The Petrov Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... 3.d4 arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 and falls under ECO code C43. Rather than the standard 3. Nxe5, White opts to crack open the center at once, giving Black a choice of captures. Taking with 3...exd4!? is possible but unconventional, since 4. e5! gains tempo on the knight. This typically results in both center pawns being exchanged: the main sequence runs 4...Ne4 5. Qxd4 (the Centre Attack) d5 6. exd6 e.p. Nxd6 7. Nc3, with sidelines including Steinitz's 5. Qe2 and the Tal Gambit 5. Bb4+. The main line is 3...Nxe4, leading to a symmetrical pawn trade. White can recapture immediately with 4. Nxe5 or 4. exd4, but the standard move order is 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5, since Black having already played ...d5 means ...d6 is unavailable to chase the knight. The Symmetrical Variation, 3...d5, hands the initiative on captures back to White. Having volunteered ...d5, Black allows White to play 4. Nxe5 with possible transpositions after 4...Nxe4 5. Bd3, while 4...dxe4? is dubious because 5. Bc4 threatens Nxf7, and after 5...Be6 6. Bxe6 fxe6 Black is stuck with isolated doubled e-pawns. With 6.1 million Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a specialized opening choice.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Petrov Defense. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Oleg Korneev (41 games), Sergei Tiviakov (27 games), Evgeny Sveshnikov (24 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Artur Jussupow (52 games), Boris Gelfand (28 games), Eduardas Rozentalis (28 games).
Statistics
Based on 6.1 million Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 52.2%
- Black wins: 43.4%
- Draws: 4.3%
White holds a moderate edge statistically, though Black has good practical chances.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Petrov Defence: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3... 3.d4 is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents from any opening or custom position. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.
