3...Nd7: the Hanham Variation is variation 5 of 6 in the Philidor Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO C41). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 …. Black supports e5 with the knight. Against 4.Bc4 the careful move is 4...c6, because f7 is weak. Black then takes on d4 and develops the kingside. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... e5 – Black claims an equal share.
2. Nf3 – White develops and attacks e5.
2... d6 – Black defends e5 with a pawn.
3. d4 – White attacks e5 again.
3... Nd7 – The Hanham Variation. The knight supports e5.
4. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7. This is where Black must be careful.
4... c6 – The safe move. It makes room for the queen and prepares ...b5.
5. O-O – White castles.
5... exd4 – Black gives up the centre to free the pieces.
6. Nxd4 – White takes back with the knight.
6... Ngf6 – Now the knight can come to f6 safely.
7. Nc3 – White develops and guards e4.
7... Be7 – Black gets ready to castle.
8. Nf5 – The knight jumps to f5 and attacks the e7 bishop.
8... Ne5 – Black's knight takes a strong central square and attacks the c4 bishop.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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