Kings Pawn Opening: Tayler Inverted Hanham Variation
King's Pawn Opening: Tayler, Inverted Hanham Variation
Definition
The King's Pawn Opening: Tayler, Inverted Hanham Variation is the name given to the quiet setup that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. d3 d6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nbd2 (or 4. g3) when White develops his pieces in a structure that mirrors—hence “inverted”—the Hanham Variation of the Philidor Defence. Because the initial move is the king’s pawn advance (1.e4), it is classified under the broad umbrella “King’s Pawn Opening,” and the early, non-committal 2.d3 is historically associated with the Tayler (or “Taylor”) system.
Main Move-Order
Typical entry sequence:
- e4 e5
- d3 d6 (Black often mirrors White’s modest pawn)
- Nf3 Nf6
- Nbd2 Be7 (or …Nc6)
- g3 O-O
- Bg2 Nc6
At this point the position is strategically identical to a Philidor Hanham—only White is a tempo ahead. White’s extra move affords a freer choice of plans (kingside pawn storm, central break with d4 or f4, or simple piece play).
Strategic Ideas
- Flexible Centre: By delaying d4, White keeps the central tension under control and decides later whether to strike with d4, f4, or even c3–d4.
- Kingside Expansion: Thanks to the fianchettoed bishop on g2, typical plans include h3, g4, Nh4 and f4, echoing a King’s Indian Attack.
- Piece Play Before Pawns: The early Nbd2 and quiet pawn structure allow harmonious development and avoidance of heavy theory.
- Tempo Edge: Since the Hanham set-up is considered slightly passive for Black, playing it with an extra move is logically safe for White, though not especially ambitious.
How It Is Used in Practice
The variation is a favourite weapon of pragmatic or surprise-seeking players who wish to:
- Sidestep reams of Open-Game theory (e.g., the Ruy Lopez, Scotch, or Italian).
- Steer the battle into strategic, manoeuvring waters reminiscent of a reversed King’s Indian Defence.
- Maintain a solid position with virtually no immediate tactical risk.
Historical & Theoretical Significance
The original Hanham Variation (Philidor Defence) was analysed by the English master James Moore Hanham (1840-1923). By “inverting” it, White basically says: “Why should I accept a cramped Philidor as Black when I can play the same structure a move faster?” The line is considered theoretically harmless for Black, but its very obscurity can yield practical dividends in club and rapid play.
The name Tayler (often spelled “Taylor”) comes from nineteenth-century English amateur Rev. J. W. Tayler, who popularised 2.d3 as a way to elude open-file theory. Modern databases list the line under ECO code C20.
Illustrative Game
Although rarely seen in elite events, the set-up has been tried successfully in online blitz and rapid tournaments. The following miniature shows how White can exploit the extra tempo to whip up a kingside attack:
(Online Blitz, 2023)
White’s storm with g4-g5 and a timely central break produced a swift victory.
Typical Plans for Both Sides
- White
- Break with d4 or f4 when development is complete.
- Launch a pawn-storm on the kingside (h3, g4, Nh4, f4).
- Provoke weaknesses by slowly manoeuvring (Re1, c3, Qc2, Nf1-e3).
- Black
- Counter in the centre with …d5 or …f5 before White is fully ready.
- Adopt a “hippopotamus” posture (…g6, …Bg7, …Nbd7, …c6) aiming for solidity.
- Exchange pieces to neutralise White’s extra tempo and kingside space.
Assessment
Objectively, engines evaluate the starting position after 4.Nbd2 as roughly +0.30—pleasant but nothing earth-shattering; however, the line scores significantly above average in amateur databases because opponents are unfamiliar with the strategic subtleties.
Fun Facts
- The structure can also arise from the King’s Indian Attack move-order 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 e6 4.O-O Be7 5.d3 O-O 6.Nbd2, again reversing a Philidor.
- Because almost no “book moves” are forced, bullet specialists often play 2.d3 to save precious seconds on the clock.
- Grandmaster Baadur Jobava has toyed with the inverted Hanham in online arenas, proving it can be creative even at the 2700 level.