The French – Chigorin Variation arises after 1.e4 e6 2.Qe2. ECO code: C00.

Named after Mikhail Chigorin. White develops the queen to e2, supporting e4 and preparing d3, g3, Bg2. This unusual approach avoids the main French lines but places the queen on a passive square. Black responds with ...d5, ...c5, and natural development.