Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Steiner Variation

The Philidor Defense begins with 1.e4 e5, when White moves their king's pawn two spaces forward. This opening move aims to control the center of the board by attacking the d5 square. By moving e4, White prepares to develop their knight to f3 and attack Black's pawn on e5. This move also opens lines for the White bishop on c1, which can be developed to the squares c4 or b5 to put pressure on Black's pawns. In sum, the move e4 sets the stage for White's aggressive opening strategy.

When Black plays e5 in response to White's 1.e4, they also aim to control the center squares of the board. This move counterattacks White's pawn, and establishes a strong pawn structure in the center of the board. Additionally, Black's pawn on e5 puts pressure on White's knight on f3, restraining its mobility and limiting White's ability to develop other pieces. In sum, Black's e5 is an assertive move that aims to fight for the initiative from the very start of the game and prepare for the development of Black's pieces.

White's move of 2.Nf3 follows the principle of rapid development of a minor piece. By moving the knight to the f3 square, White puts pressure on Black's pawn on e5, hoping to create opportunities for future attacks. Moreover, the knight on f3 is well positioned to control the central squares of the board and support the pawn on d4. This move also prepares for White's other minor pieces to be developed towards the center of the board, which can lead to a powerful attack against Black.

In the Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Steiner Variation, Black's move of 2...d6 aims to fortify their e5 pawn and control the center. This move is a common reaction to White's knight on f3, which puts pressure on Black's e5 pawn. By moving d6, Black also frees up the queen's bishop for future development. In some cases, Black can also use their pawn on d6 to support a knight on e7 and prepare for a kingside attack. In sum, the move d6 is a solid and flexible response that allows Black to maintain control of the center and prepare for future developments.

White's move of 3.d4 in response to 2...d6 aims to control more central squares in the board and break open the position. This move attacks Black's e5 pawn and aims to establish a strong pawn center. By breaking open the position, White's pieces are now more active and can create more space for the minor pieces. Moreover, White's d4 move gains tempo by attacking Black's knight on f6, forcing it to move and possibly giving White an opportunity to gain positional advantage. In sum, the move d4 is a powerful and aggressive move that creates opportunities for White to gain positional advantage.

Black's move of 3...Nd7 in response to 3.d4 aims to protect the e5 pawn and block White's advance of the d-pawn. This move also prepares for the development of Black's kingside bishop, which can be placed on e7 or f6 based on the needs of the position. Additionally, the knight on d7 also provides support to Black's pawn on c5, which can be used to put pressure on White's center. In sum, the move Nd7 is a solid defensive move that prepares for Black's future development and puts pressure on White's position.

In the Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Steiner Variation, White's move of 4.Bc4 aims to put pressure on Black's e5 pawn and prepare for a kingside attack. By developing the bishop to c4, White puts pressure on Black's knight on d7, forcing it to move and possibly weakening Black's position. This move also creates the possibility of a discovered check by moving the bishop off the diagonal that controls the queenside. In some cases, White's bishop on c4 can be used to trade light-squared bishops and remove defenders of Black's king. In sum, the move Bc4 is an aggressive move that aims to seize the initiative and put pressure on Black's position.

Black's move of 4...c6 in response to 4.Bc4 aims to prepare for the development of the queen's bishop to b6 or c5. This move creates a retreat square for Black's light-squared bishop and possibly reinforces Black's d5 pawn. Moreover, this move also stops White from occupying the d5 square with their own knight, which can be problematic for Black's position. In some lines, Black's c6 can also create opportunities for a queenside attack. In sum, the move c6 is a solid defensive move that prepares for Black's future development and prevents White from gaining too much space in the center of the board.

White's move of 5.O-O in response to 4...c6 is a natural move that aims to complete castling and prepare for a kingside attack. By castling queenside, White's king is safer and more protected by the rooks. This move also unites the rooks on the back rank, which can be used to control open files and put pressure on Black's position. Moreover, castling kingside also creates space for White's major pieces and potentially opens lines for an attack on Black's king. In sum, the move O-O is a solid and flexible move that puts White in a better position and prepares for future developments.

In the Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Steiner Variation, Black's move of 5...Be7 is a solid move that prepares for the development of the knight on f6 and supports the pawn on e5. This move also avoids any potential pins from White's bishop on c4 and prepares for the development of the king's bishop to b6 or c5. Additionally, the bishop on e7 can provide support to the d6 pawn and possibly provoke White to trade their bishop on c4, which removes a potential attacker on Black's position. In sum, the move Be7 is a flexible move that prepares for Black's future development and creates opportunities to place pressure on White's position.

White's move of 6.dxe5 in response to 5...Be7 is a tactical move that aims to open up more lines of attack and create potential weaknesses in Black's position. White captures the pawn on e5 with their pawn, which leads to a pawn exchange and doubles Black's f-pawns. This move also creates a half-open file for the rook on d1 and prepares the way for White's queen to get into the game through the d1 square. In some cases, this move can also create opportunities for a kingside pawn storm or attack on Black's king. In sum, the move dxe5 is a concrete move that aims to create more opportunities for White's pieces and potentially exploit weaknesses in Black's position.