Puzzles from the Petrov Defense
Rating 946Black to move. Mate in one.
Puzzle
Black to move. Mate in one.
Your move.
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Opening
Petrov Defense
Black answers the attack on e5 by attacking e4. It is also called the Russian Game. The positions are symmetrical and solid.
- 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6
- Chosen by Black
- 5,647 puzzles
- Average rating 1437
The position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6
What Petrov Defense puzzles look like
Counted from 5,647 puzzlesThe fork is the most common tactic in Petrov Defense puzzles, in 13% of them. 32% end in checkmate. The average puzzle rating is 1437.
Most common tactics
Ideas in the Petrov Defense
- Do not copy too longAfter 3. Nxe5 Black should play 3... d6 first. Taking on e4 at once runs into Qe2.
- SymmetryThe pawn structures are often identical, so piece activity decides.
- The e-fileBoth sides fight for the open e-file with rooks and queen.