Philidor Defense
Main Line
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6
Overview
A solid but passive defense named after François-André Philidor. Black supports the e5 pawn with d6 but restricts the f8-bishop. The Hanham Variation (with ...Nd7) is the modern approach.
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Open chess.rodeo ↗Related Openings
1. e4 c5
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5
Frequently asked questions
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What is the Philidor Defense?
The Philidor Defense (ECO code C41) is a chess opening that begins with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6. A solid but passive defense named after François-André Philidor. Black supports the e5 pawn with d6 but restricts the f8-bishop. The Hanham Variation (with ...Nd7) is the modern approach.
What are the main moves of the Philidor Defense?
The main line of the Philidor Defense is 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6. It is classified under ECO code C41 and falls in the Semi-Open Game family of chess openings. From this starting position, both sides have well-established plans — White typically continues with natural developing moves while Black follows the response patterns described above.
Is the Philidor Defense good for beginners?
The Philidor Defense is a reasonable choice for beginners who want exposure to semi-open game positions. The main line (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6) is easy to remember, and the resulting middlegame patterns are well-documented. Focus on understanding the typical pawn structure rather than memorizing 15 moves of theory — engine review of your own games at chess.rodeo is more useful than theory study at the club level.
What ECO code is the Philidor Defense?
The Philidor Defense is classified as ECO code C41. ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) is the standard five-letter classification system developed by Chess Informant in the 1970s — A-codes cover flank openings, B-codes 1.e4 replies that aren't 1...e5, C-codes 1.e4 e5 openings, D-codes 1.d4 d5 systems, and E-codes Indian Defenses. You can browse all openings by ECO code in our free opening database.
How do I analyze my Philidor Defense games for free?
Use chess.rodeo for full Stockfish analysis of your Philidor Defense games — no account required, no daily cap, no paywall. Paste your PGN and get instant engine evaluation on every move, including the opening phase. For move-by-move replay without engine output, use our free PGN viewer. Both are completely free with no signup.