C42
Petrov's Defense
Key moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6
The Petroff Defence is one of the most solid openings for Black. Instead of defending the e5 pawn, Black counterattacks White's e4 pawn. It often leads to symmetrical positions, but the main lines contain hidden venom.
History & Notable Players
Named after Alexander Petroff. It became a premier drawing weapon at the top level, used extensively by Vladimir Kramnik and Fabiano Caruana.
Top Players in this Opening
Best Games
Gukesh,D vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
87th Tata Steel Masters 2025Notable
Carlsen,M vs So,W1-0
Tata Steel India Rapid 2024Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
11th Sinquefield Cup 2024Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1/2-1/2
11th Sinquefield Cup 2024Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 2024Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Le,Quang Liem1/2-1/2
57th Biel GM1 Rapid 2024 2024Notable
Vidit,S vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
FIDE Candidates 2024 2024Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Abasov,N1-0
FIDE Candidates 2024 2024Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Abasov,N1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 2024Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 2024Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 2024Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Giri,A1-0
86th Tata Steel Masters 2024Notable
Aronian,L vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
10th Sinquefield Cup 2023Notable
Rapport,R vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
10th Sinquefield Cup 2023Notable
Rapport,R vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
10th Sinquefield Cup 2023Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs So,W1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2023 2023Notable
Carlsen,M vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1/2-1/2
11th Norway Chess 2023 2023Notable
Carlsen,M vs Rapport,R1-0
85th Tata Steel Masters 2023Notable
Aronian,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
9th Sinquefield Cup 2022 2022Notable
So,W vs Caruana,F1-0
9th Sinquefield Cup 2022 2022Notable