Petrov's Defence (Russian Game) arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6. ECO codes: C42–C43.

History

Named after Alexander Petrov, a Russian player who popularised it in the mid-19th century. Carl Jaenisch also contributed to its development, leading some to call it "the Russian Game."

Main Lines

• 3.Nxe5 – The Classical Attack, the most popular approach.

• 3.d4 – The Steinitz Attack, increasingly popular in the 21st century.

Strategic Themes & Plans

Petrov's Defence has "a drawish reputation" but offers attacking chances for both sides. Black mirrors White's knight development rather than defending e5, leading to symmetrical structures. World champions who have adopted it include Vasily Smyslov, Tigran Petrosian, Anatoly Karpov, and Vladimir Kramnik, along with Fabiano Caruana in the modern era.