Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Center Attack

Before the first move

The Petrov Defense is a solid, counterattacking response to White's King's Pawn opening. In this Modern Attack, White immediately challenges the center with d4, leading to an open and tactical battle where both sides fight for space and piece activity rather than settling for a dry, symmetrical draw.

1. e4White

White starts with e4, the most common first move in chess. By occupying the center, White prepares for quick development. While e4 is the main choice, other popular starting moves include d4 (Queen's Pawn Game), c4 (English Opening), or Nf3 (Réti Opening), each leading to vastly different strategic landscapes.

1... e5Black · your move

Respond by moving your pawn to e5. By mirroring White's move, you establish your own presence in the center and prevent White from easily pushing a second pawn to d4. This leads to the Open Games, where tactical awareness is key.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, attacking the e5 pawn. This is the main line of the Open Game. Other options like d4 (Center Game) or f4 (King's Gambit) are more aggressive but riskier, while moves like Nc3 (Vienna Game) focus on slower, solid development.

Other paths here: Ke2 (Bongcloud Attack) · d4 (Center Game) · c4 (English Opening: The Whale) · Ne2 (King's Pawn Game: Alapin Opening)

2... Nf6Black · your move

Bring your knight to f6 to counterattack White's e4 pawn. This is the defining move of the Petrov Defense. Instead of defending your own pawn, you create an immediate threat of your own, forcing White to decide how to proceed.

Other paths here: d5 (Elephant Gambit) · Qe7 (Gunderam Defense) · Bc5 (King's Pawn Game: Busch-Gass Gambit) · f6 (King's Pawn Game: Damiano Defense)

3. d4White

White plays d4, the Modern Attack. This is a sharp alternative to the main line Nxe5. By playing d4, White avoids the symmetrical lines of the classical Petrov. You might also see Bc4 (Italian Variation) or Nc3 (Three Knights), which lead to more piece-oriented play.

Other paths here: Nxe5 (Petrov's Defense) · d3 (Russian Game: 3.d3) · Bc4 (Petrov's Defense: Italian Variation) · Nc3 (Petrov's Defense: Three Knights Game)

3... exd4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on d4. By taking this pawn, you accept the challenge in the center. This move clears the e-file and asks White how they intend to recapture, while keeping your knight ready to jump into the action.

Other paths here: Nxe4 (Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3...Nxe4) · d5 (Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Symmetrical Variation)

4. e5White

White pushes e5, kicking the knight. This is the critical continuation of the 3. d4 line. White gains space and disrupts Black's coordination. Black's knight is now under fire and must find a safe square, usually in the center or on the rim.

4... Ne4Black · your move

Jump your knight to the central square e4. This is the most active square for the knight, putting pressure on White's position and preparing to challenge White's central control. It is a bold, centralized post that White will likely try to undermine.

5. Qxd4White

White plays Qxd4, recapturing the pawn and eyeing the knight. This is the main line of the Center Attack. White could also try Qe2 (Steinitz Variation) to pin the knight first, or the aggressive Bb5 (Tal Gambit), but capturing on d4 is the most direct approach.

Other paths here: Qe2 (Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation) · Bb5 (Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Tal Gambit)

Where you stand

The position is dynamically balanced. White has a space advantage and a centralized queen, while Black has a well-placed knight on e4. Black should look to challenge the center with d5, while White will focus on developing the queenside and deciding where to castle. Both sides must be wary of tactical shots involving the e-file and the centralized pieces.

• d7-d5 Challenge the center and support the knight
• b1-c3 Develop the knight and attack e4
• c8-f5 Develop the bishop to an active diagonal
• f1-d3 Pressure the centralized knight on e4
• e1-g1 Secure the king and activate the rook