Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Delmar Variation

Chess is a game of openings, and the Philidor Defense is an excellent way to counter White's opening e4. In this variation, Black responds to e4 with e5 and then plays Nf6 on the second move. White, on the other hand, responds with Nf3, which puts pressure on the e5 pawn and also prepares to develop the pieces. Black then plays d6, which supports the e5 pawn and opens the way for the dark-squared bishop. In sum, this opening provides solid defense and allows Black to counterattack in the center.

When Black plays e5 in response to e4, they control the center and create more space for their pieces. This move also frees the bishop on f8 and the knight on g8, providing more options for development. However, it also creates a weakness on the f7 square that must be defended. In sum, e5 is a classic and powerful response to e4 that sets the stage for dynamic play in the center of the board.

White plays Nf3 after 1. e4 e5 to control the center and prepare for further development. By placing the knight on the third rank, White creates a threat against Black's e5 pawn, which must now be defended. Additionally, the knight's position frees up the g1-square for the king's knight, allowing for coordinated piece development. In sum, Nf3 is a strong response to Black's e5 that puts pressure on the center and lays the groundwork for an aggressive opening plan.

In the Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Delmar Variation, after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3, Black often responds with d6. This move supports the e5 pawn and prepares to fianchetto the dark-squared bishop to g7. Additionally, by playing d6, Black controls the center and restricts White's pawn on d4 from advancing. D6 is also a flexible move that allows Black to decide the best way to continue the game, depending on how White responds. In sum, d6 is a solid and versatile move that allows for strong defense and flexible counterattacks.

In response to 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6, White often plays d4. This move aims to gain control over the center and free White's light-squared bishop. By advancing the pawn to d4, White creates a strong presence in the center that restricts Black's options and opens up the queen's bishop's diagonal for White. However, d4 also creates a weakness on the c4 square that Black can exploit by placing a piece there. In sum, d4 is a bold and aggressive move that can put pressure on Black and create opportunities for White to gain an advantage.

In response to 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4, Black often plays Nd7. This move aims to support the e5 pawn and prepare to develop the dark-squared bishop. Additionally, Nd7 blocks White's pawn on d4 from advancing and emphasizes Black's control over the center. By playing Nd7, Black also prepares to castle kingside, which provides more safety for the king and brings the rook into play. In sum, Nd7 is a strategic move that seeks to create a solid and flexible position for Black, ready for further development.

In the Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Delmar Variation, after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7, White often responds by playing Bc4. This move supports the pawn on d4 and prepares to castle kingside. Additionally, Bc4 places pressure on Black's pawn on f7 and restricts the knight's movements on f6. By advancing the bishop, White also frees up the c1-square for the queen's knight to develop and increases White's control over the center of the board. In sum, Bc4 is an aggressive move that seeks to gain an advantage in the opening and set the stage for further development.

In response to 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4, Black often plays c6. This move prepares to support the d5 pawn push and creates a potential clamp on White's pawn on d4. Additionally, c6 restricts the movement of White's light-squared bishop and prepares the way for Black's queen pawn to move to d5 and frees up Black's queen knight to develop. By playing c6, Black also limits any potential forks by threatening the bishop on the c4-square. In sum, c6 is a flexible move that allows Black to strengthen their position in the center of the board.

In response to 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6, White often plays c3. This move prepares to support the d4 pawn and limits any potential threats from Black's queen pawn to move to d5. Additionally, c3 creates a potential clamp on Black's pawn on d4 and frees up the queen's bishop to move to b3 or a4. By playing c3, White also prepares for further development of the pieces following the opening principles of occupying the center and developing the minor pieces. In sum, c3 is a flexible and strategic move that seeks to increase White's control over the center of the board and prepare for future attacks.