Petrov Defense | Ideas, Principles and Common Variations

The Petrov (also known as the Russian game or Russian defense) is the strongest alternative to Nc6 black has at his disposal!
The opening was named after Alexandar Petrov, a Russian master from the 19th century. Its other name, the Russian, came about because it was popular in the Soviet Union and popularized by Soviet players.
The Petrov Defense is the second most common way to meet 1. e4, Nf3 by white. Instead of simply defending his e5 pawn with Nc6, by far the most common continuation, in the Petrov black counter attacks instead, and creates a threat of his own. By playing 2...Nf6, black is putting pressure on the e4 pawn.
The opening has a reputation (and rightfully so) for being equal, drawish, and not too exciting. The reason for that is that the pawn structure which results out of it is most often completely symmetrical, which gives neither side too many attacking chances. The second reason is that the queens tend to get traded off early on.
Despite that, many strong players have employed it successfully. A special mention should be given to Fabiano Caruana, one of the main exponents of the opening among the world’s elite grandmasters today. He uses it over and over again and achieves great results. By great, I mostly mean draws (which is considered a success with black at 2800 level).
The Petrov is, therefore, a peaceful alternative to theory rich Ruy Lopez or the Italian, and with it you can avoid tons of opening theory and reduce your preparation significantly. The fact that it results in symmetrical or queenless middlegames doesn’t mean that you automatically play for a draw though (especially on lower levels), and it can still be a fighting defense for black!
After the opening moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6,
white has three options:
3. Nc3 Three Knights Game - this move is interesting, but, depending on what black does, it can transpose to the four knights and be equal, which makes it a less attractive move for white.
3. d4 Modern Attack (Steinitz) - an interesting sideline, great for putting the Petrov player on the back foot and getting him out of his comfort zone.
3. Nxe5 - the main move. After this move, and the forced ...d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4, white can now choose between three completely different continuation. These three moves are the most popular variations of the Petrov:
5. d4 Classical
5. Nc3 Nimzowitsch Attack - the most aggressive way for white to play. Almost always going for opposite side castling and a quick attack!
5. Qe2 Cozio (Lasker Attack) - might seem aggressive, but it’s quite equal in fact due to the early queen trade.
If you would like to support the channel and my quest to chess improvement, you can donate here: www.paypal.me/HangingPawns
Any support is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
The next tournament abroad I plan to play is at the start of July in Slovenia. The trip, accommodation, entry fee and food come out at roughly 860$. So far I am at 127.7/860$ (14.8%).
Thank you for the support so far!
Ken A., Debbie and Brian T., Philip D., Alexandre M., Pascal S., Daniel N.
#chess

[@johkonut]

Just wanted to make a comment that your video thumbnail designs are beautiful.

[@drakehopkins5931]

True!!

[@gretzkey66]

Yes they are

[@larrybirb726]

Hello Stjepan, when I first discovered your channel I was surprised because your background story is similar to mine: I started playing chess at 20 years old, relatively late. I'm now 22, and I improved a Little (500 to 1500). Your videos nave become part of my studying routine! Thank you very much, from Italy! Ciao!

[@zaaxi7424]

That's a big improvement well done!

[@sanioksasha3338]

500? Does such rating exist? Lol. I really thought, that the lowest was about 800

[@logfal]

@@sanioksasha3338 In theory, the Elo rating system allows arbitrarily low or high ratings. By definition, if you play against someone with a rating that is 400 below yours, you are ten times more likely to win than them. So a really bad player could even have a negative rating in theory. In practice, the spectrum of talent doesn't extend that far. Also, chess bodies usually set a hard limit, e.g. the lowest rating is 100 for the USCF.

[@GaetanoPirulli]

@@zaaxi7424 i started two months ago and I'm 34

[@silence4682]

What's your elo now? :)

[@achintya4094]

Almost every time I want to play a new opening, you post a video on it just in time.

[@HangingPawns]

Hehe:) Glad to hear that.

[@lizardi1037]

I just want to learn the petrov so I can play the stafford while also being comfortable if they decline

[@Anzoumen]

Same for me

[@kheireddineattala1281]

respectable...... I wanna learn petrov because I always don't feel comfy against it when I am white so might annoy people as well

[@travisloewen6191]

That's the exact reason I'm here, haha.

[@JohnTerhorstPhD]

Big same

[@carltonace1606]

I'm glad I found this! You've created an incredible series of lessons that are so useful to learning players like me!

[@PalanivelTS]

Excellent presentation! Crisp, precise and a great way to quickly introduce underlying concepts to the opening. Thank you for your videos and please keep up the good work. Best wishes and warm regards from Scotland!

[@ElPikacupacabra]

Excellent analysis. Thank you for the video!

[@jimlang7461]

Great video! I was looking for another opening to add to my repertoire as black and settled on the Petrov because as you say, I know from experience that it is annoying to an e4 player. Excellent intro.

[@boomjonggol5757]

I've just tried this thing out online in a few games, and I like it! Thanks so much for this series.

[@HangingPawns]

Glad to hear that!

[@System.Error.]

Ian Nepomniachtchi won his game with the Petrov in the 2022 Candidates... Using in a certain situation, just as he did when the opponent quite needed a win, it could backfire to the opponent (which is white) and give you (black) great chances

[@jtanaka2]

Just in time for my tournament this Saturday, thank you!!

[@HangingPawns]

No problem. Good luck!

[@julianmwagnerYT]

man your videos are really amazing I cant believe exactly what we need

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks for the great content bro!

[@ChessWithCoco]

Great series. Just one thing: the game to which Stjepan refers at 18:24 was actually slightly different: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.Nc3 and here 5...Bf5?? was played, and after 6.Qe2 Anand resigned. The game is Zapata, A - Anand, W, Biel 1988.

[@akoslaczko3728]

Excellent introduction to the Petrov! I recently switched to 1.e4 from 1.Nf3, and now I need to grind all the theory associated - thank you for helping in that! Looking forward seeing the whole series, although I don't think I'll drop my trusty Caro...;)

[@user-fs4rj5zz6q]

hello Stjepan, i learn a lot from yout videos. i want to become a master, i study at least one hour every day, and you are my best teacher. i write everything and study it again. thank you very much

[@edmondzeldin7036]

Thank you for your excellent videos!!

[@beri4138]

2:32 when you said "black can also play the better defense" and shifted the cursor towards the f7 pawn I thought you were going to play the Damiano defense and I almost died laughing.

[@eetuhentunen5157]

HURRRAY THE PETROV HAS FINALLY ARRIVED.

[@HangingPawns]

:D

[@mattsoper4120]

Just finished the Sicilian series! Wow what a well presented thorough series! Thank you so much. I particularly like your explanation of bad moves and why they are bad by going through the moves showing the consequences. This will help to play against these bad moves if given the chance. Keep up the good work, and best of luck on your GM gourney.

[@sergiohuaman6084]

a great video with clear and precise explanation. I just wish I knew of your channel before

[@arntchristianteigen2400]

Thanks Stjepan Very sympathic presentation, indeed!

[@pierre-albericdurand9500]

Thank you for the video!

[@HangingPawns]

No problem!

[@imanshafieloo755]

Great analysis! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@narayandejesusreyes5843]

Excelente, muchas gracias.

[@lionsskyblue442]

yes, thank you sir, all the love from sunny london!

[@HangingPawns]

No problem! Cheers from croatia!

[@roywhaley9756]

These hanging pawn videos are brilliant. Any chance of doing one for the Vienna game and Dutch defence, as those two are my favourite openings

[@andrewrath7552]

You should consider looking at the Cochrane gambit as well. Keep up the great work!

[@HangingPawns]

I will. Thanks.

[@jakadajakada6939]

And he did.Thanks hanging pawns

[@HappyGuyEpicure]

Best Chess Teacher i know! I am impressed, Stejepan!

[@elauadeinsf]

this is the best introduction, thanks.

[@dimifisher7942]

Love this, thanx

[@joebortiatynski3192]

Great content

[@adityakumarmishra6952]

Thank you so much

[@HangingPawns]

No problem. Yes I do:)

[@knyshov]

I found Petrov quite interesting from recent world championship. Since I can often outplay white tactically, I chose to study this more in-depth. :)

[@elihleradebe5821]

thanks for your videos you eliminate a bit of work when studying theory.... all the love from South Africa☺

[@HangingPawns]

Happy to help, Elihle!

[@hahafunnyhaha4216]

I love the peaks in the feed where you go sonic speed.

[@zwoderakke]

finally! Ive been waiting for the petrov for such a long time :-) Also, can you maybe put a link to the book you mentioned in the info box, please? Keep it up

[@HangingPawns]

The book is "Petroff Defence" by Artur Yusupov. Don't have a link really.

[@kevint3522]

@@HangingPawns Thank you! Can you recommend some annotated games?

[@michaelfortunato1860]

Outstanding, as usual. Thank you! By the way, is the Stafford Gambit in the Russian Game worth considering in your opinion?

[@ramprasadshendge3897]

Thank u so much making this very simple but very imp chess lecture vid

[@armandnapoleoniii4015]

U do a great job with ur videos! Highly instructional..any chance for a nimzowitsch defense video set? I dont see many good videos on this defense...

[@HangingPawns]

I will make a video on it at the end of the e4 series:)

[@smirkypants]

This was excellent. I am only about 1100 and I use the Petrov a lot because they rarely know how to react. The most common white move at my level is 3. Bc4 to attack the f7 pawn. I defend it well but if you had any tips I’d be thankful. 🙂

[@TheGavinkjg]

I like playing The Petrov, I'm slowly learning each game I have played has been different, each player has there own Ideas. right now I'm studying the Ideas behind each one. The four Knights and the Spanish four Knights has come up a few times. Most of the time my opponents play 3. Nxe5

[@TheLeopard2A6]

guess why? ^^

[@GeorgesKfoury12]

I hate facing the petrov I’ve been waiting for this series

[@HangingPawns]

Haha, who doesn't:D

[@mjaber1878]

I play the petrov not because i am a cowerd,but it is the only opening against 1e4 i've studied 😂😂😂😂 Thanks alot for those helpful lessons You are the best ❤

[@HangingPawns]

Didn't mean to insult Petrov players, sorry:) I understand completely.

[@mjaber1878]

It is okay, i myself do not enjoy it because what you sayed ((there is no chances)) but my coach made me study it and i did not have time to study other openings seriously ever since 🙂

[@direk7719]

for those in a rush video starts at 8:46{although i do recommend watching the intrductory part!1}

[@PeterSodhi]

For those in a rush - chess is probably not for you... :)

[@jurgenkaul4170]

Hi Stjepan, ist the Scandinavian defence in your opinionan also goog fighting defense for black as Petrov? (for playeres with 1100-155 DWZ)

[@kartikmahajan8269]

Can u tell from where do u learn these openings and any book for opening,middle game and end game would be appreciated.

[@HangingPawns]

This one I studied from Yusupov's book on it. The other's I've studied from many books. For middlegames, I would recommend John Nunn, for endings Dvoretsky.

[@stehen]

Good video waiting for future videos in this series P.S how about covering 5.c4 as well ,this variation has become quite popular the idea is to stop d5 ideas by black ,don't know the name of the variation but still it is played a lot nowadays. 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.c4

[@HangingPawns]

I will look into it, thanks!

[@ramprasadshendge3897]

Pls make video about how gradually a chess player should do things step by step from beginning to advance ... What should do begginer or intermediate player on regular basis to improve

[@tenorhighc1]

as white I play Nc3 and 0-0-0 because of you. LOL Now I welcome the Petrov! Games are MUCH more fun. Thanks!!

[@TheGavinkjg]

Do you have Petrov, 4 knights and the Spanish 4 Knights, I liked your thoughts on the Cochraine

[@SylveonSimp]

i am love with this opening. it stops white aggession like an annoying wall.

[@ivanmisyats5295]

Any video on Stafford gambit, please?

[@christianclores4659]

Very nice intro

[@moonrules7365]

400 hours of study only to grasp the basics? I need to find another hobby....:)

[@PalanivelTS]

Made me wish i had taken up chess when I was 7 ;-)

[@atharvs5918]

I started chess when i was 6

[@boomjonggol5757]

Well that's just about the MOST theoretical opening in chess, so yeah.

[@woodenfences]

Play 960 chess :)

[@rohithjacob4699]

@@woodenfences exactly

[@kennystimpson2775]

What is the Petrov book you mentioned?

[@stefanholbek2449]

I will meet a stronger opponent this coming Monday (021020), and I KNOW he's a great fan of "e4: best by test!" He absolutely crushed me last time in a Sicilian of some sort ... not well played by me ... but I suppose he doesn't know a thing about the Russian Defence! Thanxalot! I will "eat" every minute of this series!

[@victoriah4278]

How'd it go?

[@stefanholbek2449]

@@victoriah4278 I actually pulled off half a point! 😎👍 Thanx, Mate!

[@stefanholbek2449]

@@victoriah4278 Thanx for asking, my man! I actually pulled off a draw! But I have to admit that I didn't have the courage to play the Russian. I went for a Spanish ... which I know very well from both sides, but he went for a Vienna Gambit. I survived some stormy weather, had my chances in the endgame, so half a point each was fair.

[@deutscheblitzkrieg]

I've always played e5. It is just the cleanest move. Ever since my 800 elo days. It is solid, but not boring or annoying like most other responses to e4.

[@SatyamKumarChauhan]

May u plz cover the dutch .. after completing petrov

[@HangingPawns]

No. The Dutch will come in the d4 series eventually.

[@MarekShadoX]

Ruska obrana is exactly the same in Slovakia. Writing and pronunciation. 😀 i knew and heard few similar words before, but its so cool when you hear this, there is zero difference 😀 Great vid. as always 👍🏻

[@dkpandey1996]

I agree. As white I find the Petroff and Scandinavian very annoying. But I like playing Petroff as black for the same reasons.

[@ABCDEF-jj2sl]

Anything on the Kaufmann Attack?

[@TheMegadomino]

It’s funny to say that petrov’s players are kind of cowards ( not taking it in a bad way) because for me it’s super aggressive. People here in Canada arent really familiar with this line which gives chances to attack in some unorthodox ways. Great video btw.

[@armaanmalhotra9042]

🔥🔥

[@theinacircleoftheancientpu492]

This is interesting, I might take up the petrov as black. I have been playing the modern (against e4) with very limited success as I don’t really know what I am doing lol. Also I’m not the most aggressive player.

[@HangingPawns]

Then petrov is great fro you. It's slow and symmetrical as opposed to the modern.

[@laincoubert9657]

it can also transpose into the stafford gambit

[@drakehopkins5931]

i face italian game a lot when i am playing the petrov, and if i play Nc6 this kind of invites fried liver and lolli attack, is there a way to avoid this ?

[@winavesh7897]

If white plays 3. Bc4, you can avoid Italian game and play 3... Nxe4 4. Nxe5 d5. This is a good position for black

[@samfepeur5926]

isn't d3 on the 3rd turn a good move for white ?

[@maxtrimmer1227]

What about the Stafford gambit. Great video though!

[@concars1234]

yeah, stafford gambit makes for a very explosive game

[@chaimrochlitz8523]

👍

[@deutscheblitzkrieg]

My favourite opening as black.

[@virtualpilotger7435]

Imo the best opening for beginners against e4

[@Brand-zs3qk]

would be great if u had a lichess study

[@ArtemSayapov]

There is also 5. d3, the french attack, but it's drawish like the cozio. Oh, and 4.Nd3 as well And 5.Bd3 (millenial attack)

[@kheireddineattala1281]

Nice video, though you should really tell us what level of chess knowledge you're aiming your content at

[@patrickmacisaac4991]

I`m wanting to know why black should not take A2 with the bishop? :)

[@Sweetunstopalbe]

10:50 Steinitz 18:02 Lasker He2 21:00 nimzowitsch Sc3

[@noelsnotes]

are you a streamer?

[@jahskido06]

@20:53 is 5.Nc3 Nimzo Attack.

[@kennfowler4649]

That’s why Nc3 and D4 in my opinion should be avoided by white, except in today’s video 😛 time is the great equalizer

[@ajarnray4115]

The Petrov is a nasty creature to face for all e4 players that can have a deadly bite. I would like to see how you look at games and then figure out what the plans are for that opening. I hear this a lot but it always puzzles me how to accomplish this. Thanks for another great video.

[@HangingPawns]

I might make a video on that in the meditations series!

[@SagaciousUser]

i actually played a game a couple weeks ago against the cozio where i played bf5

[@secretchesstraveller5773]

Which chess database do u use ???

[@HangingPawns]

I use the one on lichess.

[@secretchesstraveller5773]

@@HangingPawns Why not chessbase ?? It is the strongest . Great work.

[@HangingPawns]

@@secretchesstraveller5773 Because it's too expensive for me.

[@Robertl-xz6yl]

secretchesstraveller lichess database is almost identical, has a much nicer layout, and is free.

[@isaiahlebron4451]

"Petrov players--I'm not going to say they're . . . scared to play open positions, but they probably prefer positional play, equal positions, or positions with the queens traded off." As a Petrov player, I find this statement hilarious. I play the Petrov BECAUSE I prefer open positions, and I feel like it's easier to get an open position with the king's pawns traded off. And I hate trading queens and will never do it unless I'm up material or am forced into it. Of course, I don't play it the way you recommend; after the knight takes on e5, I play queen to e7. Usually white responds with pawn to d4, then I respond pawn to d6, then after he retreats his knight to f3, then take the pawn on e4, and in this position it's amazing how many players at my level (sub-1200) fail to play bishop or queen to e2,.losing the queen if I play knight to c3 with discovered check. If the do play queen to e2, I protect the knight on e4 by playing pawn to d5 protecting my knight (white cannot reply pawn to f3 because their knight is already there) so on my next move I can play bishop to e6, preventing any possible queen trade when I retreat my knight. If my opponent plays the three knights, I play pawn to d5. It then often goes pawn takes pawn, knight takes pawn, knight takes pawn on e5, knight takes knight on c3, then after white takes my knight with either the d2 or b2 pawn, I go queen to e7, pinning the knight on e5, at which point the only move that saves the knight is queen to e2, but again, it's amazing how many players at my level fail to play it. If they try to protect the knight with a pawn, I play pawn to c6, and I'm up a knight; if they do play queen e2, bishop to e6 again prevents the queen trade. If after I take pawn on d5, white plays knight takes knight, I play queen takes knight, my queen protects the pawn on e5, and my queen is in the center but in no immediate danger (white can not play knight to c3 to harass my queen because that's the knight I just took) and then I can usually play knight c6 and retreat my queen. Works really well for me at my level.

[@Maansie123]

Defense against the sideline openings that white has for black perpspective (bird,English. etc)

[@ImAviex]

Me playing the Petrov exclusively for the chance to ever see the Stafford Gambit on the board

[@zachariahstovall1744]

going to keep this opening in my pocket

[@ducation3841]

You did not cover 5 Bd3. I played a game online against GM Cemil Can Ali Marandi and lost terribly against his 5 Bd3. 😭😭😭😭(1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 N×e5 d6 4 Nf3 N×e4 5 Bd3 )

[@neelgore3301]

Anand actually lost after 5. Nc3 Bf5 6. Qe2 because of 6. . . Qe7 7. Nd5

[@HangingPawns]

That's right. Thanks.

[@davideblonda6159]

Didn't know Elon had a chess channel.

[@BRNRDNCK]

You didn't mention an important variation that was played in the World Championship between Carlsen and Caruana, Game 6: e4 e5 Nf3 Nf6 Nxe5 d6 Nd3

[@HangingPawns]

I will make a video on it.

[@BRNRDNCK]

Hanging Pawns Thanks man! I love this channel and am suggesting it to all my chess friends. Really appreciate what you do.

[@DonnyKeath]

Anyone here after the candidates?

[@memenchance1747]

I like Petrov's defense because it's equal, at 1200 chess rating you just have to wait for your opponent to blunder a piece or you win via end game.

[@moltargaltar1219]

"myself being an e4 player, when someone plays knight to f6, I want to throw up."

[@madhumitanayak2892]

What about Cochrane gambit

[@Emillo999]

Have to watch this video because of Nepo in candidates -_- too many people playing it now…

[@libertarianboy1453]

how dare you not including the stafford gambit

[@mrgoldie109]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Bc4 inaccuracy? Then ..Qe2.

[@ABronyNamedBurnie]

I'm so frustrated with my opponents who never let me use my petrov theory

[@tsitsicharleennyanzira4524]

the petrov defense is good but classical