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) starts with the moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5.
The characteristic move 3. Nxe5 is White's immediate challenge to Black's central control, capturing the e5 pawn and inviting Black to counterattack. This move reflects a tactical and somewhat symmetrical approach to the center.
From White's perspective, this opening is attacking, aiming to seize material and challenge Black's pawn structure early. Black's responses are typically defensive but active, focusing on regaining material and maintaining solid central presence.
The Russian Game directly attacks the center, with both sides contesting the key central squares early in the game. The opening leads to balanced but dynamic play, emphasizing precise calculation and development.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Russian Game, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 393 - Move #4 white
You can also discover how top players used Russian Game to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.