Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation (C41)

The Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation is a variation of the Philidor Defense, catalogued as ECO C41. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. Nc3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Philidor Defense generally: A solid but somewhat passive defense. Black supports e5 with d6 for a strong center.

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Philidor Defense: Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation — position after Nc3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. Nc3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3d6
3d4Nd7
4Bc4c6
5Nc3

ECO: C41

Stockfish: +0.70 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Philidor Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation?

The Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. Nc3. It is a variation of the Philidor Defense and is catalogued as ECO C41.

What is the ECO code for the Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation?

The Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation is ECO C41. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Philidor Defense.

Is the Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Bc4 c6 5. Nc3 at +0.70 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Hanham Variation, Schlechter Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4 and e4, Black on e5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.