Opening Overview
Philidor Defense
44 linesAbout This Opening
Philidor Defense is a solid opening that emphasizes structure, flexibility, and reliable development.
These structures usually reward accurate development, good piece coordination, and patience before committing to pawn breaks.
The practical edge often comes from knowing the main pawn structures and where each side wants counterplay, rather than memorizing long forcing lines.
Key ideas
- Typical theme: sound structure and flexible plans.
- Most plans revolve around piece activity and pawn breaks at the right moment.
- Best for players who want reliable positions and clear structure.
- Learn the standard middlegame plans, not just the first moves.
Choose a variation
Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Be2 and c6
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Be2 Be7 6. O-O c6
Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Shirov Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Nc3 Ngf6 5. g4
Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Sozin Variation
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. Qe2 c6 8. a4 exd4
Philidor Defense: Lopez Countergambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 f5
Philidor Defense: Lopez Countergambit, Jaenisch Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 f5 4. Bc4 exd4 5. Ng5 Nh6 6. Nxh7
Philidor Defense: Morphy Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4
Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6
Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. dxe5
Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Klein Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Bc4
Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Rellstab Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. dxe5 Nxe4 5. Qd5
Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Sokolsky Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. dxe5 Nxe4 5. Nbd2
Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Larobok Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. Ng5 O-O 7. Bxf7+