Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense (variation 10)

This opening is a solid defense where Black aims to control the center and develop their pieces efficiently.

The Chigorin Defense is characterized by Black's knight moving to c6 early on to challenge White's central pawn on d4. This move allows Black to maintain a solid pawn structure while preparing to fianchetto their bishop on g7. By delaying the capture on c4, Black avoids falling into the main lines of the Queen's Gambit Declined and introduces a unique dynamic to the game. White typically continues with Nc3 to reinforce the central pawn on d4 and maintain flexibility in their development. From here, both players have various options to continue their development and fight for control of the center. The Chigorin Defense is a strategic opening that offers Black good chances for counterplay and a solid position to work from in the middle game.