Philidor Defense: Lion Variation

About this variation

Black reaches the Hanham set-up via 3...Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7, avoiding some of White's early tricks. It is the modern way to play the Philidor.

The Lion Variation is 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7. Black reaches the Hanham structure via a different move order, attacking e4 with the knight first so that White has less time for Bc4 tricks. After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6, White can sidestep the Lion with 4. dxe5 Nxe4 5. Qd5, so many players prefer to reach it from the Pirc move order 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3 Nbd7.

Black's main plan is ...Be7, ...O-O, ...c6 and ...a6, followed by ...b5 or ...Re8, with a solid center and queenside space. Black can also play ...h6 and ...g5 in some lines to start a kingside attack, which gives the Lion its aggressive reputation.

White's main options include Bc4 with O-O and a4, keeping a small space advantage, and g4 with long castling in some lines, starting an attack before Black is ready. The sharp line with Bc4 and Ng5 needs care from Black, since f7 can become weak.

Black's ideas include ...exd4 at the right moment to open lines, ...b5 and ...Bb7 for queenside play, and ...Nc5 to put pressure on e4. Black aims for a solid, flexible position where the pieces can be rearranged depending on White's set-up.

The Lion suits Black players who want a solid but ambitious set-up against 1. e4 and are happy in positions with many pieces. It can also be used against 1. d4, since a similar structure appears in the Old Indian Defense.

A practical tip is to learn the move order carefully, since the Lion's main advantage is avoiding the early tricks of the Hanham. Once the opening phase is over, the plans are clear and similar to those of other closed e5 structures.

It is one of the main lines of the Philidor Defense.