Philidor

Question 1

What is the basic position of the Philidor?

Answer 1

Black protects the e5 pawn with a pawn on d6. The drawback is that Black blocks his dsb on f8. The position arises after e4 e5, Nf3 d6. We always play d4 attacking the e5 pawn a second time and threatening a queen exchange.

Question 2

What do we play after 3…exd4 (Scotch variation)?

Answer 2

We take Nxd4 and follow our Scotch setup: Nc3, Bf4, Qd2, O-O-O, f3 and push the g and h pawns; the only difference is that Black’s knight is still on b8.

Question 3

What do we play after 3…Nc6 (Transpose or fight for e5 variation)?

Answer 3

We play Nf3. In many cases we transpose to the Scotch. If that is not possible we fight against e5: Bb5, Bxc6 removing a defender of e5, Qe2, Bf4. We end up in a position similar to the Scotch.

Question 4

What do we play after 3…Nd7 (Hanham variation)?

Answer 4

We play Bc4, going for the f7 weak spot. In many variations we take dxe5 first (to prevent d5) before we continue our attack: Typical moves are: Qd5, Qh5, Bxf7, or Ng5.

Question 4

What do we play after 3…Bg4 (Opera variation)?

Answer 4

We play dxe5 and follow Morphy’s famous Opera Game. If Black takes back dxe5, we exchange queens, releasing the pin, prevent Black from castling and winning a pawn after Nxe5.

Question 5

What do we play after 3…Nf6 (Nimzovitch variation)?

Answer 5

We play dxe5. We go for quick piece development after …Ne4, we play Qd5!, Bg5.