Philidor Defense Hanham Krause Variation
Philidor Defense
Definition
The Philidor Defense is a solid, classical opening for Black that begins with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6. By immediately supporting the e5-pawn with a second pawn, Black foregoes rapid piece development in favor of a compact, resilient structure.
Typical Move-Order and Position
Most sequences pass through the diagram-like tabiya after 3.d4 Nf6 (or 3…exd4) 4.Nc3:
- Black keeps the center closed with …d6 and usually reinforces it later with …c6 or …e5.
- White enjoys a small lead in space and development, so Black must be precise.
One common branch is the Antoshin (…exd4 …Be7), another is the Lion (…g6), but the most “classical” continuation is the Hanham set-up (…Nbd7 …Be7 …c6).
Strategic Ideas
- Maintain a flexible, nearly symmetrical pawn chain while avoiding early weaknesses.
- Break in the center with …e5–e4 or …d6–d5 only when fully prepared.
- Utilize a later …f7–f5 pawn thrust to create kingside counterplay.
Historical Significance
Named after François-André Danican Philidor (1726–1795), the first great chess theorist to proclaim “Pawns are the soul of chess.” Although Philidor himself championed 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6, the defense went out of vogue in the 19th century as quicker piece development (e.g., the Open Games) proved more dynamic. It re-emerged in the computer era when precise move orders made its solidity attractive in rapid and blitz.
Illustrative Mini-Game
The game fragment shows Black’s standard Hanham structure in action: pawns on d6 & e5, knights on f6 & d7, bishop tucked on e7, and …c6 reinforcing d5.
Interesting Facts
- World Champions José Raúl Capablanca and Magnus Carlsen have both experimented with the Philidor when they needed a solid but unbalanced game.
- The line 3.d4 f5!?—the Philidor Counter-Gambit—is one of the few classical “sound gambits” that still attracts adventurous players.
Hanham Variation (Philidor Defense)
Definition
The Hanham Variation arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7. Black’s idea is to keep pieces behind the sturdy Philidor wall (pawns on d6–e5–c6) before breaking out.
Key Position and Plans
- Typical set-up: …Be7, …O-O, …c6, …Qc7, and …Re8.
- Black often claims “Berlin-like” solidity without trading queens.
- White usually chooses between a centralized set-up with Bf4/Bg5 and a more aggressive scheme with Bc4 (the Krause Variation) or g4 (Steiner Attack).
Strategic Themes
- Compactness vs. Space. Black accepts a cramped position but has no weaknesses.
- Delayed Counterpunch. Breaks such as …d5 or …f5 can radically change the pawn structure.
- Bishop Activity. Black’s light-squared bishop often remains passive; finding it scope (…Be6, …Bf5) is key.
History & Naming
The line is named after the English amateur John Hanham (late 19th century), who explored the idea of keeping both pawns on d6 and e5 while developing the queenside knight to d7. His treatment influenced later analyses by Steinitz and Lasker.
Model Game
Svidler – Carlsen, London Chess Classic 2012 (Blitz) featured:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.a4 c6 8.Re1 Qc7 9.Ba2 h6 … 0–1
Carlsen’s patient maneuvering on the dark squares eventually paid off when he struck with …d5.
Interesting Tidbits
- Engines rate the entire Hanham complex as += (slightly better for White) but proclaim it “nearly unbreakable” in practical play.
- Because Black’s pieces sit so deep, many amateur players find it psychologically difficult to handle the resulting cramped positions.
Krause Variation (Philidor Defense, Hanham)
Definition
The Krause Variation is a branch of the Hanham line reached after:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bc4
Here, White immediately develops the bishop to the dangerous c4–f7 diagonal, aiming to exploit Black’s lagging kingside development.
Why 5.Bc4 is Special
- Targets the sensitive f7-square, discouraging Black from casual castling.
- Prepares short-term tactical ideas such as Ng5 or dxe5 followed by e6.
- Prods Black into making a concession—either blocking with …Be7 (slightly passive) or interposing …c6 early (which weakens d6).
Main Continuations
- 5…Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Re1 c6 8.a4 – the “pure” Krause tabiya. White clamps down on b5 and prepares a central break with dxe5 or d5.
- 5…c6 6.O-O Be7 7.a4 O-O – Black blocks the bishop, but the queenside light squares (b5/d5) become tender.
Origins & Naming
Named after the German master Paul Krause (early 1900s), who employed 5.Bc4 with notable success in Central-European tournaments. His games vs. Schlechter and Spielmann popularized the plan of a4 to restrain …b5.
Illustrative Tactical Idea
After 9.h3, White hints at a central push while Black must reckon with Bxf7+ tactics if the e-file opens.
Practical Tips for Each Side
- White: Keep pieces active, avoid premature pawn breaks, and remember that a timely Ng5 can create tactical fireworks.
- Black: Complete development, use …Qc7/…Re8 to over-defend e5, and watch for counterstrikes with …d5 or …a5 to challenge the a4-pawn.
Anecdotes
- In a 2019 correspondence game, engines claimed a slight plus for Black—until move 35, when a single loosened pawn on d6 prompted a cascade of tactical blows, underscoring how one weakness can topple the entire Hanham fortress.
- Many top grandmasters adopt the Krause line as White in blitz because it creates immediate decisions for Black without requiring deep theory memorization.