Best response to the Philidor Defense (C41)

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 · Black to move

Philidor Defense overview →

What is the best response to the Philidor Defense (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4)? Black to move. See the top replies ranked by opening theory and real-game results, starting with Nc6.

The main theoretical reply is Nc6, reaching the Italian Game: Paris Defense.

Ranked replies for Black
Nc6 theory
Be7 theory
f5 theory
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