Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation (C42)

The Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation is a variation of the Petrov's Defense, catalogued as ECO C42. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Be7 7. O-O Nc6 8. Re1 Bg4 9. c3 f5 10. c4 Bh4, reaching the position shown below after 20 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Black is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to White's two. It is White to move after ten moves. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; the e-file file is fully open.

On the Petrov's Defense generally: A symmetrical defense known for its solidity. Black mirrors White's moves in the opening.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Position characteristics

• Contested centre
• Open file
• Black development lead

Related Petrov's Defense lines

• Classical Attack, Krause Variation
• Classical Attack, Marshall Trap
• Classical Attack, Marshall Variation
• Classical Attack, Marshall Variation, Chinese Gambit
• Classical Attack, Mason Variation
• Classical Attack, Mason-Showalter Variation
• Classical Attack, Staunton Variation
• Classical Attack, Tarrasch Variation
• Classical Attack
• Classical Attack, Berger Variation
• Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation
• Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation, Browne Attack

See all 30 Petrov's Defense variations →

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation?

The Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Be7 7. O-O Nc6 8. Re1 Bg4 9. c3 f5 10. c4 Bh4. It is a variation of the Petrov's Defense and is catalogued as ECO C42.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation?

The Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation is ECO C42. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Petrov's Defense.

Is the Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Be7 7. O-O Nc6 8. Re1 Bg4 9. c3 f5 10. c4 Bh4 at -0.49 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for Black, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Black is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to White's two. It is White to move. White has castled while Black’s king is still uncommitted; the e-file file is fully open.