This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Russian Game (also known as the Petrov Defense) begins with the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3.
Characteristic: This opening is defined by Black's immediate challenge to White's e4 pawn with 2...Nf6, inviting a symmetrical and balanced position. The move 3...d6 forces the knight to retreat, maintaining tension without material loss.
Playing Style: As White, the Russian Game is generally considered a solid and somewhat defensive choice, focusing on maintaining a stable position rather than launching an early attack. Black similarly aims for a solid, resilient setup rather than aggressive play. Both sides often engage in positional maneuvering rather than sharp tactical battles.
Center Control: The opening does engage the center indirectly — White occupies it with the e4 pawn, and Black contests with pieces rather than pawns initially. The early knight exchanges and retreats lead to a balanced contest over central squares without immediate pawn breaks.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Russian Game, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 49 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used Russian Game to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.