Petroff Defense
Also called the Russian Game.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6
A defense for Black
Counter-attack on move two - solid, symmetrical, nearly unbeatable.
Show me the opening
0 / 4 moves
The idea
Instead of defending e5, Black immediately hits back at e4. After 3.Nxe5 the position is symmetrical, and White struggles to gain any real advantage. Beloved by elite players who want to draw with Black.
The plan
Regain material equality quickly after the knight exchange, complete development, and steer into a solid endgame or equal middlegame where White has no winning chances.
What to play next
After the forced knight exchanges, reach a symmetrical pawn structure with d4 and ...d5 facing off. Develop the bishop to d3, castle, and bring the knight to c6. Black develops the bishop to e7 and aims to castle short for a solid, equal game.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.O-O Be7
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 14 moves
One tip for beginners
The key move is 3...d6 to attack White's knight before recapturing with 4...Nxe4. If you recapture immediately with 2...Nxe4, you lose material.
What to watch out for
Never play 2...Nxe4 immediately - after 3.Nxe5 you're already worse. Always play 2...Nf6 and follow with 3...d6 first.
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