Philidor Defence — defence for Black

More Philidor for Black: Hanham set-ups with ...c6 and ...Qc7, the Lion move order, Exchange lines and quiet systems. 8 lines for Black: Hanham with ...Qc7, Lion move order 3...Nd7, Hanham via the Pirc move order, Exchange with Be2 and f4, Exchange with Bc4, Against Bc4 and c3, 4.dxe5 Nxe4 5.Nbd2, Hanham against Be2.

Popularity rank #9 of 64 · Free defence · against 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3

The Hanham keeps a strongpoint on e5 with d6, e5 and c6 against White's d4 and e4. Black is cramped but very solid and waits for ...b5 or ...exd4 and ...Re8. In the Exchange lines (...exd4) Black gets a small centre with d6 and an open e-file.

Watch out: Never take a "free" queen with ...Bxd1 when White's knight on e5 and bishop on c4 can give mate.

Endgame
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