Petroff Defense
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6
Also known as:Russian Defense
Play Through the Opening
Use the arrow keys or the controls to step through each move.
Moves
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
- 6.
Move 12 of 12
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Bd6 (Petroff main line, symmetric solid)
Core Ideas
Petroff is a symmetric solid defense: Black mirrors White's attack on the e5 knight. Reputation as a "drawing weapon" due to tendency toward symmetric solid positions. Used by Kramnik and Carlsen at championship level to defuse Ruy Lopez or Italian pressure.
Plan for White
Accept symmetry temporarily, then find small deviations to maintain a small edge. Often play c4 to pressure Black d5 pawn plus Nc3 to challenge the knight on e4, or positional maneuvers with piece rerouting.
Plan for Black
Solid development plus quick castling. After opening, Black is often equal because Petroff is resilient to direct attack. Long-term: seek piece trades to simplify to a drawing endgame.
Grandmaster Tier Context
T3 Competitive Local through T5 Master. Petroff requires precision so unsuitable for beginners. Grandmaster coaches recommend Petroff as a stable defense for T4 plus players ready for long games.