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.

Do you want to learn openings?

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• Catalan Opening
• King's Indian Defense with ...e5

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