Philidor Defense · C41

Albin-Blackburne Gambit

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Bg4 4. dxe5 Nd7

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5. Theory calls this the Philidor Defense.

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