Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3...Nxe4, Main Line

Russian Game: Modern Attack, 3...Nxe4, Main Line

Definition

The term refers to a specific variation of the Petrov (or Russian) Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4. In English-language literature the sequence 3.d4 is called the “Modern Attack” against the Petrov. The choice 3…Nxe4 (instead of the alternative 3…exd4) commits Black to the classical, combative main line in which the second player immediately accepts the central pawn sacrifice and grabs material.

Typical Move-Order & Key Position

The fundamental position of the variation appears after:

Material is balanced (each side has all their pieces), but White has a strong pawn on d4 and a lead in development while Black has seized the e4-pawn, hoping to equalize by returning the extra pawn at a convenient moment or consolidating it altogether.

Strategic Themes

• Central Tension: Both sides contest the e- and d-files. White usually tries to prove that the knight on e4 is awkwardly placed and that the extra tempo gained can be converted into a lasting initiative.
• Piece Activity vs. Material: The line exemplifies the classic trade-off between rapid development (White) and material gain (Black).
• Pawn Breaks: …d5 and …c5 are typical breaks for Black, whereas White often strikes with c4 or seeks rapid castling followed by c4 & Nc3.
• Long-Term Imbalances: The resulting structures can give White a lasting space advantage, but if Black untangles, the extra pawn may tell in the endgame.

Main Continuations

1. 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5 Nd7 6. Nxd7 Bxd7 – the classical main line where Black is ready to give back the pawn to finish development.
2. 4. Bd3 Nc6 5. Bxe4 d5 – an alternative that keeps material but concedes the bishop pair.
3. 4. Bd3 exd4 (rare) 5. Bxe4 – transposes to quieter waters but yields the initiative to White.

Historical Significance

The Petrov enjoyed a renaissance in the 1990s when elite players such as Vladimir Kramnik and Anatoly Karpov trusted it as a drawing weapon against 1.e4. The Modern Attack, however, forced Black to show more precision and occasionally gave White attractive winning chances, prompting extensive theoretical scrutiny. Modern engines still rate the line as close to equality, but practical results at master level are roughly 55-45 in White’s favour.

Illustrative Games

• Kramnik – Topalov, Monaco (Blindfold) 1994
  
  
  Kramnik’s energetic pawn sacrifice on move 13 left Black’s king stranded and produced a memorable attacking win.
• Caruana – Anand, Candidates Tournament 2014
  
  
  Anand neutralised White’s initiative and eventually converted the extra pawn, illustrating Black’s defensive resources.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The line is coded C42 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).
• In the 19th century, players considered 3.d4 “unsound” because the pawn on e4 looked poisoned. Modern engine analysis, however, shows that both sides can claim equality with best play.
• Despite its solid reputation, the Russian Game has produced a surprising number of miniature upsets; club players often mishandle the delicate balance between development and material.
• Magnus Carlsen used the Petrov extensively when coaching the Norwegian Olympiad team in opening preparation, citing its “repairable” nature: any novelty can usually be met by giving back the pawn and liquidating.

Practical Tips

• White players should memorise forcing lines up to move 10 but focus on middlegame plans rather than concrete tactics.
• Black must be ready to return the e4-pawn; clinging to it often backfires.
• Endgames are a common outcome – both sides should study the knight-vs-bishop imbalances that arise after exchanges on d7 and e5.