Classical (3.Nxe5)
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4
The main line. After 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.O-O O-O, both sides have developed symmetrically. White typically plays c4 to break the symmetry.
For Black· ECO C42–C43· intermediate
Petrov Defense
The 'symmetric' defense. Rock-solid and endorsed at the World Championship level.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6
What is the Petrov Defense?
The Petrov Defense counters 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 with 2...Nf6, ignoring the threat to e5 by counter-attacking e4. The logic: if White takes with 3.Nxe5, Black plays 3...d6 driving the knight back, then 4...Nxe4 equalizing material. The Petrov has a reputation as a drawing weapon, Kramnik, Anand, and Caruana have used it to neutralize 1.e4 at the top level. But it's not just defensive: the symmetry can be broken at any moment with ...d5...Nc5, or ...Bc5, leading to rich positional games.
Main variations
Each variation below comes with a diagram and the main plan. Click "Train this opening" to drill every line with spaced repetition.
Cochrane Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nxf7
White sacrifices a knight for two pawns and Black's exposed king. After 4...Kxf7 5.d4, White plays for the attack. Risky but surprisingly dangerous at club level.
Modern Attack (3.d4)
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3
White avoids the queen trade and plays for an attack. A practical line to avoid the Petrov's drawish main line.
How deep should you study this?
Below 1400
Focus on the Classical main line. Know that after 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3, you recapture with 4...Nxe4, never take the pawn immediately (3...Nxe4?? 4.Qe2 pins and wins).
1400–1800
Study the 5.d4 d5 main line to move 12. The symmetry often breaks with a c4 break from White.
1800+
Learn the Cochrane Gambit defense carefully, at club level it wins games for White. Also master the Italian Attack (3.d4) to handle anti-Petrov players.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Petrov a drawing weapon?
The Petrov has a solid reputation, but it's not automatic-draw. Modern engines show that White can retain a small edge, and Black must play accurately. It's used at the top level precisely because it's reliable, but wins for Black happen regularly at club level.
What's the biggest trap in the Petrov?
3...Nxe4?? (capturing too early) loses to 4.Qe2 Qe7 5.Qxe4 d6 6.d4 dxe5 7.Nc3 — White keeps a clean extra piece. The key point: after 3.Nxe5 the knight on e4 is pinned against Black's queen. Always play 3...d6 first to drive the knight away, then 4...Nxe4.
Should beginners play the Petrov?
It's suitable for intermediate players (1400+). Beginners learn more from open positions (Italian Game, Ruy Lopez) where tactics are more frequent. The Petrov rewards strategic understanding.
How do you handle the Cochrane Gambit?
After 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nxf7 Kxf7 5.d4, centralize your king and return the material if needed. Key idea: ...Kg8-h8 with ...Re8 and ...d5, or ...Ke8-f8 consolidating. At high levels the gambit is dubious, but club-level Cochrane is dangerous if unprepared.
Is the Petrov played at World Championship level?
Yes. Anand, Kramnik, Carlsen, and Caruana have all played the Petrov in World Championship matches. Its reputation as 'the boring defense' is misleading, it's one of Black's most theoretically sound answers to 1.e4.
Related openings
For White
Ruy Lopez
The king of 1.e4 openings. Deep theory, long-term pressure, grandmaster-tested.
For White
Italian Game
The fastest-developing 1.e4 opening. Aim the bishop at f7 and play for the attack.
For Black
Caro-Kann Defense
Solid, resilient, and Carlsen-approved. The structure-first answer to 1.e4.
Ready to train the Petrov Defense?
Every variation above is a drill on ChessAtlas. Spaced repetition schedules each move so you never forget a line again. Free to start — no credit card.