1.e4 — the open games
Petroff Defence (Russian Game)
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6ECO C42–C43
Instead of defending e5, Black counter-attacks e4 at once. Symmetrical and famously solid, the Petroff is a favourite of players who want a rock-steady, drawish answer to 1.e4 — and it has held up at the very top for decades.
Key ideas
- 2…Nf6 hits e4 immediately rather than defending e5, keeping the position symmetrical.
- After 3.Nxe5 Black doesn't recapture straight away — 3…d6 first chases the knight, then …Nxe4 restores material.
- The resulting positions are balanced and low-risk; Black aims for easy equality and clean development.
Who it suits
Solid players who want a reliable, low-risk defence to 1.e4 and don't mind a symmetrical, quieter game.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Petroff Defence (Russian Game) move by move against the board until it's second nature.
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