Puzzles from the Philidor Defense
Rating 1055White to move. Mate in one.
Puzzle
White to move. Mate in one.
Your move.
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5 of 5 free puzzles left today
Opening
Philidor Defense
Black defends e5 with the d-pawn. It is solid but a little passive, because the bishop on f8 is shut in.
- 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6
- Chosen by Black
- 4,638 puzzles
- Average rating 1434
The position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6
What Philidor Defense puzzles look like
Counted from 4,638 puzzlesThe fork is the most common tactic in Philidor Defense puzzles, in 15% of them. 28% end in checkmate. The average puzzle rating is 1434.
Most common tactics
Ideas in the Philidor Defense
- A compact set-upBlack plays ...Nf6, ...Be7 and castles, keeping the centre closed.
- White takes spaceWhite plays d4 and usually has more room for the pieces.
- Know Legal’s mateA pinned knight on f3 can still move if it leads to mate. This famous trap comes from Philidor positions.