Petrov's Defence

ECO C42–C43 · Level: Intermediate · Also known as: Rus Savunması, Russian Game, Petroff

Petrov's Defence (the Russian Game) answers 2.Nf3 by counter-attacking e4 with 2...Nf6 instead of defending e5. It is renowned for its solidity.

Main line

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3

It is named after the 19th-century Russian master Alexander Petrov and has been a trusted weapon of champions such as Karpov, Kramnik and Caruana.

A symmetrical, sound structure aiming for equality with few weaknesses.
Black must play ...d6 first and only then take on e4; mixing up the order is a trap.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nxf7 Kxf7

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 Nxe4 4.Qe2 Nf6 5.Nc6+

After 3...Nxe4? (Black should play ...d6 first) 4.Qe2 Nf6?? 5.Nc6+ is a discovered check that wins the queen on d8.

For Black players who want solidity and low risk, especially against stronger opponents.

Its symmetrical structure leaves White few attacking chances, so top-level games often end in draws.

Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening) — The Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening) puts pressure on the knight that defends e5 with 3.Bb5 and has been the most respected 1.e4 e5 opening at the top level for centuries.
Philidor Defence — The Philidor Defence protects e5 solidly with 2...d6.
Scotch Game — The Scotch Game opens the centre immediately with 3.d4, leading to open lines and rapid development.