Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Marshall Trap (C42)

The Classical Attack, Marshall Trap 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 Bd6 7. O-O O-O 8. c4 Bg4 9. cxd5 f5 10. Re1 Bxh2+, reaching the position shown below after 20 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and d5. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after ten moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; White has doubled pawns on the d-file; White’s d-file pawn is isolated; 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

• Same-side castling
• Doubled pawns
• Isolated pawn
• Open file

Related Petrov's Defense lines

• Classical Attack, Chigorin Variation, Main Line
• Classical Attack, Closed Variation
• Classical Attack, Jaenisch Variation
• Classical Attack, Krause Variation
• Classical Attack, Marshall Variation
• Classical Attack, Marshall Variation, Chinese Gambit
• Classical Attack, Maróczy Variation
• Classical Attack, Mason 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, Marshall Trap?

The Classical Attack, Marshall Trap goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Bd6 7. O-O O-O 8. c4 Bg4 9. cxd5 f5 10. Re1 Bxh2+. It is a variation of the Petrov's Defense and is catalogued as ECO C42.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Attack, Marshall Trap?

The Classical Attack, Marshall Trap 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, Marshall Trap 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 Bd6 7. O-O O-O 8. c4 Bg4 9. cxd5 f5 10. Re1 Bxh2+ at -0.70 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for Black. 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, Marshall Trap lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and d5. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; White has doubled pawns on the d-file; White’s d-file pawn is isolated; the e-file file is fully open.