Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Ng5
4… exd4−0.29
The position is roughly equal. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation (C41), reached after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Ng5, Stockfish 18 recommends 4… exd4 for Black. The position is roughly equal (−0.29).
Top engine moves
- −0.294… exd4 5. Bc4 d5 6. exd5 Bb4+ 7. c3 Qe7+ 8. Be2 dxc3 9. Nxc3
- −0.144… Be7 5. dxe5 dxe5 6. Qxd8+ Bxd8 7. Bd3 Nbd7 8. a4 Be7 9. f3
- +0.154… Nc6 5. d5 Ne7 6. Bd3 Ng6 7. Nf3 Be7 8. c4 O-O 9. h3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation?
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 Nf6 4. Ng5, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 4… exd4 for Black, continuing 5. Bc4 d5 6. exd5 Bb4+ 7. c3 Qe7+ 8. Be2 dxc3 9. Nxc3. The position is roughly equal (−0.29). The next best moves are 4… Be7 (−0.14) and 4… Nc6 (+0.15).
Is the Philidor Defense: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at −0.29: the position is roughly equal. 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: Nimzowitsch, Locock Variation?
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+).