4.cxd5 Bxf3 5.dxc6: the sharp return is variation 2 of 6 in the Chigorin Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO D07). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nf3 Bg4 4. cxd5 Bxf3 …. White takes the knight on c6 instead of the bishop. Black takes back on c6 and keeps the pieces level. Black then pins the c3 knight, checks on h4 and castles long with good play. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... d5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. c4 – The Queen's Gambit.
2... Nc6 – The Chigorin Defence.
3. Nf3 – White develops and defends d4.
3... Bg4 – Black pins the knight.
4. cxd5 – White takes on d5.
4... Bxf3 – Black trades on f3.
5. dxc6 – White takes the c6 knight. Both sides have taken a piece.
5... Bxc6 – The right move. The bishop takes back, and material is equal.
6. Nc3 – White develops and controls e4.
6... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop and keeps a solid centre.
7. e4 – White takes the centre with a pawn.
7... Bb4 – The bishop pins the c3 knight, so e4 is harder to defend.
8. f3 – White supports the e4 pawn.
8... Qh4+ – A useful check. It weakens White's kingside.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM