Van Geet Opening: Hergert Gambit

In the Van Geet Opening: Hergert Gambit, the first move played is Nc3. White plays this move to control the d5 square and prepare for a pawn advance to e4. Since the knight is not attacking anything at the moment, it can be moved here without worrying about it being immediately attacked by black. Furthermore, by developing the knight to c3, White ensures that its d4 pawn is not blocked, allowing for easy pawn breaks in the center.

Black's d6 move after 1. Nc3 aims to control the e5 square and prepare for a possible pawn break with e5 in the future. Additionally, it allows Black's dark-square bishop to be developed to a more active square like e6 or f5. The pawn move also adds solid support to the e5-pawn, which makes it more difficult for White to push forward with e4 in the center without first making some preparatory moves.

White's move f4 after 1. Nc3 d6 is aimed at controlling the center by advancing the pawn to attack Black's d6 pawn and gain more space on the kingside. It also prepares for a possible pawn advance to f5, which would further restrict Black's pawn structure and make it more difficult for Black to find active counterplay. Additionally, the f4 pawn move clears the f1-a6 diagonal, which potentially allows White's queen to be developed to f3 or h5 in the future. However, the move does weaken White's kingside somewhat, and Black can potentially take advantage of this by launching an attack on the pawn later in the game.

In the Van Geet Opening: Hergert Gambit, Black's move e5 after 1. Nc3 d6 and 2. f4 aims to challenge White's pawn in the center and open up lines of play for Black's pieces, most notably the dark-squared bishop on g7. It also allows Black's knight on c6 to potentially jump out to d4 and put more pressure on White's position. However, Black should be cautious not to overextend their pawn structure, as this could lead to weaknesses that White can later exploit. Nonetheless, if played accurately, e5 can result in a more active and comfortable position for Black.

White's fxe5 move after 1. Nc3 d6 and 2. f4 e5 aims to gain control over the d4 square while opening up lines for the queen and bishop. By taking the pawn on e5, White can also potentially gain a lead in development by forcing Black to recapture with a piece, thereby wasting time. Additionally, White can potentially capture Black's knight on c6 with their queen, attacking the undefended bishop on g7 and gaining control over the center. This pawn capture move can be very risky however, as it also opens up the f-file and compromises White's kingside pawn structure, often weakening White's king in the process.

Black's move Nc6 after 1. Nc3 d6 2. f4 e5 3. fxe5 aims to put pressure on the e5 pawn and potentially fork White's queen and bishop on f4. It also develops the knight to a more active square and prepares for a possible pawn break with d5, which would challenge White's control over the center. Additionally, moving the knight to c6 helps block the c-file and restricts White's queen from developing to c4. However, care should be taken not to overextend the knight too far into enemy territory, as it could become vulnerable to attacks by White's pawns or pieces.