Hanham Variation - Philidor Defence
Hanham Variation
Definition
The Hanham Variation is a solid, strategically rich branch of the Philidor Defence that arises after the moves
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7.
It is named after the American master James Moore Hanham (1840-1923), one of the earliest specialists in
building a compact “wall” of pawns and pieces behind the d6–e5 duo. The set-up is sometimes reached
by move-order transpositions from the Pirc Defence or even the King’s Indian Defence.
Typical Move-Order
A representative sequence is:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. Re1 c6 8. a4 b6.
Black’s characteristic piece placement is:
- Knights on f6 and d7
- Bishop on e7 (sometimes g7 after ...g6)
- Pawns on d6, e5, c6 (forming the “Philidor Wall”)
- Queen often on c7 or e7, rook on e8
Strategic Ideas
- For Black
- Maintain the central pawn chain and wait for the right moment to break with …d5 or …f5.
- Expand on the queenside with …b5 or …a5, exploiting the solid centre.
- Provoke White into over-extension; the Hanham player relies on counter-attacks rather than early confrontation.
- For White
- Claim space with c2-c4 or f2-f4 before Black finishes development.
- Place a knight on f5 (often via h4) to irritate Black’s kingside.
- Keep pieces on the board; exchanging favours Black’s cramped but resilient structure.
Historical & Practical Significance
Although theory sees the Hanham as slightly passive for Black, it remains an attractive choice for players who prefer:
- A clear, easy-to-learn piece arrangement.
- Strategic manoeuvring games over sharp theoretical battles.
- The possibility of transposing from other openings, confusing opponents who prepare for mainstream Pirc or King’s Indian lines.
Grandmasters such as Boris Gelfand, Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu and Étienne Bacrot have employed the variation as a surprise weapon, while club players value its “system-like” nature.
Illustrative Game
James M. Hanham – J. W. Baird, New York 1889 (annotated excerpt)
Hanham’s own handling shows Black’s resilience and latent counter-punch once the centre is finally opened.
Modern Appearance
- Svidler – Gelfand, Wijk aan Zee 2001: Gelfand equalised comfortably and later won after an accurate …d6-d5 break.
- Carlsen – Nakamura, London 2012: an off-beat transposition where Nakamura survived the opening and drew an instructive rook ending.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The variation’s inventor, James Hanham, was nicknamed “The Major” because he had served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- In early manuals the line was sometimes called the “Liverpool Defence” after Hanham demonstrated it while stationed in that English port.
- Because the standard set-up can occur from the Pirc (1. e4 d6 2. d4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e5) or the King’s Indian (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 e5 4. Nf3 Nbd7), many databases classify Hanham games under several ECO codes (C41, C42, B07).
- The solid “Philidor Wall” has even inspired computer chess personalities; early versions of Rebel and HIARCS occasionally picked the Hanham to steer positions into quiet waters against tactically superior machines.
Key Takeaways
- The Hanham is a strategic rather than tactical choice; patience is rewarded.
- Understanding typical plans (…d5, …f5, …b5) is more useful than memorising long forcing lines.
- Against an unprepared opponent the variation can quickly equalise—and sometimes outplay—more fashionable openings.