Philidor Defense:

The Philidor Defense is an opening played by black where Black responds on move no.2 with d6 to protect his pawn on e5. After the moves - 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3. Today, the Philidor is known as a solid but passive choice for Black, and is seldom seen in top-level play except as an alternative to the heavily analysed openings that can ensue after the normal 2...Nc6.

     

Here is a list of the 4 most popular continuations in the Philidor Defense:

a) Exchange Variation
b) Bird's Gambit
c) Exchange Variation with Qxd4
d) Bishop Variation with Bc4
 

Exchange Variation

Exchange.jpg

Bird's Gambit

Berlin.jpg

Exchange - Qxd4 Variation

Spanish.jpg

Bishop Variation

Famous Games with the Philodor Defense:

1) Exchange Variation - Nguyen Ngoc vs Sonjaya, D.
2) Bird's Gambit - Cetkovic, Mi vs Micic, N.
3) Exchange Variation with Qxd4 - Zhigalko, S. vs Berzinsh, R. 
4) Bishop Variation - Diogo, V. vs Ibarra Jerez, JC.