Three Knights Opening: Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation

In the Three Knights Opening: Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation, white starts with e4 to control the center of the board and to open up lines for the bishop and queen. With this move, white engages in a fight for the space on the board, making it difficult for black to establish a strong presence in the center. Additionally, this move allows white to develop their pieces quickly and put pressure on black's position. In sum, e4 is a powerful move that sets the tone for the rest of the game.

Black's move e5 is a logical response to e4, as it also stakes a claim in the center. By controlling more squares in the center, black gains more freedom for their pieces and limits the potential advancement of white's pawns. Moreover, this move prepares for the development of black's knights and bishops, while also creating a potential threat to white's pawn structure. In sum, e5 is a solid move that aims to balance defensive and offensive considerations.

White's move Nf3 is a developing move that puts a knight in a central position and prepares for castling kingside. It also puts pressure on black's e5 pawn, forcing them to consider whether to defend it or to give it up. This move also opens possible attacking lines for white's queen and bishop, creating potential threats against black's position. Additionally, Nf3 prevents the pawn push to g4, which could potentially weaken white's own kingside. In sum, Nf3 is a flexible move that contributes to white's development and overall strategy.

In the Three Knights Opening: Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation, black plays Nc6 in response to Nf3. This move develops a knight and attacks white's e4 pawn. It also prepares for castling kingside and establishes a solid presence in the center. Additionally, this move allows for the possibility of central pawn exchanges, which could ultimately benefit black's position. By playing Nc6, black continues to mirror white's development and sets the stage for further tactical and strategic maneuvering in the middle game.

White's move Nc3 is a natural developing move that puts a second knight into play and protects the d4 square. It also prepares for a potential fork on d5 if black decides to move their pawn from that square. Additionally, this move supports future pawn advances such as d4 and e5, putting pressure on black's pawn structure and allowing for possible tactical opportunities. Nc3 also positions the knight on one of the wings, supporting potential flank attacks or counterattacks. In sum, Nc3 is a flexible move that paves the way for white's development and strategic possibilities.

Black's move g6 is a flexible move that prepares for the development of the bishop on g7, creating a strong diagonal towards white's kingside. It also defends the f5 square and prepares for the maneuver Ng8-h6-g4, which could potentially put pressure on white's position. Additionally, this move can limit the activity of white's knight on c3, which may have been intended to support a pawn advance to d4. By playing g6, black continues their development and opens up further strategic possibilities in the position. In sum, g6 can be a solid move that balances defensive and offensive considerations.

In the Three Knights Opening: Steinitz-Rosenthal Variation, white plays d4 with the intention of gaining more space in the center of the board and opening lines for their pieces. This move also prepares to undermine black's pawn structure, potentially winning material or creating weaknesses. The pawn on d4 is also supported by white's knights and bishop, creating a formidable pawn center that will be difficult for black to attack. By playing d4, white takes advantage of their greater control over the center and increases the pressure on black's position. In sum, d4 is a powerful move that can set the stage for an aggressive and dynamic game.

Black's move exd4 creates a pawn exchange in the center of the board, opening up the position and potentially allowing for greater piece mobility. By capturing on d4, black also gains a pawn while potentially exposing white's queen to future attack. Moreover, this move potentially weakens white's pawn structure, particularly their pawn on c2. By playing exd4, black aims to take advantage of their own piece activity and the potential weaknesses in white's position. In sum, exd4 is a dynamic and flexible move that can contribute to black's overall strategic plan.

White's move Nd5 creates a threat against black's queen while simultaneously attacking black's pawn on c7. If black captures on d5 with their knight, white can then capture with their queen, putting the black king in a precarious situation. Moreover, this move increases the pressure on black's position, forcing them to make a decision about how to respond. White's knight is also well-positioned on d5, potentially restricting black's piece mobility and supporting a future pawn advance. In sum, Nd5 is a tactical move that creates potential threats and puts pressure on black's position.