Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense

The Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense is a popular chess opening that leads to a complex middlegame with chances for both sides.

The opening is characterized by an early development of the knight to a5, attacking the light-squared bishop on b3, which then retreats to c2. This allows Black to expand on the queenside with pawn advances like b5 and c5. The Chigorin Defense is named after the Russian chess player Mikhail Chigorin, who was one of the leading players in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In this opening, White aims to control the center with pawn advances like d4 and to prepare for a potential kingside attack. Black, on the other hand, seeks counterplay on the queenside and in the center. The Closed Ruy Lopez is known for its strategic complexity, with both sides having multiple plans and ideas at their disposal.

One of the key ideas for White is to play d4 at the right moment, opening up the center and creating threats against Black's position. Black, in turn, can try to undermine White's pawn center with moves like c5 and d5, or even prepare a pawn break with f5.

The Chigorin Defense is a solid and reliable choice for Black, offering chances for counterplay and a rich middlegame. It has been played by many top-level players, including former World Champions Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov. The opening remains a popular choice at all levels of play, from amateur to professional.