Petrov's Defense: French Attack

Petrov's Defense: French Attack

Definition

Petrov’s Defense: French Attack is a branch of the Petrov (or Russian) Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. e5 d5 4. d4. By pushing the e-pawn to e5 on move three and following up with d4, White builds the same pawn chain (e5–d4–c3) seen in the Advance Variation of the French Defense—but with colors reversed. Hence the nickname “French Attack.” ECO codes C42 and C43 often cover this setup.

Typical Move Order

The most common sequence is:

• 1. e4 e5
• 2. Nf3 Nf6 (“Petrov’s Defense”)
• 3. e5 (“Steinitz Variation” of the Petrov)
• 3…d5 (striking back in the center)
• 4. d4 (“French Attack” proper)

Strategic Themes

• Space Advantage for White: The advanced e5-pawn cramps Black’s king knight and grabs territory on the kingside.
• French-Style Plans:
  • White often supports the pawn chain with c3 and develops the light-squared bishop to d3 or e2, mirroring French Advance setups.
  • Black seeks counterplay with …c5, …f6, and piece pressure on d4 and e5, echoing standard French Defense countermeasures.
• Piece Activity vs. Structural Grip: White’s space may restrict Black’s minor pieces, but if Black manages …c5 and …Nc6, the center can dissolve rapidly.
• King Safety Questions: Because queens often stay on the board and the pawn chain points at g7, opposite-side castling or kingside pawn storms sometimes appear.

Historical Context

The line was explored by Wilhelm Steinitz in the late 19th century, but it earned the moniker “French Attack” during the 20th century when theoreticians noticed the clear resemblance to the Advance French. Although top grandmasters more frequently choose the main line 3. Nxe5 against the Petrov, the French Attack remains a dangerous surprise weapon: it sidesteps the massive theory of 3. Nxe5 and lures opponents into unfamiliar French-like positions—but with the opposite colors.

Illustrative Example

The following miniature shows how quickly Black’s queenside can collapse if they mishandle the center:

Notable Games

• Anatoly Karpov – Ulf Andersson, Milan 1975: Karpov demonstrated the power of restraining …c5. He slowly massaged the position until Black’s light-squared bishop was relegated to passive defense on e7.
• Alexander Grischuk – Peter Svidler, Russian Ch. 2005: A modern heavy-theory battle where Svidler equalized with timely …c5 and …Nc6, illustrating best defensive practice.

Common Plans and Tactics

1. Leverage the f-file: After castling kingside, White can prepare f4–f5 to pry open the diagonal toward h7, especially if Black delays …Be7 or …g6.
2. Break with …c5: Black’s thematic pawn break undermines d4. If White meets …c5 with c3–c4 too casually, the d-pawn can become backwards on an open file.
3. Knight Maneuvers: White’s knight often travels Nf3–d2–f1–e3–g4 or to b3 to support c5-pressure; Black’s knight may reroute Nf6–d7–f8–g6 in French-style fashion.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because Petrov specialists frequently face 3. Nxe5, many are less booked-up on 3. e5, giving practical value to the French Attack in tournament play.
• In blitz, grandmasters such as Hikaru Nakamura have used 3. e5 successfully to surprise engines, whose French Defense databases are not automatically mirrored for the reversed colors!
• The pawn structure can transpose into a reversed Philidor, a King’s Indian Attack, or even a Pseudo-Spanish if White plays Bb5+ at an opportune moment.