Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Forcing Line

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bc4 Be7 6.Ng5 O-O 7.Bxf7+ Rxf7 8.Ne6 · ECO C41 · Black to move

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What Philidor Defense: Lion Variation, Forcing Line puts on the board

Black has a 2-point material edge; black is to move.

White has central pawns on d4 and e4; Black has central pawns on e5.

White can still castle either side; Black has castled kingside.

The f-file is half-open for Black, giving that side a natural pressure lane.

Reference links and alternate move orders