Chessy
How to Play the Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation (1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4)
After 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6, you push 3.e4 — Black's turn. Right away the centre explodes. Stockfish gives this position +0.36, a small edge for White, so you start slightly better. Over eight million games have reached this exact spot, and you win 50.2% of them — a healthy result. But Black has several ways to answer, and some are much trickier than others. The drill below puts you in this position against an engine that adapts to your play. Give it a try to see how the opening feels in practice.
Play the Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation: e6 against the engine
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Ready to test your skills? Jump into the interactive drill and play the Chigorin Variation e6 against an engine that adapts to every move you make. Create a (no
Create a free account →The Central Point: Why 3.e4 Works
The idea behind 3.e4 is straightforward: you challenge Black's d5 pawn immediately, fighting for central space before Black can fully develop. With the knight already on c3 supporting the advance, you create immediate pressure. If Black captures on e4, you recapture with the knight and get a strong centralised piece. If Black instead develops with Nf6 — the engine's top reply — you can continue with Bg5, pinning the knight. The position remains tense and open, with you enjoying a small plus thanks to your extra central influence and easier development.
What the Statistics Tell Us about Black's Options
Black has five main replies in the database, and they lead to very different scoring rates for you. Here is how each one performs from White's perspective across 8,317,767 games: - dxe4 (1,957,749 games): White scores 50.4% — a solid, balanced struggle. - Nf6 (1,896,652 games): White scores 46.9% — the trickiest reply for you, and the engine's choice. - c5 (1,827,627 games): White scores 52.9% — Black's most losing option statistically. - Bb4 (1,630,894 games): White scores 49.4% — nearly equal results. - c6 (389,211 games): White scores 51.8% — a solid plus for you. - Nc6 (235,440 games): White scores 53.0% — also favourable for you. The numbers show that while Nf6 gives Black the best fighting chance, several moves like c5 and Nc6 actually hurt Black more than they realise.
Punishing Black's Inaccuracies: c5 and Nc6
Two of Black's most common moves are flagged as inaccuracies. The engine says c5 loses about 0.9 pawns compared to the best move (Nf6), and Nc6 loses about 0.5 pawns. If your opponent plays either of these, you have a good chance to build a serious advantage. After c5, the centre opens up and your development lead becomes more significant. After Nc6, Black's knight steps into a spot where you can target it with tempo-gaining moves. Recognising these moments is key — many club players play c5 or Nc6 automatically, not realising they are handing you the edge.
Meet the Engine's Favourite: 3...Nf6
The engine's best move for Black is 3...Nf6, continuing with 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4. This is the main line you should prepare for. After 4.Bg5, you pin the knight to the queen, making it awkward for Black to hold the centre. If Black captures on e4, you recapture with the knight and develop with tempo. White's position stays comfortable and active. Your two bishops, rapid development, and central control all contribute to that +0.36 advantage. In the drill, expect Black to head for this line — it is the critical test of your opening knowledge.
Results across 8,317,767 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| dxe4 | 1,957,749 | 50.4% |
| Nf6 | 1,896,652 | 46.9% |
| c5 | 1,827,627 | 52.9% |
| Bb4 | 1,630,894 | 49.4% |
| c6 | 389,211 | 51.8% |
| Nc6 | 235,440 | 53.0% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation e6 good for White?
Yes. The engine evaluates the position after 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4 at +0.36, a small edge for White. White also wins 50.2% of games from this position, with only 3.8% draws, so you have a clear statistical advantage as White.
What is the best move for Black after 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4?
The engine's top choice is 3...Nf6. This is the most challenging reply for White, leading to 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4. While Black scores reasonably well here (46.9% for White), it is still your best-prepared line as White.
Is 3...c5 a mistake for Black?
Yes, the engine classifies 3...c5 as an inaccuracy, losing about 0.9 pawns compared to the best move (3...Nf6). Despite being played over 1.8 million times, it scores well for White (52.9%), making it a move you want to see from your opponent.
How should White respond to 3...dxe4?
When Black captures on e4, you recapture with the knight: 4.Nxe4. This centralises your knight with tempo and keeps the pressure on Black's position. White scores 50.4% in this line, making it a perfectly fine continuation.