ECO C41 · for Black
Philidor Defense
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
28,693,958 games in this band reached the Philidor Defense position. From there Black won 45% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 h6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. Nf3
The most natural move, developing the Knight with tempo
2... d6
Defending the e5 pawn and opening up lines for the bishop and queen, but slightly passive as it doesn't develop a piece.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Bc4 h6 4. d4 exd4
3. Bc4
Taking advantage of the development advantage, while black has only moved pawns.
- 3. d4: Breaking in the center to gain activity and take advantage of the development edge.
3... h6
Intending to play Nf6 without allowing Ng5 which would win material.
- 3... Bg4: Developing the light-squared bishop and pinning the f3 knight.
- 3... Be7: Developing the bishop, while aiming to play Nf6 next and castle kingside quickly.
4. d4
Breaking in the center and utilizing the development advantage by opening the position.
- 4. Nc3: Developing the knight with a large lead in development. White will likely open up the position to take advantage of this.
- 4. O-O: Castling kingside with a huge development advantage. White has the potential for an attack because of the large lead in development.
- 4. c3: Advancing the c-pawn and preparing to fight for control of the center with d4.
- 4. d3: Strengthening the center and opening up the dark-squared bishop. White has a large lead in development and may try to later open up the position to attack Black's king.
4... exd4
Move 5
5. Nxd4 Nf6
5. Nxd4
5... Nf6
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- Black typically castles kingside
- The dark-squared bishop generally develops to e7
- The queenside knight can develop to d7 or c6
- The kingside rook usually develops to e8
- Common pawn moves are d5 and c6
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Italian Game for White
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black