Philidor Defense
Black supports e5 with the d-pawn, giving up some room for a sturdy center. White can occupy more space; Black must develop the cramped pieces and prepare a release.
Your plan as White
Claim central space with d4, then develop pieces behind the pawn center.
The opponent’s plan
Support e5, develop the cramped pieces and seek a prepared central release.
Watch out: A solid pawn chain is not enough if the pieces remain undeveloped.
Opening game…
Practice this line as White.
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Name, background and sources
Philidor recommended this defense in his 1749 book. Examples existed before him; his analysis helped give it its lasting name.
Read the opening background on Chess.com ↗Lichess opening names and reference lines (CC0)
ChessSum provides original explanatory notes. Related lines are labeled separately. Reference lines illustrate ideas; they are not a claim that every other legal move is wrong.
Watch how the center and piece development change. Each arrow previews the next move.