ECO D07 · for Black
Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
1,500,891 games in this band reached the Chigorin Defense position. From there Black won 44% and drew 4%.
1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. Nf3
Moves 1 to 2
1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6
1. d4
The Queen's Pawn opening is more usually more positional in nature, White intends to develop the pieces while having a share of the center.
1... d5
Controlling the center and opening up the diagonal for the light-Squared bishop
2. c4
Immediately contesting the center. In most cases this is not a genuine gambit, since black can't retain the pawn without large concessions.
2... Nc6
Developing a knight, but this move is considered less accurate because it doesn't help Black fight for the center and can block the c-pawn.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nc3 dxc4 4. Nf3
3. Nc3
Developing the knight and threatening the d5 pawn.
- 3. cxd5: Capturing on d5 and forcing Black's queen to come out where it can be attacked.
- 3. Nf3: Developing the knight and supporting the center. White sacrifices the c4 pawn, planning to play e4 after leading to White having more than enough compensation.
- 3. e3: Strengthening the center and defending the c4 pawn with the light-squared bishop.
3... dxc4
4. Nf3
Defending the d4 pawn before taking steps to recapture on c4.
- 4. e3: Strengthening the center and threatening to capture on c4.
- 4. d5: Advancing the pawn and attacking Black's knight, forcing it to move.
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The bishop on g4 typically captures the knight on f3
- The kingside knight generally develops to f6
- The knight on c6 often moves to a5
- The light-squared bishop usually develops to g4
- Common pawn moves are e6, e5, and a6
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Queen's Gambit for White
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black