Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation: what should White play?

c4! — Excellent Choice!

✅ One of 4 top moves — you found the most ambitious path!

Why this move is excellent: By playing c4, you immediately challenge Black's central d5 and fight for the d5 and b5 squares. This is a high-level "Queen's Gambit" style approach that puts maximum pressure on Black's setup right from the start.

Multiple Valid Strategies

This position is rich with options. While you chose the most aggressive line, there were three other ways to maintain the advantage:

Different paths, same destination: You chose a move that 0% of average human players find, opting for the engine's top recommendation instead of the more common, passive e3. While e3 is safe, your choice of c4 forces Black to make difficult decisions about their central structure immediately.

Your Continuation

After c4: e6 Nc3 Nf6 Bg5 Be7

What Made This Move Good

You correctly saw: That the d5 pawn is the anchor of Black's position. By applying pressure to it, you force Black to either defend it awkwardly or give up the center.

📚 Takeaway: When you have multiple good moves, choosing the one that creates the most tension (like c4) is often the best way to provoke an error from your opponent!