The Philidor defense is a very sound opening against 1. e4. I hope this article will convince you that this opening is more interesting for Black than it seems, and even if it is not as popular as the Berlin defense or the Italian game, it deserves to be studied.
How do you respond to Philidor defense?
How to Reach The Philidor Defence?
- First, White must move the King’s pawn two squares (1. e4).
- Then, Black replies by moving his King’s pawn two squares (1… e5).
- White wants to attack the e5-pawn by moving his Knight three squares (2. Nf3).
- Black defends his e5-pawn by moving the d-pawn one square (2… d6).
Is Petrov Defense good for Black?
Rather than defending the threat to the e5 pawn, black instead decides to counterattack white’s e4 pawn by playing … Nf6. While many consider this move to be unambitious for black, the Petrov Defense retains its reputation as a solid opening which is tough for white to exploit.
What is the Hanham Variation of the Philidor?
The Hanham Variation (which often leads to the popular Lion Philidor) is a seemingly simple, but very tricky way to play the Philidor. The Hanham Variation is a very logical approach to the position after white plays d4. Instead of exchanging your e5 pawn or counter attacking the e4 pawn with Nf6, black simply defends it with Nd7.
Which is the best variation of the Philidor Defense?
In the main line of the Philidor Defense, there are three variations, the Hanham Variation, the Exchange Variation and the Nimzowitsch Variation . The Hanham variation is a very tricky way to play the Philidor Defence.
Why is the Philidor Defence important in chess?
The Philidor Defence is a defense for Black against 1. e4 by putting his pawns on e5 and d6 (to defend the e5 pawn) The main benefit of playing the Philidor Defence is that it makes it difficult for White to form a good attack right after the opening since Black has very little weaknesses.
What’s the best way to play the Hanham Variation?
To understand how to reach the Hanham variation, the best is to study the position and the pawn structure Black wants to get. This is the position Black wants to reach after the seventh move. It is somehow similar to some closed lines of the Italian game or of the Ruy Lopez game. Black has a small space disadvantage but nothing really bad.
