Thanks to Roger Scowen for informing me that today marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great François-André Danican Philidor, a renowned composer of operas, instrumental and sacred music, but also the leading chess player of the 18th century. He was the first player who had a genuine understanding of many positional concepts.

Of course chess has moved on a lot since then: looking at his games I think he’d struggle to find a place in our C team.

This is Philidor – Wilson (London 1789). Black has just mistakenly moved his rook to e8 (d8 would have been better). I’m sure you can do better than Philidor and find the best continuation here.