Theoria
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Philidor Defense

Paulsen Attack

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  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3d6
  3. 3.d4exd4
  4. 4.Nxd4d5
  5. 5.exd5
344 games53%41%

A rare Philidor Defense sideline in which Black plays ...d5 after the exchange on d4, spending extra time and leaving White with a clear edge.

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About the Paulsen Attack

The Paulsen Attack arises when Black, after 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4, plays 4...d5. This second move of the d-pawn strikes at e4 but costs time, and 5. exd5 leaves White a pawn up for the moment. Black usually recaptures with 5...Qxd5, which exposes the queen to gains of tempo, as in 6. Qe2+ Be7 7. Nb5 Na6 8. N1c3. The line is rarely played. Engines give White a clear advantage, and White scores well in practice.

Popular continuations