McCutcheon Variation, Chigorin Variation

The Chigorin Variation is the most direct reply to 5...h6 in the McCutcheon. White does not retreat the attacked bishop and instead takes the f6-knight with 6. exf6, leaving the g5-bishop en prise. Black almost always recaptures with 6...hxg5, which half-opens the h-file. After 7. fxg7 Rg8, the rook attacks the advanced g7-pawn, Black's kingside pawns are broken up, and the pin on c3 remains. Engines rate the position as roughly balanced, and Black scores well in Lichess games.