Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Rellstab Variation

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.dxe5 Nxe4 5.Qd5

ECO C41

The Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch Variation, Rellstab Variation is a chess opening line in the Philidor Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.dxe5 Nxe4 5.Qd5.

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

The defining move Qd5 is chosen by White on move 5.

Do you want to learn openings?

Start with a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent:

• 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.