Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation
Black adds a knight behind the central pawns. That reinforces e5 but restricts the bishop, so move order matters; practice how development and a timely central exchange avoid passive congestion.
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.
Play three moves from the line you watched. Hints draw an arrow on the board. Complete a fresh attempt without hints or retries to pass.
Sign in to practiceComplete all 6 practices across both colors for one lesson completion. Replaying a completed lesson earns no additional leaderboard completion.
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.