The Petroff Defence: Essentials (Black Repertoire)

By Theo van Stratum

The Petroff Defence (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6) answers White's attack on e5 by counter-attacking the e4 pawn rather than defending passively, aiming for early simplification and a thoroughly reliable reputation that has made it a trusted choice from club level all the way to the world championship. Covers the main line arising after 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5, White's alternative tries with 5.Qe2 and 5.Nc3, and the independent try 3.d4, which sidesteps the main theoretical battle altogether.