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

The Modern Attack, Trifunovic Variation is a variation of the Petrov's Defense, catalogued as ECO C43. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5 Bd6 6. O-O O-O 7. c4 Bxe5, reaching the position shown below after 14 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. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move after seven moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; 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

• Black material edge
• Contested centre
• Same-side castling
• Open file

Related Petrov's Defense lines

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

The Modern Attack, Trifunovic Variation goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5 Bd6 6. O-O O-O 7. c4 Bxe5. It is a variation of the Petrov's Defense and is catalogued as ECO C43.

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

The Modern Attack, Trifunovic 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, Trifunovic Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5 Bd6 6. O-O O-O 7. c4 Bxe5 at +0.17 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, Trifunovic 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. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and Black is up three points of material. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank; the e-file file is fully open.