The Shirov Gambit: Break Down the Philidor Defense

Fans of spicing up a bland opening take note - here is a course for White that will set the Philidor Defense ablaze.

Three-time Lebanese champion FM Amro El Jawich presents a fiery response to this notoriously low-key try by Black.

Ignite the game - play the Shirov Gambit!

The Philidor Defense occurs in this line: 1. e4 d6 2. d4 ♞f6 3. ♘c3 e5 4. ♘f3 ♞bd7. The mainline continues 5.♗c4.

But with 5. g4!? FM El Jawich blows open the position with maximum activity and hands Black a nasty box of tricks to deal with.

Your opponent will have his or her hands full dealing with this line, used at the top level with huge success by GM Alexei Shirov.

The gambit is sound and offers full compensation for the pawn. And - crucially - it gives White real winning chances.

Don't be drawn into long drawn-out games in the Philidor. Throw a bomb in there and blow the house down with the Shirov.