Play the Philidor Defence (9h Running Time) 

The most common endgame in this variation arises only after five moves. 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8 Kxd8

White often tries this not very ambitious approach to simplify the position and make a draw. However, things are far from simple. Still, too many pieces are on the board, and in the following games, you will see how Black should fight and play for a win. The most critical line is 6.Bc4 Be6 7.Bxe6 fxe6. GM Bojkov analyzes the arising endgame in great depth.

Below, you will see one of the model games.

Typical Structures, Positional, and Tactical Ideas

The following lecture is probably the most important one. Here, you can find the most common tactical and positional ideas. Also, you will learn how to handle the most common pawn structures. I suggest you pay close attention to the examples.

Here is one of the examples.

Rare Continuations for White

In the following lecture, you will find some direct attempts to refute the Philidors. They are not very dangerous, but Black should know what to do. The most dangerous try for White is 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.g4!? - Shirov Line

GM Bojkov suggests two ways of handling the position.

- 5...Nxg4 Is of course, the most popular and logical move. Black is totally OK, but you must study the theory carefully.

- 5...d5 Is a very interesting sideline tried less than 100 times. I believe that this move gives Black enough possibilities for Black to keep the game balanced and even fight for more

Below, you can see an example.

 Main Line - Setups with ...b7-b6

After the moves: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.0-0 0-0 7.a4 c6 8.Re1 b6

We reach the starting position of the main line with b6 or the so-called "Classical Line." Black's idea is very simple. He is trying to develop the light-squared bishop and gain space on the queenside by means of a7-a6 followed by Bb7 and b6-b5. In the meantime, Black is stopping the a4-a5 advance. This system was always a popular choice for Black, but it has one serious drawback. It weakens the light squares, and White can start a fight for these squares by playing 9.d4-d5. The arising positions are pretty complex, with chances for both sides.

Below, you shall see one of the examples.

Main Line - Setups with ...a7-a5

After the moves: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.0-0 0-0 7.a4 c6 8.Re1 a5 we reach the main position of the so-called "Safer Line"

From a structural perspective, this looks like a safer plan. Black prevents his opponent from gaining too much space on the queenside, keeps the b6 square available for the queen to counter-attack the b2-pawn, and gets ready to trade in the center. Usually, Black continues with exd4, followed by Nc5 and Be6, trying to exchange the light-squared bishop.

Below is an example.

Main Line - Plans with ...Nb6

After the moves: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.0-0 Nb6 we reach the modern tabya of Philidor.

In the last lecture, we will check the plan with an early Nb6. Black is planning to continue with exd4, followed by Nd7-c5 or Be6. This system is quite tricky and gives Black very good chances to outplay his opponent.

Below, you can take a look at one of the examples.