Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. Bc4

= Philidor Defence =

3. Bc4
After '''1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4''', White's main plan is to control the center with pawn breaks and piece activity, while Black's main plan is to solidify the pawn structure and develop pieces to challenge White's control of the center. Both sides should be aware of potential tactical ideas based on the position of the pieces and pawns.

White has a slight advantage due to the control of key squares and the potential for pawn breaks. White's main plan is to control the d4 square with the knight on g1 potentially moving to f3, the queen on d1, and the pawn on d2 ready to advance to d4. The bishop on c4 also exerts pressure on the e6 and d5 squares. White can also consider the tactical idea of capturing the pawn on f7 with the bishop.

Black's main plan is to support the pawn on e5 with the pawn on d6, control the d4 square with the pawn on e5, and prepare to develop the knight to f6. Black should also be aware of White's potential threat of Ng5. The black queen on d8 can move to e7 to support the pawn on f7 and use the d8-h4 diagonal. Blacks can also consider playing d5 to challenge Whites' control of the center.

The Philidor Defence Lopez Counter-Gambit

The Philidor Defence Lopez Counter-Gambit is an uncommon move that comes after '''1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 f5?!,''' both sides should be aware of potential moves based on the placement of the pieces and pawns.

White's main goal after 3...f5?! is to threaten the pawn on e5 and get ready to build pieces that will control important squares. 4. d4 is a common move because it threatens to capture the pawn on e5, allows the queen to move to d2, and frees up the d2 square so the knight on b1 can move to c3. White could play Ng5 to attack the pawn on f7 as white. The queen on d1 can attack the pawn on e5 from the direction d1–h5. The bishop on c4 puts pressure on the square e6. White can also shift key squares with the a2-g8 and c1-h6 diagonals.

Black's main goal is to protect the pawn on e5 and build up pieces that will make it harder for White to control the middle. Additionally, Black assists the pawn on e5 and takes control of the d5 square with the knight on g8. It can move to f6 or e7. Black should also be aware that white could pose a threat to Ng5. Black can also check White's center control with the d8-h4 line.

Theory table
'''1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4'''