Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3...Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7

Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3...Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7

Definition

The line 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5 Nd7 is a branch of the Petrov (or Russian) Defence known as the Modern Attack. After White’s aggressive third move 3. d4, Black captures the e4-pawn with 3…Nxe4, accepting the challenge to enter sharp, dynamic play. The subsequent retreat 5…Nd7 defends the e5-knight and prepares …Nxe5 or …Ndf6, leading to flexible, symmetrical positions rich in strategic nuances.

Typical Move-Order

The critical sequence is:

1. e4   e5
2. Nf3  Nf6
3. d4   Nxe4
4. Bd3  d5
5. Nxe5  Nd7

How It Is Used in Practical Play

• Black answers White’s Modern Attack (3. d4) by seizing the center pawn and then reinforcing the knight with 5…Nd7.
• The line often transposes into calm, near-symmetrical structures where piece activity and a single tempo are paramount.
• Both sides aim to complete development quickly; typical continuations are 6. Nxd7 Bxd7 7. O-O or 6. Qe2 Nxe5 7. dxe5 Bc5.
• The variation appeals to players who enjoy solid but counter-punching positions rather than wild tactical melees.

Strategic Themes

• Symmetry with a Twist: Although the Petrov is famous for mirror-image structures, the Modern Attack breaks symmetry early, giving White a spatial wedge on e5.
• Pawn Structure: The e- and d-files remain open, often leading to IQP-type positions after …dxe4. Control of the open files is critical.
• Piece Activity vs. Material: Because material is equal, the side that mobilizes rooks first usually seizes the initiative.
• Minor-Piece Battles: Black’s c8-bishop and White’s c1-bishop often determine the middlegame plans. A timely …c5 or …Bf5 can neutralize White’s space.

Historical & Theoretical Notes

• The pet name “Modern Attack” dates to mid-20^th-century Soviet manuals that contrasted it with the once-mainstream 3. Nxe5.
• 5…Nd7 entered top-level practice through the games of Soviet grandmasters such as Isaac Boleslavsky and Vasily Smyslov in the 1950s.
• In modern databases the line is catalogued as ECO code C43.

Illustrative Game

Wang Hao – Vachier-Lagrave, Tata Steel 2015, shows the main plans for both colors:

Typical Continuations

• 6.Qe2 – Aiming at e4 and e5. After 6…Nxe5
    7.dxe5 Bc5 8.Bxe4 dxe4 9.Qb5+, play becomes tactical.
• 6.O-O – The quiet route. Black often replies 6…Nxe5 7.dxe5 Bc5, keeping symmetrical central pawns.
• 6.Nxd7 Bxd7 7.O-O – Liquidates central tension; Black’s knight is exchanged, leaving a balanced ending.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Grandmaster Alexei Shirov once quipped that the entire Petrov “is an endgame by move five,” yet the Modern Attack (with 3. d4) “puts life back into the position.”
• The variation occasionally surfaces in World Championship play. In game 2 of the 2018 match, Caruana briefly considered 3. d4 against Carlsen before choosing the Rossolimo.
• Because the early exchange of center pawns can simplify the game, the line is a favorite weapon of top players seeking solidity with Black in rapid and blitz: .

Summary

The Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3…Nxe4 4.Bd3 d5 5.Nxe5 Nd7, is a sound, principled answer to White’s modernized Petrov. It leads to balanced yet combative middle games where precision and piece activity outweigh speculative sacrifices. Whether you aim for solidity with Black or seek a measured initiative with White, mastering the strategic subtleties of this line is an excellent addition to any tournament repertoire.