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 • 2025★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs So,W1-0
Tata Steel India Rapid • 2024★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
11th Sinquefield Cup • 2024★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1/2-1/2
11th Sinquefield Cup • 2024★ Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
Saint Louis Blitz 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Le,Quang Liem1/2-1/2
57th Biel GM1 Rapid 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Vidit,S vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
FIDE Candidates 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Abasov,N1-0
FIDE Candidates 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Abasov,N1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Giri,A1-0
86th Tata Steel Masters • 2024★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
10th Sinquefield Cup • 2023★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
10th Sinquefield Cup • 2023★ Notable
Rapport,R vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
10th Sinquefield Cup • 2023★ Notable
Firouzja,Alireza vs So,W1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1/2-1/2
11th Norway Chess 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Rapport,R1-0
85th Tata Steel Masters • 2023★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
9th Sinquefield Cup 2022 • 2022★ Notable
So,W vs Caruana,F1-0
9th Sinquefield Cup 2022 • 2022★ Notable