The Hanham Variation (which often leads to the popular Lion Philidor) is a seemingly simple, but very tricky way to play the Philidor.
For an introduction to the Philidor Defense, watch this video on the basics: https://youtu.be/Q4bp4qlRqGg
The Hanham Variation is a very logical approach to the position after white plays d4. Instead of exchanging your e5 pawn or counter attacking the e4 pawn with Nf6, black simply defends it with Nd7. Probably the most important feature of the variation is the fact that it’s more often entered from other openings! In the Pirc defense, when black plays the early e5, the Lion Variation (of the Hanham) is what most strong players choose to play. It occurs after d4 d6 as well. It is therefore one of those positions which you have to be familiar with, which makes it a must learn for every player.
The variation I mentioned above is only one branch of the Hanham though. White has a choice to make on move 4. If he plays Nc3, it is almost inevitable that the position will turn into a Lion Philidor. The second option at his disposal is the more aggressive Bc4. With Bc4, white plays a more aggressive setup with quick castling and kingside pressure. In my opinion, it is a much better choice.
Firstly because the engines give black an edge in the Lion. Albeit hard to prove that edge, it should still be taken into account. On the highest levels, black wins most of the games! With Bc4 though, white is better in all variations according to theory and to the engines. The main move for black, c6, leads to a position which is more than +1 for white! One move is good for black against it. Simply exchanging the central pawns! Black can capture exd4, thus avoiding the main issues resulting after Bc4. The positions are equal and symmetrical, but at least black isn’t forced to defend the entire middlegame.
All in all, the Hanham Philidor seems to be an interesting opening. Regardless of what white plays, black is able to play a normal position with equal chances. The Lion Variation should be the center of your study as it’s what most often happens. If you learn it well, Nd7 could be deadly for e4 players!
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