C41

Philidor Defense: Berger Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Be7 6. Be2 O-O 7. O-O c5 8. Nf3 Nc6 9. Bg5 Be6 10. Re1

The Philidor Defense: Berger Variation is a chess opening classified under ECO code C41. It is reached after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Be7 6. Be2 O-O 7. O-O c5 8. Nf3 Nc6 9. Bg5 Be6 10. Re1.

It belongs to the Philidor Defense family — one of many ways the line can branch. Understanding the parent system’s plans is the fastest way to play this variation well.

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