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

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Hanham Variation 3..Nd7!?

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Philidor Defence
a b c d e f g h
8a8 black rookb8 black kingc8 black bishopd8 black queene8 black kingf8 black bishopg8 black knighth8 black rook8
7a7 black pawnb7 black pawnc7 black pawnd7 black knighte7 black kingf7 black pawng7 black pawnh7 black pawn7
6a6 black kingb6 black kingc6 black kingd6 black pawne6 black kingf6 black kingg6 black kingh6 black king6
5a5 black kingb5 black kingc5 black kingd5 black kinge5 black pawnf5 black kingg5 black kingh5 black king5
4a4 black kingb4 black kingc4 black kingd4 white pawne4 white pawnf4 black kingg4 black kingh4 black king4
3a3 black kingb3 black kingc3 black kingd3 black kinge3 black kingf3 white knightg3 black kingh3 black king3
2a2 white pawnb2 white pawnc2 white pawnd2 black kinge2 black kingf2 white pawng2 white pawnh2 white pawn2
1a1 white rookb1 white knightc1 white bishopd1 white queene1 white kingf1 white bishopg1 black kingh1 white rook1
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 moves then are 4...exd4 or 4...c6, 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
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  • 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
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  • Common moves include Nc3, d4, and e5 to challenge Black’s central control.
Main Plan for Black
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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

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4
Hanham Variation Bc4 +/=

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Wikipedia has related information at Philidor Defence

Bibliography

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