Petrov's Defense (for Black)

Petrov's Defense, or the Russian Defense (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6), counterattacks the e4 pawn instead of defending the e5 pawn. It is one of the most solid defenses against 1.e4, popular with players who want healthy positions.

The principle

Black keeps the symmetry: if White takes on e5, Black will take back on e4, but only after chasing the white knight away. The structure stays simple and balanced.

The main line

3.Nxe5 d6. The key move: the white knight must retreat before Black regains the pawn. After 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3, the e4 knight is well placed and both sides have developed.

Main variations

• Modern Attack: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O Bd6. White opens the center at once; Black trades knights and develops.
• Nimzowitsch Attack: 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7 7.Be3 O-O 8.Qd2 Nd7 9.O-O-O. White castles long to attack: the game becomes lively.

Typical mistakes

The best-known trap: after White captures on e5, taking back the e4 pawn with the knight at once. The white queen comes to e2 and the black knight, pinned on the e-file, is in trouble. First chase the e5 knight with the d-pawn, then take the pawn.

Coach's advice

The Petrov is an excellent choice if you want a reliable defense without taking risks: remember the move order on move three. Click the colored moves to follow each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 Nb4 9.Be2 O-O 10.Nc3