ECO code: D07
Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nc3 dxc4
The Chigorin Defense is a dynamic and somewhat unorthodox response to the Queen's Gambit Declined. Instead of reinforcing the center with ...e6, Black develops the knight to c6 early, aiming to challenge White’s central control and create active piece play.
Characteristic: The hallmark of this defense is the early ...Nc6, which puts immediate pressure on White’s center and often leads to imbalanced pawn structures. Black accepts the gambited pawn temporarily with ...dxc4, intending to hold or regain it under favorable circumstances.
Playing Style: For Black, this opening is generally considered attacking as it seeks active piece development and counterplay rather than a solid, defensive setup. For White, the approach remains central and positional but must be prepared for tactical complications.
Center Control: The opening contests the center actively from the start. Black’s early knight move and pawn capture challenge White’s pawn center, making control of the center a key battleground in this line.
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 Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 21 - Move #6 black