Ponderchess / Openings
Play the guided film, or select a scene to pause and study its position.
Opening
The Petrov's Defense in 3D
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6. Black counterattacks e4 instead of defending e5. Known as one of the most solid replies to 1.e4.
Rebuild the sequence yourself. The board responds to each move, and hints are available.
Click or drag to move · Arrow keys + Enter to play
Your turn · white to play
Select a piece, then its destination. Switch to 2D for a clear overhead view or rotate the 3D board to explore the position.
Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Bardeleben Variation, move by move: e4 e5 Nf3 Nf6 d4 exd4 e5 Ne4 …
The white pieces
Look for small, lasting advantages in development, and avoid simplifying too quickly.
The black pieces
Mirror White's development, stay solid, and wait for White to overreach.
Look a little deeper · 01
After 3.Nxe5, Black must first play 3...d6, and only then take on e4.
Look a little deeper · 02
Symmetrical structures and early exchanges are typical, which makes the Petrov a favourite drawing weapon at elite level.
Petrov's Defense: Modern Attack, Bardeleben Variation, move by move: e4 e5 Nf3 Nf6 d4 exd4 e5 Ne4 …
Keyboard: Space pauses, the arrow keys step. Gold arrows are White's moves, violet are Black's, red rays are threats, green shows support, blue shows plans.
