The Philidor's Defense: push the flank, or walk the plank

The Philidor's Defense

      The Philidor's Defense is an ancient opening, that although has fallen out of favor over the years, is still in practice today. Its earliest practitioners, most importantly Paul Morphy, has scored great victories with it, but the comfortable play for White has made it used primarily as a backup to surprise the opponent. Personally, I prefer the play for White, but I am by no means going to call it unplayable for Black. However, Black must play very carefully, as the weaknesses created in the opening can be exploited in a rather swift fashion.