Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. d4/3...Nd7

Hanham Variation 3..Nd7!?

Philidor Defence
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) r1bqkbnr/pppn1ppp/3p4/4p3/3PP3/5N2/PPP2PPP/RNBQKB1R w
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7

The Hanham Variation of the Philidor Defense is a chess opening that arises after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nd7. It is named after the English chess player Benjamin Hanham, who analyzed it in the 19th century. This variation is known for its solid structure and flexible pawn chain, which allows Black to control the center and prepare for a kingside attack. Black aims to maintain central tension, avoid White’s opening traps, and secure a solid (though somewhat passive) position. This more clogs up Black's queenside and slightly weakens f7. However, this is not bad, only slightly inaccurate. The best move is 4.Bc4, when explosions on f7 can occur any moment. The only good move then is 4...exd4, with a solid but passive game for black.

The Hanham Variation of the Philidor Defense is a solid and flexible opening that offers Black good chances for a successful game. It requires careful planning and precise execution, but it can lead to a powerful attack and a decisive advantage. White must play actively and accurately to prevent Black's plans and maintain the balance.

Main Plan for White

• White should be prepared for Black’s solid setup. Develop the knight to c3 and the bishop to c4 to attack the black pawn on e5 and prepare for castling.
• Castle kingside and connect the rooks.
• Expand on the queenside with pawn moves such as c3, a3, and b4, or play for a central break with c4 or d5.
• Aim for a queenside attack with moves such as Qb3, Rb1, and Nd2, or play for a central breakthrough with d5 or e5.
• Use the bishop on g5 to exert pressure on the black kingside and exchange the dark-squared bishops.

White’s Moves

• Common moves include Nc3, d4, and e5 to challenge Black’s central control.

Main Plan for Black

• Develop the knight to f6 and the bishop to e7 to support the central pawn on e5.
• Castle kingside and connect the rooks.
• Expand on the queenside with pawn moves such as c6, a6, and b5, or play for a central break with c5 or f5.
• Aim for a kingside attack with moves such as Ng4, h5, and Kh7, or play for a central breakthrough with d5 or f5.
• Use the bishop on g7 to exert pressure on the long diagonal and support the pawn storm on the kingside.

Black’s Moves

• Nf6: Developing the knight.
• e5: Maintaining central tension.
• Nd7: Developing the other knight.
• Be7: Developing the light-squared bishop.
• c6: Strengthening the pawn chain and preparing for d5.

Main Plan for Black

• Strongpoint Defense of e5: Black focuses on defending the central pawn on e5.
• Piece Development: Black typically develops the knight to d7 and the bishop to e7.
• Pawn Structure: Black often plays c6 to support d5 and maintain a solid pawn structure.
• Ultra-Rare Opening: The Hanham Variation occurs in less than 1 in 1000 games, catching opponents off guard.

Theory Table

	4
Hanham Variation	Bc4	+/=

Bibliography

• Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.

• Kaufman, Larry (2004). The Chess Advantage in Black and White. ISBN 0-8129-3571-3.
• Panov, Vasily (1973). Teoría de Aperturas, Tomo I: Aperturas Abiertas - Aperturas Semiabiertas. ISBN 84-270-0132-0.
• Schiller, Eric (2002). Standard Chess Openings. ISBN 1-58042-048-6.

External links

• Chargemax Entertainment (2022). Chess For Beginners: Anand & Topalov easily get an edge vs Philidor Hanham variation.
• ChessBase (2023). Philidor Defence.
• Chess Openings for Beginners (2009). Philidor Defense: General Information.
• ChessPathways (2019). PHILIDOR DEFENSE.
• ChessPathways (2019). The Philidor Defense.
• Chess Simplified (2019). Philidor Defence.
• HangingPawns (2019). Introduction to the Philidor Defense.
• Hrishi Chavan (2022). Philidor Defence - Hanham Variation.
• Marsh, Sean (ChessAble) (2021). Chess Opening Basics: The Philidor Defense.
• Miodrag Perunovic (2019). Chess For Beginners: Anand & Topalov easily get an edge vs Philidor Hanham variation.
• Nicolas Skettos (2022). How To Beat The Philidor Defense - Hanham Variation - Black Lion - Chess Opening Traps.
• papachess.com (2024). papachess.com, Nimzowitsch's Unbeatable Weapon: Philidor Defense.
• papachess.com (2024). papachess.com, Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Rellstab Variation, move by move.
• Prem, Krishna (2012). Chess openings - Philidor Defence.
• Sean Lei (2020). My Precious "Philidor". Philidor and Lion Defence Chess.
• Solomon, Ruddell (TheChessGiant) (2021). Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Philidor Defense!.
• The Chess Website (2012). Philidor Defense - Chess Openings.