Petrov's Defense: Kaufmann Attack

Petrov’s Defense: Kaufmann Attack

Definition

The Kaufmann Attack is a sharp, strategically rich variation in the Petrov’s Defense (also called the Russian Game). It arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3. White sidesteps the symmetrical, draw-ish main lines and instead places the bishop on d3 to build pressure against Black’s kingside and exploit the temporarily exposed knight on e4. The system is named after the Austrian master and theoretician Arthur Kaufmann (1872 – 1938), who advocated the set-up in the early 20th century.

Typical Move Order

Below is the most common sequence leading to the Kaufmann Attack with brief comments:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nf6
3. Nxe5 d6
4. Nf3 Nxe4
5. d4 d5
6. Bd3

Strategic Ideas

• Central Tension: White keeps the pawn on d4 as a spearhead, while Black’s knight on e4 is slightly loose and may have to retreat.
• Piece Activity: The bishop on d3 eyes the h7-square, often combining with Qe2, Nc3, and 0-0-0 for attacking chances.
• Structural Questions: Black must decide between maintaining symmetry with …Be7 and …O-O, or breaking the tension with …c5 or …Nc6, each choice giving White dynamic targets.
• Endgame Outlook: If the minor pieces are exchanged without incident, the resulting endgames are usually equal; therefore, the onus is on White to keep complications alive.

Main Black Replies after 6.Bd3

1. 6…Nc6 7.O-O Be7 8.c4 – Classical line, keeping options of cxd5 or c5.
2. 6…Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.c4 – Black shields the e4-knight but blocks the queen’s defense of h7.
3. 6…Be7 – Flexible; Black plans …Nc6 and short castling.

Historical & Theoretical Significance

Before Kaufmann’s suggestion, 6.Bd3 was viewed as slightly inferior to 6.Bd6 or 6.c4, but it gained traction after analysis showed that Black’s “extra” central pawn is often a liability. The line struck a balance between ambition and solidity, influencing how the Petrov is handled at master level.

Modern engines confirm that the position is roughly equal, yet it remains attractive for practical play because it steers the game away from the heavy symmetries that plague many Petrov enthusiasts.

Illustrative Game

Kramnik – Gelfand, Wijk aan Zee 1996
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Although both sides eventually made inaccuracies, the game is an excellent demonstration of:

• White’s rapid development and kingside castling.
• Black’s difficulty coordinating the knight on e4 and queen’s bishop.
• The thematic break c2-c4, undermining Black’s d5-pawn.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Arthur Kaufmann was a strong friend and sparring partner of Richard Reti; his opening work was so respected that Reti’s Modern Ideas in Chess thanks him personally.
• Because grandmasters such as Vladimir Kramnik and Boris Gelfand re-popularized it in the 1990s, some databases label the line “Kaufmann–Kramnik Attack.”
• At blitz time controls the Kaufmann Attack scores slightly better for White than the more famous 6.c4 line according to the lichess master database [[Chart|Win%|Blitz|2015-2023]].

When to Choose the Kaufmann Attack

Opt for this variation if you:

• Prefer imbalanced middlegames over symmetrical, drawish play.
• Are comfortable with open central positions and quick piece play.
• Want a surprise weapon—many Petrov specialists expect the more theoretical 6.c4.