Philidor pitfalls

by Oliver Reeh
5/1/2026 – The Philidor is a most respectable opening, but Black has to be prepared for a few early attacks, for example after 5...h6?? (diagram position) - enjoy my little selection!
YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
FRITZ is more than just a chess engine – it’s a training revolution! Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
Oliver Reeh has been working for ChessBase for many years as a translator and presenter of the internet show TV ChessBase, and he also looks after the tactics column in ChessBase Magazine, for which he has also been responsible as editor-in-chief since 2019. The International Master has contributed to the CB "MasterClass" series and is the author of the DVDs "Strike like the World Champions" and "Master Class Tactics - Train your combination skills!" Volumes 1 & 2. Oliver Reeh lives in Hamburg.
Discussion and Feedback Submit your feedback to the editors

See also

Forced

3/27/2026 – Black threatens checkmate, White delivers checkmate – can you calculate the entire variation in your head?
More...
 8

See also

Victory loves preparation

3/20/2026 – In the diagram position, Black initiated the hunt for the white king ... with a bishop move! I'm very curious to see your suggestions!
More...
 4

Video

MiddleGame 08594EC Springing pawns

A pawn move can change the character of the whole position. Jussupow-Anand (Linares 1991) is all about such powerful pawn moves.

Discuss

Rules for reader comments

 
 

Not registered yet? Register

qiqiangzhu qiqiangzhu 5/4/2026 06:21
super!
Davidx1 Davidx1 5/1/2026 03:02
After 1e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 it's true that you may have tactical problems with 4c3, for example, but they are also difficult problems for your opponent and the game is balanced...
1