Lion Defense · B07
Anti-Philidor, Lion's Cave
1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nbd7 4. f4 e5
The pawns on d4 and e5 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5. Theory calls this the Pirc Defense.
- 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 6 in the Lion Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.