Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation is a solid and flexible opening for Black. In this analysis, we will examine the key moves and variations to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of this opening. By looking move by move, we can gain a deeper insight into the strategies behind this popular choice for Black.
50%
50%
winrate
0%
This line (9 moves) is played in approximately 1 out of every 1000 games
Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation is a defensive opening for black, characterized by the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. Ng5. Black aims to control the center and establish a strong pawn structure, while delaying the development of the knight on d7.
This opening has been a popular choice for players at all levels due to its solid position and the potential to counterattack. However, it requires a lot of patience and careful planning, as one wrong move can quickly lead to a disadvantage.
One of the main strengths of Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation is its flexibility, as Black can choose from a variety of plans depending on White's response. Additionally, the pawn structure allows for a strong defense, making it difficult for White to create any significant threats.
On the other hand, one of the weaknesses of this opening is that it can be challenging to find active squares for Black's pieces, which can lead to a lack of counterplay. Furthermore, White may have several options to disrupt Black's position, such as exchanging the knight on d7 or pushing the f-pawn.
In sum, Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation requires a deep understanding of the positional aspects of the game, making it a challenging but rewarding choice for players who prefer a dynamic and flexible opening.
e4
-0.15
In the starting position of this opening, White has the plan of playing e4 to control the center and gain space. However, Black's reply with d6 prevents White from immediately pushing e4, as it would allow Black to easily control the center with d5. Thus, White develops the knight to f3, with the idea of supporting the e4 advance with further pieces if possible. The move Nd7 by Black appears peculiar, but it prepares to fianchetto the king's bishop if necessary. The move Bc4 is a standard developing move, pinning the knight on f6 and preparing to castle kingside. Finally, White plays Ng5, aiming to provoke weaknesses in Black's pawn structure or gain control of f7 to create tactical threats.
e5
+0.72
Black plays e5 in response to e4 to contest control over the central squares and gain space. This move also opens lines for the queen and bishop while allowing the development of the knight to f6. By playing e5, Black aims to establish a pawn presence in the center and prevent White from achieving a dominant position. Additionally, this move can also create attacking options against White's central pawns later in the game.
Nf3
+0.1
After the opening moves of e4 and e5, White plays Nf3 in order to develop a piece and support the advance of their e-pawn towards the center of the board. This move also prepares to castle kingside, which will bring the king to safety and connect the rooks. Additionally, Nf3 puts pressure on Black's e5 pawn, making it more difficult for Black to hold onto their central pawn. By playing Nf3, White has established a strong central presence and set up a solid foundation for developing their other pieces.
d6
+0.82
In the Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation, Black plays d6 after 2. Nf3 to support the e5 pawn and protect it from being attacked by White's knight. This move also prepares for the knight to move to d7 and later support a possible pawn push to f5. Furthermore, d6 prevents the bishop on c8 from being blocked in by its own pawn on d7. By playing d6, Black aims to establish a solid pawn structure and create options for counterattacking White's central position in the future.
d4
+0.23
After the initial moves of e4, e5 and Nf3, White plays d4 to establish a strong pawn center and seize control of the central squares. This move also aims to open up the position and create more space for the development of White's pieces, specifically the light-squared bishop. Furthermore, d4 puts pressure on Black's central pawns and impedes the mobility of Black's knight which has been placed on d7. By playing d4, White has gained more space and increased their control over the board, setting up a strong foundation for future attacks.
Nd7
+1.11
After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4, Black plays Nd7 to prepare for a potential pawn push to f5, which will pressure White's center and open up attacking lines towards White's king. This move also supports the e5 pawn and keeps the knight flexible in case it needs to be repositioned to a more active square in the future. Additionally, by playing Nd7, Black frees up the c8 bishop, which may be fianchettoed to the long diagonal to increase its influence over the board. Lastly, this move also prevents White from attacking the knight on f6 with a potential e5 push.
Bc4
+0.32
In the Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation, White plays Bc4 after 3. d4 Nd7 to develop a piece and increase control over the central squares. This move also pins Black's knight on d7, which prevents it from advancing to b6 to attack White's pawn chain on c4 and d4. Additionally, Bc4 prepares to castle kingside, bringing the king to safety and connecting the rooks. Lastly, this move also sets up a battery with the queen on d1, which may be used to pressure Black's position in the center or on the queenside. By playing Bc4, White has established greater control over the game and opened up options for future attacks.
c6
+1.23
After the opening moves of e4, e5, Nf3, d6, Nd7 and Bc4, Black plays c6 to prevent White's knight from jumping to d5 and attacking Black's central pawn on e7. This move also creates a strong central pawn duo on d6 and e5, which increases Black's control over the center. Additionally, c6 prepares for the bishop on c8 to be developed to b7, increasing its influence over the board. Lastly, this move also makes it more difficult for White to penetrate Black's position with moves such as e5 or Ng5 later in the game. By playing c6, Black consolidates their position and prepares for counterattacking opportunities in the future.
Ng5
+0.34
After the opening moves of e4, e5, Nf3, d6, Nd7, Bc4 and c6, White plays Ng5 to target Black's f7 pawn, which is a common weakness in many openings. This move also puts pressure on Black's knight on d7, as it is pinned and cannot capture on g5 without losing a piece. Additionally, Ng5 poses potential threats to Black's king if the f7 pawn is weakened or lost. Moreover, it disrupts Black's pawn structure and makes it more difficult for them to develop their pieces comfortably. By playing Ng5, White has established an early initiative and created possibilities for a quick attack against Black's position.
Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation starts with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. Ng5.
Black usually continues with 5… Nh6, attacking White’s knight and defending the pawn on f7.
If White exchanges knights on d7, Black recaptures with the queen, keeping the pawn structure intact and freeing the light-squared bishop.
Black's next moves can include developing the dark-squared bishop to d6, castling kingside, or expanding on the queenside with b5 and a6.
In this opening, it's essential for Black to maintain a solid pawn structure and look for potential counterattacks against White's position.
Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation can be countered by disrupting Black's solid pawn structure and creating weaknesses in the position.
White can play aggressively by advancing the f-pawn, putting pressure on Black's e5-pawn and creating a strong central position.
With White's knight on g5, Black may also face potential threats, and the dark-squared bishop can be exchanged to weaken Black's control over the center.
White can also focus on developing their pieces quickly, seizing control of the center and potentially attacking on the kingside.
It's essential to play actively and not let Black establish a strong defense, ensuring control over the center and disrupting Black's position.
The pawn structure in Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation is solid and flexible.
The e5 and d6 pawns form a central chain, controlling the center and blocking White's pieces when necessary.
Black's pawn on c6 supports the d5 square and can provide protection for a knight on d7.
The pawn structure can also facilitate queenside expansion with b5 and a6, creating potential counterplay against White's position.
It's crucial to maintain the pawn structure and avoid creating weaknesses or allowing White to undermine it.
Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation is a dynamic and flexible opening that offers a range of potential plans for Black.
Although it can be challenging to play, the solid pawn structure and potential counterattacks make it an attractive choice.
White has several ways to disrupt Black's position, making it necessary to play cautiously and anticipate potential threats.
In this opening, Black's position relies heavily on the pawn structure, which must be maintained to avoid weaknesses.
By analyzing move by move, we can understand the key principles behind this opening and gain insight into the strategies employed by players of all levels.
In sum, Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation is a popular choice for those seeking a solid and flexible opening that can lead to dynamic and rewarding gameplay.
With its strengths and weaknesses, this opening requires careful planning and precise execution, making it a challenging but exciting choice for those ready to take on the chessboard.
Philidor Defense: Hanham, Kmoch Variation in brief
Eco code : C41
Flexibility
solid pawn structure
potential counterattacks
strong defense
Difficulty finding active squares for black's pieces
white can disrupt black's position
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