Petrov's Defense: Stafford Gambit Accepted (C42)

The Stafford Gambit Accepted is a variation of the Petrov's Defense, catalogued as ECO C42. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 5. d3 Bc5, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Black is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to White's one, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after five moves. Black has doubled pawns on the c-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

• White material edge
• Doubled pawns
• Black development lead

Related Petrov's Defense lines

• Kaufmann Attack
• Millennium Attack
• Nimzowitsch Attack
• Stafford Gambit Accepted
• 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 Stafford Gambit Accepted?

The Stafford Gambit Accepted goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 5. d3 Bc5. It is a variation of the Petrov's Defense and is catalogued as ECO C42.

What is the ECO code for the Stafford Gambit Accepted?

The Stafford Gambit Accepted 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 Stafford Gambit Accepted good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 Nc6 4. Nxc6 dxc6 5. d3 Bc5 at +1.46 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Stafford Gambit Accepted lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Black is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to White's one, and White is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. Black has doubled pawns on the c-file.