3.cxd5 Qxd5 4.e3 e5 is variation 6 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. cxd5 Qxd5 4. e3 e5 …. White trades on d5 at once, and Black takes back with the queen. After 4.e3 Black hits the centre with ...e5 and pins the c3 knight. Black trades on c3, castles and gets a good game. The 3.e3 e5 move order often leads here too. 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. cxd5 – White trades on d5 at once.
3... Qxd5 – The queen takes back and attacks d4.
4. e3 – White protects d4 with a pawn.
4... e5 – Black strikes in the centre and opens the f8 bishop.
5. Nc3 – White develops with tempo on the queen.
5... Bb4 – The bishop pins the knight, so the queen stays on d5.
6. Bd2 – White breaks the pin.
6... Bxc3 – Black trades the bishop for the knight.
7. bxc3 – White takes back with the pawn.
7... Nf6 – Black develops and gets ready to castle.
8. f3 – White prepares e4 to chase the queen.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM