Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Be2 and c6

The Philidor Defense is a solid opening for Black that aims to control the center with pawns and minor pieces. The move e4 by White is a standard opening move that aims to control the center and develop pieces. With this move, White intends to put pressure on Black's position and attack their pawn at e5. This can create tactical opportunities for White, especially if Black is not careful in their responses.

The move e5 by Black is a common response to e4 and aims to control the center with a pawn. It also opens up lines for Black's light-squared bishop and queen, helping with piece development. However, playing e5 also weakens the pawn at d6, which can be a target for White's pieces. Therefore, Black must be careful in their moves to protect their pawn structure while taking advantage of the positional advantages offered by controlling the center.

The move Nf3 by White is a standard opening move that aims to control the center and develop a knight. It also supports the advance of d4, a move that can increase White's control of the center. Additionally, Nf3 creates the possibility of later attacking Black's pawn on e5 with knights or a bishop. By developing quickly, White puts pressure on Black to respond quickly and may gain an early advantage if Black fails to do so.

In the Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Be2 and c6, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3, Black wants to play d6, which is a central pawn move that aims to support the control of the center. The pawn at d6 also serves as a defense for the pawn at e5. Additionally, d6 helps Black develop their dark-squared bishop and can prepare for a future pawn break with moves like f5. By playing d6, Black aims to create a solid pawn structure and limit White's possibilities to exploit potential weaknesses.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6, White wants to play d4, which is a central pawn move that aims to increase White's control of the center. With d4, White intends to open up lines for their pieces and create a pawn chain from d4 to e4, further supporting White's control of the center. Additionally, by playing d4, White aims to restrict Black's pawn at d6 and limit the development of Black's dark-squared bishop. However, playing d4 can also lead to potential pawn weaknesses in White's position, and Black can use this to their advantage in the later stages of the game.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4, Black wants to play Nf6, which is a knight move that attacks White's pawn at d4 and aims to control the center. Additionally, Nf6 helps Black develop their pieces and prepares for potential attacks on White's king-side. Playing Nf6 also puts pressure on White's knight at f3, potentially limiting its movement and controlling its exchanges. However, it's essential for Black to be mindful of their knight's vulnerability to attacks, and they must be prepared to defend it or sacrifice it if necessary.

In the Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Be2 and c6, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6, White wants to play Nc3. This knight move aims to control the center and develop a piece. Additionally, Nc3 puts pressure on Black's knight at f6, forcing it to make a decision between retreating or exchanging. It also prepares for potential attacks on Black's pawn at e5 and supports the pawn chain from d4 to e4. By playing Nc3, White aims to continue their development and maintain control of the center while limiting Black's possibilities for counterplay.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3, Black wants to play Nbd7, which is a knight move that aims to develop a piece and create a flexible pawn structure. Nbd7 prepares for potential attacks on Black's king-side and protects the pawn at c6. It also puts pressure on White's knight at c3, limiting its movement and potential exchanges. Additionally, Nbd7 allows Black's light-squared bishop to develop and can support a potential future pawn push with moves like c5. By playing Nbd7, Black aims to continue their development and maintain a strong defensive position while preparing for potential counterattacks.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7, White wants to play Be2, which is a bishop move that aims to control the center and support castling. Additionally, Be2 develops a piece and prepares for the pawn chain from d4 to e4. By playing Be2, White aims to create a strong defensive position while limiting Black's possibilities for counterplay. It also helps guard the potential weakness at d4. However, Be2 does limit the bishop's range of movement and can create further pawn weaknesses in White's position if not played strategically.

In the Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Be2 and c6, after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Be2, Black wants to play Be7. This bishop move is a standard developing move that aims to control the center and support the pawn at e5. Additionally, Be7 prepares for future castling and allows Black's queen to develop while putting pressure on White's pawn at d4. By playing Be7, Black aims to create a strong defensive position while preparing for potential counterattacks in the later stages of the game.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Be2 Be7, White wants to play O-O, which is a king-side castle move. This move completes White's development and creates a strong base of operations for future attacks or defensive maneuvers. It also places the king in a safer position, away from the center and potential attacks. Additionally, castling allows White's rooks to connect, supporting each other and allowing for potential double-attacks on Black's pawns or pieces. By playing O-O, White aims to create a strong position while limiting Black's potential for counterplay.

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Be2 Be7 6.O-O, Black wants to play c6, which is a central pawn move that prepares for potential pawn breaks with d5. It also supports Black's pawn at d6 and can help limit White's possibilities for counterplay on the queen-side. Additionally, c6 can support the development of Black's dark-squared bishop and prepare for potential exchanges on the queen-side. However, c6 does create a potential pawn weakness at b6, and Black must be prepared to defend this pawn or sacrifice it if necessary. By playing c6, Black aims to create a solid pawn structure while maintaining a strong defensive position.