Theoria
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Philidor Defense

Lion Variation, Sozin Variation

C41positionalsolid

  1. 1.e4d6
  2. 2.d4Nf6
  3. 3.Nc3e5
  4. 4.Nf3Nbd7
  5. 5.Bc4Be7
  6. 6.O-OO-O
  7. 7.Qe2c6
  8. 8.a4exd4

No game statistics for this position yet.

A Lion Variation line of the Philidor Defense in which Black answers 7. Qe2 and 8. a4 by releasing the central tension with 8...exd4.

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About the Sozin Variation

This line follows the standard Lion setup, with both sides castled and Black having added ...c6. White plays 7. Qe2 to reinforce e4 and 8. a4 to gain queenside space and discourage ...b5. Black then gives up the e5 strongpoint with 8...exd4, opening the e-file for counterplay against the pawn on e4. White is expected to recapture on d4 and win the pawn back, leaving a more open game than the Lion usually produces.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.