Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Bc4 and h6

ECO C41

Move order

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. O-O h6

Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Lion's Claw, with Bc4 and h6 (C41)abcdefgh12345678

Ideas

ECO C covers open games (1. e4 e5) and the French Defense. White stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.

Play this opening against Maia