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Philidor Defense report from your own games

Philidor Defense report from your own games

Solid but passive. See if you generate enough counterplay.

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Philidor Defense Report

35 GAMESSample Data
Win Rate
49%

Performance vs Other Openings

Philidor Defense49% Win
Other Openings44% Win

Key Insights

Space Management
black
High Impact

Space Disadvantage Becomes Critical After Move 15

What this means
The Philidor inherently concedes space with ...d6 instead of ...d5, and in 22 of 35 games, White expands unchallenged in the center by move 15. Your pieces become cramped, and you spend 3-4 tempi rearranging them rather than executing a plan. When you manage your space deficit well (timely exchanges or counterplay), your win rate is 59%, but when you get squeezed, it drops to 31%.
How to improve
The Philidor requires disciplined space management. Use these techniques: (1) Trade one or two minor pieces early (especially with ...Nxe4 or ...Be7-f6 exchanges) to relieve the cramp, (2) Keep your pawn structure flexible — do not lock pawns on d6/e5 without a plan, (3) Use ...c6 and ...b5 to create queenside counterplay when White focuses on the center. Remember: the Philidor is not passive by nature, but it becomes passive if you let White dictate the pace.
#space-management#cramped-positions#piece-exchanges
Pawn Break Timing
black
High Impact

The f5 Break Is Mistimed in 60% of Attempts

What this means
The ...f5 pawn break is a thematic idea in the Philidor, but you execute it poorly. In 14 attempts, you played ...f5 at the right moment only 5 times. Common errors: playing ...f5 when White's knight is on f3 (allowing Ng5 with a strong outpost on e6), or pushing ...f5 before your pieces are coordinated to support it. Mistimed ...f5 leads to a 21% win rate; well-timed ...f5 yields 60%.
How to improve
The ...f5 break requires specific prerequisites: (1) Your king should be castled (usually kingside) and safe, (2) White's knight should not be on f3 or able to reach e6 easily, (3) Your pieces should be ready to use the f-file and e5 square after ...f5-f4 or ...fxe4. The ideal setup is ...Be7, ...O-O, ...Nbd7, ...Nf8-g6, and then ...f5. If White plays f3 to prevent ...f5, switch plans to ...c6 and ...b5 for queenside play instead.
#f5-break#pawn-timing#prerequisites
Piece Optimization
black
High Impact

Dark-Squared Bishop Is Ineffective in 65% of Games

What this means
Your dark-squared bishop is consistently your worst-performing piece in the Philidor. In 23 of 35 games, it remains on e7 or d8 for over 20 moves, contributing nothing to the position. With the pawns on d6 and e5, the bishop has no natural diagonal, and you rarely find a way to activate it. Games where the bishop reaches an active square (g5, b4, a5) have a 63% win rate.
How to improve
Plan the dark-squared bishop's activation from the start. Three proven routes: (1) ...Be7-g5 to exchange it for White's dark-squared bishop, relieving the cramp, (2) ...Be7-f8-g7 in the Hanham setup, fianchettoing to support ...f5 and control the long diagonal, (3) ...a6-b5-Bb7 with ...Be7-d8-c7, rerouting to the queenside diagonal. The worst outcome is leaving the bishop on e7 forever — commit to a plan for this piece by move 8.
#dark-bishop#piece-activity#piece-rerouting

Top Variations

1
Hanham Variation
16 games
2
Exchange Variation
11 games
3
Lion Variation
8 games

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What we analyze in your Philidor Defense games

Your handling of space disadvantage

Your timing of the ...f5 pawn break

Your response to the Lion's Jaw Attack

Your king safety in active play

Your ability to avoid passive setups

Learn This Opening

Play through the main line move by move

1.pawn to e4 (e4) pawn to e5 (e5)

古典的なダブル・キング・ポーンのオープニングです。双方がポーンで中央を占拠し、オープンゲームへと繋がります。この手は直ちに中央に緊張をもたらし、ピース展開のためのラインを開きます。

Opponent is playing…
1.e4e52.Nf3d63.d4Nf64.Nc3Nbd75.Bc4Be76.O-OO-O7.Qe2c68.a4

Key Positions to Know

Critical concepts every Philidor Defense player should understand

The Solid ...d6 Structure

With 2...d6, Black reinforces the e5 pawn from behind, creating a compact but cramped position. This structure is extremely solid — there are no immediate weaknesses — but the trade-off is limited space. Black must find the right moment to break free.

The ...f5 Pawn Break

Black's primary source of counterplay is the ...f5 advance, striking at White's e4 pawn and opening the f-file for the rook. This break is especially effective in the Hanham Variation after ...Nbd7, ...Be7, and ...O-O, when Black is fully prepared for central action.

The Hanham Variation

The modern way to play the Philidor: ...Nbd7, ...Be7, and ...O-O followed by ...c6. This setup avoids the most dangerous white attacks while keeping a flexible position. Black's pieces are harmoniously placed, ready to support either ...f5 or ...d5 when the time is right.

Strategic Plans

♔
White's Plans

  • •d4とe4のポーンで強力なポーンセンターを確立し、スペースの優位を得る
  • •ピースを最も効果的なマス（Bc4、Nc3、O-O）へアクティブに展開する
  • •スペースの優位を保ち、黒のピースの動きを制限する
  • •有利なタイミングでd5やf4のブレイクを準備し、局面を開く
  • •黒の防御が手薄なキングサイドで脅威を作り出す
  • •終盤において、スペースの優位と黒の受動的なピースを利用する
  • •黒の形を楽にする...d5や...f5のブレイクを防ぐ

♚
Black's Plans

  • •d6とe5で堅固なポーンチェーンを構築し、活動性よりも構造を優先する
  • •カウンタープレイを求める前に、忍耐強く展開（Be7、O-O、Nbd7）を完了する
  • •白のスペースの優位に対抗するため、...d5や...f5のブレイクを準備する
  • •...c6、...Qc7、そして最終的に...b5としてクイーンサイドにカウンタープレイを作る
  • •窮屈なポジションでは、防御を楽にするためにピースを交換する
  • •堅固なポーン構造を使って防御し、白が手を広げすぎるのを待つ
  • •白が攻撃的になりすぎた時の戦術的な機会を狙う

Key Variations

Explore the most important branches and transpositions in the Philidor Defense.

Hanham Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nd7 4.Bc4 c6 5.O-O Be7

The most solid and respectable line of the Philidor Defense. Black develops the knight to d7 (not f6) to keep it flexible and avoid pins. After ...c6, Black prepares ...Qc7 and eventually ...b5 for queenside counterplay. White has space and easier play, but Black's position is very solid. This was Bent Larsen's preferred approach, emphasizing strategic patience over tactical complications.

Lion Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Qe2 c6 8.a4 Qc7

Also called the "Improved Hanham," this modern interpretation features quick kingside development with ...Nf6. Black accepts a cramped position but keeps it flexible. The typical plan involves ...Re8, ...Bf8, and reorganizing pieces. Some lines feature the aggressive ...g6 and ...Nh5-f4. While passive, the Lion has teeth and is playable at all levels.

Larsen Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 g6 5.Nc3 Bg7

黒が中央で交換を行い、キングサイドのビショップをフィアンケットします。

Nimzowitsch Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.dxe5 Nxe4 5.Qd5 Nc5 6.Bg5 Be7

黒が直ちに中央でポーンを取る、鋭くリスクのある変化です。

Antoshin Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Be2 O-O 7.O-O c6

黒が中央の緊張を早く解き、堅実な陣形を目指します。

Philidor Gambit

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 f5

黒が...f5で直ちに反撃を狙う野心的なギャンビットです。

Opening Statistics

Original research from 13,710 real amateur games — data you won't find anywhere else.

Avg. Game Length
—awaiting data
Underdog Wins
—awaiting data
Quick Finishes
—awaiting data
Endgame Reach
—awaiting data
White's Edge
+6.5%
Favors BlackEqualFavors White

At 1200-1400

📊White's edge is +6.5% — White has a clear advantage at this level.

How This Opening Changes as You Improve

RatingGamesWhite's Edge
800-10002,472
+6.4%52 /0 /45
1000-12003,131
+1.9%49 /0 /48
1200-14003,084
+6.5%52 /0 /45
1400-16002,795
+3.7%50 /0 /46
1600-18002,228
+8.2%52 /0 /44

Based on 13,710 games · Updated March 2026

Why Play the Philidor Defense?

歴史的に重要

Named after François-André Danican Philidor (1726-1795), one of history's greatest players and chess theoreticians. His games and writings established fundamental chess principles. Playing the Philidor connects you to chess heritage.

極めて強固な構造

黒はd6とe5のポーンで強力なポーンチェーンを構築し、回復力のある中央構造を作ります。受動的ではありますが、このセットアップを崩すのは非常に困難です。攻撃性よりも堅実さを重んじ、戦術的な複雑さを避けたいプレイヤーに最適です。

奇襲としての武器

トップレベルではあまり見られないため、相手の準備の隙を突くことができます。

戦略的な学び

スペースが少ない局面での戦い方や防御の技術を学ぶことができます。

Common Traps

Watch out for these dangerous tactical pitfalls

Legal's Mate Pattern

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 Bg4? 4.Nc3 g6? 5.Nxe5! Bxd1?? 6.Bxf7+ Ke7 7.Nd5#

A classic trap exploiting Black's early ...Bg4 and failure to protect f7. After 5.Nxe5!, Black must not capture the queen. If 5...Bxd1, White plays 6.Bxf7+ Ke7 7.Nd5# - checkmate! This is a variation of the famous "Legal's Mate" pattern. Black should play 5...dxe5 instead, though White still has a good position after 6.Qxg4.

Central Breakthrough Trap

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nd7 4.Bc4 c6 5.O-O Be7 6.dxe5 dxe5? 7.Ng5! Nh6 8.Nxf7

黒が不注意にe5をポーンで取り返すと、白はキングサイドの弱点を突いて攻撃を仕掛けます。

Fried Liver-Style Attack

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6? 4.dxe5 Nxe4 5.Qd5! Nc5 6.Bg5 Be7 7.exd6 cxd6 8.Nc3

黒が不十分な準備でニムゾヴィッチ変化を試みると、白の5.Qd5!により強い主導権を握られます。

Passive Piece Suffocation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nd7 4.Bc4 c6 5.O-O Be7 6.dxe5 dxe5 7.Qe2 Ngf6 8.Rd1 Qc7 9.Ng5 O-O

白がf7へのプレッシャーで黒を窒息させようとする場合、黒は安全にキャスリングして危機を逃れることができます。

Beginner Tips

💡

黒番ではスペースが少なくなることを受け入れましょう。堅実な展開と、白が手を広げすぎるのを待つことに集中してください。

💡

...f5や...d5のブレイクを急がないでください。これらの手は慎重に準備されなければ裏目に出ます。

💡

アクティブなプレイを求める前に、キングサイドの展開（Be7、O-O、Nf6/Nd7）を完了させましょう。

💡

フィリドールを始める際は、3...Nf6よりもハンハム変化（3...Nd7）の方が堅実です。

💡

f7へのNg5の攻撃に注意してください。早い段階での...d6は、このマスを弱くする可能性があります。

💡

白としてプレイする際は、スペースの優位を維持しつつ手を広げすぎないようにしましょう。忍耐強いプレッシャーが最も効果的です。

💡

強いプレイヤーが窮屈な局面をどう扱うか研究しましょう。フィリドールは防御の技術を教えてくれます。

💡

よりアクティブなアプローチを望むなら、ラーセン変化（3...exd4 4.Nxd4 g6）を検討してください。

💡

覚えておいてください。フィリドールは堅実ですが受動的です。優位性ではなく、勝つチャンスのある引き分けを狙ってプレイするのです。

Common Philidor Defense patterns we detect

We automatically check if you fall for these specific traps.

About the Philidor Defense

The Philidor Defense (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6) is a solid but somewhat passive defense. Success requires active counterplay with ...f5 or ...c5 breaks.

We track your counterplay generation, timing of pawn breaks, and ability to create activity. We identify where solid becomes too passive.

openings.page.sections.keyThemes

Solid pawn chainCentral controlPassive but soundSpace disadvantageDelayed developmentStrategic patience

openings.page.sections.notablePlayers

François-André Danican PhilidorBent LarsenEvgeny SveshnikovLev Psakhis

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Philidor Defense analysis

The Philidor Defense (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6) is a solid but somewhat passive defense. Success requires active counterplay with ...f5 or ...c5 breaks.
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We track your counterplay generation, timing of pawn breaks, and ability to create activity. We identify where solid becomes too passive.
Yes, Kingsights provides completely free Philidor Defense analysis. Just enter your Chess.com username - no login, no credit card, no sign-up required. Get instant insights from your last 500 games.
Use Kingsights to identify your specific weaknesses in the Philidor Defense. Our analysis shows your win rate, recurring mistakes, and provides actionable tips. Focus on the patterns where you lose most often and practice those specific positions.

Famous Games

Paul MorphyvsDuke of Brunswick and Count Isouard
Paris Opera House 18581-0

The most famous chess game ever played! Though technically not a pure Philidor (more of a Philidor Defense idea), this game at the Paris Opera shows the dangers of Black's passive setup. Morphy brilliantly sacrificed his queen with Qb8+! and delivered checkmate. The game demonstrates why the Philidor's passivity can be punished by aggressive, accurate play.

Bobby FischervsTigran Petrosian
Candidates Match 1971 (Game 7)1-0

世界チャンピオンのフィッシャーが、ペトロシアンの堅実なフィリドールの陣形を攻撃的な中央のプレイで粉砕しました。フィッシャーの精力的な指し回しは、白のスペースの優位と優れたピースの連携を示しました。このハイレベルな対局は、ペトロシアンの伝説的な防御力をもってしても完全に互角に持ち込むことができず、フィリドールの人気が低下した理由を示しています。

Bent LarsenvsRobert Byrne
Interzonal 19760-1

フィリドールを愛用するデンマークのGMラーセンは、忍耐強いプレイで受動的な陣形からでも黒が勝利できることを示しました。バーンは黒の窮屈なポジションを突こうとして手を広げすぎ、ラーセンは効果的にカウンターアタックを仕掛けました。この対局はフィリドールの回復力を証明し、堅実な陣形が攻撃的な相手をいらだたせ、ミスを誘発することを示しています。

Étienne BacrotvsEvgeny Sveshnikov
French Championship 20011/2-1/2

生涯フィリドールを指し続けたスヴェシニコフは、若きフランスのスター、バクロに対して快適な引き分けを保ちました。この対局は、黒が忍耐強いマヌーバリングを通じて徐々に互角に持ち込むという、フィリドールにおける現代的な防御技術を示しました。スヴェシニコフの実戦での成功は、2000年代にこのオープニングへの関心を再び高めました。

Learning Resources

book

The Philidor Files by Christian Bauer

video

フィリドール・ディフェンス - エリック・ローゼンによる完全なレパートリー

course

フィリドール・ディフェンス - Chessable

book

すべてのオープニングに対して1...d6を指す - エリック・ズデとヨルグ・ヒッケル

video

フィリドール・ディフェンスの解説 - GothamChess

article

フィリドール・ディフェンス - Chess.com オープニングガイド

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