Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Staunton Variation

Petrov's Defense: Classical Attack, Staunton Variation

Definition

The Petrov’s (or Petroff) Defense begins with the symmetrical moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. The Classical Attack arises after 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. Nc3. When Black replies 5…Nxc3 6. dxc3, the position is identified as the Staunton Variation. Thus the full sequence is:

Typical Move Order & Position

Starting moves (algebraic notation):

1. e4   e5
2. Nf3  Nf6
3. Nxe5 d6
4. Nf3 Nxe4
5. Nc3 Nxc3
6. dxc3

The resulting structure features an open d-file, doubled c-pawns for White, and a long-term two-bishop potential.

Strategic Themes

• Central tension: Both sides contest the light squares (d4, e5) without immediate pawn exchanges.
• Two bishops vs. structure: White gains the bishop pair but accepts an imbalanced pawn structure (c2–c3 vs. c7–c6 is common later).
• Flexible development: Black often castles kingside quickly (…Be7, …0-0) and strikes with …d5 or …c5. White usually places pieces on c4, e2, and g2 (after g3) or opts for Bf4 to pressure e5.
• Endgame heading: Because the line lacks early tactical fireworks, many games drift toward maneuvering middlegames or simplified endgames where pawn weaknesses become pivotal.

Historical Background

The variation is named after the 19th-century English master Howard Staunton, who advocated 6.dxc3 in his writings. Although Staunton preferred openings started with 1.d4 in practical play, his analysis of the Petrov influenced generations of theoreticians.

Petrov’s Defense itself was championed by Russian master Alexander Petrov (1794-1867), but the Classical Attack gained widespread popularity only in the late 20th century when grandmasters sought sound yet less-theoretical weapons with Black.

Sample Grandmaster Game

Vladimir Kramnik – Viswanathan Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1998

Kramnik’s handling showcases typical plans: early long castling, a kingside pawn storm, and exploitation of the bishop pair against Black’s loosened king position.

Common Plans for Each Side

• White
  • Rapid kingside initiative: 0-0-0 followed by h4-h5 (as in the sample game).
  • Positional squeeze: place rooks on d1 & e1, challenge the e-file, and target weakness on e5.
  • Bishop pair exploitation in open endings.
• Black
  • Solid development: …Be7, …0-0, then timely …d5 to free the game.
  • Piece pressure on c3/c2 and long-term blockade of isolated or doubled pawns.
  • Counterattack on the queenside with …c5 or …b6-…Bb7.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The Staunton Variation was part of Anatoly Karpov's opening repertoire in the 1970s, but he later switched to the more flexible 5…Nc6 systems.
• Because of its rock-solid nature, the line is popular in correspondence and engine-assisted play, where precise defense can neutralize White’s bishop pair.
• In online bullet chess, grandmasters sometimes adopt the Staunton Variation to sidestep heavily analyzed computer lines such as the Marshall Attack in the Spanish.
• The configuration after 6.dxc3 has appeared in more than 6,000 master games in MegaBase; the overall performance score is nearly equal: White 52%, Black 48%.

Practical Tips

1. As White, avoid premature c4 which can leave d4 weak; instead prepare it with Qe2 or Re1.
2. As Black, don’t delay …d5 too long—without central counterplay, White’s space advantage grows.
3. Endgames favor the more active king; both sides should consider early king centralization once queens are traded.

Summary

The Petrov’s Defense: Classical Attack, Staunton Variation is a strategically balanced line where both sides accept structural concessions for dynamic potential. Its reputation for solidity and clarity makes it popular from club level to elite tournaments, and its rich heritage links modern computer age theory back to the pioneering analysis of Howard Staunton.