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: Hanham Variation, Delmar Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. c3
Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Krause Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. O-O
Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. Nc3
Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Sharp Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 Nb6
Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Steiner Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. O-O Be7 6. dxe5
Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. Ng5
Philidor Defense: Larsen Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 g6
Philidor Defense: Lion Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7
Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Bishop Sacrifice
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. Bxf7+
Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Delayed Bishop Sacrifice
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nbd7 4. Nf3 e5 5. Bc4 Be7 6. dxe5 dxe5 7. Bxf7+
Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Forcing Line
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. Ng5 O-O 7. Bxf7+ Rxf7 8. Ne6
Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Bc4 and h6
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. O-O h6