Philidor Defense: Lion Variation

An entry in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO C41), reached after 8 half-moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7.

Black rook — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

Black bishop — Use ← → arrows or click moves to step through.

Continue from this position

2 replies continue into sub-variations from this position. Click any to drill deeper.

5.Bc4 4 lines
5.g4 1 line
- C41 Shirov Gambit

About this opening

Philidor Defense: Lion Variation is an opening in the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings, classified under code C41. ECO group C (C00–C99) covers open games (1.e4 e5) and the French Defence, including the Ruy Lopez, Italian, Scotch and King's Gambit. This particular variation is reached after 8 half-moves from the starting position, with the move sequence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7.

It belongs to the Philidor Defense family. Within that family this is a sub-variation (the Lion Variation line).

The opening sequence in prose form: 1.e4 e5, 2.Nf3 d6, 3.d4 Nf6, 4.Nc3 Nbd7. From this position 2 named continuations are recorded in the encyclopaedia, each leading to a distinct theoretical line.