The central idea
The Petroff Defense meets 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 with ...Nf6, challenging White's knight and central ambition immediately. It is a practical defense where accurate development matters more than memorizing a single attack.
Typical plans
- Resolve the central exchange on e4 with active development.
- Use ...d5 to equalize when the position permits.
- Keep the queen safe while completing development.
Common mistakes
- Winning a pawn temporarily while losing time to queen moves.
- Allowing White a free d4 center.
- Assuming symmetry means the position plays itself.