Petrovs Defense: Steinitz Attack Center Attack

Petrov’s (or Petroff) Defense

Definition

Petrov’s Defense is a symmetrical reply to 1. e4, arising after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. Black immediately counter-attacks the e4-pawn instead of defending his own e5-pawn, leading to balanced but highly strategic positions.

Typical Move Order

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6

Strategic Themes & Usage

• Symmetry & Solidarity: Because both sides often mirror each other, piece exchanges and symmetrical pawn structures are common. The defense is renowned for its resilience and drawish reputation at elite levels.
• Counter-Attack: Instead of passive defense, Black meets aggression with aggression, targeting e4 immediately.
• King Safety: The early knight development aims to castle quickly while keeping the center fluid.

Historical Context & Notable Games

Named after the Russian master Alexander Petrov (1794–1867), the opening became a staple of Steinitz, Karpov, Kramnik, and more recently Fabiano Caruana. Its elite pedigree includes:

• Caruana – Carlsen, World Championship 2018 (multiple games)
• Kramnik – Kasparov, Linares 1992
• Steinitz – Chigorin, Havana 1889 (an early showcase)

Interesting Facts

• During the Carlsen–Caruana 2018 match, half of the classical games featured the Petrov, underscoring its top-level reliability.
• Although regarded as drawish, several celebrated attacking brilliancies have sprouted from this defense, especially when White chooses sharp sidelines like the Cochrane Gambit (3.Nxe5).

Illustrative Line

[[Pgn| e4|e5|Nf3|Nf6|d4|Nxe4|dxe5|d5|Bd3|Nc6|O-O|Be7|arrows|e4e5,d1d5|squares|e5,d5]] (The game enters the Steinitz Attack with 3.d4, followed later by the Center Attack 4.dxe5.)

Steinitz Attack (in the Petrov’s Defense)

Definition

The Steinitz Attack is an aggressive variation of the Petrov, beginning 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4. By thrusting the d-pawn two squares, White seizes space, opens lines, and immediately challenges Black’s knight on f6 and the e5-pawn.

Typical Continuations

3… Nxe4 (main line) 4. Bd3, 4. dxe5 (Center Attack), or 4. Qe2. Another branch is 3… exd4 4. e5, leading to sharper play.

Strategic Ideas

1. Central Control: The advance d2–d4 claims a classical pawn duo (e4 & d4) early on.
2. Piece Activity: The line often leads to open files for the rooks and active bishops, especially after c2–c4 or f1–b5.
3. Imbalance Creation: Compared to quieter Petrov paths, the Steinitz Attack steers the game away from symmetry.

Historical Significance

Wilhelm Steinitz, the first official World Champion, espoused the principle of the counter-attack founded on a solid positional base. This variation, bearing his name, reflects his willingness to contest the center dynamically rather than steering directly for quick exchanges.

Example Game

Steinitz – Gunsberg, World Championship (4) 1891:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7 6.O-O Nxe5 7.dxe5.
Steinitz obtained a mobile pawn center and eventually converted a strategic edge.

Interesting Nuggets

• Karpov revived the Steinitz Attack in the late 1970s, using it to out-maneuver tactical specialists uncomfortable with early imbalances.
• Modern engines evaluate the line as roughly equal, but practical winning chances for White remain higher than in many other Petrov branches due to structural tension.

Center Attack (Petrov’s Defense, Steinitz Attack)

Definition

The Center Attack is a sharpened sub-variation of the Steinitz Attack: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. dxe5!. Instead of regaining the pawn with 4.Bd3, White pushes the e-pawn and opens central lines, offering a temporary pawn sacrifice for rapid development.

Key Position

After 4… d5 5. Nbd2 Nxd2 6. Bxd2 White has active pieces aiming at g7 and the e-file, while Black must tread carefully to complete development.

Strategic Considerations

• Initiative vs. Material: White often remains a pawn down but enjoys open lines for queens and rooks.
• King in the Center: Because Black’s king is still on e8, tactics on the e-file (Rhe1+, Qe2) are common.
• Risk Profile: If Black neutralizes the attack, the extra pawn may prove decisive; hence precise play is required from both sides.

Model Game

Kasparov – Anand, Linares 1999 (blitz):
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4 4.dxe5 d5 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.O-O Be7 7.c4!
Kasparov sacrificed yet another pawn to rip open the center and smashed through with a decisive kingside attack.

Interesting Facts

• The Center Attack is classified as C42 in ECO codes.
• Although less popular than mainstream Petrov lines, it has enjoyed a renaissance in rapid & blitz, where the initiative is paramount.
• A well-timed 4… Bc5!? sideline, championed by Alexei Shirov, returns the pawn to accelerate development and avoid heavy theoretical duels.