Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Center Attack (C43)

The Modern Attack, Center Attack is a variation of the Petrov's Defense, catalogued as ECO C43. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qxd4, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

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.

Related Petrov's Defense lines

• Nimzowitsch Attack
• Stafford Gambit Accepted
• Stafford Gambit Accepted
• Modern Attack, Bardeleben Variation
• Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation
• Modern Attack, Tal Gambit
• Modern Attack, Trifunovic 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 Modern Attack, Center Attack?

The Modern Attack, Center Attack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qxd4. It is a variation of the Petrov's Defense and is catalogued as ECO C43.

What is the ECO code for the Modern Attack, Center Attack?

The Modern Attack, Center Attack is ECO C43. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Petrov's Defense.

Is the Modern Attack, Center Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qxd4 at +0.41 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, 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 Modern Attack, Center Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e5. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is Black to move.