C41

Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Delayed Bishop Sacrifice

1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nbd7 4. Nf3 e5 5. Bc4 Be7 6. dxe5 dxe5 7. Bxf7+

The Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Delayed Bishop Sacrifice is a chess opening classified under ECO code C41. It is reached after the moves 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 Nbd7 4. Nf3 e5 5. Bc4 Be7 6. dxe5 dxe5 7. Bxf7+.

It belongs to the Philidor Defense family — one of many ways the line can branch. Understanding the parent system’s plans is the fastest way to play this variation well.

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