Key Petroff Line for White
Main line: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3
Annotated Petroff Moves (from 1.e4 PGN)
Click any move row to load that position on the board. The text is taken directly from the annotated 1.e4 repertoire PGN.
1...e5
Black copies White and also puts a pawn in the centre. The pawn on e5 helps control important central squares and opens lines for Black’s pieces.
2.Nf3
White attacks the e5-pawn and develops a knight toward the centre, getting ready to castle.
2...Nf6
2...Nf6 is the Petroff Defense. Black also attacks the e4-pawn and develops a knight, aiming for a very solid position.
3.Nxe5
White takes the pawn on e5. Even if Black plays ...Qe7 later, White can often play d4 and protect the knight.
3...d6
Instead of grabbing the pawn on e4 right away (which can be dangerous), Black plays d6 to chase the knight and prepare to attack the e4-pawn safely.
4.Nf3
White calmly brings the knight back to a safe square and stays ready to castle.
4...Nxe4
Now Black finally wins the pawn on e4 back and places a knight in the centre.
5.d4
White pushes the d-pawn to build a strong pawn centre and open the diagonal for the dark-squared bishop. Another idea is 5.Nc3 Nxc3 6.dxc3, where White accepts doubled pawns in return for quick development and castling long.
5...d5
Black supports the knight on e4 and fights for space in the centre. If Black played ...Be7 instead, White could enjoy more space with Bd3 and Nf6 ideas.
6.Bd3
White develops the bishop toward Black’s king and gets ready to castle. Later White often plays c4 and Nc3 to increase control of the centre.