Annotated Chess Game 8069446

Becker's Defence. Something of a sideline but I quite like this especially because I know it has little coverage in Joe Gallagher's King Gambit book.

Less common than 4.b3 4.d4 or 4.h4 but seems reasonable.

Played to prevent Ne5. The usual 4... g5 of this line is OK because Black has Rh7 against Ne5.

Still aiming at f7, but Na5 can now be an idea for Black.

With four pieces to one on e5 and a check available to the Q on c5 to sidestep any pins along the e-file, I felt I was gaining the upper hand here.

Now Na5 is possible as Qa4 check has been prevented.

This allows black to threaten the smothered mate known as Philidor's Legacy.

White doesn't prevent the mate as he could have with Be3 but at the cost of much material.

The classic Philidor's Legacy finish. Thanks to my opponent!