C41

Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Sozin Variation

1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. Qe2 c6 8. a4 exd4

The Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Sozin Variation is a chess opening classified under ECO code C41. It is reached after the moves 1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. Qe2 c6 8. a4 exd4.

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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