Opening course · C42 to C43
Learn the Petrov Defence
The Petrov Defence starts with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5. Hit e4 straight back and build a fortress White can’t crack.
- You play Black
- For club players
- Rated about 1200 to 2800
What you will learn
- 1 The idea 3 steps
- 2 Main line 19 steps
- 3 Key variations 4 steps
- 4 Traps 3 steps
- 5 Plans and middlegames 4 steps
- 6 Test yourself 11 steps
Key ideas
- After Nxe5, always …d6 first, then …Nxe4.
- …d5 anchors the e4 knight.
- Against c4, …Nb4 kicks the d3 bishop.
- Never play …dxc4 while the e4 knight needs d5.
Traps you will see
- Nc6+ wins the queen Set by White
- The pinned knight Set by White
- Marshall’s trap Set by Black
Model games
- Garry Kasparov Anatoly Karpov New York rapid · 2002
- Alexey Suetin Mikhail Tal Sochi · 1977
Questions
Is the Petrov Defence good for beginners?
It suits club players from about 1200 to 2800. Beginners can follow the course, but some lines need care.
What are the first moves of the Petrov Defence?
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5.
How long is the course?
6 chapters with 44 steps, each played out on the board with your coach.
Which traps does the course cover?
- Nc6+ wins the queen
- The pinned knight
- Marshall’s trap