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.
Opening Name: Russian Game (Petrov Defense)
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6
FEN: rnbqkb1r/ppp2ppp/3p1n2/4N3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 0 4
The Russian Game, also known as the Petrov Defense, is characterized by Black's immediate challenge to White's central control with the move 2...Nf6. After White captures the e5 pawn with 3. Nxe5, Black responds with 3...d6 to attack the knight and regain central presence.
This opening is generally considered solid and somewhat symmetrical. From Black's perspective, it is more defensive, aiming to neutralize White's early initiative and avoid sharp tactical battles. White, on the other hand, often tries to keep a slight initiative by maintaining central control and active piece play.
Both sides contest the center actively; White starts with a strong pawn presence on e4 and a knight on e5, while Black challenges this center immediately with the knight on f6 and pawn thrusts like d6. The opening leads to balanced but dynamic play revolving around central control.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Russian Game, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 74 - Move #4 white
You can also discover how top players used Russian Game to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.