The Lion Variation, Shirov Gambit is a variation of the Philidor Defense, catalogued as ECO C41. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Nc3 Ngf6 5. g4, 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. Development is level at two minor pieces each. 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.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
See all 20 Philidor Defense variations →
The Lion Variation, Shirov Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Nc3 Ngf6 5. g4. It is a variation of the Philidor Defense and is catalogued as ECO C41.
The Lion Variation, Shirov Gambit is ECO C41. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Philidor Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nd7 4. Nc3 Ngf6 5. g4 at +0.25 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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.
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. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.