Where should you put the bishop in this position?

This is a mainline phillodors defense. Where should you put the light squared bishop and why? c4, d3, or e2? in the past i have played both bd3 and bc4 but it seems as though be2 is the most played. why is this?   thanks, elias

I play Bc4 in blitz because black never seems to play the "fork trick" after both sides castle (Nxe4 with d5).  When black does this it leaves a pretty stale even position (when he doesn't I get a nice blitz game ;)

Bd3 clogs your half open d file (lessens influence on d4 and d5).  It's certainly playable but passive so not ideal.

Be2 is the only other square to immediately put it.

There are a number of different setups white can adopt facing the philidor though.  You can put it on g2 with a fianchetto or delay developing this bishop till later and castle queenside.  One of these is what I like to do at the club.

if he plays nxd4 couldnt you play bxf7+ then capture the knight?

White can play to any of the 3 squares waffle recommends. Here, Bd3 is OKAY because black doesnt have the typical pawn on e5, so maybe later after developing, white can play f4-and e5 opening lines. Seems reasonable imo.

Bc4 is most natural, good position for white. Play natural moves and youll be fine.

Be2 is something i dont know anything about.

thanks randommemory!

I have a bit of a coplex about playing Bd3 when something is on d4.

Ah, another "Where should I stick this piece?" thread.  Good gambit.  You are sure to get some good advice.

It should be noted after Bc4 Nxe4? Qh5! d5 (g6 Qd5 is **** for black) Nxd5 O-O O-O nf6 Nxe7+ Qxe7 Qh4, black is hanging on to dear life in view of the fact he is down about 4 tempos (the ones with Re1 and Bg5) in a symmetrical (open) position with his king being very exposed and white also has the bishop pair in a perfect position....