Philidor Defense According to Cheparinov

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Philidor Defense According to Cheparinov 

GM Ivan Cheparinov     April 28, 2025

We are excited to present a brand-new course by GM Ivan Cheparinov – Philidor Defense According to Cheparinov! In this course, Cheparinov builds a complete repertoire for Black based on the move 1...d6, offering solutions not only against 1.e4 but also against 1.d4. True to his style, the repertoire is both solid and ambitious, filled with dynamic and flexible ideas. Whether you are looking for a new main weapon or a strong backup line, this course will upgrade your opening arsenal.

Here is GM Ivan Cheparinov's newest project — this time presenting a complete Philidor Defense repertoire via 1...d6, designed for Black against both 1.e4 and 1.d4!

The starting point is:

1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 with ...e7-e5 coming next.

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The course consists of:

✅ 14 Theoretical Chapters

✅ 14 Interactive Test Positions

✅ Memory Booster

✅ Full Video Version

What's Inside?

The first three chapters deal with White's alternatives to the most popular 3.Nc3:

Chapter 1: Covers the rare moves, including 3.Bc4 and 3.Nd2. Against 3.Nd2, Cheparinov suggests a dynamic approach with 3...e5 4.c3 exd4 5.cxd4 Qe7!.

Chapter 2: Focuses on 3.Bd3 e5 and reactions to 4.c3, 4.d5 (with the idea of c2-c4), and 4.Nf3, where the flexible setup 4...exd4 5.Nxd4 g6 is recommended.

Chapter 3: Explores the Saemisch pawn chain with 3.f3 e5, analyzing both 4.d5 and 4.dxe5.

Main Line – 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e5

The review of the main line begins with White's deviations from 4.Nf3:

Chapter 4: Discusses all early deviations where White commits with the queen to d4 early.

Chapter 5: Covers 4.Nge2, a move aiming for flexibility and kingside expansion, and how Black can react with 4...c6 followed by active queenside play.

Chapter 6: Looks at the early queen exchange after 4.dxe5 dxe5 5.Qxd8+ Kxd8, showing that Black can quickly neutralize any discomfort.

After 4.Nf3 Nbd7 – Facing 5.Bc4 and Alternatives

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The next four chapters deal with alternatives to 5.Bc4:

Chapter 7: Covers all minor options by White.

Chapter 8: Examines 5.h3, preparing a quick kingside advance with g2-g4.

Chapter 9: Looks at 5.Rg1, another method to support g4; Cheparinov suggests 5...c6 6.g4 h6! 7.Be3 Be7, combining defense with dynamic counterplay.

Chapter 10: Focuses on the direct gambit with 5.g4, where Black accepts the challenge and fights for the advantage.

The Classical Setup – 5.Bc4 Be7

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Now arriving at the main battleground:

Chapter 11: A short reminder about tactical tricks involving the f7-square before castling.

Chapter 12: Minor continuations after 6.0-0 0-0, such as 7.Be3 and 7.Bg5.

Chapter 13: Covers all setups after 7.a4 c6, except for 8.Re1.

Chapter 14: Examines the critical line 7.a4 c6 8.Re1, recommending the prophylactic move 8...h6!? with detailed analysis.

Special attention is given to transpositions, many of which involve a timely ...exd4 break, ensuring Black maintains dynamic play throughout the opening.

This repertoire is a perfect choice for players looking for a solid yet flexible solution to 1.e4 and 1.d4, based on classical positional principles reinforced by fresh and dynamic ideas.