Petrovs Defense: Three Knights Game
Petrov’s Defense (Russian Game)
Definition
Petrov’s Defense, also called the Russian Game, is a symmetrical reply to 1. e4 that begins 1. e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6. Black immediately mirrors White’s knight move instead of defending the e-pawn with ...Nc6. The opening is named after the 19th-century Russian theoretician Alexander Petrov (pronounced “PYOT-rov”).
Typical Move Order & Main Ideas
- 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 – the Classical (or Steinitz) Variation, leading to balanced, often strategic middlegames.
- 3.d4 Nxe4 – the Modern Attack, sharpening the play by opening the center early.
- 3.Nc3 – the line that blends into the Three Knights Game (see below).
Because the position is initially symmetrical, many Petrov structures revolve around small advantages: a better minor piece, an extra tempo after a well-timed pawn break, or an endgame pawn majority. It is a favorite of players who are confident in equal positions and strong endgame technique.
Strategic Significance
- Solidity – Black avoids the extensive theoretical minefields of the Ruy López and Italian Game.
- Counter-punching potential – although symmetrical, Black often strikes back in the center with ...d5 or ...c5.
- Endgame-friendly – early exchanges can simplify to endings where accurate technique counts more than opening novelties.
Historical Highlights & Famous Games
- First analysed by Alexander Petrov and Carl Jaenisch (1820s).
- Steinitz popularised it in the late 19th century as a drawing weapon with Black.
- Vladimir Kramnik relied on the Petrov in his 2000 World-Championship victory over Garry Kasparov.
Illustrative miniature:
.Interesting Facts
- The opening’s reputation swings cyclically. In the 1950s it was considered “drawish”; the computer era has revealed rich, dynamic ideas for both sides.
- In some grandmaster practice (e.g., Gelfand – Kramnik, Candidates 2013) Black has won stylish attacking games with the supposedly solid Petrov.
Three Knights Game
Definition
The Three Knights Game arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3. Both sides develop one knight to f3/f6 and another to c3/c6, but Black has not yet mirrored White’s third move; instead, Black’s c6-knight is already on the board. The line usually leads to quieter positions than the related Four Knights Game (3...Nf6).
Main Continuations
- 3…Bc5 – the Italian-style response, eyeing f2 and keeping flexibility.
- 3…g6 – the Steinitz Defense, fianchettoing the kingside bishop.
- 3…d6 – a solid, Philidor-like setup.
- 3…f5?! – the Winawer Gambit, a sharp attempt to grab space on the kingside.
Strategic Themes
Because the position is almost symmetrical, the battle often hinges on who breaks symmetry first. White may consider d4, Bb5, or even d3 and Be2 with a slow buildup; Black decides when (or whether) to develop the f8-bishop actively or adopt a shell-like Philidor structure.
Example Game
A clean illustration of typical plans:
Wilhelm Steinitz – Joseph Blackburne, London 1883. After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Bc5 4.Nxe5!?, complications led to an early queen sacrifice by Steinitz and ultimately a draw.
Interesting Tidbits
- Because the opening is considered harmless at top level, it is a useful surprise weapon; a well-prepared opponent might expect the Ruy López after 3.Bb5 instead.
- The Winawer Gambit (3…f5) is virtually unsound, yet it appears regularly in club play and in thematic correspondence events.
Petrov’s Defense: Three Knights Game (Hybrid Line)
Definition & Move Order
This hybrid occurs when White adopts the Three Knights formation within the Petrov: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3. The position is identical to the “pure” Three Knights Game except that Black’s king knight is already on f6 (instead of g8), changing the strategic balance.
Why Choose 3.Nc3 Against the Petrov?
- Avoids heavy theory. After 3.Nc3 White sidesteps the critical line 3.Nxe5 d6.
- Maintains flexibility. White can transpose to the Four Knights, Scotch Four Knights, or Vienna-style structures depending on Black’s replies.
- Psychological weapon. Petrov specialists often expect 3.Nxe5 or 3.d4; the quiet 3.Nc3 can take them out of their preparation.
Key Continuations for Black
- 3…Nc6 → Four Knights, still symmetrical but more theoretical.
- 3…Bb4 – the best independent try (the Niemzowitsch Variation) pinning the knight and immediately asking questions.
- 3…d5 – striking in the center while White’s knight blocks the c-pawn.
Model Game
Short – Timman, Amsterdam 1991:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.Bb5 Bb4 5.O-O O-O 6.d3 d6 7.Bg5 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Qe7 9.Re1 h6 10.Bh4 Nd8, where Short eventually out-maneuvered his opponent in a slow, maneuvering middlegame.
Interesting Facts
- Many databases file Petrov’s 3.Nc3 under both C42 (Petrov) and C46 (Three Knights), reflecting its dual identity.
- As early as 1890, Emanuel Lasker was recommending 3.Nc3 for club players because it “avoids tedious analysis and gives scope for common sense.”