3.Nc3 dxc4 4.d5 Ne5 is variation 5 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. Nc3 dxc4 4. d5 Ne5 …. White pushes 4.d5 and chases the knight. The knight jumps to e5 and stays in the centre. Black hits the d5 pawn with ...e6, puts the knight on g6 and castles. White wins the c4 pawn back, but Black has a solid game. 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. Nc3 – White develops.
3... dxc4 – Black takes the pawn.
4. d5 – White gains space and chases the knight.
4... Ne5 – The best square. The knight stays in the centre.
5. e4 – White builds a big centre. It is natural, but a bit imprecise.
5... e6 – Black hits the d5 pawn at once.
6. Bf4 – The best move. The bishop attacks the e5 knight.
6... Ng6 – The knight goes to g6 and hits the f4 bishop.
7. Bg3 – The bishop steps back.
7... Bd6 – Black offers to trade the dark-squared bishops.
8. Bxc4 – White wins the pawn back.
8... e5 – Black closes the centre. The d6 bishop and the g6 knight guard the dark squares.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM