Petrov Defense Classical Variation (main line)

The main line of the Petrov is among the most theoretical openings I’ve ever studied!

After the opening moves 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4, white has a choice to make. He can either try and chase the e4 knight away immediately with either Qe2 or Nc3 (which are going to be covered in the next two videos), or he can gain space in the center with d4! The latter is the main variation of the Petrov called the Classical variation or the classical attack.

For an introduction to the Petrov Defense, watch this video on the basics:    • Petrov Defense | Ideas, Principles an...  

The Classical Petrov goes along with the opinion that the defense is boring and drawing in most cases. By far the biggest percentage of (grandmaster) games ends in a draw. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be played by white, there is plenty of room to go wrong.

The most astonishing thing about it is that most lines go so deep, and the theory is so well developed, that you simply have to know 25-30 moves if you want to be equal! If you don’t, you are either going to spend too much time over the board or you are simply going to play bad moves. This is rare even for the main defenses such as the Sicilian! This means that in order to play the Petrov, you have to be well prepared. And when I say well, I mean you have to know everything! There are fewer lines than in the Ruy, the Italian, or some other more popular openings, which makes it possible.

For white, choosing the Classical is double edged. With perfect play, white should be better in almost all lines, but the variation does give black very high drawing chances. In fact, on the highest level, most games do end in a draw.

To study the main line of the Petrov, the first thing you should do is memorize the main lines. This is usually a bad idea, but I don’t see a better way with this variation. It’s simply too forced and goes too deep. After that, the hardest thing is preparing for the unexpected. There are tons of moves your opponent could make which could get you out of your preparation or comfort zone. Since there are hundreds of gm games, use them!

Take 30-50 games which the color you play with won, and go over them carefully. Write down the ideas, and try to figure out the moves. Look at all the non theoretical moves made a learn how to play against them. I think there is no other way. Good luck!

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