Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation

Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation is considered a solid defensive option for Black against the e4 opening. The move 2...d6 aims to control the center with a pawn rather than a knight. The idea behind 3...Nf6 is to attack the e4 pawn and present a threat to the knight on f3. However, 4.Ng5?! is considered an inaccurate move as it offers Black the opportunity to exchange the knight with 4...d5, which gains central space and challenges White's pawn structure. White must then be careful to avoid allowing Black's pawn to advance further with moves like h3 or g3. While this opening requires a good understanding of pawn structures, it can be a strong choice for Black due to its flexibility and ability to throw off White's plans.

Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation, move by move

e4

-0.15

The Philidor Defense is a reliable option for black to counter the aggressive e4 opening by white. In this particular variation, after the standard moves of e4 and d6, white chooses to develop the knight to f3 which attacks the pawn on e5. Black defends the pawn with the knight on f6, and white responds by deploying the knight to g5, attacking the f7 square and exerting pressure on black's position. This move can be tricky to deal with, but if handled correctly, black can create counterplay on the queenside and aim to equalize the game.

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e5

+0.72

The move e5 by black is a direct response to white's e4, aiming to take control of the center and gain space on the board. By occupying the square on e5, black's pawn also supports the development of the knight on f6. This move puts pressure on white's pawn on e4 and may offer the possibility of a counterattack on the king's side. However, it also weakens the d5 square and may leave black vulnerable to attacks on the kingside.

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Nf3

+0.1

The move Nf3 by white is a common response to black's e5, as it supports white's central pawn and also prepares for the development of the kingside pieces. The knight also puts pressure on the pawn on e5, which black usually defends with the knight on f6. By deploying the knight to f3, white is also able to castle kingside and bring the rooks into play. However, it may leave the d4 square undefended and also invite black's d5 push, challenging white's center control.

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d6

+0.82

In the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation, black responds to white's Nf3 with d6, solidifying the central pawns and preparing to develop the bishop on f5. The move also indirectly defends the e5 pawn. Black's d6 pawn can also later be used to support knight moves to c6 and e6. This move creates a flexible position for black and can help to control the center. However, it also blocks the diagonal for the black bishop on c8 and may become a target for a pawn break by white.

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d4

+0.23

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6, white can choose to play d4, aiming to gain more central space and establish a pawn chain with the pawn on e4. The move can also open up lines for white's pieces, including the queen and light-squared bishop. By playing d4, white possibly eliminates a backward pawn on the e5 square. However, it also leaves the d4 pawn undefended and can be a target for black's counterattack with moves such as c5 or Nd7-c5.

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Nf6

+0.71

After the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4, the knight on f6 becomes a natural developing move for black, challenging white's pawn on d4 and avoiding the loss of the pawn on e5. The move Nf6 also puts pressure on white's position, as the knight can potentially attack the pawn on g4 or be used for pieces exchanges. By playing this move, black also supports the c5 pawn push to further challenge white's center control. However, it does temporarily block the development of black's light-squared bishop on c8.

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Ng5

-0.44

In the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation, after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6, white can choose to play Ng5, attacking black's pawn on f7 and increasing the pressure on the queenside. The move also prepares for the development of the bishop on f4 or eventually exchange the knight on f6. By playing Ng5, white sets up potential threats that can force black to weaken their position, such as playing h3 to force black's knight to retreat to h6 and then playing g4 to attack the position. However, this move also creates weaknesses in white's position, such as the vulnerability of the knight on g5 to attacks from black's pawn on h6.

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How to play the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation

Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation can be played effectively with a few guidelines. Firstly, control the center with a pawn on move 2 rather than a knight. Secondly, aim to attack the e4 pawn and present a threat to the knight on f3 with 3...Nf6. However, beware of inaccuracies like 4.Ng5?! which offer you the chance to exchange knights with 4...d5, a move that gains central space and challenges White's pawn structure. In the ensuing pawn structures, it's essential to aim for the optimal pawn and piece placement, specifically for Black to have a solid defense and avoid overdependence on the pawn structure. With a good understanding of the ideas behind the moves, you can play this opening with confidence and flexibility.

How to counter the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation

Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation can be countered by disrupting Black's plans and exposing inaccuracies. Firstly, consider playing 4. dxe5, which captures the pawn and forces Black to move the d6 pawn backward, nullifying the idea of attacking the e4 pawn with the knight. Secondly, creating a pawn chain with pawns on c3 and d4 can provide a solid foundation and restrict Black's moves. Thirdly, avoid the trap of playing 4.Nxe5, which seems tempting but ultimately weakens the pawn structure and loses time. Fourthly, be wary of exchanging knights on f3 if it gives Black a superior center control. Finally, avoid pushing the h3/g3 pawn too early, as it may allow Black's pawn to advance further and give unnecessary weaknesses.

Pawn structure in the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation

The pawn structure in Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation changes dynamically depending on players' moves. After Black's 2...d6, the pawn structure is a classical pawn center with no weaknesses. The move 3...Nf6 aims to attack the e4 pawn and force White to make a decision to defend it or exchange. 4. Nc3 creates a pawn chain with pawns on d4 and c3, which delimits Black's central pawn from advancing and restricts the knight's mobility. Challenges arise after White's inaccurate move 4.Ng5, which offers Black an opportunity to exchange knights with 4...d5, gaining central space and a pawn that challenges White's pawn structure. The resulting structure usually sees Black's pawn on d5 against White's pawns on d4 and c3, offering Black the chance to divide and conquer the queenside.

The papachess advice

Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation is a solid and flexible option for Black, which offers chances for strong counterplay, especially against White's inaccuracies. The opening requires a good understanding of pawn structures and piece placement and is considered moderately difficult. While it might not be the most aggressive or sharpest option, Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation can challenge White's pawn structure from an early stage and throw off their plans. Countering the opening requires disrupting Black's ideas with precise moves, creating solid pawn chains, and exposing inaccuracies. In sum, this opening is a great choice for those who appreciate a strategic game and possess good positional and tactical sense.