Petrov's Defense
ECO C42 · Petrov's Defense · solid · intermediate
The Petrov's Defense (C42) is a solid chess opening in the Petrov's Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4. Very solid symmetrical defense. Popular at top level. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
About this opening
The Petroff Defense (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6), also called the Russian Defense, is the weapon of solidity: instead of defending e5, Black symmetrically counterattacks e4. Renowned for its reliability, it is one of the safest openings to neutralize 1.e4 and play for a draw with Black. Vladimir Kramnik and Anatoly Karpov made it a cornerstone of their Black repertoire against the world's elite.