Philidor Defense

Black supports the e5 pawn with d6 rather than developing a knight, choosing a solid but passive setup. It is cramped but hard to break down and can be reached via the Pirc move order to dodge sharp lines.

• Hold the e5 pawn solidly and keep a compact structure
• Aim for the ...exd4 and ...Nf6/...Be7 setup with slow regrouping
• Break with ...c6 and ...d5 or ...f5 when well prepared
• Accept a cramped but resilient position and counter later