3...Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7: the Lion set-up is variation 3 of 6 in the Philidor Defence course, a beginner opening course for Black (ECO C41). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 …. Black keeps the pawn on e5 and plays ...Nbd7, ...Be7, short castling and ...c6. Black's position is a little cramped but very solid. Later Black frees the game with ...exd4 and ...d5. 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... Nf6 – Black develops and attacks e4. It keeps the pawn on e5 for now.
4. Nc3 – White defends e4 and develops.
4... Nbd7 – The Lion set-up. The knight supports e5 a second time.
5. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7.
5... Be7 – The main move. Black gets ready to castle.
6. O-O – White castles.
6... O-O – Black castles too. Now f7 is guarded by the rook as well.
7. Re1 – The rook supports the e4 pawn.
7... c6 – Black makes room for the queen and prepares ...b5 or ...d5.
8. a4 – White stops ...b5 and keeps the bishop on c4.
8... exd4 – Black releases the tension to free the pieces.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM