Chess opening · ECO C42

Petrov's Defense

The Petrov's Defense starts 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. It ranks #32 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. White to move.

Move by move

  1. 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
  2. 1... e5Black pushes the e-pawn two squares to e5, staking a claim in the center.
  3. 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
  4. 2... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.

What players choose next, by rating

The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated under 1200, the most popular next move is Nc3; among players rated 2000 and up, it is Nxe5.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
Under 1200Nc3 30%Nxe5 24%Bc4 19%
1200–1399Nc3 33%Nxe5 29%Bc4 15%
1400–1599Nc3 35%Nxe5 30%Bc4 15%
1600–1799Nc3 34%Nxe5 32%Bc4 16%
1800–1999Nxe5 37%Nc3 34%Bc4 14%
2000 and upNxe5 41%Nc3 33%d4 13%

Related openings

King's Knight OpeningThe line this one grows fromPetrov's Defense: Three Knights GameA variation of this linePetrov's Defense: Stafford GambitA variation of this line

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