ECO C43
Petrov Defense, Modern Attack
Also known as: Steinitz Attack
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 exd4 4.e5 Ne4 5.Qxd4, White adopts the Modern, or Steinitz, Attack against the Petrov. Rather than the symmetrical 3.Nxe5, White opens the centre with 3.d4 and recaptures with the queen on d4, aiming for a small space advantage and livelier play.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qxd4
Strategic ideas
The advance e4-e5 gains space and gives White a lasting cramp, while the centralised queen on d4 supports the pawn and eyes the black knight on e4. White typically develops with Nc3 to challenge that knight, seeking to keep the space edge and a slight initiative.
Black's knight on e4 is active but potentially exposed, and Black must strike back in the centre to free the position. Accurate play is required to complete development and neutralise White's space, after which the game tends to be more balanced but still full of piece activity.
Main variations
The main line runs 5...d5 6.exd6 Nxd6 7.Nc3, when White enjoys a small but persistent space and development advantage in a position that retains more life than the classical Petrov. Black aims to catch up in development, trade a pair of minor pieces, and equalise gradually.
Black can also consider alternatives to 5...d5, but capturing en passant with a later ...Nxd6 remains the principled response, resolving the central tension. Precise handling by Black usually leads to equality, yet White's setup poses more practical problems than the drawish 3.Nxe5 exchange lines.
History and background
The Petrov Defense earned a reputation for solidity and drawishness, prompting ambitious players to seek sharper tries. The 3.d4 Modern Attack, connected to the ideas of Wilhelm Steinitz, became the principal way to sidestep the symmetrical exchanges and fight for an opening edge, and it remains a favourite choice for those wishing to avoid the Petrov's most peaceful reputation.
Key ideas
- Meet the Petrov with 3.d4 instead of the drawish 3.Nxe5
- Gain space with the e4-e5 advance
- Centralise the queen on d4 to support e5 and eye e4
- Challenge Black's active e4-knight with Nc3
- Steer toward a sharper, less symmetrical middlegame
- Aim for a small but persistent space and development edge
Typical plans
White
- Fix the space advantage with the e5-pawn
- Develop Nc3 to pressure and dislodge the e4-knight
- Complete kingside development and castle safely
- Keep pieces on to exploit the extra space
- Maintain a lasting initiative rather than allow mass trades
Black
- Strike in the centre with ...d5 to challenge e5
- Recapture with ...Nxd6 after exd6 to free the position
- Trade a pair of minor pieces to ease the cramp
- Complete development and castle to reach equality
- Neutralise White's space before generating counterplay