Philidor Defense: Exchange Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 exd4

ECO C41

The Philidor Defense: Exchange Variation is a chess opening line in the Philidor Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 exd4.

It is catalogued under code C41 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move exd4 is chosen by Black on move 3.

The Philidor Defense: Exchange Variation is a line of the Philidor Defense. The Philidor Defense is a chess opening that begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6. Read the complete Philidor Defense guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

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Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.