Philidor Defense · C41
Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Be2 and c6
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Be2 Be7 6. O-O c6
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... 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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Where this fits
This line is one of 44 in the Philidor Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.