if they are placed on d3 and e2 respectively.

White's move, 6.g3, is a flexible move that aims to develop the bishop on g2 and prepare for castling king-side. By placing a pawn on g3, White prepares to fianchetto their bishop and put pressure on the long diagonal of the board. This move also protects White's knight on f3, which may be attacked by Black's queen's bishop. Additionally, by controlling the f4 square with their pawn, White limits Black's counterplay in the center. The move g3 can also help provide a safe haven for White's king, making it more difficult for Black's pieces to launch attacks on the king-side. Finally, this pawn move prepares for the move Bg2, which may add more pressure on Black's e6 pawn.

In the position with White's move 6.g3, Black's move, 6...Nf6, is a standard development move that targets White's pawn on e4. By attacking the pawn with the knight, Black aims to pressure White's center and gain space on the board. Additionally, this move prepares for Black's own pawn break with move d5-d4, which can potentially free Black's pieces and give them an advantage. The knight on f6 also supports Black's pawn on e6 and defends the d5 pawn. Additionally, by placing a knight on f6, Black has more control over key squares in the center of the board and can limit White's piece mobility. The move Nf6 can also prepare for tactical opportunities such as a knight fork on pieces occupying d4 and e5 squares.