Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 Na5

ECO C97

The Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense is a chess opening line in the Ruy Lopez complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 Na5.

It is catalogued under code C97 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Na5 is chosen by Black on move 9.

2 named continuations branch from this position, including the Gajewski Gambit and the Panov System.

The Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense is a line of the Ruy Lopez. The Ruy Lopez, also called the Spanish Game, is a chess opening that begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. Read the complete Ruy Lopez guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

Named variations

• Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense, Gajewski Gambit — ECO C96
• Ruy Lopez: Closed, Chigorin Defense, Panov System — ECO C99

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Beat the Ruy Lopez course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.