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

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4. After these moves it is black to move.

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

Named continuations include Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Symmetrical Variation, Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Center Variation, Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Murrey Variation, Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Center Attack, Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation. There are 8 named variations reachable from this position in total.

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Chess Openings

Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 · ECO C43

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Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4. It is classified C43 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.

This position can also be reached by another move order, including 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 exd4.

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.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.d4. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack?: The Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4. It is classified C43 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: Modern Attack?: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4. After these moves it is black to move.
Is the Petrov's Defense: Modern 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: Modern Attack?: Named continuations include Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Symmetrical Variation, Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Center Variation, Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Murrey Variation, Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Center Attack, Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation. There are 8 named variations reachable from this position in total.