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: Classical, 6.Bd3 Be7
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4 5. d4 d5 6. Bd3 Be7
Description: The Russian Game, also known as the Petrov Defense, is a solid and classical opening choice for Black. After the early exchanges in the center, White plays 6.Bd3, developing the bishop actively to challenge Black's knight on e4 and support central control. Black responds with 6...Be7, a flexible developing move that prepares for castling and maintains a strong defensive setup.
Characteristic of 6...Be7: This move is characteristic in that it prioritizes king safety by preparing to castle and supports the central pawn structure without committing to premature attacks. It also keeps options open for Black's development, ensuring solid coordination of pieces.
Attacking or Defensive: From White's perspective, the continuation with 6.Bd3 is mildly attacking, aiming to pressure Black's central knight and gain space in the center. Black's 6...Be7 is primarily defensive, focusing on solid development and king safety rather than immediate counterattack.
Center Control: This opening emphasizes control of the center. Both sides contest the central squares actively, with White's d4 and Bd3 moves exerting pressure, and Black's pawns on d5 and pieces supporting central defense. Maintaining a strong center is a key theme throughout this line.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Russian Game: Classical, 6.Bd3 Be7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #18 white
You can also discover how top players used Russian Game: Classical, 6.Bd3 Be7 to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.