Chigorin Defense, Exchange Variation, Costa's Line
- 1.d4d5
- 2.c4Nc6
- 3.cxd5Qxd5
- 4.e3e5
- 5.Nc3Bb4
- 6.Bd2Bxc3
- 7.Bxc3exd4
- 8.Ne2
55 games
A rare Chigorin Defense line where Black gives up the bishop pair to win the d4-pawn, and White plays 8. Ne2 to regain it with active bishop play.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Costa's Line
Costa's Line arises from the 4. e3 e5 branch of the Chigorin Exchange Variation. After 8. Ne2, Black holds an extra pawn on d4 but has given up the bishop pair. White's knight heads toward the pawn to win it back, and the c3-bishop is aimed down the long diagonal. The main replies are 8...Nf6 and 8...Bg4, which pins the knight. The engine considers the position roughly balanced, and Black has scored well in the few games played.