Chessy
Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation – Playing 3.dxc5 as White
After 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5, you grab the pawn with 3.dxc5 and ask Black to prove they have compensation. With nearly 280,000 games in the database, this is a well-tested battleground. Stockfish rates the position at -0.20, which means dead level — neither side is better out of the opening. Black wins 49.0% of games, while you win 47.3% (with 3.8% draws), so the results are razor-thin. The drill below puts you in White's seat: can you hold the extra pawn and navigate the tricky development that follows?
Play the Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation: c5 against the engine
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Create a free account →What You Are Fighting For
When you play 3.dxc5, you accept a small strategic risk. You gain a pawn on the queenside, but Black gets quick development and central pressure in return. The engine's favourite reply is Nf6, attacking your knight on c3 and preparing to regain the pawn. From there the best line runs Nf6 Nf3 Nc6 e3 — White shores up the centre and keeps the extra material for now. You are not trying to crush Black immediately; instead, you aim to develop calmly, keep the pawn, and wait for Black's initiative to run out of steam.
The Most Common Black Replies — and What They Mean
Black has several popular responses, and your results vary dramatically depending on which one you face: e6 (78,146 games — White scores 43.5%). This natural-looking move is actually an inaccuracy that costs Black about 0.7 pawns. The best reply is to develop and keep your extra pawn. d4 (53,174 games — White scores 41.8%). Black tries to reclaim space in the centre, but you are well-placed to handle it. Nc6 (51,153 games — White scores 52.2%). This is your best-scoring line — Black plays actively but walks into a mistake that loses roughly 1.5 pawns. e5 (47,460 games — White scores 55.7%). Your highest win percentage comes here. This is also a mistake (worth about 1.6 pawns for Black), and you can punish it with accurate play. Nf6 (37,463 games — White scores 42.1%). The engine's top move; strangely, White underperforms in practice here, so be extra careful. Bf5 (4,572 games — White scores 54.2%). A rarer but dangerous option where you still score well.
The Three Black Mistakes You Should Punish
The statistics reveal three clear errors that Black players fall into most often. If you recognise them, you can turn the game in your favour: - e6 (inaccuracy, loses ~0.7 pawns): Black plays solidly but gives you time to consolidate. Develop naturally with moves like Nf3, Bf4, or e3, and keep the extra pawn. - Nc6 (mistake, loses ~1.5 pawns): Black develops a piece but neglects the centre. Your engine will show you the most accurate setup — likely involving Nf3, Bg5, and keeping the c5 pawn alive. - e5 (mistake, loses ~1.6 pawns): Black lashes out in the centre prematurely. This is your biggest scoring opportunity (55.7%), so learn the right response from the drill below.
How to Handle the Engine's Best Reply: Nf6
Black's strongest move is Nf6, attacking your knight and challenging you immediately. After Nf3 Nc6 e3, you have a solid position. Notice that you have not rushed to defend the c5 pawn artificially — instead you develop pieces and keep your structure flexible. The statistics show that White scores only 42.1% from here, meaning this is the toughest test for you. The key is to avoid overextending: do not push the b-pawn or try to hang onto the c5 pawn at all costs. Let the engine guide you in the drill to find the precise sequence that equalises and leaves Black with insufficient compensation.
Results across 279,147 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| e6 | 78,146 | 43.5% |
| d4 | 53,174 | 41.8% |
| Nc6 | 51,153 | 52.2% |
| e5 | 47,460 | 55.7% |
| Nf6 | 37,463 | 42.1% |
| Bf5 | 4,572 | 54.2% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation c5 good for White?
The position after 3.dxc5 is dead level according to Stockfish (-0.20), meaning neither side has an advantage. White scores 47.3% and Black scores 49.0%, so the practical results are nearly even. It is a perfectly playable opening, especially if you like unbalanced positions where you hold an extra pawn.
What is the best move for Black after 3.dxc5?
The engine's top choice is Nf6, attacking the knight on c3. The recommended continuation is Nf3 Nc6 e3, where Black has some activity but White keeps the extra pawn. Moves like e6, Nc6, and e5 are all mistakes or inaccuracies that give White an edge.
Why does Black score better than White if the position is equal?
In practice, Black wins 49.0% of games versus White's 47.3%. This small gap probably reflects the practical difficulties of defending an extra pawn with imperfect play. Many White players try too hard to keep the pawn and get overrun. The drill will train you to defend accurately and turn the tables.
How should I respond to 3...e5 as White?
The move e5 is a mistake that loses roughly 1.6 pawns for Black. White scores a strong 55.7% against it. The exact best continuation depends on the position, but in general you should develop your pieces, keep your extra pawn, and exploit Black's overextended centre. The interactive drill will show you the engine's precise response.