French Defense: MacCutcheon and Chigorin Variations
French Defense: MacCutcheon Variation
Definition
The MacCutcheon Variation is a sharp line of the French Defense that arises after the moves 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bb4. Instead of the more common 4…dxe4 (the Classical Variation), Black counter-pins the knight on c3 with 4…Bb4, immediately challenging White’s center and creating a dynamic “cross-pin” on the c3–g5 diagonal.
Typical Move Order & Key Ideas
The main branching points start on move 5:
- 5.e5 h6 6.Bd2 (or 6.Bc1, 6.Be3) – White gains space, Black tries to undermine it later with …c5 or …f6.
- 5.exd5 – Opens the position, often leading to tactical play after 5…exd5 6.Qf3.
- 5.Nge2 – A quieter sideline, reinforcing c3 and preparing e5 without allowing …Nxe4.
Strategic Themes
• The Cross-Pin: After 4…Bb4, both sides have pinned pieces.
White’s knight on c3 is pinned to the king, while Black’s knight on f6 is
pinned to the queen. Quick tactical tricks abound (e.g., Bxf6 and Qxd5
motifs).
• King-side Pressure vs. Queenside Counterplay: White often aims
for a direct attack by rolling the e- and f-pawns. Black hopes to strike
back with …c5 and piece pressure on d4 and c3.
• Piece Activity > Pawn Structure: Unlike many French lines,
Black willingly accepts doubled b-pawns after Bxf6, trusting the bishop
pair and open b-file.
Historical Significance
Named after John Lindsay MacCutcheon, an American amateur who analyzed the line in the late 19th century. It quickly became a favorite of Emanuel Lasker, who used it to good effect in his 1895 match with Pillsbury and in several World-Championship games.
Illustrative Example
Game: Lasker – Marshall, Paris 1900
Lasker sacrificed a pawn, opened lines on the kingside, and demonstrated the attacking potential that makes the MacCutcheon so double-edged.
Interesting Facts
- Modern engines still find 4…Bb4 fully playable; in some concrete lines (especially after 5.exd5), Black even scores above 50 %.
- Magnus Carlsen surprised Hikaru Nakamura with the MacCutcheon in a 2010 blitz game, proving its surprise value at the highest level.
- Because of its tactical richness, many French specialists keep the line as a secret weapon in rapid and online play.
Chigorin Variation (Queen’s Gambit)
Definition
Commonly called the Chigorin Defense, this opening appears after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6. Some literature still labels it the “Chigorin Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined,” hence the shorter term “Chigorin Variation.” Black breaks the classical rule of placing a knight in front of the c-pawn, seeking active piece play rather than a solid pawn structure.
Typical Continuations
-
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 Nxd5
The most direct. Black accepts an isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) position after …exd5, betting on piece activity. -
3.cxd5 Qxd5 4.Nf3 e5
Black’s queen sortie is temporary; rapid development compensates. - 3.Nf3 Bg4 – A pin that echoes Chigorin’s preference for immediate piece pressure.
Strategic Themes
• Dynamic Imbalance: Black willingly concedes the center or an
IQP in exchange for fast development and pressure on c4/d4.
• Minor-Piece Battles: The g4–d1 bishop often becomes active
early; White usually tries to exchange it while preserving a long-term
structural edge.
• Unbalanced Pawn Structures: Unlike most Queen’s Gambit lines,
symmetrical pawn chains are rare—one side tends to get hanging pawns or
an IQP.
Historical Significance
Named after Russian grandmaster Mikhail Chigorin, who championed energetic piece play in the 1880–1900 era. His games against Steinitz and Pillsbury showcased the variation’s attacking potential and influenced the shift from purely positional to more dynamic opening choices at the turn of the 20th century.
Illustrative Example
Game: Korchnoi – Ukhov, USSR 1962
Korchnoi allowed Black an IQP but later targeted it relentlessly, showing both the resilience and the risk of Chigorin’s setup.
Interesting Facts
- Modern proponents include Alexander Morozevich, who revived the line in the 2000s and achieved a peak live rating over 2750 .
- The Chigorin often transposes to positions resembling the Albin Counter-Gambit or even certain Benoni structures, depending on move order.
- Because early …Nc6 blocks the c-pawn, Black’s typical pawn breaks shift to …e5 or …f6, giving the opening a distinct character compared with mainstream Queen’s Gambit lines.