ECO code: C97
Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Na5.
The characteristic move 9...Na5 is the defining feature of the Chigorin Defense in the Closed Ruy Lopez. Black aims to challenge White’s bishop on b3 by threatening to exchange it or force it to retreat, thereby reducing White’s pressure on the center and the queenside.
From White’s perspective, the play is generally attacking, focusing on controlling the center with pawns on e4 and c3, preparing for a potential d4 push to gain space. White also maintains pressure on Black’s queenside and center, leveraging the bishop’s diagonal and rook placement.
Black’s setup is somewhat defensive but also contains active counterplay. The move Na5 is a strategic attempt to undermine White’s bishop and contest the queenside squares, while Black solidifies control over the center with pawns on e5 and d6.
Overall, this opening does attack the center from both sides: White aims to expand and dominate the center, while Black seeks to hold and undermine White’s central influence through piece pressure and pawn structure.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #36 black