Christian Bauer: The evergreen Philidor

by ChessBase
3/7/2024 – The Philidor Defence is celebrated for its historical significance and varied tactical approaches, including the aggressive early f5 push and the more dubious line involving an early d4 pawn exchange and fianchetto. This video course, by GM Christian Bauer, shows the Philidor Defence's main positions and White's significant deviations, highlighting the nuanced manoeuvres in a semi-closed middlegame that challenge White's comfort.

The evergreen Philidor The evergreen Philidor

This video course deals with the different move-orders leading to the main positions of the Philidor defence, as well as White’s relevant deviations.

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The evergreen Philidor

by Christian Bauer

The Philidor defence has a long history. When it made its first appearance, at a time where theory was (almost) non-existent, tactically gifted players were often successful with an early (and dubious) ...f5 push (3…f5). Another suspicious line (3…exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6) arises when Black takes on d4 and fianchettoes their king-bishop.

The Antoshin (3…exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7 6.Bc4 0-0) on the other hand, is more reliable. Despite its passive look, it can lead to lively games, especially if White castles long. But, the far more popular Hanham variation (3…Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7) remains Black’s most solid set up

This video course deals with the different move-orders leading to the main positions of the Philidor defence, as well as White’s relevant deviations. White will not feel comfortable in the ensuing middlegame, where subtle manoeuvres occur in a semi-closed position. Let Grandmaster Christian Bauer introduce you into the fascinating world of the Philidor Defence.

  • Video running time: 6 hours 59 minutes (English)
  • With interactive training including video feedback
  • Training with ChessBase apps – Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various levels

The evergreen Philidor

This video course deals with the different move-orders leading to the main positions of the Philidor defence, as well as White’s relevant deviations.

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