The Queen's Gambit Declined: Chigorin Defense reaches a named position after 2 moves: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6
In practical games, this line matters because the early pawn and piece choices decide which middlegame plans are natural. Use the board above to learn the move order, then complete Practice without hints before adding the opening to your regular queue.
If this exact branch does not appear in your games, study the related lines below. Openings often transpose, and recognizing the family pattern is more useful than memorizing one narrow sequence.
The idea behind this line
Black keeps the d5 strongpoint and accepts a compact position before breaking with ...c5.
What to look for
- Free the position with ...c5.
- Develop the c8 bishop through b7, d7, or a timely ...e5.
- Use ...Ne4 for central activity when supported.
Position details
The defining move is Nc6.
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