June 30, 2026

[Katherine Wise](https://blog.duolingo.com/author/katherine/)

# Chess openings: What is Petrov’s Defense?

Learn how to use Petrov’s Defense to level up your game!

Learning openings requires understanding chess notation, the system for naming pieces and moves. [Get a refresher on chess notation here](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-notation/)!

## Petrov’s Defense: 4 quick facts

- Petrov’s Defense is named for the 19th-century Russian chess master [Alexander Petrov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Petrov_(chess_player)?ref=blog.duolingo.com), who first analyzed these [lines](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#line). It’s also known as the Russian Game.
- It’s a [solid](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#solid) opening for Black that has been played by many [grandmasters](https://blog.duolingo.com/how-to-become-a-chess-grandmaster/) and world champions.
- Instead of defending their own e-pawn, Black immediately counterattacks White’s e-pawn.
- Although some [lines](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#line) are [sharp](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#sharp), this opening has a reputation for ending in [draws](https://preview.duolingo.com/chess/terms/how-does-chess-end?ref=blog.duolingo.com).

## Petrov’s Defense: the moves

Here are the moves for Petrov’s Defense:

1\. e4 e5

2\. Nf3 Nf6

This unconventional opening can be a great surprise weapon for opponents used to and expecting the more common 2… Nc6.

## Flip the script

Take your time to learn a couple critical [lines](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#line), and you’ll have an opening that’s playable from beginner level all the way to grandmaster.

If you’re looking for more openings, check out [our guide featuring over 30 options](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/) for every skill level!