C41

Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Forcing Line

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. Ng5 O-O 7. Bxf7+ Rxf7 8. Ne6

The Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Forcing Line is a chess opening classified under ECO code C41. It is reached after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. Ng5 O-O 7. Bxf7+ Rxf7 8. Ne6.

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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