Petrovs Defense: Classical Kaufmann Attack
Petrov’s Defense – Classical (Kaufmann Attack)
Definition
The Kaufmann Attack is a sharp sub-variation of the Classical System of 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 immediately develops the f1-bishop to d3, pointing at h7 and setting up tactical threats on the kingside, instead of the more restrained 6. Be2 or 6. c4.
Typical Move Order
The critical sequence most often continues:
- e4 e5
- Nf3 Nf6
- Nxe5 d6
- Nf3 Nxe4
- d4 d5
- Bd3 Nc6 (or 6…Be7)
- O-O Be7
- c4 Nb4
- Be2 O-O
By move 9 the game is fully in middlegame territory, with play revolving around the tension on e4/e5, the semi-open e-file, and chances of a kingside pawn storm by White.
Strategic Ideas & Plans
- Immediate Kingside Pressure: The bishop on d3 eyes h7, making …Nf6–g8 impossible and discouraging Black from an early …O-O-O.
- Central Breaks: White often seeks c4 and/or Re1 followed by cxd5 to expose the e4-knight and open files toward Black’s king.
- Piece Activity over Material: White has no extra pawn (material is equal), but gains time while Black’s knight on e4 can become a tactical liability.
- Black’s Counterplay: …Nc6-b4 attacks the d3-bishop; …c6 and …Bd6 can neutralize the diagonal and prepare a solid central pawn chain.
Historical Background
The line is named for the Austrian master Arthur Kaufmann (1872–1938), a contemporary of Carl Schlechter in Vienna’s famous Café Central. Kaufmann used the 6.Bd3 idea in a series of casual and tournament games around 1904 – 1906, most notably against Georg Marco, drawing attention to the aggressive potential hidden in the staid Petrov.
Illustrative Game
Arthur Kaufmann – Georg Marco, Vienna 1904
Although the game ultimately descended into chaos, the opening phase (moves 1–15) neatly showcases White’s initiative after 6.Bd3, forcing Black into awkward piece placements.
Modern Usage
The Kaufmann Attack enjoys occasional outings in grand-master practice when a player wishes to sidestep the main-line Petrov theory without conceding the chance for an advantage. Notable recent practitioners include David Navara and Alexander Grischuk, who have both tested it in classical and rapid play.
Interesting Facts
- The idea 6.Bd3 was re-popularized in the computer era after engines discovered several dynamic continuations for White beginning with 7.O-O and 8.c4.
- Because the bishop targets h7, commentators sometimes nickname the line the “Little-Italian Petrov,” evoking the classic Bc4 Italian Game motifs.
- Arthur Kaufmann was also Sigmund Freud’s chess partner; their coffee-house games were said to have influenced Freud’s writings on decision-making and intuition.