Tree path 4 levels King's Pawn Game › King's Knight Opening › Philidor Defense › Philidor Defense
C41

Philidor Defense

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Overview

Philidor Defense is a specific line in the Open Games family (ECO C41), arising from a recognised theoretical position.

The Open Games group covers open games — classical 1.e4 e5 openings where both sides contest the centre directly with pawns.

It begins with 5 plies and takes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 to reach the canonical position.

The line refines Philidor Defense, which traces back to the root opening King's Pawn Game.

The line splits into 2 documented sub-systems: Philidor Defense, Lopez Countergambit.

Together the deeper variations number 3 across the full subtree.

Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.

ECO code
C41
Group
Open Games (C)
Plies
5
Parent
Philidor Defense
Direct variations
2
Total in subtree
3

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. A more detailed, human-written description is on the way — and you can speed it up by suggesting one yourself.

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Variations (2)

Show all 3 sub-variations (full subtree)