Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Bishop Sacrifice
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. Bxf7+
6… Kxf7−1.06
Black is clearly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Bishop Sacrifice (C41), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. Bxf7+, Stockfish 18 recommends 6… Kxf7 for Black. Black is clearly better (−1.06).
Top engine moves
- −1.066… Kxf7 7. Ng5+ Kg8 8. Ne6 Qe8 9. Nxc7 Qg6 10. O-O Rb8 11. a4
- +3.136… Kf8 7. Ng5 Nb8 8. Bb3 exd4 9. Qxd4 Ke8 10. Qc4 Rf8 11. Ne6
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Bishop Sacrifice?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bc4 Be7 6. Bxf7+, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 6… Kxf7 for Black, continuing 7. Ng5+ Kg8 8. Ne6 Qe8 9. Nxc7 Qg6 10. O-O Rb8 11. a4. Black is clearly better (−1.06). The next best moves are 6… Kf8 (+3.13).
Is the Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Bishop Sacrifice a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −1.06: black is clearly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Bishop Sacrifice?
C41. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; C is the volume for open games and the French Defense.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).