QGD: Chigorin, 3.cxd5

QGD: Chigorin, 3.cxd5

Definition

The move order 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. cxd5 introduces the Queen’s Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defence, 3.cxd5 variation. After accepting the pawn exchange on d5, White opens the center early, while Black keeps to Mikhail Chigorin’s hyper-active principle of developing the knight to c6 instead of supporting the d-pawn with …e6 or …c6. The critical continuation is usually 3…Qxd5, recapturing with the queen, though 3…Qxd5 4.Nf3 (or 4.e3) is not the only possibility.

Typical Move Order

1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 (Chigorin Defence) 3. cxd5 Qxd5 (3…Qxd5 is the main recapture; 3…Qxd5 4.Nf3 e5 is a common follow-up)

Strategic Themes

• Early Center Clash: By exchanging on d5, White tries to exploit the fact that Black’s knight on c6 partially blocks the c-pawn and can become a target.
• Queen Activity vs. Tempo: Black’s queen lands on d5 very early. If Black can avoid being chased around, the queen may exert pressure on the kingside (…Qh5) or queenside (…Qa5), but White often gains tempi by attacking it with Nc3, Nf3, and e4.
• Piece Play over Structure: The Chigorin eschews the rock-solid pawn chain of the Orthodox QGD in favor of rapid development. Both sides must calculate concrete lines rather than rely on long-term pawn structures.
• Unbalanced Middlegames: Because neither side has committed to e2-e3 / …e6 or g2-g3 / …g6, pawn structures can transform quickly, leading to non-standard positions containing open files and tactical chances.

Historical Context

Russian grandmaster Mikhail Chigorin championed this knight-on-c6 system in the late 19th century, challenging the dogma that Black had to maintain a rigid pawn center. The line resurfaced in modern practice thanks to creative players such as Alexander Morozevich, who used it as a surprise weapon in elite tournaments (e.g., Wijk aan Zee 2009).

Critical Continuations

1. 3…Qxd5 4.Nf3 e5 5.Nc3 Bb4 A dynamic set-up where Black aims for …Bg4, …0-0-0, and pressure on d4.

2. 3…Qxd5 4.e3 e5 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Bd2 White uses solid development to question the adventurous queen.

3. 3…Qxd5 4.Nc3 Qxd4 5.Bd2 A sharp gambit: White lets the queen take a second pawn in return for rapid piece play.

Illustrative Game

Kasparov (Simul) – Morozevich, Moscow 1995
White’s classical treatment vs. Black’s modern handling of the Chigorin. After 7…Nf6 8.Be2 0-0 9.0-0, the position was equal, demonstrating Black’s resilience despite the early queen sortie.

Practical Tips

• After 3…Qxd5, 4.Nf3 is the safest way to gain tempo and prepare Nc3.
• If you play Black, remember the Morozevich Maneuver: …Bb4, …Nf6, …Bg4, quickly castling long, and launching kingside play with …h5–h4.
• Watch for tactical shots like Bxf7⁺ when the queen is on d5 and Black’s king is still in the center.

Interesting Facts

• Mikhail Chigorin once scored +4 –1 =4 with the variation against Emanuel Lasker in casual games, helping popularize the line.
• Because the ECO code D07 covers many minor lines of the Chigorin, the sub-variation 3.cxd5 is sometimes dubbed “the D07 Exchange.”
• The earliest known game with 3.cxd5 dates back to Gunsberg – Chigorin, New York 1890, where Black’s queen zig-zagged but ultimately secured a draw.