Chess opening · ECO C41
Philidor Defense: Exchange Variation
The Philidor Defense: Exchange Variation starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4. It ranks #84 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... d6Black advances the d-pawn to d6.
- 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 3... exd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the e-pawn.
At the end of the line Black is a pawn up. White can take back on d4 at once.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Nxd4 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | Nxd4 84% | Qxd4 16% | – |
| 1200–1399 | Nxd4 74% | Qxd4 21% | Bc4 3% |
| 1400–1599 | Nxd4 76% | Qxd4 18% | Bc4 4% |
| 1600–1799 | Nxd4 75% | Qxd4 16% | Bc4 6% |
| 1800–1999 | Nxd4 74% | Qxd4 16% | Bc4 7% |
| 2000 and up | Nxd4 77% | Qxd4 16% | c3 4% |
Related openings
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