Petrov's Defense · C43

Modern Attack, Steinitz Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qe2

An early pawn trade leaves the d-file as White's avenue and the e-file as Black's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black comes out ahead on material - White needs concrete play to justify it. Black mirrors with ...Nf6 and meets attack with symmetry: sound, drawish by reputation, and quietly venomous when White overpresses.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4. Theory calls this the Petrov's Defense.

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