Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation (C43)

The Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation 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. Qe2, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.

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

• Black material edge
• Contested centre
• Doubled pawns

Related Petrov's Defense lines

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

The Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qe2. It is a variation of the Petrov's Defense and is catalogued as ECO C43.

What is the ECO code for the Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation?

The Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation 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, Steinitz Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qe2 at +0.19 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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, Steinitz Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e5, Black on d4). Development is level at one minor pieces each, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is Black to move. Black has doubled pawns on the d-file.