Petrov's Defense: Millennium Attack - Overview

Petrov's Defense: Millennium Attack

Definition

The Millennium Attack is an ambitious modern system that White can adopt against Petrov’s Defense (also called the Russian Defense), arising after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6  4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 !? (ECO code C42). Instead of the classical 6. Bd3 White often castles quickly and directs pieces toward the kingside, eyeing the vulnerable h7–square. The name “Millennium Attack” became popular around the year 2000 when a number of grandmasters—including Alexander Baburin, Jeroen Piket, and Evgeny Bareev—began exploring the idea in top-level practice.

Typical Move-Order

The most common sequence is:

1. e4  e5
2. Nf3  Nf6
3. Nxe5  d6
4. Nf3  Nxe4
5. d4  d5
6. Bd3 !?
7. O-O  (often on move 7)

From here White’s plans typically include Re1, c4, Nc3, and sometimes cxd5 followed by Nc3–e4–g5, building a strong initiative while Black struggles to complete development harmoniously.

Strategic Themes

• Pressure on h7: With the dark-squared bishop aimed at h7 and the potential to bring a knight to g5, mating patterns reminiscent of the Fried Liver Attack can arise.
• Space in the center: The pawn on d4 coupled with c2-c4 clamps the d- and e-files, restricting Black’s minor pieces.
• Asymmetrical imbalance: Both sides have an isolated e-pawn, leading to unbalanced play rather than the calm symmetry that often characterizes the Petrov.
• Flexible castling: While White almost always castles kingside, Black must decide between …Be7 and …Bd6 and may postpone castling to avoid tactical shots on the h-file.

Historical Background

Although the underlying position had appeared occasionally in the 19^th century, it only began to receive theoretical attention around the turn of the millennium—hence the name. Analyses in magazines such as New In Chess Yearbook and early internet forums brought the line to the fore, promising an antidote to the solid, draw-ish reputation of the Petrov.

Illustrative Games

• Baburin vs. Emms, European Team Ch. 1999 – One of the first top-level outings. Baburin’s 11.Ng5! generated a fierce attack, and Black never equalised.
• Bareev vs. Shirov, Monte Carlo Blitz 2001 – Showed the power of the rook lift Re1–e3–h3, culminating in a spectacular king hunt.
• Morozevich vs. Kramnik, Wijk aan Zee 2002 – Kramnik defended precisely with …Be7 and …Nb4, illustrating the best counterplay for Black.

Sample Line

A frequently cited attacking blueprint is given below. Try stepping through the moves on a board to appreciate the hidden tactical motifs.

Assessment

Engineers of modern opening theory generally agree that the Millennium Attack is sound and offers White practical chances without risking an objective disadvantage. Black must know the nuances of move-order—particularly when to insert …Nc6 and how to meet the c4 break.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The name “Millennium” was coined independently by several commentators who noticed that databases showed a spike in games starting exactly in the year 2000.
• Former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik, a lifelong Petroff devotee, added the line to his training files under the ominous header “Watch out!”—a testament to its sting.
• Club players often reach the position by accident, thinking 5.d4 is “automatic,” only to discover they have wandered into one of the sharpest branches of the opening.
• The attacking patterns bear a family resemblance to the Spanish Bishop’s Opening, giving 1.e4 aficionados an easy thematic crossover.

When to Use the Millennium Attack

Choose this line if you enjoy:

• Early piece activity and space in the center.
• Kingside assaults with clear tactical targets.
• Dodging long, forced drawing lines of the main-line Petrov.

Be prepared, however, to face nuanced endgames if Black neutralises the initial initiative—especially those where both sides are saddled with an isolated e-pawn.

Quick Reference

• Key Position: After 6.Bd3!? (White threatens a direct attack on h7).
• Main Defensive Idea for Black: …Nc6–b4, challenging White’s bishop and easing queenside development.
• Critical Tactical Motif: Ng5–xh7 sacrifices in positions where …h6 has not been played.