Petrov Defence: Cochrane Gambit

Petrov Defence: Cochrane Gambit

Definition

The Cochrane Gambit is an aggressive sideline of the Petrov (or Petroff) Defence that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nxf7!?. In this line White sacrifices the knight on f7 to drag the black king into the centre and generate a rapid initiative. It is named after the 19th-century Scottish master John Cochrane, who employed the idea in casual and exhibition games against Russia’s strongest player, Alexander Petrov, in the 1840s.

Main Move-Order

The critical sequence is:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nf6 (Petrov Defence)
3. Nxe5 d6
4. Nxf7 Kxf7

Black must recapture 4…Kxf7; declining the knight is clearly impossible because the f7-pawn is gone and the king is already exposed.

Typical Continuations

• 5. d4 – the most direct follow-up. White opens the centre while the black king sits on f7.
• 5. Nc3 – developing with tempo against the e4-knight (after …dxc, c3).
• 5. Bc4+ d5 6. exd5 – keeping the king in the open.

An illustrative sample line is:

Strategic and Tactical Themes

• King Safety vs. Material: White is a full piece down but gains several tempi attacking the black king, which has lost the right to castle and sits on f7.
• Open Centre: White strives for d2-d4 and c2-c4 to rip open lines; Black hopes to consolidate with …d5, …Be6, and …Nc6.
• Piece Activity: All of White’s pieces aim at the vulnerable squares e6, f7, g6, and h5. Conversely, Black’s queenside army often remains undeveloped for several moves.
• Endgame Factor: If Black survives the middlegame, the extra piece usually proves decisive.

Historical Significance

John Cochrane (1798-1878) was a Scottish lawyer stationed in Calcutta who met Alexander Petrov during a visit to St. Petersburg. Their off-hand encounters produced many dazzling sacrificial lines, of which 4.Nxf7!? became the most famous. Although modern engines consider the gambit objectively dubious, it remains an entertaining weapon in blitz and rapid play.

Famous & Instructive Games

• Cochrane – Petrov, St. Petersburg 1842: The inventor demonstrates the power of rapid development, winning after a fierce attack on the stranded king.
• Spielmann – Euwe, Nottingham 1936: Rudolf Spielmann revives the gambit against a future World Champion; Euwe defends accurately and converts the extra piece.
• Short – Timman, Tilburg Blitz 1996: Nigel Short uses the line in blitz to score a miniature when Timman misplaces his king.

Usage in Modern Practice

Today the Cochrane Gambit is rare in classical chess but not unheard of in faster formats and online play. Its surprise value and the practical chances it offers make it attractive for players who enjoy sharp, unbalanced positions.

Practical Tips for Both Sides

• For White:
  • Play quickly and keep the centre open.
  • Develop with threats (Qh5+, Bc4, 0-0-0).
  • Avoid exchanging too many pieces; you need attacking material.
• For Black:
  • Return material if necessary to complete development (e.g., …d5, …Be6, …Qf6).
  • Put the king on g7 or e8 once the centre is secure.
  • Trade queens to defuse the assault.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Cochrane reportedly wagered on his own games, claiming he could beat Petrov despite sacrificing a piece—hence the creation of the gambit.
• Engines give Black a healthy advantage (≈ -1.5) with best play, yet practical results in blitz are surprisingly balanced.
• World Champion Magnus Carlsen tried the gambit on stream in bullet chess, sparking renewed online interest.

Related Openings & Sidelines

• The main line of the Petrov Defence: 4. Nf3 Nxe4
• The Karklins-Martinovsky Variation: 4. Nc4 Nxe4 5. d3
• The Boden-Kieseritzky Gambit in the King’s Gambit shares the motif of sacrificing on f7.