Petrov Defense: Classical Nimzowitsch Attack
Petrov’s Defense (Russian Game)
Definition
Petrov’s Defense begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. Instead of protecting the e5-pawn (as in 2…Nc6) Black mirrors White’s king-knight advance, immediately counter-attacking the pawn on e4. The opening is celebrated for its solid, symmetrical pawn structure and is colloquially called “the Russian Game,” honoring both its symmetry and its nineteenth-century Russian champion, Alexander Petrov.
Typical Move Orders & Main Branches
- Classical Attack: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 … (see Classical Nimzowitsch Attack below).
- Steinitz 3.d4: 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5.
- Cochrane Gambit: 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nxf7!? — a swashbuckling exchange sacrifice on f7.
- Modern Attack: 3.Nxe5 Nc6 (instead of 3…d6).
Strategic Themes
- Early symmetry & piece trades. Black seeks an equal, structurally sound position with few weaknesses.
- Central tension. The mutual attacks on e-pawns create immediate tactical chances (pins on the e-file, forks on c2/c7, etc.).
- Endgame-friendly. Because queens and a minor piece often come off quickly, many Petrov lines transpose into endings where accurate technique is required.
Historical & Practical Significance
The defense dates back to the early 1800s, but its modern reputation was cemented by positional maestros such as Vasily Smyslov, Anatoly Karpov, and more recently Fabiano Caruana, who relied on it in the 2018 World Championship match versus Magnus Carlsen. Its drawing reputation makes it a frequent choice when Black is satisfied with solid equality.
Illustrative Mini-Game
Interesting Facts
- In Russian chess literature the opening is usually called simply “the Russian Game”; outside Russia “Petrov’s Defense” is more common.
- During the 2004 FIDE Knockout World Championship, both finalists (Kasimdzhanov and Adams) used the Petrov as Black.
- The symmetrical pawn structure inspired computer-chess specialists; engines rate many main lines almost exactly 0.00 from the start position.
Classical Nimzowitsch Attack (Petrov’s Defense, ECO C42)
Definition
The Classical Nimzowitsch Attack is the most frequently played branch of the Classical Attack in Petrov’s Defense and arises after:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3.
Named after Aron Nimzowitsch—who successfully championed 6.Bd3 in the 1910s—the line emphasizes rapid development, central space, and latent kingside pressure on h7.
Key Ideas for Both Sides
- White
- Place pieces on active, harmonious squares: Bd3, Re1, c4, Nc3, and sometimes Qb3 or Qe2.
- Pressure the e4-knight; tactical themes include Nbd2 (undermining) and c4 (forking e- and d-pawns).
- Long-term kingside ambitions: sacrifices on h7 or f7 once the e-file opens.
- Black
- Neutralize the e-file tension, often by 6…Nc6 7.0-0 Be7 8.c4, or with the alternative 6…Bd6 7.0-0 0-0.
- Maintain the proud e4-knight; if exchanged, recapture with a pawn to secure a rock-solid center.
- Aim for …Bg4 or …f5 in some set-ups—undermining White’s d4-pawn and counter-attacking the kingside.
Sample Main Line
Strategic & Historical Notes
- The positions are richer and less drawish than many other Petrov variations; thus modern grandmasters employ the Nimzowitsch Attack when they seek winning chances with White and desire the theoretical security of the Petrov.
- Nimzowitsch introduced 6.Bd3 in several exhibition games circa 1913–1914, arguing that the bishop “speaks most loudly” when it points directly at h7.
- In high-level practice, the line appeared in Anand – Kamsky, Dortmund 1992, and Caruana – Karjakin, Candidates 2016, demonstrating that even elite specialists in the Petrov must answer 6.Bd3 precisely.
Interesting Tidbits
- If Black forgets about the h7-square, a classic trap is 6…Bd6? 7.0-0 0-0 8.c4 c6 9.Nc3 Nxc3 10.bxc3 Bg4 11.cxd5 cxd5 12.Qb3 Bxf3 13.gxf3 and the threat of Qxb7 followed by Qxa8 gives White lasting initiative.
- From a computer-engine standpoint the whole variation still evaluates close to equality, but the practical winning percentage for White in master games is slightly above 40 %, higher than most other Petrov sidelines.