Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. d4/3...exd4

Exchange variation Philidor defence 3...exd4 · Exchange variation Black takes on d4, defusing the central tension. This is the main continuation. White now recaptures, usually with the knight 4. Nxd4. Recapturing with the queen 4. Qxd4 is playable but allows Black to develop Nc6 with tempo. Then, having resolved the issue of e5, Black must concentrate on developing their pieces, lest they fall too far behind White. This typically means Black plays ...Be7, ...Nf6, and castles short. Alternatives to dealing with the f8 bishop―...g7 to fianchetto (the Larsen variation) or ...d5 exd5 Qxd5 (the Paulsen attack)―have been tried but are probably too slow. Theory table 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4 Nxd4- = Qxd4- = References Philidor Defence Bibliography Kaufman, Larry (2004). The Chess Advantage in Black and White. 0-8129-3571-3. Panov, Vasily (1973). Teoría de Aperturas, Tomo I: Aperturas Abiertas - Aperturas Semiabiertas. 84-270-0132-0. Schiller, Eric (2002). Standard Chess Openings. 1-58042-048-6. External links ChessBase 2023 Philidor Defence https://shop.chessbase.com/en/openings/philidor Chess Openings for Beginners 2009 Philidor Defense: General Information https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y5sthOWJ4Q&t=12s ChessPathways 2019 PHILIDOR DEFENSE https://chesspathways.com/chess-openings/kings-pawn-opening/philidor-defense/ ChessPathways 2019 The Philidor Defense https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d5EU7rNkqs&t=6s Chess Simplified 2019 Philidor Defence https://simplifychess.com/philidor-defence/index.html HangingPawns 2019 Introduction to the Philidor Defense https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4bp4qlRqGg Marsh, Sean (ChessAble) 2021 Chess Opening Basics: The Philidor Defense https://www.chessable.com/blog/chess-opening-basics-the-philidor-defense/ Prem, Krishna 2012 Chess openings - Philidor Defence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKCMXf4g1HU The Chess Website 2012 Philidor Defense - Chess Openings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAf-YuGPYMo Solomon, Ruddell (TheChessGiant) 2021 Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Philidor Defense! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WztzXJuLo0