QGD: Chigorin 3.cxd5 Main Line 7.Bxc3

QGD: Chigorin

Definition

The Chigorin Defence is an energetic reply to the Queen’s Gambit that begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6. Instead of reinforcing the centre with …e6 or …c6 as in the traditional Queen’s Gambit Declined, Black develops a piece immediately, inviting open play and aiming to seize the initiative with rapid piece pressure on d4 and c4.

Typical Move Order

The critical position after two moves is reached by:

1. d4 d5
2. c4 Nc6

From here White has several choices (3.cxd5, 3.Nc3, 3.Nf3), and the game may transpose into different sub-variations, the most popular being the Main Line with 3.cxd5.

Strategic Essence

Piece Play over Pawn Structure: By delaying …e6, Black keeps the c8-bishop active and seeks quick pressure rather than the rock-solid pawn chain of the orthodox QGD.
Control of the light squares: The knight on c6 eyes d4 and b4; if Black later plays …Bg4, the pin on f3 becomes annoying.
Dynamic Imbalance: Black often concedes the bishop pair or a slightly inferior pawn structure for active piece play and tactical chances.

Historical Notes

The opening is named after the great Russian master Mikhail Chigorin (1850-1908), who used it to unbalance the solid Queen’s Gambit structures favoured by Wilhelm Steinitz. Although it fell out of fashion for most of the 20^th century, it experienced a revival thanks to Alexander Morozevich in the late 1990s–2000s, who scored many spectacular victories with it at elite level (e.g., Morozevich – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 2001).

Illustrative Miniature

In the following attacking gem, Chigorin demonstrates the spirit of the defence:

Though theory has progressed, the game still captures the tactical atmosphere typical of the Chigorin.

Interesting Facts

Because Black places a knight on c6 early, the ECO code for the Chigorin Defence falls under the QGD family (D07–D09) rather than the Indian openings.
Garry Kasparov briefly toyed with the Chigorin in rapid chess, calling it “an ideal surprise weapon that tests an opponent’s independent thinking.”

3.cxd5 Main Line (Chigorin Defence)

Definition

The 3.cxd5 Main Line arises after the forcing sequence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. cxd5, when White exchanges on d5 immediately. Black virtually always replies 3…Qxd5, accepting an early queen excursion to recapture the pawn and keep a compact structure.

Why 3.cxd5?

Eliminates central tension and deprives Black of the option …dxc4.
Forces the black queen to move early, giving White tempi with Nc3 and Nf3 while developing.
Clarifies the pawn structure—useful for players who dislike the more nebulous 3.Nc3 or 3.Nf3 lines.

Typical Continuations

4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Nc3 Qa5 6.d5 O-O-O (the very sharp 6.d5 line)
4.Nf3 e5 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Bd2 Bxc3 7.Bxc3 (covered in the next definition)
4.e3 e5 5.Nf3 exd4 6.Nxd4 Nxd4 7.exd4 (a more positional approach)

Strategic Themes

Central Majority: Black’s e- and d-pawns can march forward if White is careless.
Queen Safety: After 3…Qxd5, the queen can become a target of minor-piece harassment; Black must know the safe squares (…Qa5, …Qd6, or …Qh5 depending on the line).
Bishop Pair vs. Structure: Frequently Black gives up the dark-squared bishop (…Bxf3 or …Bxc3) to damage White’s structure. The resulting imbalance is the soul of the Chigorin.

Historical & Modern Practice

The 3.cxd5 main line was already explored in the 1890s by Tarrasch and Chigorin. In modern times it has been played by top grandmasters such as Alexander Morozevich, Richard Rapport, and Ian Nepomniachtchi, all noted for dynamic play.

Model Game

Morozevich illustrates Black’s dynamic resources:

7.Bxc3 Variation (after …Bxc3)

Definition & Move Order

The 7.Bxc3 Variation is a critical branch of the 3.cxd5 Main Line where Black deliberately exchanges on c3 to inflict structural damage, and White immediately recaptures with the bishop:

1. d4 d5
2. c4 Nc6
3. cxd5 Qxd5
4. Nf3 e5
5. Nc3 Bb4
6. Bd2 Bxc3
7. Bxc3 (diagram)

Position after 7.Bxc3

Material is equal, but the board now shows a classic Chigorin imbalance: White holds the bishop pair and a semi-isolated a-pawn, while Black has eliminated the knight that usually supports the e4-square. The centre is still fluid.

Plans for Both Sides

White:
- Use the two bishops to control long diagonals (Bc3 and Qc2 eye h7).
- Break in the centre with d4-d5 or e2-e4, exploiting long-range power.
- Target Black’s queen if it lingers on d5 or a5.
Black:
- Strike at d4 with …e5-e4 or …exd4 followed by …O-O.
- Exploit the weakened c- and a-pawns in an endgame.
- Maintain piece activity; passive play risks being suffocated by the bishop pair.

Illustrative Game: Shirov – Morozevich, Wijk aan Zee 2005

A heavyweight battle that reached the 7.Bxc3 position and showed both sides’ chances:

Interesting Tidbits

The position after 7.Bxc3 was once evaluated as clearly better for Black during the “classical” era because of White’s doubled c-pawns. Modern engines disagree, often giving White a slight pull thanks to the bishops.
Many Chigorin players delay castling in this line, preferring to keep their king in the centre until the pawn structure clarifies.
The ECO code for 7.Bxc3 is D07. In old Soviet literature it was called the “Chigorin Exchange System.”