goriupp White, moonbus Black; notes by moonbus.

The opening is designated D03, sometimes called the Torre Attack (after the famous Mexican master).

Any other response is too passive and hands White an easy game.

So far, a fairly standard book-opening.

This is an unfortunate retreat for the White B, as it does nothing on e2. Exchanging on c6 was not advised, as this would have given Black a B pair against a N pair, which would have been easy to exploit in this open position.

Positional assessment at the transition from opening to mid-game: White has made seemingly normal developing moves, yet he has drifted almost imperceptibly into a slightly awkward position. White's main strength is his good grip on d4. However, the White Q on c1 is blocking the development of the QR. Assessment for Black: rather better prospects for controlling the center since the f- and e-pawns are mobile (whereas White's f - and c-pawns are blocked by his own pieces). Black's heavy pieces are massing on the half-open c-file, exerting great potential pressure against White's Q-side. The half-open g-file may become active as well to put pressure against White's k-position. In sum: Black has fully equalized already and has good prospects for increasing pressure in the center and on the g- and c-files; whereas White will have some difficulty completing his development.

To prevent the Black N from coming to b4.

With this and the previous move, Black significantly increases his control of the center. Black has now more than equalized; the initiative, I think, has now passed to Black. White will be defending from here on.

White's main strength is the half-open d-file, so he prepares to pile up his heavy pieces there.

Immediately: preventing the White N from occupying a4 and driving the Black Q away from c5. For later: nailing down c4, a potential outpost for the Black N.