The Exchange Variation is the simplest and most popular way for black to play the Philidor, but it still can be a venomous variation for both sides!

For an introduction to the Philidor Defense, watch this video on the basics: [ Ссылка ]

Despite its reputation as being equal, symmetrical and passive, the Exchange Philidor is still a very interesting opening and the reputation is misleading. Not too many people imagine opposite side castling and kingside pawn storms when they think Philidor, but that’s what happens most of the time!

Similarly to what happens in the Sicilian (except that the pawn is on c7 instead of e7), in several key variations of the Exchange Philidor both sides are going to attempt a quick attack, mostly neglecting their own king safety and positional principles.

The positions can, of course, end up being truly symmetrical and boring if the players choose to do so. In some lines you get a three on three structure on both sides of the board with nothing to do for either side. So the conclusion is that the variation is versatile and rich in possibilities. The middlegames can be remarkably different from one another depending on the mood of the players, and you can get a wild attacking masterpiece or a quick boring draw.

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