The Lion Defence (the Lion's Cave) arises after 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nbd7 followed by ...e5 (ECO B07). It is a solid, flexible system - a sort of reinforced Philidor with the knight on d7.
Black builds the firm ...d6/...e5 formation with knights on f6 and d7, ready for undermining breaks or a regrouping when the moment comes. The structure resembles both the Philidor and the Pirc; the idea is a stable position with counterplay against White's centre.
The «Lion» is a reliable weapon against 1.e4 that is popular with club players: the same comprehensible set-up works against many of White's formations.
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