Key Philidor Line for White
Main line: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4
Annotated Philidor Moves (from 1.e4 PGN)
Click any move row to load that position on the board. These notes are written in simple language based on the PGN ideas.
1.e4
White starts with 1.e4, taking space in the centre and opening lines for the queen and bishop.
1...e5
Black copies White in the centre and also opens lines for their pieces.
2.Nf3
White attacks the e5-pawn and develops a knight toward the centre, getting ready to castle.
2...d6
Black protects the e5-pawn with the d-pawn. This is very solid but blocks the bishop on c8 and gives White more space.
3.d4
White pushes the d-pawn to take over the centre and open lines. After d4, White can develop pieces quickly with Nc3, Bc4 or Bd3, and castle kingside.