French: 2.Nc3 d5 – Chigorin Variation
French: 2.Nc3 d5
Definition
“French: 2.Nc3 d5” refers to the sequence of moves 1. e4 e6 2. Nc3 d5 in the French Defence. By placing the knight on c3 before committing the pawn to d4, White enters the Chigorin (or Two Knights) Variation of the French (ECO code C15). Black’s reply 2…d5 immediately challenges the e-pawn and stakes out classical central space.
How It Is Used in Chess
- Transposition Tool. White can still reach mainline French Tarrasch positions (after 3.d4) or sidestep them with lines such as 3.Nf3, 3.g3, or 3.d3, keeping Black guessing.
- Psychological Weapon. Many French specialists devote most of their preparation to the standard 2.d4 lines. Playing 2.Nc3 first may pull them into less-familiar territory.
- Move-Order Nuances. • After 3.d4, the position often transposes to the main Tarrasch once Black plays …dxe4 or …Nf6. • Black may attempt the aggressive 3…d4, grabbing space and steering play away from classical French structures.
Strategic Ideas
Because the d-pawn is still on d2, White keeps options flexible:
- Delayed Central Clash. White can decide whether to build a broad pawn center with d2–d4 or maintain a compact structure (d2–d3) and aim for piece play.
- Rapid Development. The knight on c3 controls the d5 and e4 squares early, sometimes enabling the quick break Nf3–g5 or f2–f4.
- Black’s Dilemma. If Black plays 3…d4, the center locks and the game resembles an Advance French with colors reversed on one wing. If Black captures on e4 too soon, White recaptures with a piece and gains an initiative.
Historical & Theoretical Notes
• Named after Mikhail Chigorin, who explored the move order in the late 19th century. • World Champions from Capablanca to Carlsen have tried it, yet it has never overtaken 2.d4 in popularity; databases show the Chigorin appearing in roughly 10–12 % of French Defence games at master level. • The line gained modern traction after Short – Karpov, Tilburg 1991, where Short’s 3.Nf3!? led to a positional squeeze and a famous upset.
Typical Continuations
- 3.d4 (transposing to the Tarrasch) 3…Nf6 4.Bg5 (Pin Variation) or 4.e5 (Advance-Tarrasch hybrid).
- 3.Nf3 (Short System) 3…Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.d4 c5 with an IQP structure.
- 3.g3 (King’s Indian Attack set-up) 3…Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.d3 0-0 6.Nf3, steering play into strategic manoeuvring.
Model Game
Short vs. Karpov, Tilburg 1991
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- “French Without the French.” Non-French players often choose 2.Nc3 to dodge heavy theory while still sidestepping Black’s Petroff, Caro-Kann, or Sicilian repertoires.
- Carlsen’s Surprise. In the 2018 World Rapid Championship, Magnus Carlsen used the 2.Nc3 line to defeat Vishy Anand in just 27 moves, catching the former champion off guard.
- Rapid Chess Favourite. Statistics show higher win rates for White in blitz and rapid time controls, perhaps because the sideline nature of the position forces independent thinking.
Summary
The French: 2.Nc3 d5 is a flexible, strategically rich variation that lets White keep options open while confronting the French Defence on fresh ground. It blends classical central themes with modern move-order subtleties and remains a potent practical weapon at every time control.