Philidor Defense Nimzowitsch Variation Rellstab Variation
Philidor Defense
Definition
The Philidor Defense is a king-pawn opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6. By supporting the e5-pawn with …d6 instead of …Nc6 or …Nf6, Black adopts a compact, somewhat restrained structure whose pedigree traces back to the 18th-century French master François-André Danican Philidor, famous for the dictum, “Pawns are the soul of chess.”
How It Is Used in Play
The Philidor often appears as a surprise or secondary weapon in tournament practice, particularly when Black wishes to avoid the massive theory of the Ruy López and the Italian Game. Its three main branches are:
- 3…exd4 (the Classical or “Antiquated” line), aiming for rapid liquidation.
- 3…Nf6 (the Nimzowitsch Variation—see below), keeping the central tension and flirting with Pirc-like setups.
- 3…f5 (the Philidor Counter-Gambit), a sharp and double-edged try that Philidor himself recommended.
Strategic Significance
Compared with mainstream 1…e5 openings, the Philidor gives Black a rock-solid but slightly cramped position. Key strategic ideas include:
- Maintaining a resilient pawn chain (d6–e5) that is hard to undermine.
- Timely counterstrikes with …c6 & …d5 or …f5, challenging the white center.
- Rapid piece development—especially the dark-squared bishop, which often emerges via …g6 & …Bg7 (Antoshin Variation) or the e7-square (Nimzowitsch/Rellstab lines).
Historical Notes
Although Philidor analyzed the opening in 1749, it remained overshadowed by the Open Games until the 20th century, when players such as Savielly Tartakower, Viktor Korchnoi, and more recently Étienne Bacrot and Pentala Harikrishna adopted it sporadically. Philidor’s own favorite line was the swashbuckling counter-gambit 3…f5!
Illustrative Mini-Game
A short demonstration of typical Philidor play:
Nimzowitsch Variation (Philidor Defense)
Definition & Move Order
The Nimzowitsch Variation arises after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6. Instead of clarifying the central tension with 3…exd4, Black attacks the e4-pawn and invites White to overextend or transpose into a Pirc-like structure. The variation is named after the hyper-modern pioneer Aron Nimzowitsch, who championed the idea of restraining and blockading the opponent’s center before striking at it.
Typical Continuations
- 4.Nc3 (the main move and entrance to the Rellstab Variation).
- 4.dxe5 (Exchange line) 4…Nxe4 clears the center but gives Black an active knight.
- 4.Bd3 (Steiner Variation) aiming for simple development and kingside safety.
Strategic Themes
- Delaying …exd4 keeps tension; Black can sometimes play …Nbd7, …Be7, and only then choose the right moment to capture on d4 or push …d5.
- The positions often resemble the Pirc Defense but without a fianchetto; Black’s c8-bishop may go to e6, g4, or even b7 after …c6 & …b5.
- White aims for a broad pawn center with e4–d4–c3, sometimes leading to a space advantage but also over-extension risks.
Historical & Practical Significance
The line gained traction after Nimzowitsch’s experiments in the 1920s. In modern chess it remains a respectable sideline employed by solid practitioners (e.g., Vlastimil Babula, Ana Matnadze) to steer opponents away from heavy Ruy López theory. Its theoretical verdict is “sound but slightly passive.”
Rellstab Variation (Philidor-Nimzowitsch)
Definition & Starting Position
The Rellstab Variation—named after the German master Ludwig Rellstab—is the principal continuation of the Philidor-Nimzowitsch and begins with:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3
From here Black’s most common replies are:
- 4…exd4 5.Nxd4 (or 5.Qxd4) leading to open central play.
- 4…Nbd7 keeping maximum tension and often transposing to Hanham-type structures after …Be7, …c6, and …Qc7.
- 4…Be7 a flexible developing move favoured by some modern grandmasters.
Plans & Ideas
- For White: Reinforce the e4-pawn (with Bc4, O-O, Re1), push d5 when appropriate, or prepare a central break with f4 or c3–dxe5.
- For Black: Choose between immediate capture on d4 (simplifying) or a “Hanham setup” (…Nbd7, …Be7, …c6, …Qc7) aiming for …b5 or …d5 counterplay.
- The pawn structure after 4…exd4 5.Nxd4 often yields an Isolated Queen’s Pawn (IQP) for White if cxd4 occurs later, giving dynamic chances to both sides.
Example Sequence (Main Line)
A frequently seen line runs:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 exd4 5. Nxd4 Be7 6. Be2 O-O 7. O-O Re8 8. f4 Bf8 9. Bf3 Nbd7 10. g4 Nc5
White grabs space with f4–g4, but Black prepares …Nc5–e6 to hit the d4-knight and challenge the center.
Illustrative Classic
Spassky – Korchnoi, Candidates 1968 (Game 4) followed the Rellstab path and featured a thematic central break …d5, proving Black’s position can become highly dynamic. Spassky eventually won, but only after Korchnoi missed several counter-chances.
Interesting Tidbits
- Ludwig Rellstab (whose father was a noted music critic) was German champion in 1942 and used this variation to upset stronger opponents in pre-war tournaments.
- Modern engines assess 4.Nc3 as the most challenging move, giving White a slight plus (~+0.35 at depth 40), yet the line remains perfectly playable for Black with accurate development.
- The Hanham move-order trick 4…Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 allows Black to castle safely before deciding on …c6 or …exd4, sidestepping some of White’s sharpest ideas.