Philidor defence - Help me learn
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Example 1 looks like a very boring game for black, it's not like he has any breaks because of his doubled pawns. I think I would prefer insterting Nbd7 first, but that's just me.
In fact it's not! Black has various ideas, and the unsuspecting opponent might find my position super-bad, when in fact it might be really interesting!
The variation is fine, but white shouldn't take on e5. In my opinion, I can't really understand why anyone would want to play the black side of the lines after 4. Nf3. Just doesn't seem like much fun.
I want to play it, and I like to have various picks to play in my games. I usually play french or scicillian, and want variety. Now come with some ideas for both sides, please! 
Nov 11, 2015
0
#6
Yeah I don't much like playing White in the example 1. I'm sure White is a bit better but really hard to do anything concrete and Black usually has a lot of experience. I tend to play Shirov's gambit with 5.g4, I don't think that really gives White an advantage if they know it really well but it does annoy some of the Philidor players that like to whip out their first ten or so moves on autopilot.
Play the French instead! More fun than this line.
And yes the g4 gambit is scary-looking
Are you talking about this move? What is the idea behind it? Looks really strange to me.
Nov 11, 2015
0
#9
No it's with Nf3/Nbd7 rather than the exchange on e5. Check Shirov's games
Ok. Thanks. Do you know any typical ideas for white to crack the philidor though? (except g4)
What do other people play against Philidor? Come on now! 
but then I have to buy it! do you know some of the lines given in the book?
Even though this was a bullet game, and started with 1. d4, it showed my idea of Qa5 and Qh5.
What should you do in this line?
I have encountered it a few times:
Then Bd3 is forced right? Then we do what? I agree, it looks good to me aswell.
Nov 12, 2015
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#16
I noticed you are a premium member. GM Melikset Khachiyan seems to be a big fan of the Philidor and made a couple of video lessons on the opening. It might be worth your while checking them out.
http://www.chess.com/video/player/evaluation-and-planning-part-8
http://www.chess.com/video/player/positional-tips-learning-from-my-own-play---part-7
http://www.chess.com/video/player/my-repertoire-playing-the-philidor
Yes, thank you! However, I have already seen those videos, and would like even more info about the opening. (Btw, these videos was the inspiration of me playing this opening).
Nov 12, 2015
0
#18
skotheim2 wrote:
Yes, thank you! However, I have already seen those videos, and would like even more info about the opening. (Btw, these videos was the inspiration of me playing this opening).
All the best on your journey skotheim2! 
I will check in on this thread again to see some more of your victories! 
Maybe g6?
Ok, so I'm trying to learn a few ideas of the philidor, and have for example this variation in mind:
I also know about some tricks with Qa5 and moving the queen to the other side of the board.
Please come with variations and sidelines that have important or not so important ideas that I should learn / know.