Opening Overview
Petrov's Defense
48 linesAbout This Opening
Petrov's Defense is a solid opening that emphasizes structure, flexibility, and reliable development.
These structures usually reward accurate development, good piece coordination, and patience before committing to pawn breaks.
The practical edge often comes from knowing the main pawn structures and where each side wants counterplay, rather than memorizing long forcing lines.
Key ideas
- Typical theme: sound structure and flexible plans.
- Most plans revolve around piece activity and pawn breaks at the right moment.
- Best for players who want reliable positions and clear structure.
- Learn the standard middlegame plans, not just the first moves.
Choose a variation
Petrov's Defense: Cozio Attack
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Qe2
Petrov's Defense: Damiano Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nxe4
Petrov's Defense: Damiano Variation, Kholmov Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nxe4 4. Qe2 Qe7
Petrov's Defense: French Attack
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d3
Petrov's Defense: Italian Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Bc4
Petrov's Defense: Karklins-Martinovsky Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nd3
Petrov's Defense: Kaufmann Attack
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. c4
Petrov's Defense: Millennium Attack
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Bd3
Petrov's Defense: Moody Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Qe2 Nc6 4. d4
Petrov's Defense: Nimzowitsch Attack
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Nc3
Petrov's Defense: Paulsen Attack
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nc4
Petrov's Defense: Stafford Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6