Petrov's Defense (C42–C43)

A symmetrical defense known for its solidity. Black mirrors White's moves in the opening.

Every line in this family begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6, then branches. Each variation below has its own page with the full move order, the position it reaches, and a Stockfish evaluation.

All 30 lines can be practised free in the browser: pick a variation, walk it move by move in Learn mode, then drill it from memory until you can play it without prompting.

All 30 variations of the Petrov's Defense

• Classical Attack C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Berger Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation, Browne Attack C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation, Main Line C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Closed Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Jaenisch Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Krause Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Marshall Trap C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Marshall Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Marshall Variation, Chinese Gambit C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Mason Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Mason-Showalter Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Staunton Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Classical Attack, Tarrasch Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Cochrane Gambit, Bishop Check Line C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nxf7 Kxf7
• Cochrane Gambit, Center Variation C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nxf7 Kxf7
• Cozio Attack C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• French Attack C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Kaufmann Attack C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Millennium Attack C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Nimzowitsch Attack C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• Stafford Gambit Accepted C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6
• Stafford Gambit Accepted C421. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6
• Modern Attack, Bardeleben Variation C431. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4
• Modern Attack, Center Attack C431. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4
• Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation C431. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4
• Modern Attack, Tal Gambit C431. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4
• Modern Attack, Trifunovic Variation C431. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5

Frequently asked questions

What are the main moves of the Petrov's Defense?

The Petrov's Defense begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. From there it branches into 30 named variations, each with its own move order and typical plans.

What is the ECO code for the Petrov's Defense?

The Petrov's Defense is catalogued under ECO codes C42–C43. Individual variations list their own specific code on their page.

How can I practise the Petrov's Defense for free?

Open any variation on Chess Ramp and use Learn mode to walk the line one move at a time, then Drill mode to replay it from memory. Practice runs in your browser with no account required.