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
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6
Petrov's Defense
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5
Petrov's Defense
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6
Petrov's Defense
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3
Petrov's Defense
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4
Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Berger Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Be7 7. O-O Nc6 8. Re1 Bg4 9. c3 f5 10. Nbd2
Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Be7 7. O-O Nc6 8. Re1
Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation, Browne Attack
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. cxd5
Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation, 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
Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Closed Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 Nf6
Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Jaenisch Variation
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. O-O Be7 8. c4