3.Nc3 dxc4 4.Nf3 Nf6 is variation 4 of 6 in the Chigorin Defence course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO D07). It runs 18 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nc3 dxc4 4. Nf3 Nf6 …. Against 3.Nc3 Black takes the c4 pawn. After 4.Nf3 Black develops the knight first. When White builds a centre with e4, Black pins with ...Bg4 and ...Bb4 and castles. 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 – The most common move. White develops and adds pressure on d5.
3... dxc4 – Black takes the pawn. White must spend time to win it back.
4. Nf3 – White develops and gets ready for e4.
4... Nf6 – The right move. The knight develops and watches e4.
5. e4 – White takes the centre with a pawn.
5... Bg4 – Now the pin is good. The bishop pins the knight that defends d4.
6. Be3 – White protects d4.
6... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop and holds back the d5 push.
7. Bxc4 – White wins the pawn back.
7... Bb4 – The bishop pins the c3 knight and attacks e4.
8. Qc2 – The queen protects e4 and the c3 knight.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 2 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM