Openings

ECO C42Open game

Petrov's Defense

A counterpunch instead of a defence

Solid
Symmetry

After 2.Nf3 Black does not defend the e5 pawn but attacks e4 instead. Both sides then trade pawns and reach a symmetrical, very sturdy position. White finds it hard to get a big edge, so the Petrov suits those who want an equal game without needless risk. Still, either side can win: one slip in development is enough.

Interactive Opening Board

7…Nc6

♚

Black

♔

White

7…Nc6

Speed:

Moves

(14 plies • 7 moves)

7…Nc6Tabiya

The knight develops and presses on d4. White now chooses between c2-c4, Re1 and Nc3.

1–7moves
#WhiteBlack
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1.e4 The king's pawn takes the centre and opens lines for the queen and the f1 bishop.

1…e5 Black answers in kind and claims the centre at once.

2.Nf3 The knight attacks the e5 pawn and joins the game.

2…Nf6 Black does not defend e5. The f6 knight attacks e4 instead, so each side now threatens the other's pawn. This is where the Petrov begins, and from here the game runs quite differently from 2…Nc6.

3.Nxe5 White takes the pawn, since Black left it unprotected.

3…d6 The d6 pawn kicks the knight. Taking on e4 at once would be a mistake: after Qe2 Black walks into a trap.

4.Nf3 The knight retreats to f3 and watches the centre again.

4…Nxe4 Now the e4 pawn can go. Material is level again, and the knight in the centre gets in White's way.

5.d4 White builds the centre and opens the road for the f1 bishop.

5…d5 The d5 pawn firmly props up the e4 knight. It will not be easy to dislodge.

6.Bd3 The bishop eyes the e4 knight and prepares castling.

6…Be7 The bishop prepares castling and stands on the e-file, where White's rook will soon arrive.

7.O-O White's king goes to safety, and the f1 rook is ready to step to e1.

7…Nc6 The knight develops and presses on d4. White now chooses between c2-c4, Re1 and Nc3.

Defining move

2…Nf6! — a counterattack instead of a defence

The move that sets the Petrov apart from the Scotch, Italian and Spanish

In the other open games Black defends e5 with a knight on c6. Here the knight goes to f6 and hits the e4 pawn. White can take on e5, but Black wins the pawn back and the game turns symmetrical. Black does not sit in defence; he answers a blow with a blow.

Tabiya

The Classical variation

The main position of the Petrov: the d4 and d5 pawns face each other, the bishops stand on d3 and e7, and both kings are near castling or already past it. White wants to dislodge the e4 knight with c2-c4 and Re1. Black wants to keep the knight, finish development and trade it on good terms. The structure recalls the Exchange French: there are almost no weak squares, so accuracy in development decides.

The centre

A symmetrical structure

The e-pawns are gone, and the d4 and d5 pawns face each other in the centre. Both sides have a healthy structure. Whoever trades on c4 or d5 at the wrong moment hands the centre to the opponent.

Key squarese4d5d4

Outposts

e4Black's knight
The knight on e4 stands in the centre and hampers White's development. White wants to dislodge it; Black wants to keep it or trade it on his own terms.
d4White's pawn
The d4 pawn holds the centre and blocks Black's routes. Black presses on it with pieces, so White needs the f3 knight.

Thematic breaks

c4White
The c2-c4 strike
Undermine the d5 pawn that holds up the e4 knight.
What follows: Black must decide whether to take on c4 or hold the centre. Both paths demand accuracy.
Nb4Black
The …Nc6-b4 jump
Attack the d3 bishop and threaten the c2 square.
What follows: The bishop usually retreats to e2, and Black gains time for castling and development.
Bg4Black
The …Bc8-g4 pin
Pin the f3 knight, on which the d4 pawn depends.
What follows: White has to look after the centre, and the c2-c4 plan is delayed.

White’s plan

Dislodge the e4 knight with c2-c4 and Re1.
Guard the d4 pawn and take no hurry: the better development gives White a small lead in time.
Develop, castle and use any slip by Black in development.

Black’s plan

Hold the e4 knight with the d5 pawn and finish development.
Trade the knights and relieve the pressure, to equalise without risk.
Play actively: …Nb4 against the d3 bishop and …Bg4 against the f3 knight.

History

The opening is named after Alexander Petrov, a Russian master of the nineteenth century who analysed it together with Carl Jaenisch. It became especially popular in the middle of that century. Later it was chosen by world champions Tigran Petrosian and Vladimir Kramnik, and more recently by Fabiano Caruana, who showed that the defence has sharper ideas than its calm reputation suggests.

Notable players

Alexander Petrov Tigran Petrosian Vladimir Kramnik

Legends who played it

A
Alexander Petrov
as Black · Named after the player
Rustam Kasimdzhanov
as Black · Signature opening
Vladimir Kramnik
as Black · Signature opening

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