Philidor Defense · C41

Berger Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Be7 6. Be2 O-O 7. O-O c5 8. Nf3 Nc6 9. Bg5 Be6 10. Re1

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.

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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