for Black · intermediate
Petrov (Russian) Defense
4/4
1.e4e52.Nf3Nf6
Black counterattacks e4 instead of defending e5. The symmetry leads to solid, drawish positions that many players favour for a safe, low-risk response to 1.e4.
Key ideas
- Counterattack e4 to seize the initiative early
- Develop quickly and maintain symmetry to equalise piece activity
- Steer toward balanced positions that limit White's attacking chances
- Castle early and seek comfortable endgames through exchanges
Live databaseLichess 1600–2000 · blitz + rapid
Petrov's Defense35.0M games · White to move
MoveWhite / draw / BlackPlayedGamesScore
6.8%2.4M50%
0.8%277k50%
0.5%171k48%
0.3%103k50%
0.1%45k46%
0.1%38k49%
Famous games in this line34k master games
Carlsen, Magnus (2863) – Caruana, Fabiano (2835)Carlsen, Magnus (2863) – Caruana, Fabiano (2835)Carlsen, M. (2835) – Caruana, F. (2832)Carlsen, M. (2835) – Caruana, F. (2832)Carlsen, M. (2842) – Caruana, F. (2822)Carlsen, M. (2838) – Caruana, F. (2817)Carlsen, M. (2834) – Caruana, F. (2811)Carlsen, M. (2855) – Nepomniachtchi, I. (2782)Heroes of this opening Carlsen, Magnus
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From the archives
Named for the 19th-century Russian master Alexander Petrov, the Petrov spent a century labeled 'drawish' — then Fabiano Caruana brought it to the 2018 World Championship, where it answered both of Magnus Carlsen's 1.e4 games and drew both. All twelve classical games were drawn and the title went to a rapid tiebreak. Symmetry, it turns out, is a weapon too.
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