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. That is a large edge for an opening position, so check the engine lines before playing it from the other side.
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+).