What are the moves of the Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack?

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4. After these moves it is black to move.

What variations come from the Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack?

Named continuations include Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Closed Variation, Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Marshall Variation, Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Mason-Showalter Variation, Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Mason Variation, Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation. There are 15 named variations reachable from this position in total.

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Chess Openings

Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 · ECO C42

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Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4. It is classified C42 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has black to move. The Russian Game, also known as the Petrov or Petroff Defense, ignores the attack on e5 and counterattacks e4 instead. It has a reputation as one of the most solid defences in chess and a notorious reputation for producing draws at the highest level.

Strategic character

Symmetrical and simplifying. Many lines lead to early exchanges and level endgames, which is exactly the point for a player wanting a reliable answer to 1.e4. Sharper attempts by White exist but require Black to know a limited amount of theory.

Who should play it

Players who want a low-risk, low-theory answer to 1.e4 and are content to play for equality first.

This line is a variation within the Petrov's Defense family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4.

Variations continuing from this position

Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack?: The Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4. It is classified C42 in the ECO system. The Russian Game, also known as the Petrov or Petroff Defense, ignores the attack on e5 and counterattacks e4 instead. It has a reputation as one of the most solid defences in chess and a notorious reputation for producing draws at the highest level.
What are the moves of the Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack?: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack good for beginners?: Players who want a low-risk, low-theory answer to 1.e4 and are content to play for equality first.
What variations come from the Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack?: Named continuations include Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Closed Variation, Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Marshall Variation, Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Mason-Showalter Variation, Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Mason Variation, Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation. There are 15 named variations reachable from this position in total.