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
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6
The Russian Game, also known as the Petrov Defense, is characterized by Black's immediate challenge to White's central pawn on e4 with the knight move to f6. Unlike many e4 e5 openings where Black aims to control the center with pawns, this opening focuses on quick piece development and solid defense.
From White's perspective, the Russian Game is usually considered a positional and somewhat defensive opening, aiming to maintain central control while avoiding early tactical skirmishes. Black adopts a solid and counter-attacking stance, ready to exploit any overextension by White.
Both sides contest the center, but rather than an outright pawn push, the game revolves around piece pressure on the central squares, especially e4 and e5. So, it is an opening that fights for central control mainly through piece play rather than immediate pawn advances.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Russian Game, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 881 - Move #4 white
You can also discover how top players used Russian Game to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.