Petrov's Defense: Steinitz Attack & Murey Variation
Petrov’s Defense
Definition
Petrov’s Defense (also called the Russian Game) arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. Instead of defending the e-pawn with …Nc6 or …d6, Black counter-attacks White’s pawn on e4, immediately creating a position of dynamic material balance and symmetrical pawn structure.
How it is used in play
- Opening strategy. Black aims for rapid piece development, a rock-solid pawn formation, and early simplification. Because the center is usually symmetrical, many lines lead to queen exchanges and an endgame-oriented struggle.
- Practical weapon. The Petrov is popular in top-level play when Black seeks a dependable, drawish line against 1.e4. Vladimir Kramnik, Fabiano Caruana, and Boris Gelfand have all used it as part of their repertoire in World-Championship cycles.
- Psychological effect. Some 1.e4 players dislike the calm, equal positions that crop up, so adopting the Petrov can steer the game away from the wide-open tactical jungle of the Sicilian or Ruy Lopez.
Canonical move orders
- 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 – the Classical Main Line.
- 3.d4 – the Steinitz Attack (see next entry).
- 3.Nc3 (Cochrane Gambit) …Nxe4 4.d4 d5 5.Nxe5 – a sharp, sacrificial approach made famous by the 19th-century English master John Cochrane.
Historical highlights
The opening is named for Alexander Petrov (1794-1867), the first Russian chess professional and author of “Шахматная игра”, one of Russia’s earliest chess manuals. It was revived by Wilhelm Steinitz in the late 19th century and became a trusted drawing weapon for World Champions such as Karpov and Kramnik.
Example
The diagram (after 8…c6) shows a typical balanced structure: both sides have symmetrical pawn chains and healthy development, yet subtle imbalances in piece placement give scope for long-term maneuvering.
Interesting fact
In the 2000 World Championship match, Vladimir Kramnik used the Petrov five times as Black against Garry Kasparov and never lost, contributing heavily to his ultimate victory.
Steinitz Attack (in the Petrov)
Definition
The Steinitz Attack of the Petrov begins with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4!. Instead of the usual capture on e5, White stakes out a strong pawn center and invites an open fight. Wilhelm Steinitz advocated this aggressive approach in the 1880s.
Key ideas
- Central expansion. By supporting e4 with d4, White hopes to obtain more space and greater piece activity.
- Diversion. Many 1.e4 specialists use the Steinitz Attack to sidestep the theoretical morass of 3.Nxe5.
- Transpositions. After 3…exd4 4.e5 or 3…Nxe4 4.Bd3, the game may transpose into the Symmetrical Center or Murey Variations (see below).
Main continuations
- 3…exd4 4.e5 Ne4 – leads to the Symmetrical Center Variation.
- 3…Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 – heading toward the Murey Variation.
Historical note
Although Steinitz unveiled the idea in the 19th century, it achieved modern recognition when Anatoly Karpov used it as White to beat Ljubojević (Milan 1975).
Sample game
This 1998 rapid game (Shirov – Karpov) illustrates how quickly the position can sharpen: opposite-side castling and open files arise in what began as a “solid” Petrov.
Anecdote
Steinitz reportedly said, “If my opponent insists on symmetry, I shall break it in the center.” The move 3.d4 does exactly that.
Symmetrical Center Variation (of the Steinitz Attack)
Definition
This branch follows 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4. Both sides keep pawn symmetry (pawns on e5/e4 and d-files open), while the knights occupy the center squares e4 and e5, hence the name.
Strategic themes
- Piece activity vs. pawn structure. White enjoys spatial advantage on the kingside; Black counts on the well-placed knight on e4 and pressure along the d-file.
- Minor-piece battles. The f1-bishop often goes to d3 or b5, targeting e4; Black’s light-squared bishop seeks c5 or b4 to hit f2 and pin c3.
- Early queen development. Because queens can appear on d4, f3, or g4, tactical skirmishes emerge quickly.
Typical continuation
After 11.O-O-O, White castles long, aiming at a pawn storm on the kingside. Black will respond with …c6 and …Be6, establishing a hedgehog-like formation.
Theory snapshot
Modern engines give the line a narrow path to equality for Black but reveal tactical pitfalls (forks on f7, pins on the e-file) that can punish careless play.
Fun fact
The variation’s symmetrical central knights evoked the nickname “Dueling Centurions” among early 20th-century annotators.
Murey Variation (of the Symmetrical Center)
Definition
Named after Israeli GM Ischak (Murey) Moiseevich, this sub-line begins 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5. Murey popularized it in the 1970s, demonstrating fresh tactical possibilities and endgame nuances.
Core ideas
- Temporary pawn sacrifice. White often gives up the e-pawn to accelerate development and target f7.
- Minor-piece imbalance. The bishops on d3 and c1 bear down on h7 and f7, while Black’s knights strive for outposts on f5 and c4.
- Endgame orientation. Many lines transition to queenless middlegames where White’s bishop pair battles Black’s healthier pawn structure.
Illustrative line
After 12.Re1, White has regained the pawn and holds the bishop pair; Black relies on central pawn mass and solid king safety.
Historical significance
Murey’s analysis revitalized the Steinitz Attack at a time when it was considered dubious. His victories against grandmasters like Adorjan (Haifa 1979) sparked new interest and secured the variation’s place in opening manuals.
Anecdote
At the 1981 Beer-Sheva tournament, Murey explained to a journalist that he preferred “pet dogs and Petrov’s Defense” because “both are loyal, but only the defense lets me bite first.” His witty remark captured the aggressive spirit hidden inside an otherwise solid opening.