Chigorin Defense Guide

The Chigorin Defense is a chess opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6. It is an unusual way to play with black against the Queen’s Gambit. It is technically part of the Queen’s Gambit Declined, although the gambit is accepted later in some variations. The Chigorin Defense is one of the few queen pawn openings to place the queen knight in front of the c pawn. The biggest advantage of the Chigorin is probably its surprise factor, since it is significantly less played than the other options black has.

Main Ideas in the Chigorin Defense

In the Chigorin Defense, black exerts a lot of pressure on the center, while focusing on rapid development of their pieces, usually with bishops that quickly pin the knights on f3 and/or c3, and a queen with many available options.

Black tries to strike at the center early and continues pushing from there.

In some variations, black exchanges their bishops for knights, which allows white to play with the bishop pair.

Most Played Moves in the Chigorin Defense

1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6

The move 2…Nc6 is the one that defines the Chigorin Defense.

3.Nc3 dxc4

Even though the Chigorin Defense is part of the Queen’s Gambit Declined, black didn’t wait too much to actually take the pawn offered by white.

4.Nf3 Nf6

Natural piece development by both sides.

5.e4 Bg4

White expands in the center, black pins the knight and threatens to take the pawn on d4.

6.Be3 e6

White defends the d4 pawn, black prepares to move their dark-squared bishop.

7.Bxc4 Bb4

White gets their pawn back, and black now pins the other knight.

8.Qc2 O-O

White defends the e4 pawn, black completes their development.

9.Rd1 Qe7

3.Nc3 Variation

We just saw what happens after 3.Nc3 dxc4, but black can play more passively with 3…Nf6.

A more aggressive choice for black after 3.Nc3 is 3…e5, although this is recommended for blitz rather than classical play.

3.Nf3 Variation

White can choose 3.Nf3

Play can continue with 3…Bg4 4.Nc3 e6 5.cxd5 exd5

3.cxd5 Variation

Here, white goes for the exchange variation, immediately taking on d5.

Play usually continues with 3…Qxd5 4.e3 e5 5.Nc3 Bb4.

Model Games

Related Chess Courses

Chigorin Defense with IM Milovan Ratkovic

Other Chess Articles

Colle System Guide

Queen's Indian Defense Guide

Budapest Gambit Guide

D07 Sub-variants:

• Queen's Gambit Declined, Chigorin defence
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6
• Queen's Gambit Declined, Chigorin defence, Janowski variation
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. Nf3