3...Nxe4 straight away
After 4.Qe2 Black has to play 4...Qe7. 4...Nf6?? loses the queen to 5.Nc6+. Play 3...d6 first.
Opening guide · Black, 1.e4 e5
How to play the Petrov Defense
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6
The Petrov answers 2.Nf3 with a counterattack on e4 instead of defending e5. It is one of the most solid replies to 1.e4, with a well-known trap in the move order.
- Lines to play
- 5
- Trap
- 1
- Quiz positions
- 6
Learn the Petrov Defense move by move
You play Black. Each move is explained before you play it, with an arrow on the board; then you play the line from memory. When the course has more than one good move, every one of them counts.
Key ideas
Counterattack, don’t defend
- 2...Nf6 hits e4. If White takes on e5, Black takes on e4, but only after ...d6 first.
...d6 before ...Nxe4
- 3...d6 kicks the knight back. Taking on e4 straight away runs into Qe2 and a discovered check.
Symmetry with active pieces
- The structures are often symmetrical. Black develops quickly and aims for an equal, solid position.
Meet the Cochrane calmly
- If White sacrifices on f7, Black takes, tucks the king on g7 and is a piece up.
The main lines
Classical: 5.d4 d5
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Bf5
Black keeps the knight on e4 and develops the bishop to f5.
Modern: 5.Nc3
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3 Be7
White trades knights; Black recaptures nothing and develops.
Steinitz Attack: 3.d4
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Bd6 6.O-O O-O
White opens the centre; Black takes e4 and develops.
Three Knights: 3.Nc3 Bb4
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bc4 Bxc3 5.dxc3 d6 6.O-O h6
Black pins the knight and gives the bishop for it when useful.
Cochrane Gambit: 4.Nxf7
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nxf7 Kxf7 5.d4 g6 6.Nc3 Kg7
A knight sacrifice; Black accepts and shelters the king.
A trap to know
Short tactical shots that come out of these moves. More in the chess traps collection.
The Petrov queen trap
Black takes on e4 too early, then retreats the knight and loses the queen to a discovered check.
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
- 6.
Step through the line with the arrows.
0 / 12
Find the move
6 positions from the main lines, each with its idea. Your first try counts.
Position 1 of 6
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3
The ideaCounterattack e4.
Find the move for Black.
Common mistakes
Copying White for too long
Symmetry is fine until White gains a tempo with a check or a pin. Watch for Qe2 and Re1 on the open e-file.
Fearing the Cochrane
4.Nxf7 gives a piece for two pawns and an exposed king. Take it and develop; ...g6 and ...Kg7 make the king safe.
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn the Petrov Defense?
Play it, one move at a time. The trainer on this page explains each Black move before you play it, then asks you to play the line from memory. Read the main lines and traps, test yourself in the quiz, then play it in your games. The Petroff Locksmith teaches every line, with spaced review so the moves stay with you.
Is the Petrov Defense good for beginners?
Yes, as long as you learn the move order: 3.Nxe5 d6 first, then 4.Nf3 Nxe4. The resulting positions are solid and the plans are simple.
Is the Petrov drawish?
It is solid, and symmetrical lines can be equal. Against weaker opponents Black still has plenty of play, especially after White’s sidelines.
Petrov or Petroff?
Both spellings name the same opening, 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6, also called the Russian Game.
Learn every line of the Petrov Defense
The Petroff Locksmith teaches it as a repertoire: 60 lines, a note on every move read aloud, and spaced review so the moves stay with you. The first line is free.
A free account also reviews your games and shows where you left the lines. Sign up